Veterinary Medicine and Science最新文献

A 4-year-old white male DSH cat was presented to the Veterinary Hospital on 18 December 2023, with a history of lethargy, loss of appetite, and salivation. During the inspection of the oral cavity, unilateral swelling was observed on the ventral side of the jaw. Before any therapeutic intervention, a cell blood count (CBC) test and FNA cytology were conducted. A five-day course of adjunctive treatment, including ceftriaxone (5.5 mg/kg via IV) and clindamycin (25 mg/kg via IV), was given due to a suspicion of infection. Pantoprazole, metoclopramide (administered at 1 mg/kg via IV and IM), and duphalyte 500 mL (10 mL/kg IV) were used concurrently to alleviate nausea and stimulate appetite. Following a lack of improvement, a radical excision procedure was performed on tooth number 304 after the 5-day treatment to excise the mass for histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis. The observation of mitotic bodies, pleomorphism, necrosis, and haemorrhage were consistent with malignancy, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was suspected. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for the vimentin marker, the S-100 protein, and desmin. This report describes a rare case of oral fibrosarcoma in a DSH cat in Iran.

Background: Voluntary waiting period (VWP), housing systems and the presence of a veterinarian are effective factors on reproductive performance of a dairy farm.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the management practices associated with VWP and its effects on reproductive performance.

Methods: A total of 136,943 records of 21,756 cows that calved between 1990 and 2013 were used. A questionnaire was also conducted with the farms involved to determine if they adjust the timing of insemination based on the body condition score (BCS) of the cows, postpartum health situation (PPHS) or environmental factors such as heat stress and season. The impact of changing the VWP selectively, the presence of a veterinarian and the type of barn on reproductive outcomes like days open (DO), number of services per conception (NSPC) and days to first service (DFS) was examined using a linear mixed model. This model considered animals and herds as random factors and management practices as fixed factors in the analysis.

Results: Among herds that reported altering the VWP based on heat stress, DFS significantly increased (61.68 ± 0.68 vs. 58.4 ± 0.83) while DO (119.70 ± 1.86 vs. 126.9 ± 2.29) and NSPC (1.98 ± 0.04 vs. 2.48 ± 0.05) reduced compared to herds that did not alter the VWP. Our results showed that farms with a full-time veterinarian had a better reproductive performance than those with part-time care (p < 0.05). Housing system was significantly associated with fertility traits, so that cows in free-stall barns were more fertile than those kept in open-shed barns.

Conclusions: The obtained results from this study indicated that management decisions to selectively altering the VWP led to difference in DFS and improved reproductive performance.

Background: Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most widely cultured freshwater fish species in Bangladesh and worldwide. However, commercial tilapia culture systems face increasing challenges from bacterial infections.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the bacterial isolates from infected tilapia in an intensive cage culture farm located along the Shitalakshya River in Bangladesh.

Methods: Infected fish samples were collected and underwent comprehensive clinical and post-mortem investigations, followed by phenotypic, biochemical and molecular identification of the bacterial isolates, as well as histopathological and antibiotic susceptibility examinations.

Results: Phenotypic and biochemical characterization showed similarities of the -collected isolates with Aeromonas veronii. Moreover, molecular analysis of the bacterial conserved region 16S rRNA also confirmed these isolates as A. veronii. The analysed 16S rRNA sequence (GenBank accession no. PP832815) showed a close relationship (100% identity) with A. veronii from China (GenBank accession no. MT071624) in the NCBI BLAST search, and in the phylogenetic tree, they grouped in a single clade. This close genetic relationship is also supported by the low genetic distance between the isolates. Histopathological analysis revealed gross pathological changes like necrosis, hypertrophy and inflammation in muscle tissues. The isolates were found to be sensitive to multiple antibiotics but resistant to trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole.

Conclusion: This study investigated the presence of A. veronii infection in tilapia (O. niloticus) in an intensive cage culture farm in Bangladesh.

Background: Radiographic studies of Persian cat's cervical vertebrae can provide us with valuable information used in identifying its anatomical features, investigating various species of Persian cats and evaluating their cervical pathologies.

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the anatomical and radiological features of cervical vertebrae in Persian cats to create a comprehensive and accurate reference for the normal range of cervical bones and joints that can be used for clinical decision-making and interpretation of radiographic findings in these cats.

Methods: The present descriptive-cross-sectional study included 10 adult Persian cats, including 5 males and 5 females. All cats underwent radiography in the dorsoventral, ventrodorsal, left lateral and right lateral recumbency. Then, anatomical investigations were performed.

Results: According to our findings, Persian cats were different from other cat species in some cervical vertebral characteristics, which can be suggested as comparative anatomy in these species. The most important differences were as follows: the C3 and C7 had the lowest and highest spinous process height (SPH), respectively. The atlas had the highest transverse process width (TPW), which was significantly different with other cervical vertebrae (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the cervical vertebrae were not significantly different in vertical diameter of cranial vertebral foramen (VDCrVF) and transverse diameter of cranial vertebral foramen (TDCrVF) (p ≤ 0.05). The caudal surface of the atlantic vertebral arch had two dorsal and ventral tubercles. Also, the ventral crest of the axis was quite indistinct in the cranial part while becoming prominent in the caudal part. The C3 spinous process was a wide, small tubercle, while the C7 spinous process was extended vertically. Finally, the C6 transverse processes had a large ventrocranial tubercle forming a sagittal plate with cranial and caudal parts separated by a notch.

Conclusion: The accurate and comprehensive standard ranges obtained from the present study can be used for the interpretation of imaging results, clinical decision-making, and finding the normal and abnormal sizes of the cervical vertebrae and their processes in Persian cats.

Background: Salmonella spp., especially those are resistant to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), are considered as major concern to global health due to their emergence and dissemination.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of Salmonella spp. from migratory and captive wild birds.

Method: A total 262 faecal samples were collected, and the identification of Salmonella spp. was carried out using a standard culture and PCR as well as molecular detection of virulence and AMR genes.

Results: The overall prevalence of Salmonella was determined to be 30.92% (95% CI = 25.63-36.75). Migratory birds exhibited highest prevalence (38.10%), whereas wild birds in captivity showed a lower prevalence (23.40%). The agfA gene was detected at a higher rate at 24.69%. Salmonella spp. exhibited 100% resistance to tetracycline, followed by 58% ampicillin and 46% streptomycin. In addition, there was a resistance rate to ceftriaxone of 17% and to colistin sulphate of 25%. Interestingly, levofloxacin alone displayed 100% sensitivity across all isolates, while ciprofloxacin and azithromycin showed 73% and 64% sensitivity, respectively. The MAR index was 0.25 and 0.42, and 74.07% of all isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR). It was shown that migratory and captive wild birds contained ESBL genes blaTEM (94.34% and 49.06%) and blaSHV (13.33% and 10%), respectively. Genes responsible for sulphonamide (sul1) resistance were detected in 13.33% and 79% of wild and migratory birds, respectively.

Conclusion: Salmonella has been found in captive wild and migratory birds and could act as reservoirs for the transmission of MDR and ESBL bacteria.

Background: Liver flukes from the genus Fasciola are the causative agents for human and livestock fascioliasis. Accurate identification of Fasciola spp. is essential to understanding the epidemiology of fascioliasis. This study aimed to determine the morphometric and molecular characterization of Fasciola spp. in livestock from Northwestern provinces of Iran.

Methods: Five hundred adult Fasciola flukes were obtained from different definitive hosts (cattle, sheep, goats, and buffaloes) in four local abattoirs in the northwestern provinces of Iran (West-Azerbaijan, East-Azerbaijan, Ardabil, and Zanjan) from September 2021 to August 2022. All samples were examined by morphometric criteria; then, 49 samples were identified using PCR-RFLP based on ITS1 region and 23 sequence of isolates analyzed by cox1 marker. PCR-RFLP methods compared morphometric results, and cox1 gene sequences were used to confirm PCR-RFLP results and phylogenetic analysis.

Results: The differences between the body length, body width, cephalic cone length, cephalic cone width, body area, and distance between the ventral sucker and posterior end of the body in two species were significant (p < 0.05). Based on the morphometric criteria, 139 samples (27.8%) were identified as Fasciola gigantica and 361 (72.2%) as Fasciola hepatica. Similarly, PCR-RFLP analysis of ITS1 region confirmed morphometric results. No hybrid forms of Fasciola were detected. Partial sequences of cox1 showed 13 variable sites with eight haplotypes in F. hepatica and 12 variable sites with five haplotypes in F. gigantica.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the PCR-RFLP method can be used to confirm the morphological method of Fasciola species, but it is insufficient to study their genetic diversity. Also, sequences of cox1 results of the present study showed that F. hepatica and F. gigantica species in the Northern provinces of Iran have different genetic structures and haplotypes.

Background: This study was designed to investigate the effects of different housing systems on production performance, egg quality and welfare in laying hens.

Methods: One hundred and twenty 42-week-old "Atak S" laying hens, purchased from a manufacturing company, were randomly assigned to 4 housing systems: conventional cages, furnished cages, deep-litter system and free-range. Each system housed 30 hens, which were kept in these systems for 6 weeks. Parameters regarding production performance, egg quality, plumage condition scores and tonic immobility were assessed at the end of the housing period.

Results: Egg production and egg mass were lower in cage-free rearing systems than in caged systems. Mean egg weight in free-range hens, and albumen height and Haugh unit in deep-litter hens, were lower than in other housing systems. Eggshell weight in hens housed in furnished cages was greater than in free-range hens, while eggshell strength was better compared to that of hens in conventional cages. The housing system did not impact fearfulness; however, the deep-litter housing increased the sensitivity to touch or capture. Whole body and regional plumage condition scores of free-range hens elicited more favourable results than those kept in conventional cages. Because the plumage condition indicates welfare, the results proved the superiority of free-range over conventional rearing regarding welfare.

Conclusions: Concerning the parameters, such as egg production, animal welfare and fear level, overall data revealed the pros and cons of all housing systems investigated. We consider that this study's findings might contribute to the researchers and breeders seeking alternative housing for laying hens.

Sperm cryopreservation is a rather complex process that needs to be adapted to wild and domestic bird species to ensure adequate efficiency. This study aimed to determine the usability of different cryoprotectants in the cryopreservation of Gloster canary sperm. For this purpose, sperm samples were collected from 12 2-year-old male Gloster canaries three times a week using cloacal massage for 4 weeks. After individual evaluation, sperm samples from the canaries were combined. Mixed sperm were divided into two groups in the study. Overall, 8% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG) were used as cryoprotectants. Sperm samples were drawn into straws after adding Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) extender with high glucose ratio and two different cryoprotectants in a 1:1 ratio and frozen to -80°C with liquid nitrogen vapour and then stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Frozen-thawed semen samples were evaluated regarding motility, vitality, plasma membrane integrity (hypoosmotic swelling test [HOST]), density and abnormal spermatozoa rate. The highest motility value after freezing and thawing was determined in the EG group with 31.667% ± 4.773%. In addition, vitality, plasma membrane integrity and normal sperm morphology were statistically significantly higher in the EG-frozen group, whereas head and tail abnormality was low (p < 0.05). This study determined that a DMEM extender containing 8% EG was more advantageous than a DMEM containing DMSO regarding spermatological parameters and could be used for long-term storage of canary sperm.

Background: The inclusion of synthetic amino acids in poultry nutrition plays a crucial role in both enhancing the synthesis of immunoglobulins and elevating the overall comprehensiveness of the amino acid profile.

Objectives: This research examined the effects of consuming threonine (Thr) in various forms levels with low or high oil on broiler chickens' growth and immunity.

Methods: We investigate the growth performance, feed efficiency, immune response, intestinal morphology, absorptive capacity, and expression of some genes related to the feed intake (Pro-opiomelanocortin [POMC]), fatty acid synthesis (Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase [ACC]), immunity (lipopolysaccharide-induced tumour necrosis like alpha factor [LITAF]), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Eight groups of chicks were used, including four dietary Thr levels (100%, 115%, 130%, or 145%) with two oil levels (mixture of sunflower 50% and soybean oils 50%): (control) and high.

Results: The higher dietary Thr level (145%) with high oil inclusion significantly increased ACC and POMC gene expression, resulting in the lowest feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), and liver fat content. Combining high oil with 115% Thr was the optimum for the broilers. The birds have significant (p ≤ .05) growth performance, immune parameters, and intestinal health, as well as the lowest expression of ACC, POMC, HSP70, and LITAF, which was reflected in better feed conversion ratio and lower incidence of fatty liver, thermo-resistance, and immune status of the birds.

Conclusions: The combination of high oil and 115% Thr levels optimises broiler health and productivity, enhancing growth, immune function, and gut health. This diet lowers the expression of genes associated with fatty liver and stress, leading to better feed efficiency, thermo-resistance, and overall well-being. Adopting these dietary adjustments can improve broiler performance and economic viability in poultry farming by enhancing essential productivity metrics.