The emergence of bacteria with antibiotic resistance and multiple resistance is characteristic of animal and human pathogens. It is wide known that bee products, which have been used in alternative medicine since ancient times, have antimicrobial potential. Application of bee products for therapeutic purposes is defined as apitherapy. The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of commercial chestnut honey, pollen and propolis produced in western Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sanski Most) individually and in five combinations (apimixtures). The antimicrobial properties of samples were investigated using the agar well diffusion method against three Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii ATCC 6633, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212); three Gram-negative bacteria (ESBL producing Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis ATCC 13076, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027) and one fungal species (Candida albicans ATCC 10231). Pure bee pollen inhibited the growth of only Gram-negative bacteria, concentrated chestnut honey was active against all Gram-negative and Gram-positivebacteria, while 20% propolis extract and apimixtures A2 (80% honey and 20% propolis) and A3 (60% honey, 20% pollen and 20% propolis extract) inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms. Chestnut honey andthree apimixtures (A1, A2 and A3) showed the highest antibacterial action against all tested Gram-negative bacteria and MRSA compared to other investigated samples. In this study, examined honeybee products from Bosnia and Herzegovina and their mixtures had significant activity against tested bacteria, including strains with proven resistance to conventional antibiotics, MRSA and ESBL producing E. coli.

Case summary A 1-year-old domestic shorthair queen with five neonates was referred for umbilical cord entwinement in three kittens 24 h after parturition. The owner noticed the kittens were stuck to each other 3 h before admission. Despite a conservative treatment approach, prolonged ischaemia led to dry gangrenous changes in one of the kitten’s metatarsi. Relevance and novel information This and other neonatal complications in cats are rarely reported. Primiparity is a known factor contributing to postpartum complications. Furthermore, inexperienced owners require more assistance in mitigating these challenges. Therefore, further research and collaboration among breeders, owners and veterinary professionals are imperative in order to accurately determine the prevalence of this condition in kittens and develop effective strategies to address it.

Background: The Harderian gland in domestic birds is a major paraocular excretory gland that has an important role in tear production as well as in the immune protection of the conjunctiva surface. Aim: The aim of this research was to investigate the arterial and venous supply of the gland in hens and provide valuable and useful information for future research. Methods: The research was conducted on 26 adult hens, provenience of Lohmann Brown. For the identification and determination of blood vessels, we used the vascular corrosion cast technique in conjunction with the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results: The casts showed that the gland receives the arterial supply via branches of a. ophthalmotemporalis and a. nasalis communis and these arteries are accompanied by the corresponding veins. Ultrastructural analyses showed the presence of fenestrated capillaries, which indicates the possibility for permeability of larger molecules. Conclusion: The present research gives important and detailed information about the arterial and venous supply of the Harderian gland in hens that may serve as guidelines for future vascular and morphological investigations.

Canine pyometra is a common reproductive disorder of intact diestrual bitches. The disease is associated with inflammation and infection of the uterus leading to generalized illness. The varied reactions of the host to infection, inflammation, or trauma are collectively known as the acute-phase response (APR) and encompass a wide range of pathophysiological responses. One of these systemic responses to disease is an increase in the production by the liver of a number of serum proteins, which are known collectively as the acute-phase proteins (APP). The most important APPs in dogs are C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA). When diagnosed with pyometra, the preferred and most effective treatment is ovariohysterectomy, a procedure that in itself causes systemic inflammation due to the tissue trauma caused by surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect pyometra and ovariohysterectomy have on acute phase proteins and routinely measured biochemistry variables in serum of affected bitches. We achieved this by evaluating concentrations of CRP and SAA, as well as of some biochemistry parameters in serum before and after ovariohysterectomy in bitches with pyometra. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein immediately prior to and 24h, 72h and 168 hours after initiation of surgery. The levels of CRP, SAA and some biochemistry parameters - total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB), as well as activity of some enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKLP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pyometra and its surgical treatment, ovariohysterectomy, on acute phase proteins, specifically C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), as well as on routine serum biochemistry variables in affected bitches. By evaluating the concentrations of CRP and SAA, alongside key biochemistry parameters before and after surgery, this research seeks to elucidate the physiological and biochemical responses to both the disease and its treatment, providing insight into the systemic effects of pyometra and the surgical stress response in dogs. Study Design:  The study design involved a cohort of twenty-seven female dogs, divided into two groups: seventeen clinically healthy intact female dogs serving as the control group, which were examined for routine health care or vaccinations, and ten female dogs diagnosed with pyometra at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo. The diagnosis of pyometra was made based on case history, clinical signs, ultrasonography, and confirmed by gross examination of the pus-filled uterus during and after ovariohysterectomy. The surgical procedure was performed using a standard mid-line approach under general inhalation anesthesia, with no post-operative complications reported. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, between June 2012 and September 2012. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from the distal cephalic vein into serum separating tubes (Vacutainer SST; Becton Dickinson, USA) for CRP and SAA measurement and serum biochemical evaluation just before the ovariohysterectomy (base values) as well as after 24 hours (day one), 72 hours (day three) and 168 hours (day seven). Blood samples from control dogs were collected only once. Serum samples were prepared by centrifugation (1.500 × g for 10 min) and stored in plain micro tubes (Eppendorf, Germany) at −20°C prior to analysis. Serum CRP concentrations in the dogs were measured with ELISA microplate reader (Anthos 2001 ELISA-reader, Anthos Mikrosysteme, Krefeld, Germany) using a commercial canine CRP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Tridelta PhaseTM Range CRP Assay, Tridelta Development Limited, County Kildare, Ireland). For SAA, the analyses were performed using also a commercially available ELISA kit (Tridelta PhaseTM Range SAA Assay, Tridelta Development Limited, County Kildare, Ireland). Total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB) concentrations and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were determined by using standard procedures and slides by Catalyst Dx Chemistry Analyzer, Idexx. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software package (for Windows, Version 11.5, SPSS Inc, USA). All data were shown as mean ± standard deviation. The results were analyzed using the independent t-test. A P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Our results indicated significantly higher concentrations of CRP and SAA in dogs with pyometra throughout the study period compared to the control group, with CRP concentrations rising up to 15-fold and SAA up to 10-fold. Notably, these increases in CRP and SAA concentrations were mostly observed before surgery, with only limited additional increases post-surgery. This suggests that while ovariohysterectomy induces a proinflammatory response, it does not significantly escalate the levels of these proteins beyond the initial disease impact. The variability observed in CRP and SAA levels points to potential interindividual differences, impacting their diagnostic value. However, on the last postoperative day, the significantly elevated levels of both proteins in dogs with pyometra suggest a persistent, though less severe, inflammatory process, with a subsequent decline as homeostasis was gradually restored. Conclusion: The role of the acute phase response is to limit inflammation, remove the damaging factor and restore homeostasis. The systemic effects of pyometra are reflected by acute phase proteins and several biochemistry parameters.

Minerals are essential substances with an important function in livestock, and their disbalance negatively affects the health and production, especially of ruminants. The addition of fat to the rations of dairy cows impacts the overall and mineral metabolism, and thus on health and production. The aim of the research was to examine the correlative relationships between balanced production meals and the mineral status of lactating cows with different ration compositions with or without the presence of vegetable oil. The research was conducted on 30 dairy cows of the Holstein breed at the Butmir farm, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Three groups of 10 animals were formed based on productivity (A, 13-15 kg of milk/day, B, 19-21 kg of milk/day and C, 25-27 kg of milk/day). Samples of feed, blood plasma and milk of animals were collected on three occasions a 3-week intervals. According to the feed analysis results, the rations were standardized for each group, given for three weeks without oil,and then for three weeks with the addition of sunflower oil in the amount of 2.5% of the ration dry matter. After determining the content of basic nutrients, dry matter and ash in the rations, the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na and K were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry,while the colorimetric method was used to analyse P according to Woy and Eggertz-Finkener. Analysis of blood mineral parameters was performed spectrophotometrically. The content of fat, proteins, lactose, and non-fat dry matter in milk samples was determined by infrared spectrometry using an automatic analyser. Based on the results, we observed a similarity in changes of values and the statistical significance of the differences in plasma Ca, P and Mg between the study groups and at sampling intervals. Milk production was positively correlated with the concentration of Mg and Ca with addition of the sunflower oil to the meal, while no correlation coefficient was established for P in any of the samplings. Balanced meals with and without the addition of oil did not significantly affect the content of Ca, P or Mg in the blood plasma of the tested animals, nor were significant differences found between the groups. However, by determining the correlations between milk parameters and blood biochemical parameters, a significant positive correlation was established between the amount of milk and Ca and Mg levels with a diet supplemented by oil. Given that the addition of sunflower oil in the amount of 2.5% of dry matter of the balanced rations for cows had no negative effects on the mineral profile and the parameters of the tested animals, we conclude that the introduction of this oil could be useful both from the economic point and improving nutritional composition of milk as an animal food present in the daily human diet.

Dairy cattle breeding is one of the most important branches of livestock production, which has been facing, for several decades, the chronic problem of declining reproductive performance. In 2005, the number of cattle worldwide was about 1,370,000,000, while in 2015 that number dropped below one billion, and in 2021 it shows a slight recovery as it was 1,000,970. This indicates the importance of applying different reproductive protocols in order to increase the number of cows in production. The type of bedding on which the animals stay, as well as the characteristics of the lying area itself, shows a significant impact on numerous physiological functions such as food intake, chewing, milk yield, but also levels of sex hormones. The type of bedding and lying area, which causes chronic pain and stress, leads to disorders of physiological and reproductive processes, since stress has direct negative impact on numerous cellular functions. A total of 66 dairy cows, 50 Holstein-Friesian cows kept on PD Butmir and 16 Simmental cows kept on a private mini farm, were included in the study. At PD Butmir, cows were kept in tie-stall housing system, while on a mini-farm they were kept free. Hormonal protocols of estrus and ovulation synchronization were used in April, May and June 2019. Cows were subjected to two estrus synchronization and ovulation protocols, Ovsynch and Cosynch72. At PD Butmir, 25 cows were subjected to Ovsynch and Cosynch72 protocols, respectively. At the mini-farm only Ovsynch protocol was applied. The Ovsynch protocol applied on PD Butmir had success in conception rate of 12% (n = 3), while the Cosynch72 protocol gave a score of 36% (n = 9). On the mini-farm, Ovsynch resulted in a conception of 25% (n = 4). Based on our results, the Cosynch72 protocol, compared to the Ovsynch protocol, was a better choice in the case of Holstein-Friesian cows kept in the tie-stall housing system. In the Simmental cows kept in the free stall system, the Ovsynch protocol proved to be better choice in achieving conception, compared to the Holstein-Friesian cows. Therefore, it is necessary to test several different protocols of estrus and ovulation synchronization, in order to find the most optimal one for a certain breed, type of keeping and breeding.

Abstract The study has aimed to investigate and determine the anatomical position, shape, size, and histological features of the ductus venosus, and its role as a shunt in the fetal circulatory system in domestic ruminants. The research was conducted on 19 bovine, 11 sheep and 5 goat fetuses, aborted at the late stage of pregnancy or deceased just after delivery. The general anatomy of the ductus venosus was investigated by in-situ dissection of the corrosive cast obtained by injection of 25% solution of Vinylite mass through the umbilical vein. For histological examination, the fetal tissue samples were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson’s trichrome, Verhoeff-Van Gieson and Gomoriꞌs silver stain. The results showed that ruminant fetal ductus venosus is a curved, trumpet-shaped vessel, situated in the central part of the liver, above the porta hepatis. Its ventral part is constricted in the form of an isthmus, having a prominent lip-like thickening at the junction with the portal sinus. Histological examination showed the dominant presence of collagen and elastic fibers in its tunica media, with thin bands of smooth muscle fibers oriented in a longitudinal and circular direction indicating ability for vasoconstriction and vasodilatation.

| The aim of this study was to morphologically describe the air sac system in Rosy-faced parrots (Agapornis roseicollis) and provide useful data for future veterinary care and treatment of respiratory system diseases in these pets. The research was conducted on five birds. In order to obtain the casts of the air sacs, we applied the corrosion cast technique, where we used the 26% solution of Vinylite mass. The research showed that the anatomy of the air sacs in these parrots was very similar to that in other birds, but there was some specific characteristic regarding the arrangement and connection between the air sacs. In Rosy-faced parrots we identified nine air sacs, the one unpaired, saccus clavicularis and paired saccus cervicalis, thoracicus cranialis, thoracicus caudalis and abdominalis. The casts showed that clavicular and cranial thoracic air sacs established a connection through the diverticula sternalia. These anatomical characteristics can be common to birds from Psittaciformes order and additional research need to be performed to confirm these findings.

Leptospirosis is an acute, subacute and chronical contagious disease of animals and humans. Causative agents of this disease belong to the genus Leptospira, family Leptospiraca. As a disease of wild animals, leptospirosis is widespread through Europe. Certain wild animals (rodents, fox and wild boars) are important reservoirs and highly probable vectors for the spread of infection into domestic animals and humans. During the hunting season, hunting dogs are often in direct or indirect contact with wild animals that could be carriers of this disease, and the possibility of appearance and spreading within this cohort of dogs is very high. The main reasons for this study on the prevalence of Leptospirosis in Bosnia and Herzegovina are the regular contact between hunting dogs and wild animals (carriers), and the lack of dataaboutLeptospirosisinhuntingdogs.In total, 175 serum samples from 15 towns of Bosnia and Herzegovina were tested. Twelve serovars of L. interrogans were used in the microscopic agglutination test. Presence of antibodies of four serovars was confirmed. Prevalence of seropositive dogs was 15.4% (27/175). Most positive dogs had a reaction to the Pomona serovar 51.8% (n=14), while the prevalence of the Sejroe serovar was 33.3%, Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar 11.1% and Bratislava serovar 3.7%. The highest number of positive reactions 55.5% (n=15) was with serum dilution of 1:200. This study showed that most infections in dogs were caused by serovars that are currently not included in commercial vaccines. One of the most efficient preventive measure could be vaccination with the serovars most often found in wild animals, as they appear to be the most common source of the infection.

Cattle farming, as one of the most important branches of livestock production, has longbeen confronted with the chronic problem of the decline in reproductive performances. In 2005, thenumber of cattle around the world amounted to about 1,370,000,000 heads of cattle, while in 2012this number was just over a billion, which indicates the importance of applying differentreproductive protocols in order to increase production. Heat stress leads to disorders of thephysiological and reproductive processes, as the rise in body temperature caused by heat stress hasdirect negative consequences on numerous cell functions. The study included a total of 54 Holstein-Friesian cows, 28 experimental and 26 control cows from PD Butmir farm with 5 lactations onaverage. Hormone protocols for estrus and ovulation were used in June and July 2013. Cows in theexperimental group were subjected to a Presynch + 5dCoS2 protocol. Cows that did not conceiveafter this protocol were immediately subjected to resynchronization with Cosynch -72 protocol. Thesuccess rate of the Presynch + 5dCoS2 protocol was 19%, while in the case of Cosynch 72 it was33%, which was statistically significant (p <0,05). The first presynchronization and synchronizationprotocol (5dCoS2) did not significantly help to improve the conception rate after the firstinsemination postpartum, but it is evident that they had a positive effect on another protocol (COS72)in the form of reduction in embryonic mortality in the summer months when embryonic loss is thegreatest.The COS72 protocol provides satisfactory results in the summer, but good fitness and healthmanagement, as well as heat stress reduction in accordance with the location and farm design arethe preconditions for a successful estrus and ovulation synchronization program prior to artificialinsemination.