Medicina Veterinaria-Pregrado
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Item Perfil socioeconómico y productivo de las familias encargadas de la crianza de cuyes en la parroquia rural de Ricaurte del cantón Cuenca, desde una perspectiva de género(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-02-11) Jarama Quito, Yadira Valeria; Puglla Vacacela, Delia Josefina; Machuca Machuca, Diana AngélicaThe present research work proposed to analyze the socioeconomic and productive profile of guinea pig producing families in the rural parish of Ricaurte in Cuenca canton, with a gender approach. The study used an integrated methodology (qualitative, quantitative and participatory). The following techniques were used for data collection: survey, interviews and creative workshop. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis techniques. The main results showed a female predominance, in age ranges from 35 to 54 years old. With primary education and raising improved guinea pigs, fed on cut rye grass and alfalfa, raised in cages. There is limited training (7,5%), technical advice (0,0%) and access to productive credit (0,0%). The most common diseases are tympanism and pediculosis. Marketing is carried out in four ways: fattening guinea pigs on the hoof/month, roasted guinea pigs for sale, slaughtered fattening guinea pigs/month, and breeding guinea pigs/month. The selling price varies according to the mode and marketing channel, with fattening guinea pigs being the most frequent, selling 5,3 guinea pigs per month at an average price of US 9,7 dollars. The main items of production expenses are: food and medicine. In conclusion, the guinea pig production process in the Ricaurte parish was characterized by limited access to credit and advice, a situation that limits the generation of economic resources and the improvement of women's socioeconomic conditions.Item Caracterización de la dieta de la lechuza de campanario (Tyto alba) bajo la influencia del paisaje urbano-rural(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2025-11-13) Nivelo Nivelo, Daisy Glenda; Estrella Bermeo, Carlos AdriánThis study characterized the diet of the barn owl in the Baños parish of Cuenca, Ecuador, through the analysis of 59 pellets collected between April and June 2025. Seven prey species were identified, with Mus musculus, Rattus rattus, and Cryptotis montivagus being the most representative, reflecting a trophic pattern associated with peri-urban matrices dominated by commensal micromammals. The minimum number of individuals per pellet was 4.03 ± 2.05 (min - max: 1 - 9), while the average pellet weight reached 5.42 ± 2.71 g. A positive and significant correlation was found between the number of prey and pellet weight (r = 0.59; p < 0.001), indicating that heavier pellets contain a greater number of prey items. The species accumulation curve and the Chao2 estimator indicated sufficient sampling effort, with both observed and estimated richness equal to seven species. The high representation of C. montivagus constitutes a relevant regional contribution, as this species has been rarely reported in previous diet studies in Ecuador. Overall, the results highlight the feeding plasticity of the barn owl and its ability to respond to local prey availability, particularly in human-modified environments. These findings reinforce the ecological role of this raptor as a potential biological controller of commensal rodents and as a bioindicator of ecological processes in peri-urban Andean landscapes, providing key information for future monitoring and conservation strategies under a One Health framework.Item Efecto de la capsaicina sobre la transferencia de inmunidad pasiva en bovinos neonatos(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2025-10-21) Molina Domínguez, Antonelle Estefanía; Tacuri Chicaiza, Johanna Elizabeth; Rodas Carpio, Ermes RamiroThe transfer of passive immunity (TPI) through the placenta does not occur in cattle. Because of this, providing high-quality colostrum or supplementing it with additives that support this transfer is essential. The research was carried out at the commercial farm Pecalpa, located in Victoria del Portete, Cuenca-Azuay. The study evaluated the effect of adding capsaicin (CAP) to colostrum on TPI in calves, through the assessment of physiological constants, immunoglobulin G (IgG), Total Proteins (TP), and Albumin (Alb). Additionally, the efficiency of refractometry was compared to the ELISA test as an indirect method for evaluating TPI. Eight calves were used, divided into two groups: Group 1, in which 33 mg/kg of body weight of CAP was added to the colostrum (CAP: n=4), and Group 2 (Control: n=4), which received colostrum only. The results found in blood serum showed that in Group 1, IgG increased significantly (19.8±1.27 g/L) compared to Group 2 (12.8±1.75 g/L); likewise, TP in Group 1 (9.66±0.57 g/dL) increased compared to Group 2 (7.83±0.19 g/dL). The °Brix value in Group 1 (13.98±1.00 °Brix) was higher than in Group 2 (11.85±0.34 °Brix; P<0.05) at 48 hours after birth. However, Alb levels in Group 1 (3.36±0.37 g/dL) and Group 2 (2.95±0.10 g/dL) at 48 hours showed no significant difference (P>0.05). These findings suggest that CAP is a beneficial additive for improving TPI in newborn calves, reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that refractometry is an effective method for field application, as it reliably determines serum IgG concentration in cattle with the same accuracy as the ELISA test.Item Evaluación del efecto de dos bioaditivos obtenidos a partir de subproductos agroindustriales fermentados con bacterias y levaduras sobre el comportamiento productivo de cuyes (Cavia porcellus)(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2025-10-02) Gómez Criollo, Walter Fabián; Castro Jerez, GonzaloThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two bio-additives obtained from agro- industrial by-products fermented with lactic acid bacteria and yeasts on the productive behavior of guinea pigs in the growth and fattening stage. For this purpose, an experimental work was conducted with 90 guinea pigs at the “Irquis” farm, belonging to the University of Cuenca. The guinea pigs were given probiotics of agro-industrial by-products fermented with lactic acid bacteria and yeast in order to evaluate weight gain, as well as productive parameters and health indicators. The guinea pigs used in the study were distributed in 9 groups of 10 animals, being TC (T1) the control group, TL (TL2, TL3, TL4, TL5) the groups to which the bioadditive with Lactobacillus acidophilus was administered, and TK (TK6, TK7, TK8, TK9) the bioadditive with Kluyveromyces fragilis was applied, with doses of 0.15ml, 0.25ml, 0.35ml, .050ml respectively. The data collected were processed with SPSS version 27, using parametric and non-parametric statistics. There was higher weight gain with TL of 0.50ml for males and 0.25ml for females, for TK at doses of 0.35ml for males and 0.50ml for females respectively. It was also observed that the mortality and diarrhea rate is less frequent in the treatments to which the bioadditives were added. In most cases, the addition of two or more probiotic microorganisms in the feed portion of the guinea pigs provides an evident significant improvement in the productive behavior of the animals. The hematocrit, red blood cell count and hematometric indices of VCM and CHCM showed minimal but statistically significant variations in the treatments administered with yeasts and bacteria, which suggests that their implementation avoids diarrhea and improves hematological values, mainly if they are administered together.Item Evaluación del reconocimiento del antígeno IalB de Bartonella hanselae por anticuerpos de caninos (Canis lupus familiaris)(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-30) Celi Cruz, Jorge Luis; Corte Suqui, Jonathan Fabricio; Vallecillo Maza, Antonio JavierBartonella henselae (B. henselae), a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for bartonellosis, is a chronic disease that affects both animals and humans. In this context, cats (Felis catus domesticus) are the main carriers, and the disease is transmitted through their fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). In dogs, infection with this bacterium often does not induce the appearance of obvious clinical signs, which complicates its diagnosis at points of care. In addition, there are few diagnostic tools available to identify chronically infected animals. A possible indicator for detecting this infection in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) is the IalB antigen, a protein found in the outer membrane of B. henselae. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the possible recognition of IalB by antibodies in dogs potentially exposed to B. henselae in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. To achieve this objective, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed, using the recombinant IalB protein as the antigen together with a modified version of the same by adding a polystyrene-binding peptide. This assay was carried out on two types of plates. In the indirect ELISA assay, 92 canine sera were evaluated, in which the presence of fleas had been reported in a previous three-month period. MultiSorp and MaxiSorp plates were used for the analysis, and statistical tests were applied to compare reactivity. The Friedman test showed that, in the MultiSorp plates, there were no significant differences between the two antigens, indicating equivalent reactivity. However, in the MaxiSorp plates, lower antibody binding was observed. In addition, a high correlation between IalB and IalB-PoBP was evident in MultiSorp (ρ = 0.87; p < 0.0001), while a moderate correlation was observed in MaxiSorp (ρ = 0.65), suggesting that fusion to the peptide does not substantially alter recognition. Finally, no correlation was found between the presence of fleas and antibody detection (ρ ≈ 0.0; p > 0.7), which could be attributed to limitations in risk assessment based on medical history and physical examination.Item Efecto de dos fitobióticos anticoccidiales sobre la productividad, pigmentación y costos de pollos de engorde desafiados con Eimeria spp(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-18) Niola Quintuña, Nelson Daniel; Astudillo Riera, Fabián ManuelThe present investigation evaluated the effect of two anticoccidial phytobiotics against a conventional anticoccidial program on productive parameters, mortality, oocysts per gram of feces (OPG), pigmentation and production costs in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria spp. A completely randomized design (n=304) was implemented with Cobb 500 chickens distributed in four treatments: T1 (control), T2 (nicarbazine/lasalocid), T3 (Peptasan: saponins) and T4 (Forcyx PY LS: phytobiotic complex). The experimental challenge consisted of oral administration of a dose ten times higher than recommended of a polyvalent vaccine with Eimeria spp. at 14 days of age. McMaster analyses evidenced a significant reduction of OPG in all treatments with anticoccidial additive (p <0.0001), T3 had the lowest OPG, on the other hand, T4, although it maintained an OPG count lower than T1 reduced its efficacy. No significant differences were evidenced regarding productive parameters nor in mortality. Significant differences were observed in tarsal pigmentation (p = 0.034); T3 presented the best pigmentation. Finally, although production costs did not present significant differences, a reduction of 6.43% was evidenced in T3 compared to T1. These results support the potential and safety of saponins as an anticoccidial agent. On the other hand, although treatment T4 showed efficacy in OPG reduction, it presents certain limitations associated with its formulation.Item Evaluación de la digestibilidad in vitro de las fracciones de cacao y bagazo de café como alimentos no convencionales en cerdos(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-03) Chacho González, Marlon Patricio; Moscoso Moscoso, Thomas Genaro; Vanegas Ruiz, Jorge LeonardoSwine production is a strategic economic activity that faces the ongoing challenge of reducing feed costs. In this context, agro-industrial by-products such as cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and coffee pulp may represent viable alternative feed ingredients, provided they are properly evaluated. This study aimed to analyze the in vitro digestibility of five substrates—wheat, corn, cocoa pulp, cocoa husk, and coffee pulp—by assessing variables such as apparent dry matter digestibility, gas production, and chemical composition. The results showed that wheat and corn exhibited the highest digestibility rates, with values of 88,34% and 83,74%, respectively. They also registered the highest cumulative gas production at 96 hours (106,5 mL/g for wheat and 101,40 mL/g for corn). In contrast, cocoa husk and coffee pulp showed lower digestibility values (60,88% and 61,34%, respectively) and significantly reduced gas production (62,92 mL/g and 71,83 mL/g), which is associated with their higher lignin content. Cocoa pulp yielded intermediate results, with 70,8% digestibility and 84 mL/g of gas produced. These findings suggest that, although certain by-products such as cocoa pulp have potential as alternative feed ingredients in swine diets, their inclusion must be based on a detailed evaluation of their nutritional value and digestibility.Item Evaluación del antígeno ESAT6-CFP10 recombinante de Mycobacterium tuberculosis para la detección de anticuerpos en primates no humanos potencialmente expuestos a tuberculosis(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-03) Lema Segovia, Geovanna Daniela; Vele Criollo, Daniela Belén; Vallecillo Maza, Antonio JavierMycobacterium tuberculosis complex is made up of bacterial species belonging to the Mycobacteriacea family, most of which cause tuberculosis, a zoonotic disease considered of public health importance. These bacterial pathogens are considered Gram-positive, non-sporulating, and capable of intracellular residence. In non-human primates, the species M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, and additionally M. avium have been identified. The main infection occurs through the inhalation of aerosols expelled from the respiratory tract of both animals and humans who have been infected with the active disease. Since these are wildlife, their current status in these species is unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate ESAT-6 and CFP-10 antigens integrated into a fusipon protein, for the detection of anti-M. tuberculosis in Capuchino monkeys (Cebus capucinus) and Chorongo (Lagothrix poeppigii) potentially exposed to this disease, for which a total of 14 blood samples were collected (10 from Capuchin monkeys and 4 from Chorongo) residing in a zoo-shelter in the city of Cuenca, these samples were analyzed using Western blot and indirect ELISA diagnostic techniques using the recombinant antigen HT-ESAT6-CFP10. The results obtained show that, of the 14 analyzed sera, no reactivity to the M. tuberculosis HT-ESAT6-CFP10 antigens was evident in the Western blot assay. However, the in-house indirect ELISA showed signs of reactivity, which can be assumed to be suspected cases. Finally, no differences were found in the application of either of the two diagnostic methods for the identification of tuberculosis in non-human primates.Item Valoración de un protocolo de estimulación ovárica a base de FSH/LH vía epidural previo a la aspiración ecoguiada (OPU) en vacas Holstein mestizas(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-01) Montaleza Guamán, Kimberly Elizabeth; Vásquez Luna, Carina Graciela; Ayala Guanga, Luis EduardoThis study was carried out on a single commercial farm "La Zelanda". The objective was to evaluate ovarian response to epidural stimulation with 250 IU of FSH/LH in crossbred Holstein cows. Eight animals were used as controls (T0) and treatments (T1) at different times. Both treatments received 0,4 mg of estradiol benzoate (E2) + 25 mg of prostaglandin (PGF2α), and a 0,50 g intravaginal progesterone device (IVD) on day 0. On day 4, T1 was administered 250 IU of FSH/LH, while T0 received a placebo. Follicular aspiration (OPU) was performed on day 6. The number and size of antral follicles (AF) visualised on the day of OPU, as well as the count and quality of recovered cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) retrieved. The number of AF observed on the day of OPU was similar in T0 (19.6 ± 3.02) and T1 (17.3 ± 0.83; p>0.05). Follicle diameter in T1 animals was twice as large (9.0 ± 0.18 mm) compared to T0 (4.6 ± 0.20 mm; p < 0.05). The number of COCs was similar between T0 (93 ± 1.85) and T1 (102 ± 0.64; p>0.05), however, the recovery percentage was different between T0 (59.2% ± 2.04) and T1 (73.9% ± 2.55; p<0.05), and the percentage of viable COCs (Type A and B) in T1 (72.4 ± 4.9) was higher than T0 (48.3 ± 4.2; p<0.05). In conclusion, epidurally administered FSH/LH did not alter the number of AF, but enhanced follicular growth, resulting in a higher recovery of COCs with improved quality.Item Generación de una cepa de Escherichia coli capaz de degradar microplástico de Tereftalato de polietileno(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-01) Romero Vega, José Carlos; García Zumalacárregui, Jorge AlejandroPlastic pollution is increasing every moment on our planet. The excessive consumption of plastic products across various industries promotes the release of these materials into environmental matrices, where plastics, through chemical and physical processes, break down into micro- and nanoplastics. These particles can enter and disrupt human and animal biological systems, as well as the broader ecosystem. To prevent dangerous accumulation of plastic waste, biodegradation by bacteria is a viable solution that occurs naturally. Modifying enzymes capable of using plastic as a substrate to obtain carbon emerges as a feasible option for degrading plastics into products with low or no environmental impact. This study aimed to design an E. coli strain capable of degrading microparticles of a synthetic polymer (PET) using two enzymes, FastPETase and MHETase, while also deploying a carbohydrate-binding module (BaCBM2) with affinity for PET to accelerate plastic degradation. The recombinant bacteria were successfully designed to express the enzymes and BaCBM2. Additionally, adhesion to PET was demonstrated through a qualitative fluorescence analysis of PET discs incubated with the E. coli strain EcM1-pNVgfp-BaCBM2 strain. This strain exhibited the highest fluorescence emission, which is attributed to BaCBM2 binding to PET.Item Relación de los niveles de estrógenos y progesterona con los cambios histo-morfológicos del ovario durante el ciclo estral de la cobaya(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-06) Torres Contreras, Aleida Tamara; Garay Peña, Gabriela SofíaThis investigation evaluated serum concentrations of estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) at eight moments of the guinea pig estrous cycle (days 0, 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 20), relating them to cytological changes in the vaginal epithelium and histo-morphological characteristics of ovaries. For this purpose, 48 females of six months of age and 750 g of average weight were synchronized by oral administration of P4 (0.44 mg / kg) for 15 days. The onset of heat (day 0) was determined with the opening of the vaginal membrane and vaginal cytologies were performed (200 cells / smear) classified into six cell types. In parallel, ovaries were collected for morphological and histological analysis of follicles and corpora lutea. The results showed that P4 reached its highest levels between D3 and D12 (1.65–1.50 ng/mL), correlating with a significant increase in neutrophils and a lower number of tertiary follicles, except on D9, when these increased. The corpora lutea remained stable during diestrus, reaching their largest diameter on D6 (408 μm). In contrast, E2 peaked in estrus (60.26 pg/mL) and proestrus (42.10 pg/mL), associated with increases in large intermediate and superficial cells, respectively. Likewise, E2 levels were related to larger follicular size in estrus (357 μm) and proestrus (220 μm), along with the progressive reduction and subsequent absence of corpora lutea. In conclusion, the guinea pig estrous cycle is characterized as biphasic, with a predominance of tertiary follicles in estrus and proestrus, a high presence of neutrophils in diestrus, and an absence of corpora lutea in proestrus.Item Implementación de un protocolo de inseminación artificial por laparoscopía en ovejas en la granja de Irquis(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-28) Gavilanes Barbecho, Karol Vanessa; Galarza Lucero, Diego AndrésThis study evaluated the fertility of ewes artificially inseminated via laparoscopic technique using cryopreserved ram semen. Ten clinically healthy, reproductively sound adult ewes were selected and subjected to an estrus synchronization protocol. An intravaginal sponge impregnated with 50 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate was inserted for 14 days, with a replacement on day seven. On day 14, the sponge was removed and 350 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was administered. Laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) was performed 52 to 54 hours after eCG administration. The cryopreserved semen used for LAI was collected from two adult donor rams and frozen in 0.25 ml straws at a concentration of 100 x 10⁶ spermatozoa/ml. The LAI procedure was conducted under anesthesia using 2% xylazine, 10% ketamine, tiletamine, and zolazepam. Two incisions were made in the inguinal hypogastric region to introduce a light source through one port and a modified aspix device containing the thawed semen straw through the other. Semen was deposited into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the ovary bearing the preovulatory follicle. All ewes (10/10) responded to the synchronization protocol, as evidenced by behavioral estrus and the presence of a preovulatory follicle visualized by laparoscopy prior to insemination. Fertility was assessed via transrectal ultrasonography at 35 days post-LAI, yielding a conception rate of 70% (7/10). In conclusion, laparoscopic artificial insemination proved to be successful in achieving a 70% pregnancy rate. Increasing the number of inseminated ewes is recommended to validate these fertility results.Item Frecuencia de Brucelosis en perros en campañas de esterilización de las parroquias rurales del cantón Cuenca(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-27) Murillo Galarza, Erika Estefanía; Piedra Fijolek, Erika Melisa; Picón Saavedra, Marco AntonioThis research study was conducted to identify the frequency of brucellosis in dogs during sterilization campaigns in the parishes of Cumbe and Quingeo, as well as predisposing factors: age, sex, diet, and access to the outdoors, since there are no actual data on canine brucellosis in these areas. Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by bacteria of genre Brucella and affects dogs as well as humans. This disease has an affinity for reproductive tissues and causes pathologies such as abortions in females and epididymitis in males. From this perspective, the need for this research arose. The diagnosis was made using a commercial immunochromatography kit that detects Brucella antibodies in the whole blood of the 100 dogs used in our study. The results revealed a frequency of canine brucellosis of 61% of positive cases in the campaigns conducted by the University of Cuenca. The relations between variables were determined using the Chi-square test, which revealed a significant relationship between dogs testing positive for brucellosis and outdoor access of 48%, and between dogs testing positive for brucellosis and age of 33%. This research also included georeferencing, recording the locations of the dogs' owners who attended the sterilization campaigns. This resulted in a map with references to the origins of each dog.Item Caracterización morfométrica de los espermatozoides epididimarios del tigrillo (Leopardus tigrinus)(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-25) Torres Elizalde, Ibeth Teresa; Galarza Lucero, Diego AndrésThe tigrillo (Leopardus tigrinus) is a Neotropical species listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss from fragmentation and deforestation, threatening its survival. Therefore, in this study, we propose studying the morphometric features of its epididymal sperm as a conservation strategy. Samples were obtained post-mortem under an agreement with Yurak Allpa Zoo-Refuge and sent to the University of Cuenca's reproductive biotechnology lab. The sperm extraction was performed using retrograde flow with TCG-YH diluent (Tris-citric acid-glucose-egg yolk 6 %), followed by staining with SpermBlue®. Quantitative analysis employed the CASA system (SCA-Evolution® 2018) with the ASMA module, analyzing 1,823 cells across 23 stained plates (at least 100 cells per sample). Two sperm subpopulations were identified based on head size: SP1 (11–13.49 µm², n = 950) and SP2 (13.5–17 µm², n = 873). SP2 had significantly larger dimensions (p<0.05) in all measured variables, including area, perimeter, head length/width, rugosity, regularity, acrosomal percentage, and midpiece features. Overall, 77.6 % of sperm showed intact morphology, exceeding previous records of 59.2 %. Data indicate clear sperm heterogeneity, similar to patterns seen in other mammals. These findings establish baseline parameters for germplasm cryobanks, which are vital for assisted reproduction efforts to conserve this felid.Item Caracterización de cataratas en caninos en 3 clínicas veterinarias de la ciudad de Cuenca - Ecuador desde septiembre 2019 hasta septiembre 2024: estudio retrospectivo(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-08) Lojano Narea, Paula Daniela; Moina Shispón, Gladys Andrea; Mejía Fraile, María GabrielaCataracts have been named as one of the leading causes of vision loss in canines. A retrospective analysis was conducted by reviewing ophthalmologic clinical records from three veterinary clinics in the city of Cuenca: CENOV, Clínica Veterinaria Solidaria, and Clínica Santa Bárbara. A total of 80 canines with cataracts were registered. According to frequency tables, the most predisposing breeds were poodles (26.3%) and mixed-breed dogs (18.8%). In terms of age, geriatric dogs (over 8 years old) stood out, comprising 58.8%. Males were the ones who developed this pathology the most. Regarding maturity level, more cases were recorded in the incipient/immature category in both the right and left eye (45 and 40 cases, respectively). According to contingency tables, when adding the right and left eye cases, the poodle breed has more instances in the mature/hypermature category (19); in contrast, mixed-breed dogs have the majority of cases in the incipient/immature category (17). Regarding age, young/adult dogs registered more cases in the incipient/immature stage (12), and geriatrics showed similar results in both maturity categories. In terms of sex, females had more cases in the incipient/immature category (17), while males displayed relatively balanced results across both maturity categories. These findings underscore the importance of early ophthalmologic evaluations, particularly in breeds predisposed to this condition and in geriatric dogs, to improve diagnosis and facilitate timely treatment options.Item Determinación de la presencia, clasificación de grados y factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de la enfermedad periodontal en perros (Canis lupus familiaris)(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-08) Encalada Vizhco, Oswaldo Xavier; Pineda Baculima, Mariuxi Yessenia; Solano León, María KatherinePeriodontal disease (PD) is recognized as the most common and clinically relevant condition in dogs. It is an inflammatory and infectious pathology that leads to the progressive loss of the supporting dental structures (periodontium). The objective of the present study was to determine its prevalence, classify the severity according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Veterinary Dental College, identify the predominant lesion, and analyze its possible association with age, type of diet, cranial conformation, and bite type. A total of 100 dogs were evaluated, all under general anesthesia. The presence of PD was confirmed in 81% of the dogs. Of these, 24% presented with gingivitis (Grade I), 35% with early periodontitis (Grade II), 15% with moderate periodontitis (Grade III), and 7% with severe periodontitis (Grade IV). The predominant lesion was gingival recession, observed in 62% of cases. Geriatric dogs (≥ 8 years) showed the highest prevalence (95%), as did those with dolichocephalic cranial conformation (100%) and those fed a mixed diet (93%) or dry food (83%). Regarding bite type, PD was observed in 100% of dogs with a pincer bite and in 93% of those with prognathism. A positive correlation was found between the presence of PD and factors such as age (p = 0.017), type of diet (p = 0.023), and bite type (p= 0.044). However, no significant association was found with cranial conformation. Risk analysis indicated that age was the only significant risk factor for the development of PD (OR = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.02 – 0.063). This study provides relevant epidemiological data and highlights the urgent need to strengthen oral health prevention, focusing on owner education, dietary changes, and the implementation of regular systematic dental check-ups as an essential part of clinical management and animal welfare.Item Identificación de los alelos del Nramp1 asociados a la resistencia a Leishmaniasis en caninos (Canis lupus familiaris) mediante ARMS-PCR(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-26) Espinoza Cárdenas, Eduardo Franco; Tenezaca Celdo, Segundo Manuel; Guevara Viera, Guillermo EmilioCanine Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease of great public health importance, especially in endemic areas such as Ecuador. Previous studies have shown that the Nramp1 gene plays a crucial role in resistance and susceptibility to intracellular diseases through macrophage regulation. This study aimed to identify Nramp1 alleles associated with resistance in canines (Canis lupus familiaris) from urban and rural areas of Cuenca, using the ARMS-PCR technique. Eighty-five DNA samples were processed, designing specific primers for the A4549G (intron 6), C4859T (exon 8), and C8542T (intron 13) polymorphisms. Of these, only the A4549G allele was successfully amplified, revealing a genotypic distribution of 89.41% AA homozygotes (associated with susceptibility) and 10.59% GA heterozygotes (partial resistance); no GG homozygotes were detected. The results indicate that the G allele in A4549G could be linked to some degree of protection against Leishmania spp., although its low frequency (4.71%) suggests limited selective pressure within the studied population. The ARMS-PCR technique proved to be efficient for genotyping this SNP, although conditions had to be adjusted for other polymorphisms.Item Evaluación de la degradabilidad in situ y digestibilidad in vitro de subproductos agroindustriales como potencial alimento para ovinos(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-25) Guanuchi Rivas, Karina Michelle; Sibri Ortiz, Leslie Julissa; Haro Haro, Andrés NorbertoThis study evaluated the use of agro-industrial by-products from cacao (Theobroma cacao), coffee (Coffea spp.) and banana (Musa paradisiaca), as a possible alternative ingredient in sheep diets. Samples analyzed: cocoa husk and pulp, banana and coffee bagasse, compared with a previously dried and ground reference forage mixture. The objective was to determine the chemical composition, in situ degradability and in vitro intestinal digestibility of the by-products. The chemical composition was determined following AOAC methodologies. In situ degradability was evaluated using the Ørskov and McDonald model. The undegraded residue was then used as the substrate for in vitro intestinal digestibility through a two-stage enzymatic technique. The chemical composition results showed clear differences. On average, the cacao by-products contained 9% (CP) and 32% (NDF). Coffee bagasse presented 14% (CP) and 17% (ADL), while banana residues contained 6,3% (CP) and 6,9 (ADL). Degradability and digestibility showed significant variation (p < 0,0001) among all the evaluated by-products. Banana showed high values for total dry matter digestibility (TDMD: 89%), whereas coffee bagasse exhibited lower digestibility (TDMD: 34%). Regarding energy content (GE), cacao pulp and banana stood out, with an average of 4,8 Mcal/kg. In conclusion, cacao pulp and banana show nutritional potential due to their digestibility and energy contribution, whereas cacao husk and coffee bagasse present limitations for efficient use in ruminant diets.Item Evaluación de los cambios morfológicos del trazado electrocardiográfico en perros(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-25) Barzallo López, Daniela de los Ángeles; Riera Valladarez, María Verónica; Carpio Alemán, Fredi MarcoThanks to the electrocardiogram, we can evaluate the heart's electrical activity, thereby de-tecting any alterations that may be present. The objective of this study was to identify morphological changes in the electrocardiographic tracing in dogs, related to age, breed, and sex. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 250 electrocardiograms performed at the CLINICAN veterinary clinic in Cuenca, Ecuador, between February 2018 and March 2025. These were classified by age (under 7 years, over 7 years), breed (high cross, mixed-breed), and sex (females, males). The chi-square test was used to determine the existence of statistically significant relationships.The results showed significant changes in the duration of the P wave and the QRS complex with age, increasing in dogs older than 7 years (41.9% to 78.1% for the P wave and 51.6% to 70.3% for the QRS). Differences were observed in the duration of the P wave, with greater alterations in mixed-breeds (85.4%) versus high cross (70.8%), and in the duration of the QRS complex, with greater alterations in high cross dogs (71.8%) versus mixed-breeds (52.1%). No differences were found in any electrocardiographic interval in relation to sex. In conclusion, these findings are important for determining which patients are in a risk group. Therefore, the use of the electrocardiogram is necessary in daily clinical practice, as it allows us to diagnose and treat susceptible patients preventively.Item Efecto del ciclo estral y fases lunares sobre enzimas hepáticas en cobayas nulíparas(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-25) Quintuña Mora, Nayeli Jamileth; Méndez Álvarez, María SilvanaThis study evaluated the influence of the estrous cycle and lunar phases on liver enzymes; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in nulliparous guinea pigs. Eighty serum samples from nulliparous pubertal guinea pigs from the farm "Imperio del cuy" in Bulán, Paute, Azuay, Ecuador, were used. Five samples were collected from guinea pigs during the four phases of the lunar cycle: New Moon (NM), First Quarter (QQ), Full Moon (FMM) and Last Quarter (QM), in four consecutive lunar cycles. Ten ml of blood were collected by cardiac puncture; prior to which the guinea pigs were anesthetized with Sevoflurane; the samples were centrifuged, and the resulting serum was frozen for subsequent analysis. The estrous cycle was simultaneously identified by vaginal smear, which, after applying cytological techniques, allowed the observation and characterization of the cellular profile corresponding to each phase. The effect of the estrous and lunar cycles on the dependent variables was analyzed through analysis of variance with the general linear model. Means were compared using the least squares test. The results indicated that the lunar cycle did not significantly affect the serum concentrations of AST, ALT, and ALP, but a statistical trend was observed in AST between the LN and LL phases (P = 0.0873), and CC and LL phases (P = 0.0584). Likewise, the AST concentration was significantly different (P = 0.0244) between proestrus and diestrus. In conclusion, the phases of the lunar cycle did not influence the liver enzymes studied, whereas the estrous cycle phases influenced the AST concentration.