Phaidra - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
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\u27I\u27m not just a vet, I\u27m also a human.\u27 A qualitative interview study on boundary management between work and private life among small animal veterinarians
No full textMany studies of veterinarians underline the importance of work-life balance, yet our understanding of how veterinarians manage the boundary between private and professional life is still limited. In line with previous research that speaks of "boundary management" in this context, it is the overall aim of this study to investigate the conflicts and challenges veterinarians face in relation to temporal, physical and psychological boundaries between work and private life, and to explore the coping strategies they employ to navigate these challenges.The study is based on qualitative, semi-structured individual focused interviews with 20 small animal veterinarians resident in Germany (n?=?8), Switzerland (n?=?7) and Austria (n?=?5), who specialised in the field of hospice and palliative care. A structured coding process, incorporating both deductive and inductive elements, was utilized to analyse the data through two cycles of coding, thereby identifying key themes.The study identified that the veterinarians have to deal with conflicting private and professional appointments, accessibility outside of opening hours through information and communication technologies, professional concerns occupying the veterinarian\u27s private life and unwanted insights into the animal owners\u27 lives. Coping strategies show that veterinarians are willing to integrate professional aspects into their private lives and accept accompanying negative consequences because they are convinced that they are acting in the best interest of the animals. At the same time, boundary management for veterinarians means a conscious demarcation from the animal owner along temporal, physical and psychological boundaries, e.g., ensuring that the relationship remains a professional business relationship and does not become too personal. In addition, our data suggest that previous negative experiences of a lack of work-life balance led to stricter boundaries and more of a "self-care" mindset
Establishment of Immune Biobank for Vaccine Immunogenicity Prediction Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods Against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
No full textoai:phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at:o:4720Background/Objectives: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) remains one of the most economically significant pathogens in the global swine industry. Despite the availability of commercial vaccines for over three decades, they fail to induce sterile immunity and often provide inconsistent protection against heterologous PRRSV strains. This study aimed to predict vaccine immunogenicity by detecting strain-specific immune responses that related to an immune correlate of protection (CoP) against different PRRSV-2 strains. Methods: Post-weaning pigs were vaccinated with five commercially available PRRSV-2 vaccines or received sterile PBS injection as a control. At 28 days post-vaccination (dpv), all pigs were humanely euthanized for large-volume blood collection to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma, establishing the immune bank. PBMCs and plasma from each group were then tested against six PRRSV-2 strains to evaluate immune responses. In addition, T cell epitope coverage between vaccine and field PRRSV-2 strains was assessed using the EpiCC (in silico) tool to enhance predictive capacity. Results: While neutralizing antibodies were undetectable in all vaccinated pigs at 28 dpv, PRRSV-specific IFNγ–producing cells were detected at various levels in each vaccinated group following restimulation with different PRRSV-2 strains. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed for the EpiCC coverage of the N gene and mean IFNγ responses to VR2332 (SLA class I and II) and NC24-6 (SLA class II). Conclusions: The PRRSV immune bank demonstrated potential as a tool for predicting vaccine immunogenicity against different PRRSV-2 strains and EpiCC provides additional information on T cell epitope cross conservation. The combined approach may provide a valuable framework for selecting PRRSV vaccines for more effective prevention and control in endemic areas
Evaluation of Refractive Measurements Using a Handheld Autorefractor (Retinomax K+ Screen) Versus Streak Retinoscopy in Dogs
No full textObjective: To evaluate the accuracy and clinical applicability of the handheld autorefractor Retinomax K+ Screen in comparison to manual streak retinoscopy in non-cyclopleged dogs. Methods: Thirty-four dogs (68 eyes) of 15 different breeds underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination and refractive assessment using streak retinoscopy and handheld autorefraction. Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Bland-Altman analysis, and Spearman\u27s rank correlation (alpha = 0.05). Results: Autorefraction was successfully performed in 57 of 68 eyes; 11 eyes were excluded due to insufficient measurement quality. Retinoscopy yielded a mean spherical equivalent of 0.13 +/- 1.04 diopters (D), while autorefraction produced significantly more hyperopic values (mean 0.98 +/- 1.66 D; p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated wide limits of agreement (-2.52 to +4.10 D), indicating substantial variability. A moderate positive correlation was found between methods (rho = 0.49; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The Retinomax K+ Screen provides rapid, non-invasive refractive measurements but systematically overestimates hyperopia and exhibits considerable variability compared to retinoscopy. Despite fast acquisition, inconsistent results and reduced reliability under suboptimal conditions limit the clinical precision of the autorefractor and its use as a screening tool appears questionable under clinical conditions.Online Version of Record before inclusion in an issu
Effect of intra-arterial cisplatin on dorsal hoof wall tissue of isolated perfused equine limbs
No full textEquine hoof canker is a chronic proliferative condition of the hoof tissues that is often time-consuming and frustrating to treat. After surgical debridement, topical application of cisplatin (cis-Diamindichlorplatin II) has been reported, requiring repeatedly handling this hazardous substance during bandage changes. Alternatively, intraarterial application of cisplatin could be used, similar to the treatment of some human neoplastic diseases. As the side effects of such a treatment are currently unknown, evaluation of associated risks is necessary before treating live horses. Thus, forelimbs of thirteen horses underwent an eight-hour perfusion protocol; nine limbs received a 20-minute intraarterial cisplatin infusion (14 mg/600 ml autologous blood-plasma perfusate). Post-treatment, dorsal hoof wall samples were subjected to histological (hematoxylin and eosin) and immunohistochemical (laminin, Ki-67) analysis. Comparisons were carried out using a linear mixed model analysis to investigate the effect of cisplatin. Appearance of primary and secondary epidermal lamellae was not significantly affected by the cisplatin treatment. Notable basal membrane damage was evidenced by significantly weaker laminin staining intensity in the limbs of the cisplatin group than in the control group (p = 0.005). Cisplatin samples showed 54 % weak, 37 % moderate and 9 % strong staining intensities, and control samples showed 12 % weak, 53 % moderate and 35 % strong staining intensities. Median numbers of Ki-67 positive basal cells in the primary epidermal lamellae were not affected by cisplatin. Specifically, even short-term cisplatin exposure significantly compromises the basal membrane of the dorsal hoof wall creating a considerable risk of laminitis
Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase Enterobacteriaceae in the environment of the equine clinic
No full textDiplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2025Die zunehmende Verbreitung antimikrobieller Resistenzen (AMR) stellt eine bedeutende Herausforderung für die Human- und Veterinärmedizin dar. Besonders problematisch sind ESBL-produzierende Enterobacteriaceae, die durch ihre Resistenzmechanismen die Behandlung von Infektionen erschweren. In Pferdekliniken, in denen der Einsatz von Antibiotika häufig ist, könnten diese resistenten Bakterien in der Umgebung persistieren und zur weiteren Verbreitung beitragen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Prävalenz von ESBL-produzierenden Enterobacteriaceae in einer Pferdeklinik zu untersuchen, deren zeitliche Entwicklung zu analysieren und mögliche Kontaminationsquellen zu identifizieren. Um die bakterielle Belastung der Klinikumgebung zu erfassen, wurden Umweltproben (n=120) aus Pferdeboxen zu drei Zeitpunkten entnommen: bei Ankunft des Pferdes (T1), nach 48 Stunden (T2) und kurz vor der Entlassung oder 72 Stunden nach Ankunft (T3). Zusätzlich wurden Proben aus leeren Boxen vor Neuaufstallung sowie von Stallwerkzeugen (z. B. Schaufeln) untersucht. Die isolierten Bakterien wurden identifiziert und auf ESBL-Produktion getestet. Statistische Analysen wurden durchgeführt, um Veränderungen der Kontamination über die Zeit zu bewerten. ESBL-produzierende Bakterien wurden in 22,5 % der Umweltproben bei T1 nachgewiesen, wobei dieser Anteil bis T3 auf 35 % anstieg, jedoch ohne statistische Signifikanz. Unterschiede zwischen verschiedenen Oberflächenmaterialien wurden ebenfalls beobachtet: Poröse Materialien wie Gummimatten und Holzlatten wiesen eine höhere ESBL-Kontamination auf als glatte, versiegelte Oberflächen. Besonders auffällig war, dass 8 der 14 untersuchten Stallwerkzeuge mit ESBL-produzierenden Bakterien kontaminiert waren, was auf ihre Rolle als Übertragungsquelle hindeutet. Pseudomonas spp. wurde vorrangig in Boxen mit eingestallten Pferden gefunden, jedoch nicht in leeren Boxen oder auf Werkzeugen, was auf einen Zusammenhang mit organischem Material hindeutet. 46 Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie verdeutlichen die Persistenz und das Übertragungspotenzial von ESBL-produzierenden Enterobacteriaceae in einer Pferdeklinik. Besonders Stallwerkzeuge, poröse Oberflächen und die Ausscheidung durch Pferde spielen eine zentrale Rolle in der bakteriellen Kontamination. Obwohl keine Carbapenem-Resistenzen nachgewiesen wurden, sind kontinuierliche Überwachung und gezielte Desinfektionsmaßnahmen entscheidend, um die Verbreitung antimikrobieller Resistenzen einzudämmen. Zukünftige Studien sollten sich auf die genomische Nachverfolgung von Bakterienstämmen und die Evaluierung optimierter Reinigungsprotokolle konzentrieren, um die Biosicherheit in Pferdekliniken weiter zu verbessern.Diploma thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2025Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in both human and veterinary medicine, with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae posing a particular challenge in clinical settings. Equine hospitals, where antimicrobial use is frequent, may serve as reservoirs for resistant bacteria, contributing to their persistence and dissemination. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in an equine hospital environment, assess their persistence over time, and identify potential sources of contamination. Environmental samples (n=120) were collected from 40 horse stalls at three time points: upon arrival (T1), after 48 hours (T2), and at discharge or 72 hours after arrival (T3). Additional samples were obtained from empty stalls before new admissions and from stable equipment (e.g., shovels). Bacterial isolates were identified by MALDI-ToF and screened for ESBL production and resistance to additional antibiotics by Vitek 2, and statistical analyses (Fisher’s exact test) were performed to determine significant differences in contamination patterns over time. ESBL-producing bacteria were detected in 22.5% of environmental samples at T1 and T2, with a non-statistically significant increase to 35% at T3. Contamination patterns varied between stall surfaces, with porous materials such as rubber mats and wooden grilles showing higher ESBL-E prevalence. Notably, 8 out 14 tested stable tools carried ESBL-producing bacteria, indicating their role as potential transmission vectors. Pseudomonas spp. was frequently found in stalls where horses had been housed but was absent from tools and empty boxes, suggesting an association with organic material rather than persistent environmental contamination. This study highlights the persistence and transmission of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in an equine hospital setting. The findings emphasize the role of stable equipment, porous surfaces, and horse-associated shedding in sustaining bacterial contamination. While no carbapenem resistance was detected, high rates of multi drug resistance were found 45 suggesting that continued monitoring and targeted disinfection strategies are essential to mitigate AMR spread. Future studies should focus on genomic tracking of bacterial strains and evaluating intervention-based cleaning protocols to enhance biosecurity in equine clinics
Dual STAT3/STAT5 inhibition as a novel treatment strategy in T-prolymphocytic leukemia
No full textT-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare, aggressive T-cell malignancy with poor outcomes and an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. Integrating genomic data and new transcriptomic profiling, we identified recurrent JAK/STAT mutations (predominantly in JAK3 and STAT5B) as hallmarks in a cohort of 335 T-PLL cases. In line, transcriptomic and protein analyses revealed constitutive JAK/STAT activation in virtually all samples. Consequently, we explored the anti-leukemic potential of dual STAT3/STAT5 non-PROTAC degraders in T-PLL, with JPX-1244 as our lead substance. JPX-1244 efficiently and selectively induced cell death in primary T-PLL samples, including those resistant to conventional therapies, by blocking STAT3 and STAT5 phosphorylation and by inducing their degradation. The extent of STAT3/STAT5 degradation directly correlated with cytotoxicity. RNA-sequencing confirmed the treatment-related downregulation of STAT5 target genes. While JAK/STAT mutations did not predict responses to pharmacologic STAT3/STAT5 degradation, elevated expression of TOX, PAK6, and SPINT1 were associated with drug sensitivity. In subsequent combination screenings, cladribine, venetoclax, and azacytidine emerged as most effective combination partners of STAT3/STAT5 degraders, even in low-responding T-PLL samples, all synergistically reducing STAT5 phosphorylation. These findings highlight dual STAT3/STAT5 inhibition, particularly in combination with hypomethylating and BCL2-targeting agents, as a promising interventional approach in T-PLL, warranting further investigation
Cattle breed welfare assessment in Mountain dairy farms based on the animal-based measures by the Italian CLASSYFARM system
No full textDairy cow welfare is shaped by multiple factors, notably the interaction between cattle breed, feeding, and housing conditions. This study evaluated welfare indicators—avoidance behaviour, lameness, body condition score (BCS), cleanliness, integument alterations, udder health, and claw health—in 2168 cows across mountain dairy farms using tie-stall and free-stall housing, with grazing and non-grazing systems. Holstein Friesian (HF) consistently showed poorer welfare outcomes, with significantly higher avoidance behaviour (47.2%), integument alterations (62.1%), and dirty spots (47.6%) compared to dual-purpose and local breeds (p < 0.05). Alpine Grey (AG) and Simmental (SI) cows generally performed better, especially under tie-stall and grazing conditions. In free-stalls, HF exhibited elevated avoidance behaviour (β = 0.55 vs. AG, p = 0.008; β = 0.60 vs. Brown Swiss [BS], p = 0.005) and lameness (β = 0.92 vs. AG, p < 0.001; β = 1.02 vs. BS, p < 0.001). Similar trends were observed in tie-stalls and grazing systems. AG consistently achieved the best welfare scores, particularly under tie-stall and grazing conditions. BS performed well overall but showed slightly poorer claw health than AG (β = 0.25–0.30, p < 0.01). No significant breed differences were found for udder health, underscoring the importance of milking hygiene and management across breeds. These findings emphasize the importance of aligning breed selection with suitable housing and feeding systems to optimize welfare, especially in mountain dairy farms, which often operate under challenging climatic and topographic conditions compared to lowland farms
Diagnostic approach to swinepox virus infection in a German 2-site swine production unit
No full textIn 2008, nearly 50% of weaned piglets at a German 2-site production unit in Saxony-Anhalt had skin lesions 1–2 wk after relocation into the nursery. First clinical signs were maculae, followed by papules, pustules, and finally crusts, distributed over the dorsal and lateral body flank. Tentative clinical diagnosis was an infection with swinepox virus (SWPV; family Poxviridae, taxon species Suipoxvirus swinepox). Electron microscopy confirmed within one hour that the causal agent was a brick-shaped poxvirus, and routine PCR validated the poxvirus detection; PCR for Orthopoxvirus was negative. Phylogenetic analysis of the thymidine kinase genes from different poxviruses and from our SWPV isolates, 3 isolates from Germany, and 1 isolate from Austria, provided a good picture of evolutionary relationships of poxvirus genera, which was also consistent with phylogenetic analysis of poxviruses based on other genes. The German and Austrian isolates from domestic pigs were 99.8–100% identical to previously isolated German SWPV from wild boar and domestic pigs. All isolates belonged to the North American/European lineage. In a second step, SWPV assembly in naturally infected domestic pigs was analyzed by ultrathin sectioning. The virus assembly resembled that of other poxviruses and completed gaps in the SWPV morphogenesis model described in prior publications. Because there is no specific therapy, recommended interventions were improvements in biosecurity measures, especially hygiene management and disinfection procedures at the farm and within the transporters between the farrowing unit and the nursery. No further infections with SWPV were seen 5–6 wk after commencement of the hygiene interventions
Histologische Untersuchung von equinen Nabelsträngen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung bakterieller Aborterreger
No full textDiplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2025Ziel dieser Diplomarbeit ist es, den Zusammenhang zwischen dem Auftreten von pathologischen Veränderungen an Nabelschnüren von Equiden und dem Vorhandensein bakterieller Aborterreger zu untersuchen. Da in der Veterinärmedizin bislang nur wenig Augenmerk auf die fetalen Strukturen postpartum gerichtet wurde, soll diese Arbeit einen Überblick über deren Entwicklung, Anatomie und Histologie bieten. Für die Studie wurden Proben von equinen Nabelschnüren am IVET Mödling histologisch und bakteriologisch analysiert. Die Ergebnisse wurden tabellarisch zusammengefasst und zur besseren Vergleichbarkeit einem selbst entwickelten Scoring-System (Werte von 0 bis 3) zugeordnet. Dabei war das Vorhandensein diverser (Abort-) Erreger nicht zwingend mit dem Auftreten von Entzündungserscheinungen im Bereich der Nabelschnur assoziiert. Um physiologische und pathologische Befunde künftig besser interpretieren und bewerten zu können, ist die Erhebung weiterer Daten notwendig, da die histomorphologische Untersuchung der Nabelschnur im Zuge der Abortusdiagnostik in der Veterinärmedizin bislang nicht als Routineverfahren etabliert ist.Diplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2025Ziel dieser Diplomarbeit ist es, den Zusammenhang zwischen dem Auftreten von pathologischen Veränderungen an Nabelschnüren von Equiden und dem Vorhandensein bakterieller Aborterreger zu untersuchen. Da in der Veterinärmedizin bislang nur wenig Augenmerk auf die fetalen Strukturen postpartum gerichtet wurde, soll diese Arbeit einen Überblick über deren Entwicklung, Anatomie und Histologie bieten. Für die Studie wurden Proben von equinen Nabelschnüren am IVET Mödling histologisch und bakteriologisch analysiert. Die Ergebnisse wurden tabellarisch zusammengefasst und zur besseren Vergleichbarkeit einem selbst entwickelten Scoring-System (Werte von 0 bis 3) zugeordnet. Dabei war das Vorhandensein diverser (Abort-) Erreger nicht zwingend mit dem Auftreten von Entzündungserscheinungen im Bereich der Nabelschnur assoziiert. Um physiologische und pathologische Befunde künftig besser interpretieren und bewerten zu können, ist die Erhebung weiterer Daten notwendig, da die histomorphologische Untersuchung der Nabelschnur im Zuge der Abortusdiagnostik in der Veterinärmedizin bislang nicht als Routineverfahren etabliert ist.Diploma thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2025The aim of this thesis is to explore the connection between pathological changes in equine umbilical cords and the presence of bacterial abortifacient agents. Since there has been little focus on fetal structures postpartum in veterinary medicine so far, this paper aims to provide an overview of their development, anatomy, and histology. For the study, samples of equine umbilical cords were analyzed both histologically and bacteriologically at IVET Mödling. The results were summarized in a table and assigned to a self-developed scoring system (with values ranging from 0 to 3) for easier comparison. The presence of various (abortifacient) agents was not necessarily associated with the occurrence of inflammatory signs in the umbilical cord. In order to better interpret and evaluate physiological and pathological findings in the future, more data needs to be collected, as histomorphological examination of the umbilical cord as part of abortion diagnostic is not yet a routine procedure in veterinary medicine
Cold-tolerant Clostridium spp. related to meat spoilage in cattle farms in Austria
No full textMany cold-tolerant Clostridium spp. are responsible for the spoilage of vacuum-packed meat. Cattle can ingest the bacteria via the soil and the environment when grazing or via the feed. Since cattle farming in Austria\u27s Alpine regions is often practiced as pasture-based farming, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cold-tolerant clostridia in cattle in these regions, to identify the species detected, and to determine the growth temperature of the isolated clostridia. For this purpose, 260 faecal and 260 hide wipe samples were taken from 260 healthy adult cattle from 26 farms in the provinces of Salzburg and Tyrol. The samples were analysed using qPCR, sequencing, and cultural methods. Using qPCR, 22.3 % of the faecal samples were positive for C. estertheticum, 33.8 % for C. tagluense-like, 32.7 % for C. bowmanii, 11.2 % for C. frigoriphilum, and 14.2 % for C. gasigenes. The isolation rates of the species from the PCR-detected samples ranged from 4.7 % to 59.5 %. In addition, nine different Clostridium species were isolated by culture, with C. subterminale, Lacrimispora algidixylanolytica (syn. C. algidixylanolytica), C. tagluense, and C. botulinum being found most frequently. The prevalence of cold-tolerant clostridia in the investigated faeces was relatively high, while in the hide swab samples it was very low. The latter could be related to the lower contamination of the hide with dirt and faeces. The results of this study provide useful information for slaughterhouses, which should pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene during dehiding and evisceration to avoid further contamination of the meat