Animal and Veterinary Journal

The effect of probiotics on colostrum quality: A concise review

Selime Kübra Saka, Hidayet Metin Erdoğan — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Colostrum, the first nutritional source for newborns, not only provides essential nutrients for growth but also contains immunological factors that activate the immune system against harmful microorganisms encountered in the environment. Colostral components form initial intestinal barriers in newborns. A healthy intestinal barrier can eliminate harmful pathogens, such as mesophilic aerobic bacteria, by promoting the growth of probiotic microorganisms, thereby enhancing immunity through increased colonization. This review aims to explore the potential of probiotics in improving the immunological quality of colostrum and developing more effective methods for its enhancement.

Pentraxin-3: an acute phase protein as a biomarker

Melek Aydemir, Hidayet Metin Erdoğan — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Acute phase proteins are the substances that react the earliest with chemotactic excitations of cytokines in infectious conditions. They also play a role as an acute phase response as part of innate immunity. Acute phase proteins can be used as biomarkers of systemic inflammatory conditions caused by infection/inflammatory responses, regardless of the causative agent. It can also help in the early detection and prognosis of inflammatory responses. Pentraxin-3 is an acute phase protein belonging to the pentraxin family that plays an important role in the defense of living things against pathogens. It is a possible biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases, especially those associated with inflammatory processes, involved in cellular and humoral immune response. Its use Its use in both human and veterinary medicine is expanding.

Egg retention and cloacal prolapse in a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus): A clinical case report

Merve Sena Demir, Bilge Beyza Eşiyok, Murat Can Demir, Semra Kaya, Mushap Kuru — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Egg retention refers to the condition in which an egg fails to pass through the oviduct within a specific period. Cloacal prolapse, on the other hand, is defined as the protrusion of cloacal tissues beyond the vent. Both conditions are influenced by various etiological factors. This case report presents a 2.5-year-old cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) that was brought to the clinic with a complaint of tissue protruding from the vent for 24 hours and an inability to lay eggs. Physical examination revealed that the prolapsed tissue was the cloaca, and the egg was adhered to this tissue, preventing the egg-laying process. During the treatment, the cloacal region was lubricated with liquid vaseline, and slow, controlled manipulations were performed to remove the egg. Subsequently, the prolapsed tissue was cleaned and reduced using hemostatic agents. The patient was monitored during the postoperative period, and no recurrence of clinical signs was observed. This case highlights that egg retention and cloacal prolapse can be successfully managed with early intervention.

Urogenital tract and possible hormones affecting masculinization in female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta)

Burak Büyükbaki — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The genital system of female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Hyaenidae family shows significant morphological and anatomical differences compared to other hyena species. The outer vagina found in other mammals is absent in spotted hyenas. The clitoris is enlarged, capable of erection, and has a penis-like appearance. This unique structure, called the pseudopenis or penile clitoris, has functional functions such as urination, mating, and childbirth. In the presented review, general information about female spotted hyenas is conveyed. In addition, studies on the possible effects of estrogen and androgens on the formation of the external genital tract are reviewed.

Homeopathy in veterinary medicine

Enes Akyüz, Berika Esen Olca, Halil İbrahim Dilber, Gürbüz Gökce — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Homeopathy, a natural treatment that provides the body to heal itself and has no significant side effects, is one of the complementary and alternative treatment methods in both human and animal health. From past to present, many cultures have developed different treatment methods using natural resources, and traditional treatment systems have had an important place among these methods that have survived until today. Homeopathy was first applied and developed in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). The basis of the treatment method, which is a holistic approach, is based on the principle of "similia similibus curentur", that is, "like cures like". The first homeopathic treatment in animals was tried by Baron von Boenninghausen in 1785. Homeopathy contributes to animal health and welfare by providing benefits in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Homeopathic treatment in veterinary medicine is widely used in our country and in the world in order to increase the chance of success in treatment. Although this type of treatment is controversial from an academic medical perspective, evidence-based research supporting its effectiveness has increased in recent years. As a result, we believe that additional studies are needed in addition to the studies in this area.