Open Veterinary Journal最新文献

Background: Early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in preeclampsia are crucial to prevent complications that threaten both mother and fetus. Dayak onion bulbs contain active compounds that may be beneficial for treating hypertension during pregnancy.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 96% ethanol extract of Dayak onion bulbs on reducing blood pressure in mice with experimentally induced preeclampsia.

Methods: Thirty female rats were divided into five groups: two control groups and three treatment groups receiving ethanol extract of Dayak onion bulbs at doses of 90, 100, and 125 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The study was conducted across three laboratories from October 1, 2024 to January 14, 2025.

Results: The findings demonstratedthat the 96% ethanol extract of Dayak onion bulbs has potential antihypertensive effects in a preeclampsia model, particularly in reducing systolic blood pressure. However, its effects on diastolic blood pressure require further investigation.

Conclusion: The96% ethanol extract of Dayak onion bulbs showed a significant antihypertensive effect on systolic blood pressure. Although there was a downward trend in diastolic blood pressure, not all reductions were statistically significant.

Background: The gastrointestinal nematode, Haemonchus contortus (Barber's pole worm), is a member of the Trichostrongilidae family with a major ovine parasite that resides in the abomasum of sheep, goats, and other ruminants. The spicule lengths provided the quickest and easiest character for separating most populations of H. contortus and Haemonchus placei.

Aim: Detection and diagnosis of H. contortus in slaughtered small ruminants from Basrah city using PCR technique with specific genes as targets: ITS2 gene (HcI) of ribosomal DNA and (Nad4) gene of mitochondrial DNA. Then, the gene sequence was used to confirm the H. contortus Iraqi strain.

Methods: A total of 705 slaughtered animals were examined and divided into 556 sheep and 149 goats taken from the Basrah slaughter house.

Results: The total number of infected animals with Haemonchosis was 90, which was divided into 78 sheep and 12 goats. The total number of isolated worms from the abomasum was 2439 for both sheep and goats, with a total infection percentage of 12.76 %, which was divided into 14.02% and 8.05% in sheep and goats, respectively. The intensity of infection was about 27.1, which was divided into 27.12 and 26.91 in sheep and goats, respectively. The identification of Haemonchus spp. was molecularly performed by detecting the presence of the ITS-2 (295 bp) internal transcribed spacer gene (ribosomal DNA) and the Nad4 (800 bp) nicotinamide dehydrogenase gene (mitochondrial DNA). The process included total DNA extraction and amplification of the mentioned region with specifically designed primers. The polymerase chain reaction product was sent for sequencing analysis to determine the Iraqi strain and for the phylogenetic tree. Sequencing and phylogenetic tree showed 99% identification with two American isolates (EU084691.1 and EU084688.1) for the ITS-2 gene, while the Nad4 gene showed 100% identification with onePakistani isolate (KJ724441.1), 99% identification with two Pakistani isolates (KJ724441.1 and KJ724524.1), and 97% identification with one Pakistani isolate (KJ724524.1).

Conclusion: Barber's pole worms propagated in a large infection percentage and had an abundance of eggs that were discarded. Therefore, it forms a hazard to the animal's life, causing economic losses. Therefore, the PCR technique was a beneficial way for the genetic discovery of barber pole worms as genus Haemonchus, and ITS-2 and Nad4 gene were good results for the recognition of Haemonchus contortus as a genus and species. The isolated genes were deposited in the Gene Bank under the accession numbers LC275893.1, LC275894.1, LC275895.1, LC275896.1, LC275897.1, LC275898.1, LC275899.1, LC275900.1, and LC275901.1 as the Iraqi strain.

Background: Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly infectious disease affecting multiple avian species worldwide. Repeated ND outbreaks in Pakistan have presented substantial challenges to the poultry sector.

Aim: Extensive surveillance in Pakistan over a decade has revealed a high prevalence of avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOAV-1), highlighting the need for tailored vaccination approaches and continuous monitoring.

Methods: This study presented a 10-year biosurveillance (2011-2020) of AOAV-1 across 1083 locations (including commercial farms, backyard poultry, live bird retail stalls, household birds, national zoos, and wild migratory birds), with a total of 5,145 samples (trachea and oropharyngeal swabs) and 822 blood samples collected from 18 avian species. Tracheal and swab samples were inoculated in embryonated chicken eggs, and the positive allantoic fluids were assessed for AOAV-1 prevalence using reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR (rRT-PCR) targeting the fusion (F) gene. Serum samples were evaluated using a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test to detect AOAV-1 antibodies.

Results: rRT-PCR analysis showed a prevalence of 37.41%, while seroprevalence assessed through the HI assay was 48%. Moreover, over a decade after repeated outbreaks of virulent AOAV-1 that resulted in high morbidity and mortality in Pakistan, the responsible strain was detected in vaccinated chickens across multiple commercial poultry farms, despite the existence of elevated AOAV-1-specific antibody titers (>4.6 log₂).

Conclusion: The observations suggest a possible role of vaccinated poultry as a reservoir of virulent AOAV-1. These findings contribute to our understanding of the high prevalence of AOAV-1 in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for customized vaccination approaches and continuous monitoring to enable effective management of AOAV-1 in avian species.

Background: Urolithiasis and cystitis are major contributors to urinary tract morbidity in dogs, particularly in working K9 units. Due to overlapping symptoms, proper differentiation is crucial.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the clinical, hematological, biochemical, microbiological, and ultrasonographic parameters of urolithiasis and cystitis in Iraqi police dogs.

Methods: A total of 45 K9 dogs aged 3-10 years, including 10 healthy controls, 5 with urolithiasis, and 11 with cystitis (acute/chronic), were assessed at Al-Najaf's K9 unit, Iraq. Hematological, biochemical, urinalysis, microbiological testing, and abdominal ultrasonography were performed for clinical evaluation. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and LSD test (p < 0.05).

Results: Dogs with urolithiasis exhibited abdominal pain, dysuria, hematuria, and urinary retention. Hematologically, they showed reduced RBC counts and hemoglobin levels alongside increased WBCs, neutrophils, and platelets. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated levels of total protein. Urinalysis revealed proteinuria, hematuria, and calcium oxalate/struvite calculi. Ultrasound confirmed hyperechoic bladder stones with acoustic shadowing. Patients with cystitis presented with dysuria, pollakiuria, stranguria, and periuria. Abdominal palpation revealed distended bladders, especially in the female patients. A significant increase in body temperature (p < 0.05) was noted. Hematological findings included elevated TLC, neutrophils, monocytes, band neutrophils, platelets, and ESR. Biochemical analysis showed increased urea, creatinine, and total protein levels. Urinalysis revealed acidic urine pH (6.2 ± 0.05). Microbiological culture (n = 26) isolated Escherichia coli (57.69%), Staphylococcus spp. (34.61%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.38%), and other less common pathogens. Ultrasonography revealed bladder wall thickening, corrugation, and hyperechoic luminal content.

Conclusion: Multimodal diagnostic protocols enable precise differentiation between dogs with urinary tract diseases. The results recommend routine checkups in K9 units for health maintenance and early diagnosis.

Background: Meerkats (Suricata suricatta), which belong to the suborder Feliformia, are commonly found in zoos and are increasingly kept as exotic pets. Owing to their close contact with humans, there is concern regarding their potential role as reservoirs for zoonotic fungi, particularly dermatophytes. However, data on fungal species associated with the skin and fur of meerkats remain limited.

Aim: To identify dermatophytes and other fungal species present on the skin and fur of meerkats at Chiang Mai Night Safari, Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022, which may have implications for human health.

Methods: Skin and fur samples were collected from 21 meerkats using the brushing/McKenzie technique. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar at 25°C for 14 days. Fungal identification was based on both macroscopic characteristics (colony morphology, color, and texture) and microscopic features observed in lactophenol cotton blue-stained teased mount preparations. This study aimed to detect dermatophytes and identify other potential fungal contaminants at the genus level.

Results: No dermatophytes were detected. However, various other fungi, including Aspergillus spp. (61.9%), Cladosporium spp. (52.38%), and Penicillium spp. (28.57%), were found.

Conclusion: Predominant fungal contamination was observed on the skin and fur of meerkats. Some identified fungal species are associated with diseases in humans, which can vary in severity based on immune status. Therefore, keeping meerkats as pets is not recommended in homes with children, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals.

Background: The Veterinary Nurses for Companion Animals Act came into force in 2022. As part of their expanded roles, qualified Veterinary Nurses for Companion Animals are now able to perform intravenous (IV) catheter placement under the supervision of a veterinarian. Lectures and practical training on IV catheter placement in dogs and cats have become mandatory in veterinary nursing education in Japan. Previous studies conducted overseas have reported success rates of IV catheter placement by veterinary students in live animals; however, there are no such reports in Japan.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of educational policies on IV catheter placement in Japan.

Methods: In our department, practical training in venous catheter placement was performed using animal models. The students first practiced venous catheter placement using a non-invasive practice kit and then performed the procedure on actual animals. From a cohort of 60 eligible students, 22 were randomly selected to perform IV catheter placement in live dogs. Seven Beagles and one Golden Retriever, maintained by the department, were used for practical training. Each student had one opportunity to successfully insert the catheter and was allowed up to three attempts on the same animal, and the session ended after successful placement or three consecutive failed attempts.

Results: The success rates of the first, second, and third attempts were 36% (8 students), 45% (10 students), and 9% (2 students), respectively. The overall success rate of the three attempts was 91% (20 students). Additionally, 20% (4 times) of the 20 failures were for "vein localization," 45% (9 times) for "insertion of the inner needle," 30% (6 attempts) for "insertion of the outer tube," and 5% (1 time) for "securing the catheter with tape."

Conclusion: This study determined the success rate of catheter placement in animals by veterinary nursing students. This study identified the points at which beginners are likely to make mistakes when placing an IV catheter. In the future, we aim to use the findings of this study to develop improved educational methods that will enable students to practice skills that cannot be covered by practice kits alone.

Background: Brucella abortus is primarily associated with cattle; however, its detection in small ruminants has been increasingly reported, raising concerns about interspecies transmission and public health risks.

Aim: This study aimed to detect and genetically characterize B. abortus in goats and sheep using molecular techniques, assess genetic variation within the IS711 gene, and evaluate phylogenetic relationships among isolates.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 102 small ruminants (32 goats and 70 sheep) with a history of reproductive disorders in Magelang District, Central Java, between October and December 2024. DNA was extracted and analyzed using Abortus, Melitensis, Ovis, Suis Polymerase Chain Reaction (AMOS)-PCR targeting the IS711 gene. Positive amplicons were sequenced and subjected to BLAST analysis, phylogenetic reconstruction (MEGA 12), and genetic distance estimation using the Kimura-2 parameter.

Results: AMOS-PCR was used to detect B. abortus Deoxyribonucleic acid in 40 animals (39.2%). Sequencing showed >99% identity with reference B. abortus strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed low genetic divergence (0.000-0.004), indicating a common infection source. Notably, several isolates exhibited limited sequence variation, including a double guanine insertion at positions 8-9 and a C→T transition at position 40 of IS711.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that B. abortus can infect small ruminants through interspecies transmission under mixed grazing systems. The findings emphasize the need to expand surveillance and control efforts beyond cattle to include sheep and goats, strengthening brucellosis management within a One Health framework.

Background: In the field of periodontology, the periodontium is subjected to a range of pathological conditions leading to advanced stages of bone resorption at the alveolar crest and subsequent detachment of the periodontal ligament with different degrees of furcation involvement and finally tooth loss. Therapy aims at restoring the lost parts of the periodontium through different regenerative procedures.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the use of bio-absorbable amniotic membrane as guided tissue regeneration combined with bone autograft as guided bone regeneration in dogs with advanced degree III furcation in the marrow.

Methods: The study was performed on 18 mandibular right premolar teeth units (six dogs) affected by experimentally induced advanced furcation involvement (III degree - key hole). The left mandibular affected premolar teeth were used as a control. Therapy was performed using the amniotic membrane of dogs as GTR and iliac bone marrow autogenous graft as GBR. Serial postoperative radiographs were performed monthly to assess recovery. The dogs were sacrificed 3 months after reconstruction surgery to collect tissue biopsies for histopathology.

Results: Healing processed uneventfully in eight operated tooth units, expressed by the presence of merged dense connective tissue with the periodontal ligament. The alveolar bone showed marked osteoblastic activity. The other 10 operated teeth units exhibited granulomas affecting the apical part of the teeth (six teeth) and delayed healing with poor connective tissue bond (four teeth).

Conclusion: Reconstruction surgical technique using autogenous bone marrow grafting (GBR) combined with a bio-absorbable amniotic membrane barrier of dogs (GTR) was a promising salvage treatment for advanced degree III furcation defects in dogs.

Background: Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma (PIOSCC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that originates within the bone, reported in both humans and animals. While squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral tumor in cats, PIOSCC is an uncommon variant with distinct clinical and pathological features.

Case description: A 10-year-old spayed female domestic longhair cat presented with a progressively enlarging mass at the rostral mandible. Over 6 weeks, the cat exhibited clinical signs including inappetence, excessive salivation, and pain. Diagnostic evaluations comprised hematology, serum biochemistry, head radiographs, fine needle aspiration, and histopathology. A diagnosis of solid-type PIOSCC was confirmed post-mortem, based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings.

Conclusion: This case represents the first documented instance of solid-type PIOSCC in a cat in Jordan. It highlights the importance of early recognition and accurate diagnosis of this rare, locally invasive tumor. Given the poor prognosis, humane euthanasia was chosen as the most appropriate course of action.

Background: Betamethasone (BM) is a long-acting synthetic fluorinated glucocorticoid with metabolic, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects. However, its use is associated with adverse effects, particularly on the liver and kidneys.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Spirulina and Lagenaria siceraria against bone marrow-induced adverse effects in rats.

Methods: Sixty male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups and treated for three successive weeks. The control group received distilled water orally on a daily basis water daily, the BM group, BM and Spirulina group, BM and Lagenaria siceraria group, Spirulina group, and Lagenaria siceraria group. Blood and tissue samples were collected for different liver and kidney function parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and immune-related parameters.

Results: BM caused a significant increase in serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. Liver function was disturbed as liver enzymes showed significant increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glutathione triphosphate (GGT), and decreased total protein, albumin, and globulin. Sodium, potassium, and calcium levels significantly decreased. The lipid profiles showed an increase in HDL cholesterol, VLDL, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and TGs. The oxidant and oxidant status showed an increase in MDA and a decrease in superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity. Increases in the random blood glucose, insulin level (fasting), and hemostatic insulin assignment of insulin resistance, PTH, and increased TGF-β and IL6 in the liver, kidney, and spleen were also recorded. Spirulina and Lagenaria siceraria showed significant ameliorative effects against such adverse effects of BM.

Conclusion: Spirulina and/or Lagenaria siceraria are highly recommended during the treatment course of BM.