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-This study aimed to provide baseline data for the serum biochemical parameters of Brazilian sport horses undergoing physical training for eventing to be used as a practical guide. A total of 139 blood samples were collected by vacuum venipuncture of the jugular vein from healthy horses in training. Tubes without anticoagulant were used for biochemical analysis. Means and standard deviations were determined for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (306.27±84.66 U/L), creatine kinase (CK) (181.06±80.38 U/L), urea (29.51±5.82 mg/dL), creatinine (1.44±0.20 mg/dL), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) (14.58±6.55 U/L), calcium (13.22±0.59 mg/dL), and albumin (2.86±0.16 g/dL). The specific reference ranges were: AST, 197-454 U/L; CK, 116-290 U/L; urea, 22-42 mg/dL; creatinine, 1.2-1.8 mg/dL; GGT, 9-26 U/L; calcium, 12.2-14.2 mg/dL; and albumin, 2.6-3.1 g/dL. Beneficial effects of the training program on the horses were observed and these effects did not lead to any changes in the biochemical parameters studied. The environment may influence the serum biochemical parameters, particularly AST and CK, of Brazilian sport horses.

The origin of the hepatitis B virus is a subject of wide deliberation among researchers. As a result, increasing academic interest has focused on the spread of the virus in different animal species. However, the sources of viral infection for many of these animals are unknown since transmission may occur from animal to animal, human to human, animal to human, and human to animal. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepadnavirus circulation in wild and farm animals (including animals raised under wild or free conditions) from different sites in Brazil and Uruguay using serological and molecular tools. A total of 487 domestic wild and farm animals were screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers and tested via quantitative and qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viral DNA. We report evidence of HBsAg (surface antigen of HBV) and total anti-HBc (HBV core antigen) markers as well as low-copy hepadnavirus DNA among domestic and wild animals. According to our results, which were confirmed by partial genome sequencing, as the proximity between humans and animals increases, the potential for pathogen dispersal also increases. A wider knowledge and understanding of reverse zoonoses should be sought for an effective One Health response.

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This study was designed to evaluate changes on variables in blood, urine and water balance in horses in response to a single dose of electrolyte supplementation. The essay was conducted on a randomised 3×3 Latin Square design repeated over time, with three animals and three treatments: Treatment 1: control group (without supplementation); Treatment 2: supplementation with a medium dose of electrolytes composed of: 0.25 g of NaCl + 0.125 g of KCl + 0.05 g of CaCl + 0.025 g of MgCl per kg of BW; Treatment 3: supplementation with a high dose of electrolytes composed of: 0.625 g of NaCl + 0.3125 g of KCl + 0.125 g of CaCl + 0.0625 g of MgCl per kg of BW, equivalent to 2.5 times the medium dose of supplementation. The electrolytes were supplied through a nasogastric tube 4 h after the morning meal. The diet provided had a forage:concentrate ratio of 70:30, composed of coastcross hay and commercial concentrate, with an estimated consumption of 2% of body weigth (BW). Horses received 116 mg/kg of BW of commercial mineral salt mixed in the concentrate. Samples of blood, urine and digesta were collected over a 12 h period after supplementation for analysis of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium concentration. Water intake and urine output were also measured. Electrolytic supplementation enhanced (P<0.05) the water intake, water retention and urine output. Blood variables were not altered by electrolyte supplementation (P≯0.05). The supplementation also influenced the sodium and chloride excretion in urine (P<0.05). Urine physicochemical characteristics and the concentration of electrolytes excreted with time were significantly altered as a function of the electrolytes supplementation.