Percorrer por autor "Baptista, Catarina Jota"
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- Commentary : do people really care less about their cats than about their dogs? A comparative study in three European countriesPublication . Baptista, Catarina Jota; Seixas, Fernanda; Gonzalo-Orden, José M.; Oliveira, Paula A.
- Editorial : wildlife health consequences from environmental pollutionPublication . Baptista, Catarina Jota; Seixas, Fernanda; Gonzalo-Orden, José M.; Oliveira, Paula A.
- Effect of owners education and vets communication on therapeutic adherence in pet practicePublication . Dinis, Jorge; Baptista, Catarina Jota; Martins, Ângela; Coelho, Ana Cláudia; Oliveira, Paula A.The success of disease treatment in veterinary medicine depends on a correct diagnosis, the choice of an appropriate therapy, and the ability of the animal's owner to administer the medication correctly. This study aims to identify and understand the factors that interfere with therapeutic adherence (TA), namely the level of education of owners and the influence of veterinary communication, based on questionnaires conducted in a small animal University Hospital in Vila Real, Portugal. “Oversight” was identified by 25% of respondents as the reason for not administering medication properly to their pets. However, when we correlated these answers with owners' characterization, we found that households made up of more than one person were less likely to forget their treatment regimen (p=0.04). Owners with higher education levels and a more transparent relationship with their veterinarians are more likely to deliver superior health care to their pets. This study suggests that veterinarians should consider these aspects when communicating with the owners to promote a better outcome for their clinical cases. The owners' perspective regarding veterinarian instructions therapy is crucial to design strategies and to improve TA in the long term.
- Effects of endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs) and therapeutic approaches to the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) : a current state-of-the-artPublication . Robert, Adèle Lemogne; Torres, Edite Oliveira; Baptista, Catarina JotaPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and some metabolic disturbances. Emerging evidence has been suggesting a link between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, and the pathogenesis and/or exacerbation of PCOS. These exogenous compounds interfere with hormonal function, potentially inducing epigenetic modifications and disrupting insulin sensitivity, primarily when exposure occurs during specific periods. This review explores the role of EDCs in the onset and progression of the condition, and it also outlines current therapeutic strategies, including hormonal contraceptives, insulin sensitizers, ovulation induction agents, and anti-androgenic treatments. Novel approaches targeting gut microbiota, cytokine modulation, and antioxidant therapies are discussed, alongside preventive measures to reduce EDC exposure. Thus, this review highlights the need for a personalized, multimodal management of PCOS, integrating pharmacological, lifestyle, and behavioural intervention. Nevertheless, for some of these therapies, it also emphasizes some lack of causality, as well as limited clinical trial data to support their efficacy.
- Efficacy of a new fenbendazole treatment protocol against Capillaria spp. in northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus)Publication . Alfaia, Francisco; Baptista, Catarina Jota; Lozano, João; Sós-Koroknai, Viktória; Hoitsy, Márton; Carvalho, Luís M. Madeira de; Sós, EndreHedgehogs, Erinaceus spp., are commonly admitted to rescue centres in European countries. However, there are still few studies on parasitological fauna and treatment possibilities, including for E. roumanicus. This study aimed to evaluate parasitism in 34 hedgehogs directly after their admission to the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden Wildlife Rescue Centre, as well as the efficacy of fenbendazole treatment. The Mini-Flotac method was used to quantitatively evaluate and assess the efficacy of treatment with fenbendazole (100 mg/kg PO. BID for 7 days) in five selected individuals. Faecal samples were analysed at D0 and D14 after the beginning of the treatment. Globally, the prevalence of positive animals was 76%. Capillaria spp. were the most prevalent (68%), while coccidia showed a prevalence of 32%. Considering the range of action of this benzimidazole, the treatment provided an efficacy of 100%, eliminating all forms of Capillaria spp. Considering the high number of hedgehogs admitted to rescue centres and the potential effects of parasitism in morbidity and mortality during recovery, it is essential to improve our knowledge with regard to the parasitological fauna of these species and to attain effective treatment protocols.
- Epidemiology and treatment of respiratory nematode infections in western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)Publication . Baptista, Catarina Jota; Gama, Inês; Serena, Julia; Heneberg, Petr; Cásero, María; Carvalho, Luís Madeira deRespiratory nematodes are common in rescued western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), but their epidemiology and treatment in rehabilitation settings remain poorly defined. We investigated respiratory nematode infections in 78 fecal samples of 30 hedgehogs admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center in southern Portugal and in putative gastropod intermediate hosts. Outcomes after subcutaneous levamisole (10–20 mg/kg) and ivermectin (3 mg/kg) treatments, monitored by the Baermann technique, were compared. Respiratory nematode infections were highly prevalent in rescued hedgehogs and may be sustained within rehabilitation facilities by infected gastropod intermediate hosts. At the animal level, Crenosoma striatum was detected in 63% of hedgehogs and Capillaria spp. in 7% of hedgehogs, including a mixed infection in one hedgehog. The Baermann technique was the most sensitive method for detecting C. striatum. Samples from outdoor enclosures were more often positive for C. striatum than those from indoor enclosures (55% vs. 29%). All the examined gastropods (10/10) were positive for C. striatum larvae, supporting active transmission within the rehabilitation center. Outcomes were better with levamisole than with ivermectin, although persistence and relapses were frequent. Neither treatment resulted in consistent clearance. These findings support the need for integrated parasite management and standardized treatment protocols in wildlife rehabilitation centers.
- The first full study of heavy metal(loid)s in western-European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from PortugalPublication . Baptista, Catarina Jota; Seixas, Fernanda; Gonzalo-Orden, José M.; Patinha, Carla; Pato, Pedro; Silva, Eduardo Ferreira da; Casero, María; Brazio, Erica; Brandão, Ricardo; Costa, Daniela; Mateus, Teresa L.; Coelho, Ana C.; Oliveira, Paula A.The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is an insectivore with a wide distribution in Portugal and a potential tool for biomonitoring relevant One Health hazards, including heavy metal(loid)s’ pollution. The aim of this study was to positively contribute to the current knowledge about the metal(loid) pollution in Portugal. Forty-six hedgehogs (from rescue centres; with known provenance) were necropsied. Sex, age category and weight were determined. Spines, liver and kidney were collected, and metalloid concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). In general, results did not present alarming metal(loid) concentrations, with the exception of cadmium (Cd) (in the kidneys) and copper (Cu). Hedgehogs from Viana do Castelo and Viseu showed elevated concentrations of arsenic (As) and Castelo Branco presented concerning values of cadmium (Cd). Adult and heavier hedgehogs tended to present higher levels of metal(loid)s. Sex does not seem to significantly affect the metal(loid)s’ concentrations. Further analysis would be needed to prioritize areas with detail and allow the application of the necessary mitigation strategies.
- Glyphosate in the Iberian Peninsula : evaluating risks to Iberian wildlifePublication . Baptista, Catarina Jota; Marques, Gonçalo Nogueira; Gonçalves, Luísa Lima; Assunção, Ricardo; Martinez-Haro, MónicaGlyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] (GlyP) is an herbicide extensively used worldwide, including the Iberian Peninsula. It is mainly used in agricultural landscapes but also in urban areas, in railways, and even in water bodies. Despite glyphosate’s large use, there is a paucity of research on its exposure and its potential effects on wildlife living treated environments. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have warned about the effects of this herbicide namely, on oxidative stress, and on liver and kidney in different taxa. Additionally, some studies also suggested endocrine disruption capacity in reptiles or genotoxicity in fish. Most of these studies have been carried out on experimental animals, in laboratory conditions, so the real exposure and potential effects on wildlife is largely unknown. In this context, this review is intended to help understand the ecological consequences that glyphosate may be exerting on wildlife that inhabit the Iberian Peninsula.
- Heavy metal and metalloid concentrations in red deer (Cervus elaphus) and their human health implications from One Health perspectivePublication . Baptista, Catarina Jota; Seixas, Fernanda; Gonzalo-Orden, José M.; Patinha, Carla; Pato, Pedro; Silva, Eduardo Ferreira da; Fernandes, Gilberto; Oliveira, Paula A.The red deer is an ungulate and large game species. The contamination of the ecosystems by metal(loid)s may lead to the exposure of animals (as well as humans) through water and food resources. The direct contact of hunters and wild animal meat consumers with deer carcasses may be a potential contaminant source. This study aimed to determine the metal(loid)s’ concentrations in the liver and kidney of red deer from two regions of Portugal (Idanha-a-Nova and Lousã), and to relate these with histopathologic lesions. Thirteen young male deer were submitted to metal(loid) determination (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS) and histopathology examination. Renal Cd (8.072 ± 5.766 mg/kg dw) and hepatic Pb (3.824 ± 6.098 mg/kg dw) mean values were high, considering the maximum values for consumption established by the European Commission. The hepatic mean value of Cu was significantly higher in Idanha-a-Nova (150.059 ± 33.321 mg/kg dw), and it is at the Cu toxicity limit considered for ruminants (150 mg/kg). The pollution induced by Panasqueira mines (Castelo Branco) may be a possible explanation for some of the findings, especially the higher values of hepatic Cu and Pb found in Idanha-a-Nova deer. These results have high importance under a One Health perspective, since they have implications in public health, and pose at risk the imbalance of animal populations and ecosystems.
- Hedgehogs’ parasitology : an updated review on diagnostic methods and treatmentPublication . Alfaia, Francisco; Baptista, Catarina Jota; Sós-Koroknai, Viktória; Hoitsy, Márton; Sós, Endre; Carvalho, Luís M. Madeira deThe genus Erinaceus is commonly found in rescue centres across the European continent despite the reported decline in some countries. Parasite infections are frequently detected in rescued hedgehogs, leading to increased morbidity and mortality and consequently conditioning their recovery. Some of the most frequent parasites include respiratory nematodes, such as Crenosoma striatum and Capillaria spp., which may lead to important pneumonia. Moreover, some of these agents have zoonotic potential, such as Cryptosporidium spp., Sarcoptes spp., and several species of ticks and fleas, which may transmit different vector-borne pathogens. This review provides a brief guide on hedgehogs’ internal and external parasitology, as well as some suggestions for diagnosis and treatment that are relevant for wildlife veterinarians, biologists and other researchers.