Volume 1, Issue 2

Background: Rising ambient temperatures threaten the productivity and welfare of high-yielding dairy cows.

Methods: Sixteen multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in a randomized crossover design with two 21-day periods: thermoneutral (temperature–humidity index, THI < 68) and heat stress (THI 78–82). Rumen fluid, milk yield and composition, and physiological variables were measured.

Results: Heat stress reduced dry matter intake by 12% and milk yield by 3.9 kg/day (P < 0.01). Total volatile fatty acid concentration decreased while ruminal pH and the acetate-to-propionate ratio increased.

Conclusions: Heat stress impairs rumen fermentation independently of intake, supporting nutritional strategies that target rumen function during hot seasons.

Objective: To summarise surveillance data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial isolates from dogs and cats published between 2015 and 2025.

Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, four databases were searched; 87 studies met the inclusion criteria and risk of bias was assessed.

Results: Resistance to aminopenicillins was common in Escherichia coli (pooled 41%), and methicillin resistance was reported in 7–19% of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates. Reporting standards varied widely.

Conclusions: Harmonised surveillance of companion animals is needed within a One Health framework.

Reference intervals for 18 serum biochemistry analytes were established from 124 clinically healthy New Zealand White rabbits housed with environmental enrichment. Intervals for glucose and creatine kinase were narrower than published values from barren housing, suggesting reduced handling stress. These data support the refinement of laboratory rabbit studies.

A 9-year-old male Great Dane presented with acute abdominal distension and non-productive retching. Radiography confirmed gastric dilatation–volvulus. After stabilisation and gastric decompression, derotation and incisional gastropexy were performed. The dog recovered without complications and remained healthy at the six-month follow-up.