Mahmut Ok

Giardia duodenalis is a common intestinal protozoan parasite in dogs, but the systemic immune response associated with canine giardiasis remains incompletely characterized. This study aimed to evaluate serum concentrations of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) as Th2-associated immune markers in naturally infected dogs. Thirty client-owned dogs with confirmed giardiasis and 10 clinically healthy control dogs were included in the study. Serum IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 concentrations were measured using canine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Between-group comparisons were performed using two-sided Mann–Whitney U tests, with Holm adjustment for multiple comparisons, and effect estimates were calculated using the Hodges–Lehmann method. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to assess associations among biomarkers within each group. Serum IL-4 concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with giardiasis than in control dogs (median 38.12 [IQR 32.55–57.97] vs. 23.65 [18.86–27.90] pg/mL; Mann–Whitney U = 238.5, Holm-adjusted p < 0.001), with a Hodges–Lehmann estimated location shift of 16.31 pg/mL (95% CI: 9.80–27.47). Serum IgE concentrations were higher in dogs with giardiasis but did not remain statistically significant after Holm adjustment (1.32 [1.15–1.62] vs. 1.16 [1.02–1.33] µg/mL; Holm-adjusted p = 0.125), while IL-13 concentrations did not differ between groups (78.23 [53.05–103.42] vs. 79.05 [65.44–103.68] ng/L; Holm-adjusted p = 0.988). Within the giardiasis group, IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with one another (ρ = 0.644–0.690, p < 0.001). In control dogs, only IL-4 and IL-13 were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.636, p = 0.048). These findings provide evidence consistent with altered Th2-associated immune activity in canine giardiasis, characterized by a significant elevation of serum IL-4 and coordinated variation among Th2-associated biomarkers. The non-significant findings for serum IgE and IL-13 may reflect a selective pattern of systemic Th2-associated biomarker expression, although limited statistical power prevents exclusion of smaller between-group differences. Further studies incorporating intestinal mucosal measurements and longitudinal assessment are warranted to clarify the relationship between systemic and local immune responses in canine giardiasis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is among the most common conditions in cats and dogs, often resulting in irreversible loss of renal function and/or structure, and increased mortality. The present study aimed to evaluate prognostic markers and long-term survival in dogs with CKD. A total of 81 dogs with CKD and 20 healthy controls were included in the study. Clinical examination, chemical analysis, hematological analysis, urine analysis, and renal resistive index were performed at admission. Dogs included in the study were classified according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) criteria (2016) and monitored for 396 days. Among the CKD cohort, 63% survived while 37% died, with a mean survival time of 91.46 ± 19.57 days. Admission serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and symmetric dimeth ylarginine (SDMA) were identified as significant prognostic indicators in dogs with CKD. Survival rates were 78% for stage 1 and 15% for stage 4 CKD (odds ratio 2.22, 95% CI: 0.431–11.497). No significant difference in survival time was observed between early and advanced CKD stages, and elevated serum SDMA concentrations were not associated with sur vival duration. Increased serum concentrations of Cr, BUN, and SDMA at admission were significant in non-survivor dogs compared to survivors. However, serum SDMA demonstrated the highest discriminatory performance among the evaluated biomarkers in ROC analysis, although its ability to predict long-term survival was limited. Although the risk of death was ap proximately twofold higher in advanced CKD stages, long-term survival did not differ significantly between disease stages.

Canine parvoviral enteritis is a viral infection characterized by severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, leading to metabolic and electrolyte disturbances and high mortality. The study aimed to evaluate blood gas parameters and the bicarbonate-to-lactate (HCO₃/lactate) ratio for predicting mortality in dogs with parvovirus. The study population consisted of 35 dogs, 25 with parvoviral enteritis and 10 clinically healthy dogs. Venous blood gas analysis, including acid-base parameters, electrolytes, and lactate concentrations, was performed at time of admission. Lactate concentrations were significantly higher in non-survivor (n=12) dogs compared to survivor (n=13) and healthy dogs (p<0.001), while base excess in blood concentrations were lower (p=0.018). Additionally, the HCO₃/lactate ratio was significantly lower in non-survivor dogs compared to survivors. In dogs with parvoviral enteritis, pCO2, sodium and chloride levels were significantly lower compared to the healthy group (p<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed cut-off values of 6.03 for the HCO₃/lactate ratio (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.763, p = 0.014) and 3.29 mmol/L for lactate (AUC: 0.776, p = 0.009) for predicting mortality. In conclusion, the HCO₃/lactate ratio is a valuable prognostic marker reflecting the metabolic acidosis and poor tissue perfusion. This ratio is a useful parameter in clinical practice and can be evaluated together with individual blood gas parameters to improve mortality prediction.

Background: Giardiasis is a common protozoal infection in cats, often treated with nitroimidazole derivatives such as metronidazole and secnidazole. However, there are concerns about resistance to nitroimidazoles and their adverse effects. Recent in vitro studies suggest that omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, exhibits anti‐giardial effects by inhibiting giardial triosephosphate isomerase. No clinical studies have evaluated its efficacy in naturally infected cats. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the anti‐giardial efficacy of omeprazole, metronidazole, and secnidazole in cats naturally infected with Giardia duodenalis , based on faecal cyst shedding and clinical parameters. Methods: Forty‐eight naturally infected cats were randomly assigned to four groups: omeprazole (1 mg/kg/day for 7 days), metronidazole (25 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days), secnidazole (30 mg/kg single dose), and placebo. Faecal cyst shedding was evaluated using the zinc sulphate flotation technique on days 0, 7 and 14. Faecal consistency was scored daily, and haematological parameters were assessed on days 0, 7 and 14. Results: By day 7, faecal cyst positivity was 50% in both the omeprazole and metronidazole groups, 58.3% in the secnidazole group, and 83.3% in the placebo group. The reduction observed in the omeprazole and metronidazole groups was statistically significant compared with the placebo ( p < 0.05). By day 14, cyst positivity further decreased to 33.3% (omeprazole), 41.7% (metronidazole), and 50% (secnidazole), with omeprazole showing the lowest positivity rate among the treatments. Faecal scores improved significantly earlier in the omeprazole and metronidazole groups compared with secnidazole and placebo ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Omeprazole demonstrated promising anti‐giardial efficacy, with reductions in cyst shedding and improvements in faecal consistency comparable to metronidazole. These findings suggest that omeprazole may serve as a potential alternative treatment option for feline giardiasis.

Background: Canine distemper is a disease with high morbidity and mortality in domestic and wild carnivores caused by Canine distemper virus (CDV). Respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological, ophthalmic, or neurological disorders occur in dogs with canine distemper. CDV replicates in the central nervous system and causes non‐purulent encephalomyelitis. This causes damage to the brain and spinal cord. Objectives: The aim of the study was to reveal brain damage caused by the canine distemper virus in dogs using selected brain damage biomarkers and to determine which of these biomarkers are diagnostically significant in detecting brain damage. Methods: Thirty‐six six dogs with neurological of distemper and 16 control uninfected dogs were included in the study. Dogs with neurological distemper have nasal discharge, myoclonus of the temporal, chest, back and leg muscles, hyperkeratosis of the tip of the nose and footpad (Hard‐pad). The disease was diagnosed by CDV Ag ELISA test and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. A complete blood count was performed on the blood sample with K‐EDTA. Venous blood gas measurement was performed in heparinised blood samples. The concentrations of neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), creatine kinase BB (CK‐BB), adrenomedullin (ADM), activin A (ACTA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were measured in serum using canine‐specific commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay ELISA kits. Results: Serum NSE, GFAP, CK‐BB, IgG, and IgM concentrations in dogs with neurological distemper showed statistically significant increases compared to healthy dogs ( p < 0.001), while no statistically significant differences were detected in ADM and ACTA concentrations ( p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the WBC, LYM, and MON counts of dogs with neurological distemper compared to healthy dogs ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: Serum NSE, GFAP, CK‐BB, IgG and IgM concentrations were found to be significantly increased in dogs with neurological distemper. The results of this study indicate that NSE, GFAP, and CK‐BB biomarkers may have diagnostic significance in determining brain damage.

Background: Neonatal diarrhoea is one of the most common diseases in lambs, causing economic losses and welfare issues. The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) plays a crucial role in vascular integrity and inflammatory regulation. However, its involvement in neonatal lamb diarrhoea remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate eGC damage in neonatal lambs with diarrhoea by assessing biomarkers, including nitric oxide (NO), heparan sulphate (HS), angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 15 (ADAM15). Methods: A total of 68 neonatal lambs with diarrhoea (39 infected with Escherichia coli and 29 with Cryptosporidium parvum ) and 20 healthy controls were included. Diarrhoea aetiology was confirmed via faecal antigen tests and microscopic examination. Blood samples were collected for hemogram and biomarker analysis using sheep‐specific ELISA kits. Results and Conclusions: Lambs with diarrhoea showed significantly higher total leukocyte (white blood cell [WBC]), granulocyte (GRA) and monocyte (MON) counts ( p < 0.01). Serum NO concentrations were significantly elevated in lambs with diarrhoea, whereas HS and Ang‐2 concentrations were lower ( p < 0.01). E. coli –infected lambs had significantly higher ADAM15 concentrations than those with Cryptosporidium infection ( p < 0.001). These findings suggest that NO may have a protective and/or anti‐inflammatory role in neonatal lamb diarrhoea, potentially maintaining eGC integrity despite the inflammatory process.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of endothelial activation and glycocalyx degradation in the pathogenesis of feline panleukopenia (FPL) using biomarkers and to determine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of these biomarkers. Thirty cats with FPL and 10 healthy cats were enrolled. Clinical examination, blood gases, and complete blood count (CBC) were performed at enrollment. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and syndecan-1 (Syn-1) concentrations were measured using feline specific commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits to assess endothelial glycocalyx damage. Nineteen (63.3%) of the cats with FPL recovered and survived, while 11 (36.7%) died. In cats with panleukopenia, acidemia was the most important blood gas finding, while leukopenia, lymphopenia, monocytopenia, granulocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia were the most dominant CBC findings. ET-1, ADMA, VEGF-A, and Syn-1 concentrations were significantly higher in cats with panleukopenia (p < 0.01). Serum Syn-1 and ET-1 concentrations were found to be useful in predicting mortality. In conclusion, the fact that the concentrations of all endothelial glycocalyx biomarkers (ET-1, ADMA, VEGF-A, Syn-1) were higher in cats with panleukopenia compared to healthy cats suggests that endothelial glycocalyx damage occurs during panleukopenia infection. In addition, Syn-1 and ET-1 were found to be potential prognostic factors with high sensitivity and specificity.

Premature birth in calves, which is defined as delivery between 230 and 260 days of gestation, is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in cattle industries. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical management of premature calves, focusing on emergency interventions, diagnostic criteria, daily care protocols and monitoring complications. Premature calves, due to the immaturity of multiple organ systems, typically present with respiratory distress syndrome, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and underdeveloped reflexes. Clinical, hematologic, and biochemical assessments, including blood gas analysis, play a vital role in evaluating prognosis and guiding treatment strategies. Emergency management includes airway clearance, oxygen therapy, thermal support, glucose infusion, and colostrum administration. Supportive treatments such as nebulized bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antimicrobials, and nutritional supplementation can enhance recovery outcomes. A structured flowchart-based approach has been developed to streamline critical early care. To illustrate a successful multidisciplinary management strategy resulting in full recovery within 72 hours, an example clinical case is presented. Early recognition, systematic monitoring, and treatment protocols are essential for improving survival rates in premature calves. This manuscript is intended to guide clinical veterinarians and veterinary students in the evidence-based management of neonatal bovine prematurity.

Background: Feline gingivostomatitis is a chronic disease of domestic cats characterised by inflammatory lesions along the gingiva and oral cavity.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate oral vascular endothelial glycocalyx damage in gingivostomatitis caused by viral infections and other causes in cats using selected biomarkers of endothelial damage.Methods: The material of this study consisted of 55 cats with gingivostomatitis and 15 healthy cats of different age, breed and sex. A total of 34 of 55 cats with gingivostomatitis had viral infections, whereas the cause of 21 cats could not be determined. Viral diseases were diagnosed by clinical findings and rapid antigen tests. Haemogram analysis was performed from blood samples. Serum endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), syndecan‐1 (SDC‐1), myeloperoxidase‐ANCA (MPO‐ANCA) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) biomarker concentrations were measured using feline‐specific commercial ELISA kits. Cats were treated medically for gingivostomatitis.Results: Although 49 cats recovered with the treatment, 6 cats died. There was a significant increase in serum ET‐1 and SDC‐1 concentrations and no difference in serum MPO‐ANCA and IL‐6 concentrations in cats with gingivostomatitis. In addition, total leukocyte (WBC), granulocyte (GRA) and monocyte (MON) counts were increased in cats with gingivostomatitis.Conclusion: Serum levels of ET‐1 and SDC‐1, which are biomarkers of vascular endothelial damage, were increased in cats with gingivostomatitis. It was shown that vascular endothelial damage occurs in gingivostomatitis and that the biomarkers ET‐1 and SDC‐1 can be used to detect this damage and have a reliable diagnostic value.