Open Veterinary Journal最新文献

Background: Scales are composed of exfoliated keratinocytes and are frequently a secondary change, requiring the determination of the underlying cause. Consequently, making an appropriate differential diagnosis of scales and determining treatment necessity based on the results is crucial in dermatological practice.

Case description: We present a 7-year-old, neutered male Toy Poodle examined at Myogadani Animal Hospital with chief complaints of exercise intolerance, unexplained weight gain, and dermatological signs, including symmetrical alopecia of the trunk. The dog was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and administered levothyroxine sodium. A significant number of scales were observed, primarily on the trunk, after 1 month of administration. The scales disappeared after only reducing the dose of levothyroxine sodium for 3 months. Additionally, hair regrowth was observed as the scales disappeared. In this case, the scales were primarily observed in the alopecia area of the trunk, where hair growth was subsequently noted. Hence, levothyroxine sodium administration was thought to not only facilitate hair regrowth but also influence skin turnover, causing the appearance of scales.

Conclusion: Clinicians who treat hypothyroidism need to be cognizant that symmetrical scales, primarily located on the trunk, do not co-occur with other skin lesions, such as erythema, and are not itchy, may appear within a month. The scales will naturally disappear in such cases when hair growth is complete; thus, no additional treatment is required.

Background: Intracranial histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is uncommon in dogs, and no standard treatment has yet been defined for this disease. Herein, we describe a case of intracranial HS that responded favorably to nimustine treatment.

Case description: A 9-year-old, castrated Welsh Corgi Pembroke presented with a 2-month history of quadriplegia. Intracranial disease was suspected on neurological examination, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a contrast-enhanced mass in the left frontal lobe. Following tissue biopsy, the patient received intravenous nimustine (ACNU) treatment. The patient's neurological symptoms partially improved, and a reduction in tumor volume was observed on MRI on day 99. After three administrations of ACNU, tumor regrowth was confirmed on day 124, and temozolomide was subsequently administered. The patient subsequently showed no major changes in clinical symptoms, but subsequently died suddenly on day 195.

Conclusion: In this case, administration of ACNU provided temporary symptom improvement and tumor reduction. Therefore, ACNU monotherapy may be a therapeutic option for canine intracranial HS.

Background: Formalin is a widely used histological fixative despite its carcinogenic properties, inadequate nucleic acid preservation, and prolonged fixation time.

Aim: The study intended to prepare a novel zinc-based fixative that is, formalin-free, and cost-effective, provides optimal preservation, with rapid penetration rates, and enhanced Hematoxylin/Eosin-stained sections.

Methods: Liver, kidney, brain, and small intestine specimens were collected from 10 adult laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) and preserved in formalin 4%, formalin 10%, neutral buffered formalin (NBF), and the experimental EZAT solution. The penetration depth (discolored edges) was measured at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. The shrinkage ratio was calculated by measuring the width and length of the samples before and after 48 hours of fixation. The histological evaluation, included staining affinity, cellular outline, cytoplasmic and nuclear attributes, and overall tissue structure, was conducted by a panel of academic experts and rated using a scale of poor (1), fair (2), good (3), very good (4), and excellent (5) grades. The data were later statistically analyzed to determine the significant differences among the tested fixative types.

Results: A higher penetration rate was observed with the EZAT solution at 6 and 12 hours' time and the samples reached optimal fixation after 24 hours; with an accelerated diffusion coefficient, and a minimal shrinking effect compared to formalin 10% and NBF. The microscopic evaluation of hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections revealed better staining affinity, refined histological details, and enhanced cytoplasmic and nuclear properties. The overall structural evaluation revealed an excellent microscopic appearance with the EZAT solution compared to formalin-based fixatives.

Conclusion: The EZAT fixative should be considered as an everyday preservative in histology and histopathology laboratories. Future studies should be focused on the potential of EZAT in cellular histochemistry and immunohistochemistry practices.

Background: Mammary gland carcinoma is a malignant type of cancer that occurs in mammae tissue. Dimethylbenzene (α) anthracene (DMBA) is a carcinogenic agent that causes mammary cancer by damaging cellular DNA. Flavonoids found in the black soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) exhibit anti-carcinogenic effects.

Aim: This study evaluated the anticarcinogenic effects of black soybean extract.

Methods: The activity of flavonoid compounds in black soybean was determined in silico. Five groups of rats, four in each group, were established, consisting of a negative control, a positive control, and three treatment groups. Treatment included black soybean extract administration (i.e., T1 = 200, T2 = 400, and T3 = 800 mg of black soybean extract/kg body weight for 10 days). The observed parameters included the immunohistochemical analysis of Breast Cancer 1(BRCA1) and TNF-α.

Results: Based on an in silico study, compounds from black soybeans are non-toxic. Functional annotation analysis revealed that most of the target proteins have a role in biological processes associated with cancer development. An in vivo analysis using an animal mammae cancer model indicated that black soybean extracts inhibited mammae cancer progression by attenuating TNF-α and BRCA1 expression.

Conclusion: The most effective dosage of black soybean extract was 200 mg/kg body weight. An increase in BRCA1 and TNF-α expression may be related to the effects of catechin, daidzein, genistein, and glycitein, which are present in black soybeans.

Q fever, also known as query fever, is a zoonotic illness brought on by the Coxiella burnetii bacteria. This disease was first discovered in 1935 in Queensland, Australia. Worldwide, Q fever is a disease that requires notification, and certain nations classify it as a national health concern. A feature of C. burnetii is known as cell wall phase fluctuation. Serological testing is the main method used to diagnose Q fever illnesses. Inhalation is the primary method of C. burnetii transmission in both people and animals, with smaller amounts occurring through milk and milk product ingestion. The bacterial strain that is causing the infection determines how severe it is. Q fever is a significant zoonosis that can be dangerous for personnel working in veterinary laboratories, livestock breeding operations, and slaughterhouses due to its high human contagiousness. Coxiella burnetii is a biological weapon that can be sprayed on food, water, or even mail. It can also be employed as an aerosol. Antibiotics work well against this disease's acute form, but as the infection develops into a chronic form, treatment becomes more difficult and the illness frequently returns, which can result in a high death rate. Vaccination has been demonstrated to lower the incidence of animal infections, C. burnetii shedding, and abortion. Several hygienic precautions should be put in place during an outbreak to lessen the spread of disease to animals.

Background: The efficiency and profitability of animal farming systems are closely linked to the reproductive success of livestock, which requires effective management through biological, hormonal, and nutritional strategies. The "male effect," referring to the influence of male pheromones on female reproductive hormones, offers several benefits. This leads to improved reproductive management, better timing of breeding, and increased fertility rates. Additionally, using natural pheromones provides a non-invasive and sustainable method for managing reproduction, and it can be a cost-effective strategy, reducing the need for expensive hormonal treatments. Incorporating male pheromones into reproductive management practices can thus boost the efficiency and profitability of animal farming systems.

Aim: The study's objective is to examine the influence of pheromones, extracted from Awassi ram's wool and Shami goat buck's hair, on the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and Progesterone (P4) in Awassi ewes during the breeding season.

Methods: The pheromones were extracted using a soaking method with dichloromethane as the solvent. The resulting organic extract was then analyzed using a Chromatec-Crystal 5,000 gas chromatography-mass spectrometry device, equipped with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The experiment was carried out on three equal groups, each consisting of 17 subjects, during the breeding season. In Group I, 15 ml of the ram's wool extract was applied to a piece of gauze and placed in a specially designed mask that was attached directly to the nose. In the second group, a similar procedure was followed using 15 ml of the buck's hair extract. The third group consisted of Awassi rams. The LH assay was conducted immediately before the treatment and again at 1, 10, and 20 hours post-treatment, and after 5 and 30 days of treatment to assess P4 levels.

Results: The study found that pheromones from Awassi rams and Shami goat bucks significantly increased the levels of LH and P4 in female Awassi sheep.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the pheromones extracted from the wool of rams and Shami goat bucks can stimulate the response of female Awassi sheep. This finding opens up the possibility of using these pheromones in the reproductive management of female Awassi sheep.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder with well-known serious secondary complications. It is also associated with central nervous system damage. This damage is characterized by impairments in brain functions, with neurochemical and structural abnormalities.

Aim: The study was conducted to clarify the neuroprotective effects of olive leaf supplements on the brain and brain histological structure of diabetic adult rats.

Methods: Thirty adult male rats were allocated into three groups, the first group (CC), received an oral supplement containing olive leaves supplements (OLS) and served as a control; in the other group , DM was induced in these animals and left for 40 days; and the third group was DM+OL, which induced DM, then treated with oral OLS for 40 days. The investigation included serum glycemic index measurements, in addition to the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), dopamine (DOP), acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in brain tissue, and histopathology of brain and pancreas.

Results: We demonstrated a significant increase in glycemic index measurements in diabetic groups (DM, DM+OL) at the beginning of a trial; however, the same parameters were significantly decreased after treatment with OLS in only the DM+OL group after 40 days. The study also showed differences in the levels of MDA, and GSH, in the diabetic groups, which returned to normal levels after being treated with OLS. Moreover, AchE and DOP exhibited a significant decline in diabetic rats. However, OLS induced a considerable rise in these neurotransmitters after treatment with it in the DM+OL group. The histopathological section of the pancreas and brain showed histopathological changes in DM groups; whereas, the tissue was shielded from chemical damage from DM by the OLS treatment in DM+OL animals.

Conclusion: Overall, diabetes impairs glucose hemostasis by affecting glucose concentration, insulin level, and insulin resistance. However, olive leaf supplements restored the glucose hemostasis close to normal in diabetic rats. Furthermore, diabetes affects neurotransmitters by increasing the level of oxidative stress in brain tissue, and brain cell damage. Nevertheless, olive leaf supplements can ameliorate DM harmful effects by retrieving the normal oxidative environment in the brain.

Background: Hemoparasitic infections significantly threaten cattle health globally, leading to economic losses and welfare issues for farmers.

Aim: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of hemoparasitic infections in fighting bulls in southern Thailand over an 8-year period.

Methods: Laboratory records of 5,518 bulls from the Livestock Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, were reviewed for the period January 2016 to December 2023. Blood samples were analyzed using thin blood smear methods to identify hemoparasites, and packed cell volume was measured using the microhematocrit method. Detailed profiles and demographic data for each animal were recorded.

Results: Among the fighting bulls, 323 (5.85%) tested positive for hemoparasitic infections, with five hemoparasites identified: Trypanosoma spp. (TP), Microfilariae, Anaplasma spp. (AP), Babesia spp. (BB), and Theileria spp. (TR). TP was the most prevalent at 2.90%. Bulls aged 1-5 years showed the highest infection rates at 7.04%, with a decline in infections as age increased. Annual trends peaked in 2018 at 8.80%, with significant yearly fluctuations for most parasites (p < 0.05) except AP and BB. Monthly analyses revealed the highest infection rates in March, particularly for TP, with significant monthly variations for TR (p < 0.05). Geographical differences in infection rates between the East and West coasts were minor and not statistically significant. However, seasonal variations were significant for BB and TR on the east coast during summer (p < 0.05). Bulls with PCV below 30% had a higher prevalence of hemoparasitic infections (8.06%) compared to those with PCV above 30% (5.87%), with significant differences in the prevalence of AP and TR infections (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study adds to the understanding of hemoparasite infections in bulls, informing the development of educational materials for farmers and ultimately empowering them to make better herd health decisions.

Background: Cases of cruelty can occur in wild animal, livestock, and pet animal. Cruelty to cats choose to be the background of this research because many cases of cruelty to cats have not been reported although the cases are still high.

Aim: The aim of this research was to know how much dilution of cat blood can still be detected by Leucomalachite Green (LMG) and Takayama reagent.

Methods: Three samples of domestic cat blood were diluted with ratios 1:10; 1:100; 1:1,000; 1:10,000; and 1:100,000. Bloodstain is made by dropping each blood dilution on the filter paper for the LMG test and on the object glass for the Takayama test. Bloodstain for the LMG test was done with ten repetitions from each sample and Duplo for the Takayama test. Positive results from the LMG test are presented as a bluish-green discoloration in stains. A positive result from the Takayama test is the formation of hemochromogen crystals under a microscope with 400× magnification.

Results: Based on this research, cat bloodstain can be detected with LMG reagent until 1:40,000 dilution, while Takayama reagent only can detect cat bloodstain until 1:1,000.

Conclusion: LMG and Takayama reagents are reagents that are often used in human blood spot testing. If there is a case of violence against cats and other animals, these two reagents can be relied on to help with the proof process.

Background: The occurrence of cataracts in rabbits is a common reason for consultation in veterinary ophthalmology.

Case description: A 6-year-old female Lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was referred with a 3-month history of bilateral cataracts. The owner noted that the rabbit was frequently bumping into obstacles. Physical examination was unremarkable. Routine hemogram and biochemistry panel were within usual values, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi were not detected by serology. A complete ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral hypermature cataracts causing total blindness. Bilateral tonometry showed normal intraocular pressures. Electroretinography (ERG) under general anesthesia revealed strong photoreceptor responses for each eye, and ocular ultrasound was normal except for bilateral hypermature cataracts. Following ERG, during the same anesthesia session, conventional phacoemulsification followed by acrylic intraocular lens (IOL; +58D) implantation was performed uneventfully in both eyes. Follow-up examinations were carried out for 1 year. Except for immediate post-operative bilateral corneal ulcers that were quickly cured with medical treatment, no other post-operative complications were observed. The 1-year follow-up examination revealed centered IOLs without posterior capsular opacity, enabling the observation of normal fundus in both eyes. The owner confirmed the rabbit had normal autonomy and moved with accuracy, as observed during follow-up visits and on videos provided by the owner.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first described case of successful bilateral phacoemulsification and bilateral intraocular lens implantation with prior electroretinographic evaluation of the retinal function in a pet rabbit with cataracts.