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: Acceso Abierto , Propuesta de un modelo de bienestar animal en jaguares (Panthera onca) bajo cuidado profesional(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Palacios 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: Acceso Abierto , 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...Item type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , PROYECTO DE TITULACION EMBARGADO CON FINES DE PUBLICACION(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Conde Ochoa, Gabriel...Item type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , EMBARGADO POR MOTIVOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Duy Tenezaca, Tupac Segundo; Lliguilema López, Elizabeth TatianaItem type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Valoración de respuesta inflamatoria subclínica en caballos mediante monitoreo de la proteína amiloide A sérica post-ejercicio(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Toapanta Tanguila , Victor EliecerThe early detection of subclinical inflammatory responses in sport horses is a useful tool for preventing exercise-associated musculoskeletal injuries, overcoming the limitations of conventional clinical examination during moderate exercise. The primary objective of this article was to examine serum amyloid A (SAA) levels as a biomarker of subclinical inflammation induced by physical exercise in horses from the Archidona region. Methodologically, a quasi-experimental design was used with a sample of three male mixed-breed horses that underwent a 9-km exercise protocol on uneven terrain. SAA was quantified by nephelometry and cortisol by electrochemiluminescence at baseline (T₀) and post-exercise (24 h, T₁), and these were correlated with heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, and the comfort scale (ECAS). One hundred percent of the horses evaluated scored 0 on the pain scale, confirming the absence of post-exercise abnormalities or clinical signs of pain. At the physiological and molecular levels, the results demonstrated a moderate, specifically positive correlation with moderate statistical significance between heart rate and SAA (R = 0.31), with SAA showing sensitivity in detecting elevated individual inflammatory responses (up to 18.6 mg/L). Cortisol, meanwhile, showed a significant post-exercise reduction (p=0.046) compared to baseline, indicating adequate activation of the homeostatic recovery phase coupled with the subjects’ cardiorespiratory and ethological stability. It is concluded that variations in SAA are not associated with a significant subclinical inflammatory response; however, they are related to other biomarkers of physical activity in horses. Keywords Cortisol; equine exercise; serum amyloid A; subclinical inflammation; biomarkers.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Maduración in-vitro de ovocitos bovinos en cultivo de células oviductales(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Mora Rojas , Kelly YajairaIn vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes in culture systems represents a promising strategy for improving meiotic competence and embryonic development in assisted reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of culturing bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) with a monolayer of bovine oviduct epithelial cells cultured in TCM-19 medium. The COCs were classified according to morphological criteria established by the IETS into grades 1 to 4 and assigned to two experimental groups: a control group and a group with oviduct epithelial cells. The degree of cumulus expansion was evaluated on a scale of 0–4, together with the nuclear maturation rate (MII). The data were analyzed using a chi-square test (p > 0.005). The results showed that the control group exhibited a greater degree of cumulus expansion compared to the oviductal cell group, with a statistically significant difference (χ² = 8.00; df = 3; p-value = 0.046). In contrast, no significant difference (p < 0.005) was observed in the nuclear maturation rate between the two treatments, indicating a functional dissociation between cumulus expansion and the resumption of meiosis in the oocyte. The results of this study underscore that the supportive capacity of a monolayer of oviduct epithelial cells for oocytes depends on the functional status and prior hormonal conditioning of the oviductal cells, and that the physical presence of the monolayer alone is not sufficient to ensure complete cumulus expansion during in vitro oocyte maturation. Keywords. Oocytes, epithelial cells, maturation, in vitro, oviduct.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Comparación de la efectividad del uso de yema de huevo de ganso y gallina en la criopreservacion de semen ovino(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Andrade Paredes, Andrés PatricioAbstract This study compared the effectiveness of goose and chicken egg yolk in the cryopreservation of ovine semen. Cryopreservation is a crucial process in reproductive biotechnologies; however, itmay cause damage to the sperm membrane due to thermal, oxidative, and osmotic stress. The research was based on the evaluation of ram semen exposed to two Triladyl-based extenders: chicken egg yolk (control group) and goose egg yolk (experimental group), both included at a concentration of 20% in the extender solution. Semen samples were cryopreserved and subsequently assessed for viability (eosin-nigrosin staining), membrane integrity (HOST), total motility, progressive motility, and sperm kinematic parameters using a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system. The results showed that most of the evaluated parameters did not differ significantly between treatments. Significant differences were observed in straight-line velocity (VSL) (P ≤ 0.05) and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), with higher values recorded in semen cryopreserved with chicken egg yolk. These findings suggest that goose egg yolk may serve as an equivalent, although not superior, alternative to chicken egg yolk as a semen extender for ovine cryopreservation. Keywords: Cryopreservation; Egg Yolk Extenders; Ram Semen; Sperm Kinetics; Sperm Motility; Membrane Integrity; Assisted Reproduction.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Evaluación longitudinal de cráneo en caninos braquicéfalos sin pedigree mediante la técnica de radiografía(Universidad Católica de Cuenca, 2026) Mendoza Parra , Carla MadelaineThe primary objective of this study was to analyze the cranial morphological changes in non-pedigreed brachycephalic dogs and to identify the incidence of respiratory disorders. Consequently, this study was conducted using a longitudinal approach, with a census of 30 canine patients older than one year, including both males and females. An imaging assessment was performed using two radiographic views: laterolateral and craniodorsoventral. Furthermore, the investigation focused on morphometric measurements obtained with Fiji software, enabling evaluation of cranial morphometric characteristics and their changes over time. Additionally, a tracheal morphometric analysis was performed in some patients to assess possible morphological abnormalities associated with respiratory collapse. Finally, the study aimed to contribute to clinical diagnosis by identifying the early respiratory conditions affecting these patients, such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Keywords Brachycephalic dogs; cranial morphology; radiography; longitudinal evaluation; respiratory system; tracheal morphometry.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Embargo , EMBARGADO POR MOTIVOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2026) Carrillo Salinas, María Daniela...
