Trabajos de Titulación - Medicina Veterinaria
URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://dspace.ucacue.edu.ec/handle/ucacue/53
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Item type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , Proyecto de Titulación embargado con fines de publicación de impacto(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Marin Ávila , Cristopher David.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Efecto de la estimulación de ondas foliculares con eCG sobre la producción in vitro de embriones, en vacas Bos indicus(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Lozano Briones, María JoséThis study analysed the effect of follicular wave stimulation with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) on the follicular population, oocyte competition and in vitro production of embryos (IVEB) in Bos indicus cows of the Gyr line. The aim was to determine the follicular response during the first and second waves, to compare the number and quality of oocytes retrieved with and without hormonal stimulation, and to evaluate its effect on embryonic development. The sample consisted of four Gyr crossbred cows, with one to three calvings, divided into two treatment groups: two animals received 600 IU of eCG two days before each follicular aspiration, and two formed the group without eCG. The aspirations by OPU were carried out on days 4 and 14 of the oestrous cycle, and the cumulus-oocyte complexes were evaluated and subjected to maturation, fertilisation and in vitro embryo culture. The results showed a numerically favourable response with eCG: the mean follicle size in the left ovary increased from 6.75 mm to 8.75 mm; the mean total number of viable embryos, from 1.25 to 3.75; and the mean number of blastocysts, from 0.25 to 2.50. In total, 15 viable embryos were obtained with eCG compared with 5 without eCG. The differences between treatments were not statistically significant (p>0.05), except in the supplementary analysis of viable embryos. It was concluded that the administration of 600 IU of eCG two days prior to OPU numerically favoured follicular response and embryo production, although its effect on embryo quality was inconclusive.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , EMBARGADO POR MOTIVOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Orellana Idrovo, José David...Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Efecto de la zeolita (Clinoptilolita) en los niveles de calcio sérico en vacas posparto del cantón Déleg(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Juncal Quizhpilema, Luis AlfredoCalcium concentration in postpartum cows is a key factor in one of the most significant metabolic issues in dairy production, as the high calcium demand associated with colostrum synthesis reduces calcium levels, leading to negative effects on the animal. In the pasture-based systems of the Ecuadorian highlands, where mineral nutrition is often limited, the use of natural additives such as clinoptilolite zeolite is proposed as an alternative to promote calcium balance. This study aims to determine the effect of clinoptilolite zeolite supplementation on serum calcium levels in postpartum cows in the Déleg canton. The study employed a quantitative experimental approach involving six multiparous crossbred cows kept under uniform management conditions. It included a control phase without supplementation and an experimental phase involving a daily dose of 300 g of zeolite (split into two feedings), with biochemical measurements of serum calcium taken on days 0, 15, and 30 of each phase. The dependent variable was serum calcium concentration (expressed in mg/dL), and the independent variable was the presence or absence of supplementation. The collected data were analyzed using ANOVA. The results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum calcium values between the control group and the supplemented experimental group (F = 0.48; p = 0.8568). These results suggest that, under the conditions evaluated, the inclusion of zeolite did not produce a statistically detectable effect on serum calcium levels. Keywords: hypocalcemia, serum calcium, clinoptilolite, postpartum cows, mineral supplementationItem type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Efecto de la suplementación con nanocomplejos de colesterol-metil-B-ciclodextrina en la calidad seminal ovina(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Rivadeneira Romero, Marlon Sebastián; Requena Lozano, José LuisCryopreservation of sheep semen constitutes an essential livestock biotechnology for the conservation and dissemination of genetic resources of high zootechnical value within sustainable production systems. However, the critical phases of thermal descent, freezing, and thawing induce severe oxidative stress (EO) and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering irreversible alterations in the lipid architecture of the sperm plasma membrane due to its high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and low endogenous cholesterol concentration. To mitigate this cryogenic damage, the addition of methyl-β-cyclodextrin-cholesterol nanocomplexes (CLC) in commercial diluents represents a superior biotechnological alternative to stabilize the membrane and preserve cell viability. The purpose of this research was to determine the optimal concentration of (CLC) as a substitute for egg yolk within the Triladyl diluent, evaluating its impact on post-thaw sperm quality. Five ejaculates from a Katahdin ram were collected using an artificial vagina, adjusted to a concentration of 50 × 10⁶ sperm per dose. The samples were divided into four groups: one control and three treatments supplemented with 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg of (CLC). After cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen, the semen was evaluated using the computerized CASA system, Eosin-Nigrosin staining, the HOST test, and the fluorescent probe MitoTracker Green. The results showed that supplementation with 1 mg of (CLC) provided superior protection to the sperm membrane against osmotic and thermal variations, significantly improving its functional integrity and flagellar beat frequency, while the parameters of overall viability and mitochondrial activity remained stable compared to the control. It is concluded that the use of (CLC) nanocomplexes optimizes ovine semen cryopreservation, offering a biosecure alternative to the use of avian-origin yolks. Keywords: methyl-B-cyclodextrin-cholesterol (CLC), cryopreservation, ovine semen, oxidative stress, sperm quality.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Evaluación de tres analgésicos–anestésicos epidurales sobre el dolor mediante biomarcadores salivales y plasmáticos en bovinos(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Naula Zhangallimbay, Lilia MaribelThis study evaluates the efficacy of three epidural anesthetic-analgesic protocols (2% lidocaine, 10% xylazine, and 35 µg/kg detomidine) for pain control in adult cattle undergoing hoof surgery, using plasma and salivary biomarkers and behavioral scales. The study was conducted with nine male bovines (seven surgical and two controls). Samples were collected at baseline, 30 minutes, and 24 hours post-surgery. Plasma cortisol levels remained within the physiological range (0.5–5.5 µg/dL), except for one peak of 6.37 µg/dL; serum amyloid A was normal in all cases. Pain scores (scale 1-5) decreased from 5 to 1 in the surgical group and increased from 1 to 3 in controls due to handling stress. Chi-square showed a significant association (p=0.003) between surgery with anesthesia and low postoperative pain. Detomidine presented the lowest cortisol concentrations at 30 minutes (1.40 µg/dL) and 24 hours (2.34 µg/dL), while lidocaine showed the highest value at 24 hours (5.02 µg/dL), although without significant differences (p>0.05). It is concluded that all three protocols effectively control surgical stress, but detomidine exhibited the best overall analgesic profile. Individual variability highlights the need for personalized monitoring. Keywords bovine pain, epidural anesthesia, cortisol, serum amyloid A, animal welfareItem type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , Proyecto de Titulación embargado con fines de publicación de impacto.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Bueno Tacuri, Johanna Eugenia; Calva Jaramillo, Dayana Aracely,Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Propuesta de un modelo de bienestar animal en jaguares (Panthera onca) bajo cuidado profesional(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Palacio CevallosAnimal welfare in professionally cared-for wildlife has become central to the modern management of zoos and bioparks. However, the lack of species-specific models has limited the effectiveness of assessments, technical decision-making, and the development of appropriate management plans to ensure their well-being. Assessment criteria for large felines such as the jaguar can be limited when identifying specific needs based on their biological, ethological, and management characteristics. This study aimed to establish an animal welfare assessment model using criteria adapted to each of the five domains for the jaguar (Panthera onca), focusing on the two individuals inhabiting the population at the Amaru Biopark (Cuenca, Ecuador). The model was based on 33 criteria derived from the Five Domains Model, which were adapted to the institutional management context and theoretical background. Monitoring of individuals was conducted through non-invasive, animal-based observations, review of environmental conditions, and validation of records using a dyad behavioral sampling methodology and a dichotomous one-zero (Yes/No) recording system. This monitoring took place over four weeks in different contexts focused on the presence and absence of visitors. The presence of locomotor stereotypy was identified as the only negative criterion, representing 3.03% (1/33) of the evaluated cases. Although the result appears to be specific to a behavioral problem and a positive mental state, the presence of stereotypy may also be associated with problems in other domains. The proposed animal welfare assessment model allowed for the development of a welfare evaluation tool for wildlife rescue and management centers, specifically focused on the jaguar (Panthera onca) species. This model is replicable for use with other felines under professional care, provided the center's management circumstances are taken into account. Keywords: Welfare; Fauna; Animal behavior; Assessment; Animal ecology; Wildlife conservationItem type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , EMBARGADO POR MOTIVOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Molina Mosquera, Nury Lizbeth...Item type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , EMBARGADO POR MOTIVOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Lazo Quichimbo, Jeferson Galo...Item type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , TRABAJO DE TITULACIÓN EMBARGADO CON FINES DE PUBLICACION(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Salazar Zambrano, Melanie Nicole; Zaldúa Ollague, Ariana...Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Interacción in vitro de la microbiota vaginal en ovejas y la viabilidad espermática del semen ovino fresco(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Sarmiento Leraux , Genesis Odalis; Martinez Tacuri, Daniela LizbethThe vaginal microbiota plays a fundamental role in maintaining the homeostasis of the reproductive tract and fertility in animals. In sheep, its composition differs from that described in other widely studied species in which lactobacilli are abundant, which is associated with particular physiological characteristics of sheep, such as a near-neutral vaginal pH. Despite its importance, available information on the ovine vaginal microbiota, particularly its in vitro interaction with male ovine germplasm, remains limited. This non-experimental and exploratory study aimed to determine the technical conditions required to establish an in vitro interaction between the vaginal microbiota of ewes and the sperm viability of fresh ram semen. Based on this approach, an anaerobic isolation protocol using MRS medium was developed to recover native vaginal microbiota with potential applications in reproductive biotechnologies involving semen handling. Furthermore, the use of alternative extenders, such as coconut water and UHT milk, together with seminal extenders, was shown to simultaneously preserve bacterial and sperm viability under the experimental conditions evaluated. Finally, phenotypic characterization confirmed the isolation of native strains from the vaginal microbiota, while evaluation using the CASA system showed that the interaction between the microbiota and semen did not compromise sperm quality. Overall, these findings provide a methodological basis for future research on microbiota–semen interactions in reproductive biotechnology protocols in sheep. Keywords: Coconut water; CASA; UHT milk; eubiotic vaginal microbiota; MRSItem type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , EMBARGADO POR MOTIVOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Jumbo Motoche, Isis Alessa; Garcia Coofre, María Belén........Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Variación de los efectos de la Astaxantina sobre la motilidad y funcionalidad del semen ovino congelado(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Naranjo Baculima, María Pamela; Alvarez Encalada, María SofiaCryopreservation of sheep semen is fundamental for genetic improvement programs and the conservation of reproductive material; however, during freezing and thawing, oxidative stress is generated, associated with the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), affecting cell integrity and decreasing post-freezing semen quality. Given this problem, the use of antioxidants in freezing media has been proposed as a strategy to reduce cell damage and preserve sperm function. The objective of this research was to determine the functional dose of astaxanthin in cryopreserved sheep semen by evaluating variables related to sperm motility and function. Six semen samples were collected from a Kathadin ram with proven fertility. The samples were distributed into four experimental treatments: a control group and three groups supplemented with 0.5 μM, 1 μM, and 2 μM of astaxanthin. Subsequently, the semen was cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen and evaluated post-thaw using the CASA system, the Eosin-Nigrosin test, HOST, and MitoTracker Green. The results showed significant differences in functional membrane integrity and flagellar beating frequency, with favorable responses observed mainly in the treatments supplemented with 0.5 μM and 1 μM astaxanthin. Sperm viability, mitochondrial function, and most kinetic parameters did not show statistically significant differences between treatments. It is concluded that astaxanthin showed potential to improve certain functional parameters of cryopreserved ovine semen. Keywords: astaxanthin, cryopreservation, ovine semen, sperm motility, oxidative stressItem type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Determinación de rangos hematológicos de perros mestizos en altitud: caso parroquia el Batán Cuenca – Ecuador(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Cabrera Quito, José FranciscoDetermining hematological reference intervals is an essential tool for interpreting complete blood count (CBC) results in veterinary medicine. Factors such as altitude, age, sex, genetic diversity, and analytical methodology can affect blood parameters; therefore, establishing population-specific reference values is necessary. This study aimed to determine hematological reference intervals in mixed-breed dogs aged two to five years residing in Cuenca, Ecuador, and to compare them with those reported in the international literature. A descriptive observational study was conducted in 106 healthy dogs. Red blood cell parameters showed values consistent with international reference intervals: RBC counts of 6.015–6.339 × 10⁶/µL, HCT values of 42.4–44.8%, and HGB concentrations of 17.1–18.8 g/dL, with the latter approaching the upper reference limit. MCV remained within the reference range (69.289–70.559 fL), whereas MCH was higher than values reported in the literature (29.768–31.324 pg), which may be related to adaptation to altitude. MCHC (399–434 g/L) could be associated with preanalytical or analytical factors. Regarding white blood cell parameters, total leukocyte counts ranged from 9.938 to 11.553 × 10³/µL, with a predominance of granulocytes (6.834–8.226 × 10³/µL) and lymphocyte counts within the reference range (1.893–2.290 × 10³/µL). Platelet counts ranged from 241.240 to 284.022 × 10³/µL, with an MPV of 10.582–11.228 fL and a PCT of 0.245–0.279%. The results confirm hematological homeostasis and support the establishment of reference intervals for mixed-breed dogs living at high altitude. Furthermore, these findings enable the identification of environment-associated variations, improve diagnostic accuracy, and help avoid interpretations based on foreign populations whose genetic characteristics and analytical methodologies may differ from those observed in Cuenca. Keywords Dymind DH36 Vet; Complete blood count; Sex; CaninesItem type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Adaptación del cuestionario de empatía de Toronto (TEQ) como instrumento de evaluación psicométrica enfocado en animales de compañía(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Ortega Falconí , María EmiliaIs empathy essential to veterinary practice? Evidence suggests that empathy enhances the understanding of companion animals´ emotional states and strengthens the human-animal bond, promoting more ethical animal care and contributing to the development of a more compassionate society. This study aimed to evaluate the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) as a psychometric instrument for assessing empathy toward companion animals. The TEQ was adapted for assessing empathy toward companion animals and administered, together with the original questionnaire to 200 university students aged 18-25 years from different academic disciplines, who participated anonymously and voluntarily. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed according to academic discipline and gender and differences were assessed using Student´s t-test (p < 0,05). The adapted questionnaire yielded a higher proportion of empathetic participants (54%) tan the original version (49%). Veterinary Medicine students exhibited the highest proportion of empathetic individuals (61%) compared with students from the other academic disciplines, while female participants demonstrated higher empathy levels (59%) than male participants (46%). Although statistically significant differences were observed among academic disciplines (p < 0,05) no significant differences were found between the original and adapted questionnaires. These findings suggest that the study population exhibits comparable levels of empathy toward companion animals and humans. Moreover, the adapted TEQ represents a promising instrument that has the potencial to serve as a valuable psychometric tool for investigating the human-animal bond, guiding strategies to enhance animal welfare, and helping prevent profesional burnout among future veterinarians. Keywords Gender, burnout, veterinary medicine, human-animal bond, empathyItem type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , EMBARGADO POR MOTIVOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Matute Velez, Jairo Esteban...Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Evaluación de la eficacia antiparasitaria de semillas de Carica Papaya en caninos positivos a Toxacara Canis(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Quezada Barzola, Johnny AlexanderToxocara canis gastrointestinal infection is one of the most common parasitic diseases affecting dogs and represents an important zoonotic concern. This study compared the antiparasitic efficacy of conventional praziquantel plus pyrantel treatment with Carica papaya seeds in naturally infected dogs. An experimental study was conducted using twenty dogs older than six months, randomly assigned to two groups of ten animals each. Coprological diagnosis and parasite burden were assessed using the Sheather flotation technique on days 0 and 16. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for within-group comparisons and the Mann-Whitney U test for between-group comparisons, considering p < 0.05. Both treatments eliminated all cases classified as having high parasite burden by the end of the study. Praziquantel plus pyrantel achieved a greater reduction in parasite burden, showing differences between baseline and day 16 (p = 0.013) and when compared with the C. papaya group at the end of treatment (p = 0.044). Although C. seeds reduced parasite burden and eliminated severe infections, their therapeutic effect was lower than that of conventional treatment. These findings support the use of C. papaya seeds as a complementary option within integrated parasite control programs for dogs. Keywords Natural antiparasitic; Carica papaya; toxocariasis; canines; Toxocara canis; helminthsItem type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , EMBARGADO POR MOTIVOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Quizhpi Sangurima, Veronica Paola...Item type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , EMBARGADO POR MOTIVOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Escandón Carpio, Juan Francisco...
