Accurate health assessment of wild, semi-captive, or domesticated animals is essential for their well-being. Despite this necessity, limited studies have been conducted on deer species, and there is a paucity of information on the hemato-biochemical parameters of different deer species globally. Present study aimed to fill this gap by determining the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of fallow deer (Dama dama) maintained in semi-captivity within zoo environments for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Present research involved six healthy male fallow deer, aged 2 to 5 years. The deer were immobilized using xylazine hydrochloride and ketamine hydrochloride, and blood samples were collected from the external jugular vein. The hematological parameters measured included RBC, PCV, HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, RETIC, WBC, WBC differential, PLT, MPV, PDW, and PCT. Biochemical parameters included glucose, urea, creatinine, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, and enzymes (AST, ALT, ALKP, and GGT) activities. The results showed the higher glucose and urea concentrations and the same values for creatinine, triglycerides, and enzyme activities when compared to some previous reports. These findings highlighted the importance of considering handling methods and environmental conditions when interpreting biochemical parameters, contributing to improved health assessments and management practices for deer in captivity. Keywords: Biochemical and hematological parameters, Captive wildlife, Domesticated animals, Fallow deer.

Background: Hemoplasmas represent the type of bacteria that infect red blood cells, potentially leading to various health impacts, including changes in blood parameters. The close interaction between hemoplasma and red blood cells results in cell damage through immune-related and other unspecified mechanisms. Even with a strong immune response and antibiotic treatment, affected animals are likely to remain chronic carriers once clinical symptoms have subsided. These microorganisms were previously documented in sheep and other small ruminants worldwide. Aim: Since there is a lack of research on the link between Mycoplasma infection and blood parameters, our aim was to investigate how Mycoplasma infection affects these blood parameters. In addition, the study conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents the first documented research of hemoplasma infection in goats within this region. Methods: In this research, 20 Alpine goats were sampled to investigate the presence of hemoplasma using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Sequences of the 16S rRNA gene fragments were identified subsequently. The effect of Mycoplasma ovis (M. ovis) infection was observed on the following hematological parameters: Red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, Reticulocyte count, and white blood cell (WBC). Effect on white blood cell differentiation, absolute white blood cell counts, platelet count, and mean platelet volume were also investigated. Results: PCR analysis confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in 7 out of the 20 blood samples. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene fragments revealed that all positive samples were identified as M. ovis. The research findings highlighted potential effects on blood parameters in infected goats. Goats infected with M. ovis exhibited higher mean levels of HGB and HCT compared to uninfected goats. However, there were no statistically significant differences in RBC counts between infected and uninfected groups. The study also noted significantly higher WBC counts in goats without M. ovis infection. Conclusion: 35% of animals tested positive for M. ovis. Our study’s findings showed notable differences in hematological parameters between goats infected with M. ovis and those that were not infected.

This study investigates the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies in sheep and examines the seasonal impact on Q fever distribution. A total of 253 blood samples from sheep in Bosnia and Herzegovina during summer and winter were used, and, the research employed ELISA testing for antibody detection. Findings revealed a significant seasonal variation in seroprevalence, with 41 positive cases identified: 37 in winter and 4 in summer, indicating a higher infection rate during colder months. Statistical analysis suggests a significant association (p<0.05) between season and infection rates; winter conditions, increased indoor density, and lambing activities may elevate transmission risks. These results underscore the importance of considering seasonal factors in Q fever management and surveillance in sheep, contributing to a better understanding of its epidemiology and informing public health strategies. The study highlights the need for further systemic-epidemiological research across different geographies and management practices to elucidate the full impact of seasonality on Q fever prevalence.

Background: Llamas are becoming increasingly popular as livestock and as companion animals and their blood samples may require transportation over long distances and storage for extended periods prior to hematological analyses. Hematological parameters are influenced by a range of factors, including age, sex, diet and environment. Examining how these parameters change over time in stored blood samples can provide insights into the natural variation of these parameters in llamas, which can inform future research on the health and biology of these animals. This study sought to evaluate the stability of hematological markers at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 and 42 hours of storage in blood samples of llamas (Lama glama) stored at 4°C. Methods: The study was conducted on blood from eight clinically healthy llamas captivated at Sarajevo Zoo-Pionirska dolina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The effect of storage was observed on the following hematological parameters: Red Blood Cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Reticulocyte count (RETIC), White Blood Cell (WBC). White blood cell differentiation, absolute white blood cell counts, platelet count (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) are also included. Result: During 42 hours of storage at 4°C, it was discovered that red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, mean cell hemoglobin and reticulocyte, as well as the differentiation of white blood cells and measurement of their absolute values, remained stable. However, hematocrit increased at 12 h, while mean cell hemoglobin concentration decreased at 12 h when stored at 4°C.

This case report describes the remission of the fibrovascular corneal lesions in both eyes after bilateral superficial keratectomy combined with medical treatment in a German Shepherd dog. A completely blind German Shepherd dog diagnosed with chronic superficial keratitis (CSK, pannus) underwent bilateral superficial keratectomy along with subconjunctival administration of 0.1 mL of bevacizumab and mitomycin C, which where topically applied over the degenerated area of the cornea. Following the surgical procedure, cyclosporine topical ointment was given daily as life-long therapy. Notable improvements in behavior and physical activity were evident in the patient three to four weeks after the treatment. During a follow-up period over 24 months, complete remission of the fibrovascular corneal lesions was observed in both eyes, with minor seasonal conjunctival hyperemia successfully managed by administering dexamethasone and mitomycin C eye drops. This is the first report of using this specific combination of drugs during and after keratectomy in the dog, resulting in remission of CSK with no reported side effects. Superficial keratectomy, along with the administration of bevacizumab via subconjunctival injection, may present a novel approach for addressing superficial corneal neovascularization in dogs.

The aim of our study was to assess the values of hematological profile of Alpine goats in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to monitor health status of goats; moreover, to determine the effect of age on hematological parameters of goats. A total of 40 apparently healthy Alpine goats included in this study were divided into four groups according to age: <1 year old (Group 1), 1 to 3 years old (Group 2), 3 to 5 years old (Group 3) and >5 years old (Group 4). The following hematological parameters were measured: Red Blood Cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Reticulocyte count (RETIC), White Blood Cell (WBC), as well as white blood cells differentiation and determination of absolute values white blood cells; platelet count (PLT), and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV). All values investigated in our study were within reference range, except MCHC, percentage of neutrophils and percentage of monocytes. For investigated hematologic parameters, significant (P < 0.05) age-related differences were found for HCT, MCV, MCHC, WBC, lymphocytes and platelet count. Recorded differences might be influenced by undetected infections, genetics, nutrition, fluctuations in the climate or management.