Vet Scan | Online Veterinary Medical Journal

Biochemical Parameters of Follicular Fluid in Cyclic and Acyclic Sheep

Naafia Rufai, W. A. A. Razzaque, Ammarah Shah — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The study was conducted to estimate biochemical profiles in follicular fluid in cyclic and acyclic sheep. Reproductive tracts of sheep were collected from a local Municipal abattoir located in Jammu city. The genitalia were classified into two groups, cyclic and acyclic, each group having 10 genitalia. A nonsignificant difference was recorded in the means of total protein, cholesterol, albumin and globulin in follicular fluid of cyclic and acyclic sheep. However, the glucose level was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the follicular fluid of cyclic sheep than that of acyclic sheep.

Histomorphometry of Brachiocephalic Artery of Iranian Pigeon (Columba livia domestica)

Farhad Rahmanifar, Leili Asadi-Yousefabad, Maryam Sharafi — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Histological features of brachiocephalic arteries in different age groups of pigeons of both the sexes were investigated. Eighteen pigeons of 20, 50 and 120 days of age were euthanized to obtain left and right brachiocephalic arteries. Serial transverse sections of the brachiocephalic arteries were stained with hematoxylin-eosin stains. The diameter of the wall and the thickness of the tunica intima, tunica media and tunica adventitia were microscopically measured. The tunica media was the thickest of the three tunics. In males, on day 20 and 50 tunica media of right brachiocephalic artery was thicker than the left one (P<0.05). There was no difference between thickness of other layers and diameter of the left and right artery wall (P>0.05). On day 120, diameter of the right artery was more than the left one (P=0.01). In females, tunica adventitia of the left artery on day 50 and 120 was thicker than the right one (P=0.003 and P=0.004, respectively). On day 50, tunica media of the right artery was thicker than the left (P=0.014). The thickness of tunica media of the right artery wall was more than that of the left. In addition, the diameter and thickness of tunica media of the brachiocephalic arteries decreased from day 20 to 50. However, post day 50 it showed an increase. Thickness of tunica adventitia of the right brachiocephalic arteries in females decreased from day 20 to 50. Then it increased after day 50. Diameter of the brachiocephalic artery in females on day 120 was thicker than males (P=0.04). Thickness of tunica adventitia of the right arteries in males was thicker than females on day 50 (P=0.01) and day 120 (P=0). There was no difference between males and females in other cases (P>0.05). In conclusion, brachiocephalic artery in pigeons contained elastic lamellae to resist comparatively high arterial pressure than that of the peripheral arteries.

Haematobiochemical Changes in Canine Scabies

Aabeen Sakina, R. K. Mandial — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Twenty-eight dogs brought to Veterinary Clinical Complex CSKHPKV Palampur suffering from sarcoptic mange were included in the present study. Further 10 apparently healthy dogs irrespective of sex, breed and age were chosen to serve as control. Various hematobiochemical parameters like Hb, PCV, TLC, TEC, DLC, MCV, MCH, blood glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, A: G ratio, total immunoglobulins and Vitamin A of affected dogs and control were studied. The mean values of Hb, PCV and TEC were significantly lower (P<0.01) and MCV and MCH were significantly higher (P<0.01) in dogs suffering from sarcoptic mange as compared to control group. Leucocytosis, neutrophilia, eosinophilia and lymphopenia was observed in dogs suffering from sarcoptic mange .The mean blood glucose levels, total protein and albumin was significantly lower (P<0.01) against a significant increase(P< 0.01) in mean plasma globulin and a significant decrease (P< 0.01) in albumin: globulin ratio in the affect animals when compared to control group.. There was non-significant difference in the mean serum immunoglobulins and plasma vitamin A levels between sarcoptic mange affected dogs and control group.

Antimycotic Activity of Commelina cyanea

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

In an attempt to establish the antifungal properties of Commelina cyanea against Epidermophyton floccosum, fresh leaves and stem of Commelina cyanea were harvested, airdried and ground to powdered form. Crude extracts were obtained from the plants using cold distilled water and methanol as solvents. Phytochemical screening was done on both the extracts and powder using conventional methods. Sensitivity test was done using the agar dilution method against Epidermophyton fluccosum as test isolate. The MIC of susceptible extract was established using the multiple agar dilution tube technique. The methanolic extract was found to be sensitive with an MIC of 6.25mg/ml while complete resistance was registered with the aqueous extract. Various phytochemicals identified in the test extracts were reported simultaneously.

Escherichia Coli from Day Old Chicks of a Selected Breeder Farm in Bangladesh

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

E. coli infection is a very common problem encountered among newly hatched chicken in Bangladesh. The aim of present study was to detect and characterize E. coli in the gut, liver and lungs of Day-Old Chicks (DOC). Total viable count (TVC) in gut, liver and lung was the highest among “C” grade chicks compared to those of “A” and “B” grade chicks. The isolated E. coli were sensitive to Enrofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin but resistant to Cloxacillin, Nalidixic acid and Erythromycin. The result indicated that load of E. coli was higher among the lower grade chicks.

Isolation and Characterization of Pasteurella multocida from Infected Animals

Rabia Durrani, Fawad Ali Khan, Qurban Ali — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Haemorrhagic septicaemia is an acute and fatal disease among cattle and buffaloes caused by Pasteurella multocida. The prevalence of this disease is 49% in animals of Pakistan. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence, multidrug resistance and the molecular heterogeneity within clinical strains of P. multocida collected from different cities of Pakistan. Tissue samples of lung and spleen of dead animals were used for diagnostics. Rapid plate screening test for Hyaluronidase of clinical Isolates showing clear and white zones proved that given isolate is pathogenic. Amongst one hundred and ninety-nine isolates, only one hundred and one isolates were found to be virulent as clinical isolate of P. multocida. Isolates were confirmed through amplification (PCR) of specie–specific and Haemorrhagic septicaemia type B causing test. The primer pair of specie –specific test showed a band of 300bp in all subspecies of P. multocida whereas the primer pair of HS type B causing test showed a band of 460bp in all HS causing serotype of P. multocida. The high prevalence was found only in Karachi. Whole cell and envelope protein profile of the isolates on SDS-PAGE showed presence of common proteins of 55, 43 and 26kDa indicating no molecular heterogeneity among strains. Representative samples of clinical Isolates from nine different cities were tested for antibiotics sensitivity test. Isolates from Karachi, Badin, Taxila and Abbotabad showed resistant against, Ciprofloxacin, Neomycin, Ofloxacin and Norfloxacin. This study concluded that organism was genetically conserved and there is no diversity within the number of samples tested.

Detection of Gestational Age and Days Before Parturition Using Ultrasonography in Canines

Qazi Mudasir, Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Syed Anjum Andrabi, R. A. Baig — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Twenty pregnant bitches admitted to Central Veterinary Hospital Srinagar for routine pregnancy check-up were included in the present study. All the bitches were scanned twice, before and after 40th day of gestation. Before 40 days of gestation, gestational age (GA) was calculated using gestational sac diameter (GSD) and after 40 days of gestation, gestational age was calculated using head diameter (HD). Days before parturition (DBP) was calculated as: (65 days – GA). Less than 40 days of gestation the average GSD ranged between 1.2 to 3.3 cm with mean 2.39 ± 0.15 cm and GA ranged between 27.2 to 39.8 days with mean 34.34 ± 0.90 days and DBP ranged between 25.2 to 37.8 days with mean 30.66 ± 0.90 days. More than 40 days of gestation the average HD ranged between 1.5 to 2.4 cm with mean 1.92 ± 0.06 cm and GA ranged between 42.5 to 56 days with mean 48.87 ± 1.0 days and DBP ranged between 9 to 22.5 days with mean 16.12 + 1.0 days.

Rhabdomyosarcoma in the Canine Maxillofacial Area

Lakshmi Gandi — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Two dogs were diagnosed with maxillofacial rhabdomyosarcoma. Management with surgery and chemotherapy showed poor clinical response. The tumour tissues in both cases were observed around upper premolar teeth and CT examination in each case revealed extensive bony involvement of maxilla. Both cases were subjected to surgical excision of the tumour tissue, followed by chemotherapy. The outcomes of treatment of the both cases were poor because of the invasive nature of the tumour cells leading to the local lung metastasis. Both the dogs died within four months. The excised mass was confirmed histopathologically as Rhabdomyosarcoma which is a relatively rare entity.

Successful Surgical Repair of Rostral Mandible and Maxilla Fracture with Cross Pinning and Cerclage Wire in a Horse

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Cross pinning and interfragmentary cerclage wiring was done to stabilize the rostral, bilateral mandibular and maxillary fracture in a four-year-old, non-descript male horse.

Endotoxemia in Horses in Sri Lanka - Case Report

Umanga Gunasekera, Anil Pushpakumara, L. N. A. De Silva — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Six thoroughbred horses (2 male and 4 female) aged 6 to 12 years from an upcountry stable were brought between June, 2011 to Jan 2012, to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) with signs of mild to moderate abdominal colic. On arrival, the animals were pyrexic (36.61 °C to 39 °C), tachycardiac (72/min to 100/min), tachypnoeic (15/min to 60/min) and the mucous membranes were muddy coloured. The capillary refilling time was more than 2 seconds. The treatment protocol consisted of vigorous fluid therapy (0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution and 5% glucose solution), gastric decompression using a stomach tube, and administration of Flunixin meglumine (1.1mg/kg, IV), Penicillin and Streptomycin (20/20LA, 20ml, IM) and in 03 cases ceftriaxone® (50 mg/kg IV, bid). The haematology in all cases revealed haemoconcentration with an increased packed cell volume and elevated serum protein. There was also a neutrophilic leucocytosis with a left shift. Despite treatments, 4 of 6 animals succumbed soon after arrival and necropsies revealed a frothy secretion in the trachea and bronchi, pulmonary emphysema and diffuse ecchymotic haemorrhages in lungs. There were subepicardial and subendocardial petechiation. The stomach contents were red and watery. There was hepato-splenic congestion, hyperaemia of the small intestines and diffused red, discoloration of the mucosa of the caecum and ascending colon. Histopathology of the intestines revealed diapedesis and denuded epithelial surfaces. Hepatic venous congestion with leukocytes infiltration confirmed moderate hepatitis. Pure colonies of non-haemolytic strains of E. coli were isolated from the heart blood in two cases. These clinical and post mortem findings were consistent with acute severe typhylocolitis with consequent endotoxemia. A diet high in concentrates and low in fiber was thought to have precipitated the condition. As a preventative measure, a dietary change with ad libitum good quality hay/grass with reduced concentrates was recommended.

Megaesophagus in a German Shepherd Pup - A Case Report

K. Lakshmi, K. Padmaja — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

A 6-month-old male German shepherd pup presented with chronic regurgitation, loss of weight, emaciation. It was diagnosed as mega oesophagus by contrast radiography and its successful management is discussed.

Trans-boundary Diseases of Animals: Mounting Concerns

S. H. Basagoudanavar, M. Hosamani — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

With technological advances, livestock production has gained an integral position in the agrarian component of the national economy. Livestock farming is one of the important sources of livelihood to rural farmers in India, particularly landless farmers. Increasing contribution of livestock to socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation are well recognized. A healthy livestock is pride of any country. However, rapid trend of globalization has brought upon challenges in maintaining healthy herds of livestock. The emerging infections of foreign origin could spread across national geographical borders and cause havoc. Consequently, there will be an emergence and spread of new disease in the region which was once free from the disease. In this article, we summarize the major diseases of livestock that are trans-boundary in nature, and review the challenges and essential management strategies in controlling the trans-boundary diseases.

Acute Phase Proteins - a Potent Biomarker for Mastitis

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Acute-phase proteins (APPs) are serum molecules synthesized by many cell categories, especially hepatocytes. Usually, the structure of APPs and acute-phase responses are similar in all species, having universal character in animal kingdom. The concentration of APPs in blood plasma varies in response to infection or inflammation. In recent investigations, it was discovered that some APPs were secreted in bovine milk during clinical mastitis which can be used as a bio marker for early detection of mastitis. The objective of this review is to get an over view about APPs with its role in mastitis.

Haemoproteus spp. Infection of Domestic Poultry of Bangladesh

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Haemoproteus sp. can infect a variety of avian species including domestic poultry. An exploratory study was conducted from January, 2006 to December, 2006 in different areas of Netrokona and Mymensigh district to determine the presence of Haemoproteus spp. in different types of birds. Blood samples were collected from the veins of 57 pigeons (Columba livia), 30 chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), 50 ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domestica) and 32 quails (Coturnix japonica) and smears were prepared. Of all the examined birds, 23.3% (7/30) chickens, 50.9% (29/57) pigeon and 12.5% (4/32) quails were found to be infected with Haemoproteus spp. All the ducks were tested negative for Haemoproteus spp. Highest presence of Haemoproteus spp. was observed among older bird in case of both chicken (13.33%) and pigeon (33.33%). In case of chickens, 20% (14/30) male were infected with Haemoproteus spp. while in female it was only 3.33% (16/30). Out of 57 pigeon 31.58% female and 19.3% male were tested positive for Haemoproteus spp. infection. Present study shows that this protozoan parasite is capable of infecting several species of domestic poultry. Further study needs to be conducted to list different species of this parasite and determine the economic losses due to the parasitic infection along with control strategies.

Clinico-Pathological and Etiological Characterization of an Outbreak of Abortion Caused by Toxoplasma gondii in a Herd of Dairy Goats in Palestine

A. H. Dalaab, S. Barhoom, Z. Bani Ismail — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

An outbreak of abortions occurred in a farm of dairy goats (Anglo-Nubian cross) in Palestine. All 30 goats in the farm either aborted (n=18), had still births (n=10) or mummified fetus (n=2). All abortions occurred in the last trimester of gestation in both primiparous and pleuriparous goats. Grossly, the fetal membranes showed many cotyledonary necrotic foci (2-3 mm in diameter) and intercotyledonary edema. Histologically, there were multiple foci of necrosis in the cotyledons and focal microgliosis in the brain of aborted fetuses. A diagnosis of T. gondii was confirmed by a fourfold increase in convalescent antibody titers using ELISA. This is the first well-studied outbreak of abortion in dairy goats in Palestine.