Journal of Veterinary Research
Year:2018 | Volume:73 | Issue:1 |Papers Count:18

BACKGROUND: Yersiniosis or enteric redmouth disease (ERM), caused by Yersinia ruckeri, is a serious bacterial disease in the farmed salmonids that causes economic problems in this industry. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to assess the experimental pathogenicity of Yersinia ruckeri in Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). METHODS: Two hundred Rainbow trout weighting 100-120 g, challenged with different strain of Yersinia ruckeri were obtained from affected trout farms using intra peritoneal injection route at a concentration of 108 cells/ml (0. 1 mL per fish) to evaluate the virulence of these isolates. Each treatment group included 10 fish in two replicates and control fish received 0. 1 mL sterile normal saline (0. 9% NaCl). Following the intra peritoneal challenge, macroscopic and microscopic findings were determined. The most virulent strain was then used to determine the lethal concentration (LD50) using both intra peritoneal and bath method at dilutions of 103-1010 cells/mL. RESULTS: Macroscopically, anorexia, lethargy, circular swimming near the surface, blackening of skin, exophthalmia, hyperemia and hemorrhage in different parts of body, anal prolapse, enlarged liver and spleen were observed. Microscopically, hyperemia of hepatic sinusoids and vessels, necrosis and vacuolization of hepatocytes, increase in the abundance of macrophage centers in kidney, dilatation of Bowman’ s space, degeneration and necrosis of kidney tubules, severe necrosis and detachment of intestinal villi, hyperplasia and clubbing of epithelial cells of secondary lamellae, spleen cell necrosis, goblet cell hyperplasia and thickening of epidermis layer in the tongue mucosa were observed. The LD50 of intra peritoneal injection was calculated 1. 2×106cells per fish 48 h post challenge. In bath route, LD50 was obtained 5×108 Cells/ml after 96 h. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from this study show virulence diversity of native strains.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining an appropriate anesthetic drug for rapid anesthesia with long term and safe recovery has always been the concern of fisheries science researchers. OBJECTIVES: In this study the anesthetic strength of Lavendula officinalis essence oil on histopathological and blood biochemical factors of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix has been investigated. METHODS: 260 juvenile silver carp were divided into four groups with a mean weight and length of about 23. 55± 1. 5 g and 15. 6± 1 cm, respectively. Three groups were anesthetized with concentrations of 200, 300 and 400 ppm Lavender essence oil and 4 groups were considered as control group. The time needed to reach different stages of anesthesia was recorded and in two times (0 and 24h after anesthesia), hematology tests were conducted. After removing plasma serum by centrifugation, ALP, AST and ALT amounts were measured, venesection histological (sampling of liver, kidney and gills) and conserved for histology. RESULTS: Lavender essence oil anaesthetizes Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in less than 3 minutes and recovery time was also less than 3 minutes. Moreover, anesthesia with different concentrations of lavander had no effect on hematological profile and no significant changes in the AST, ALT and ALP were observed (p<0. 05). Histopathological analysis showed the optimum concentration of 300 ppm with no side effects and indicated that the concentration power of essences can be used without fear of damage. CONCLUSIONS: It is advised that Lavender essence oil be used as a standard medicine to anesthetize and supersede prevalent chemicals to create anesthesia and sedation in fish.

BACKGROUND: ARDS is a lung disorder that causes death in human and livestock and new therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy are essential because of lack of specific drug therapies for it. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of intrapulmonary transplantation of BM-MSCs to improve clinical signs in experimental model of ARDS created by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) E. Coli strains-O55: B5 in sheep is the aim of this study. METHODS: In this study, 10 male sheep 3-4 months old were used after random placement into two groups, treatment and control. Of sheep in the treatment group, after anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine bone marrow samples were collected and in the clean room BMMSCs were isolated, amplified and were identified with the evaluation of surface markers. Then experimental model of ARDS was induced by endotracheal injection of LPS at dose of 400 μ g/kg. Clinical signs and radiograph images were performed before and 24 hours after injection of LPS. After confirming inflammation, the sheep were anesthetized and on sternal position 50×106 cells of BM-MSCs third passage were transferred in treatment group as autograft by the catheter lavage in the bifurcation of the trachea and PBS in control group. Then clinical signs were recorded at 3, 6 and 12h and on days 1, 2, 3 and 7 in both groups, and finally were analyzed based on the scored system. RESULTS: The data showed transplantation of BM-MSCs caused significant improvement in clinical signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, respiratory sounds, cough, mucosal status, nasal secretions, appetite and physical condition compared with control group. A significant decrease in respiratory rate and body temperature from 12 h and in heart rate from 24 h to next was begun. Also, changes in breathing sounds on the first day after transplantation, physical condition, mucous membranes and appetite on the third day, the occurrence of cough and abnormal discharge from the nose on the seventh day had returned to pre-inflammation (-24 time) and the median score was zero for them. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that transplantation of BM-MSCs can improve and cause reduction in the severity of the clinical signs of ARDS, significantly.

BACKGROUND: Hip dysplasia (HD) is an inherited, non-congenital disease that is particularly prevalent in large and giant breeds of dogs. The vast majority of dogs afflicted with HD show no clinical signs and it can be a highly debilitating condition for dogs. OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study is a preliminary study on hip dysplasia based on clinical and radiographical examination in referral large breed dogs referred to veterinary teaching hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. METHODS: Thirty-six large breed dogs were examined for HD using Standard ventrodorsal hip extended view, and graded into five categories (A, B, C, D and E) using the FCI scoring system. PennHIP method was performed for measuring Distraction Index (DI). The Ortolani method was done to evaluate hip joint laxity. RESULTS: HD was found in 72. 2% of the dogs, which included 11. 1% unilateral and 61. 1% bilateral. 73% of the afflicting cases were male. HD was reported In 11 dogs among 14 dogs with clinical signs and among 22 dogs without clinical signs 15 dogs were affected by HD. Ortolani test represented false negative in 33 cases and false positive in 6 cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the radiological evaluation of hip joint is essential in susceptible breeds for diagnosis and screening program of HD.

BACKGROUND: In endurance riding, the exercitation ability of horses during long periods and distances was evaluated. OBJECTIVES: Investigating the causes of elimination among participated horses in the 2013-2014 national endurance rides. METHODS: Being present at four competition courses. RESULTS: Out of 176 horses, 74 (42%) were eliminated and the data of 23 horses (13%) as a control group was collected. Lameness was the highest cause of elimination, with 29 (39. 2%) horses. High heart rate was in the second stage, affecting 13 (17. 55%) horses. Elimination because of illegal cases was the next major reason, which was allocated to 12 horses (16. 2%). Metabolic disorders, flutter, excessive exhaustion and dehydration, had 7(9. 5%), 10 (13. 5%), 1(1. 35%) and 2(2. 7%) cases respectively. Significant correlation was found between the gender and the occurrence of flutter, so that 8 of 10 (80%) of the flutter cases were among males. As the distance increased, the number of horses eliminated because of metabolic disorders increased too, that means there was significant relationship between these recent parameters. There were significant correlations between preservation method and metabolic disorders and dehydration. As the league progressed, the number of total eliminations also rose, but the difference between elimination because of illegal reasons and flutter was noticeable; each of them had an opposite process. Significantly, both serum calcium concentration (mg/dl) means of all eliminated blood samples (10. 10± 0. 37) and the control group (11. 19± 0. 17) were higher than serum calcium concentration of the group eliminated due to flutter (9. 41± 0. 34) (p<0. 05). Significantly, the mean of serum total protein concentration (g/dl) of the group which was eliminated because of the flutter incidence (7. 87± 0. 11) was higher than all eliminated samples (7. 75± 0. 11) and the control group (6. 61± 0. 16). CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed to clarify the status of national endurance competitions and to improve its quality.

BACKGROUND: Avian Influenza comprise viruses from the Orthomyxovirida family. This disease in poultry, turkey, and many other birds is caused by different subtypes of type A influenza virus. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate probability infections of H5 and H7 subtypes of AI viruses in commercial and backyard poultry in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done in Iran’ s commercial and domestic poultry from September to December, 2013. The samples were examined with the HI test to differentiate H5& H7. A total of 1315 premises and 29058 birds were sampled. RESULTS: All premises were negative for H7 subtype and five premises (3 broiler breeders and 2 villages) out of 1315 were positive in HI test. All the collected swab samples from H5 seropositive premises were PCR negative for detection of H5. The results of our study showed that existing live bird marketing with OR=19. 68 (CI 95% 2. 18-177. 38) and existing duck farm within up to a 3 km radius with OR=11. 33 (CI 95% 1. 30-96. 68) were risk factors for H5 sub type. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the live bird marketing role in transmission and spread of Influenza viruses, especially during migration season in the country and the probability of hunting and selling of them at these markets, continuous monitoring of these markets for early detection of probable infections and preventing the spread of infection to other poultry is recommended.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a secondary toxic metabolite produced by some Aspergillus species, particularly Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and A. parasiticus that contaminate feedstuffs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination of the concentrate and corn silage samples to toxigenic fungi and aflatoxin B1 in cattle farms of Yazd province in Iran. METHODS: A total of 80 samples of concentrated feeds and 80 samples of silage feeds were collected from cattle breeding farms of 4 cities in Yazd province in winter and spring seasons (40 samples in each season and one sample from each cattle farm). The samples were cultured on mycological media in order to isolate and determine the amount of the toxigenic fungi. Concurrently, the content of AFB1 was measured in feedstuff samples using ELISA technique. RESULTS: The results indicated that the most frequent fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp. (49. 3%), Penicillium spp. (23%), Mucor spp. (22. 3%) and Fusarium spp. (4. 8%) in winter and Aspergillus spp. (46. 9%), Penicillium spp. (21. 8%), Mucor spp. (28. 5%) and Fusarium spp. (2. 8%) in spring from all understudy feedstuffs. The mean of AFB1 in feedstuffs was 0. 25 and 0. 21 μ g/kg in winter and spring, respectively. According to statistical analysis of the results, significant differences were observed between the frequency of Aspergillus isolates and other fungal species (p<0. 05) and also between toxigenic fungi, such as Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium, with other isolated fungi (p<0. 05). Among toxigenic fungi, significant differences were observed between Aspergillus and Penicillium species, Aspergillus and Fusarium species and Penicillium and Fusarium species (p<0. 05). Significant relationship was observed between the amount of toxigenic fungi and AFB1 in feedstuffs (p<0. 05). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained by this study show that rapid and specific detection of aflatoxigenic fungi is essential to ensure the mycological safety of animal feedstuffs.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic anemia and resultant hypoxia can cause a dysfunction in the body functions. Iron delivered from hemolysis of erythrocytes can also stimulate oxidative stress. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of crocin on renal quality in animals that were exposed against hemolytic anemia induced by phenilhydrazine. METHODS: Forty-nine adult male mice (20-25 g) were grouped within 7 groups. First group was control and treated with normal saline, and test groups were nominated as 2, 3, and 4 and were treated with phenyl hydrazine 2, 4, and 6 mg/100g/48 h (i. p. ). Animals in groups 5, 6, and 7 were treated with Crocin (200 mg/k/day, i. p. ) in addition to 2, 4, and 6 mg/100g/48 h phenyl hydrazine. After 35 days, the blood samples were collected directly from the heart and after centrifugation (5 min and 3000 rpm), the serum samples were subjected to evaluate the Malondialehyde (MAD) level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and renal cortex was fixed in 10% formal saline for Paraffin sections after tissue processing sample staining with H&E method. RESULTS: This study showed that hemolytic anemia affects proximal tubule of renal cortex, It was also shown that the phenylhydrazine administration resulted in a dose-dependent declining of TAC and the crocin administration was able to protect against TAC reduction. Moreover, PHN increased MDA level in serum in a dose-dependent manner. Co-administration of crocin with PHN significantly (p<0. 05) reduced the rate of lipid peroxidation, while those groups which were treated with crocin showed a remarkable improvement in testis parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a protective effect of crocin against the anemiarelated hypoxia on renal parameters. The protective capacity of crocin might relate to its known antioxidant power.

BACKGROUND: Recently chitosan nanoparticles have been applied as an immunostimulant and adjuvant in biomedical fields. OBJECTIVES: In this study the adjuvant effects of nanochitosan, derived from shrimp shell’ s chithin, on immunogenicity of Aeromonas hydrophila vaccine in common carp were evaluated. METHODS: Totally 300 juvenile common carp (51± 5. 6 g, Mean ± SD) were randomly divided into four groups, each contained three subgroups with 25 fishes. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were immunized intraperitoneally with A. hydrophila vaccine. No adjuvant was used in group 1, but nanochitosan and freund adjuvant were used with vaccine in groups 2 and 3 respectively. Group 4 (Control) was injected with normal saline instead of vaccine. Fish were immunized at days zero and 14 and fishes were reared in the same situation for 6 weeks. Serum samples were taken every other week and immunological parameters including WBC, serum lysozyme and bactericidal activity, serum complement activity, NBT reduction activity, total protein and globulin levels and anti A. hydrophila antibody titer were compared among the groups. At the end of experiment all groups were challenged with LD50 concentration of A. hydrophila and mortality was recorded for ten days. RESULTS: WBC, serum lysozyme and complement activity, NBT activity, globulin level and anti A. hydrophila antibody titer were increased in nanochitosan and freund groups compared to control group (p<0. 05). Serum bactericidal activity and serum albumin level showed no significant change among the groups (p>0. 05). Challenge mortality decreased in immunized groups compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Nonochitosan possess proper adjuvant effects which is comparable with freund adjuvant and can be a good candidate as an alternative to current adjuvant in fish vaccines.

BACKGROUND: Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth and is particularly rich in immunoglobulins, growth factors and antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, maintenance and storage of bovine colostrum has always been considered due to benefits of colostrum for the calf. Microbial contamination of colostrum is a concern because it is thought that bacteria in colostrum may interfere with passive absorption of colostral antibodies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical preservatives and natural fermentation on quality and storage of colostrum. METHODS: Colostrum from the first milking of five Holstein cows was stored separately. Then colostrum samples were studied at days 1, 10, 20, and 30 of storage after treatment. All samples underwent microbiological culture for total plate count and detection of Escherichia coli, Coliforms, mold and yeast. Then whey was provided from untreated and treated samples at the end of 30th day and SRID (single radial immune diffusion) test was performed for assaying IgG antibody. Then the effect of treatments on colostrum antibody level was studied. RESULTS: The results showed that potassium sorbate did not have a role in reducing E. coli and coliforms count. However, it has prevented an increase in E. coli and coliform count during 30 days. Formic acid and propionic acid reduced the number of E. coli and coliform (p<0. 05). In addition, the two organic acids promoted the growth of mold and yeasts compared with potassium sorbate. Nonetheless, the mentioned three treatments did not have an important role in reducing total count (p>0. 05). The natural fermentation contributed to the decline of E. coli and coliform count while total count increased one day after treatment compared with other treatments, however among the treatments, formic acid and potassium sorbate were more effective than propionic acid and natural fermentation treatment for maintaining hygienic quality of colostrum. The result of measuring IgG antibody indicated that potassium sorbate has had more protective effect than other treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results exposed that potassium sorbate and formic acid are better than other treatments to maintain colostrum quality with regard to increasing shelf life of colostrum.

BACKGROUND: The function of molecules of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is to bind antigenic peptides and display them on the cell surface for recognition by T cells. MHC polymorphism is related to suseptibility or resistance to immune-mediated and infectious diseases. High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis is a novel and powerful technique in molecular biology for the detection of genetic polymorphisms and can be used for discrimination of MHC alleles and genotyping. OBJECTIVES: Discrimination of dog MHC alleles (DLA-DRB1) by high-resolution melt analysis. METHODS: Forty blood samples were collected from dogs referred to Small Animal Teaching Hospital of faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Tehran. After DNA extraction and amplification the exon 2 of DLA-DRB1, HRM and Melt Curve analysis was carried out. Direct sequencing was used for checking the HRM patterns. RESULTS: Following the HRM and Melt curve analysis, forty samples could be classified into 8 genotypes (A to H). Most frequent was A (25. 00%) and then C and E (each one 15. 00%). In total, 82. 5% and 17. 5% of samples were heterozygote and homozygote, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the HRM technique was used for DLA-DRB1 gene alleles typing for the first time. Confirmation HRM results through sequencing results revealed that HRM can be used for discrimination of DLA-DRB1 alleles.

BACKGROUND: Many drugs such as atorvastatin are known to be effective in reduction of serum lipids in dogs, however, no report on the effect of chitosan on serum lipid in dogs was found in the literature review. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present survey was comparative evaluation of the effects of chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes and the influence of time on treatment process in dogs. METHODS: For the management of cholesterol powder induced hyperlipidemia, twenty healthy dogs were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A (control) included five dogs that were fed with cholesterol powder (4 gr/kg for 10 days). Group B was similar to group A, but in addition, atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, but chitosan (3 gr/dog) was administered instead of atorvastatin. Group D was a combination of groups B and C, in which the combination of atorvastatin and chitosan was fed to dogs with the same dose as previous groups. Blood samples were collected four times on days 0, 10, 40 and 55 after challenge, then serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured using standard commercial kits. RESULTS: The atorvastatin and chitosan groups (B and C) and group D were more effective in lowering serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C and increased HDLC, compared with group A (p<0. 05). The greatest decrease was related to group D for triglyceride (105. 60± 17. 49), total cholesterol (119. 80± 11. 39) and LDL-C (36. 40± 7. 57). The greatest increase was seen in group D for HDL-C (36. 40± 7. 57) also. In comparison between two drugs and their effects on lipid profiles, atorvastatin showed a significant difference compared with chitosan (p<0. 05). A combination of two drugs, was more effective compared with single administration of the drugs (p<0. 05). CONCLUSIONS: The present survey showed that although both drugs have hypolipidemic activity in dogs, the effect of chitosan was lower than atorvastatin, so it is not recommended to use chitosan only. Further experimentation needs to elucidate the possible mechanism of the drugs.

BACKGROUND: A common problem encountered in veterinary medicine is the euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS(, which refers to a state where nonthyroidal illness(such as heart diseases)causes suppression of serum concentrations of thyroid hormone without true pathology of the thyroid gland. Chronic valve disease (endocardiosis) is the most common cause of heart failure in dogs. About a third of small-breed dogs older than10 years of age are affected by heart diseases, especially endocardiosis. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the effects of some acquired heart diseases (endocardiosis, dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure) on thyroid hormones, some serum biochemical and hematological indices in small breed dogs. METHODS: A total of 50 small breed dogs were selected. 25 dogs were healthy and 15. 7 and 3 dogs had endocardiosis, congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy respectively which was confirmed by historical, physical examination, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings. Thyroid hormones (T4, fT4andTSH) were determined by using commercial canine Elisa kits. Serum biochemical analysis was carried out to determine the levels of creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase, troponin I, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Also, Hematological indices (RBC, WBC, PCV, Hb and differential leukocyte count)were measured. RESULTS: One way ANOVA test showed that there were no significant changes in the serum levels of T4and fT4 in patients versus control group (p>0. 05), only TSH concentration in dilated cardiomyopathy dogs compared to other groups was significant (p<0. 05). Observations showed the creatine phosphokinase activity was significantly elevated in endocardiosis and congestive heart failure dogs in comparison with dilated cardiomyopathy and control groups. The serum concentration of protein was significantly decreased in congestive heart failure dogs compared with endocardiosis and control dogs. Also, in comparison with the control group, serum level of triglycerides was diminished in congestive heart failure dogs and blood urea nitrogen concentration was significantly increased in endocardiosis dogs compared with control. There were no significant differences in other biochemical and hematological parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In current study, euthyroid sick syndrome or hypothyroidism was not seen in small-breed dogs suffering from heart disease. However, in dogs with endocardiosis, increase of serum creatine phosphokinase activity could be a symbol of complexity of heart disease.

BACKGROUND: One of the issues that has created much concern about egg consumption is the cholesterol and saturated fatty acids of it. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of lipid sources and different levels of zinc on fatty acid composition and cholesterol of egg yolk, antioxidant status and some blood parameters of laying hens in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (3*4) with 12 treatments. METHODS: Treatments consisted of 4 percentages of different fat sources, including soybean oil, fish oil, tallow and different zinc levels of 100, 200 and 300 ppm and the control group. RESULTS: The highest level of oleic acid in egg yolk was observed at tallow diets with the level of 300 ppm zinc (p< 0/05). The highest level of oleic acid, linoleic acid and omega-3 long-chain fatty acids in egg yolk was in diets containing tallow, soybean oil and fish, respectively (p< 0/05). The highest ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 egg yolk was in diet of soybean oil and the lowest proportion was in tallow diet (p< 0/05). The highest level of oleic acid in egg yolk was observed at the level of 300 ppm of zinc (p< 0/05). The highest glutathione peroxidase activity of blood was observed in diet containing soybean oil and level of 200 ppm of zinc (p< 0/05). Concentration of alkaline phosphatase enzyme was significantly increased at diet containing soybean oil and also at the level of 100 ppm zinc in comparison to other diets. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that in the diets of tallow and soybean oil, oleic acid of egg yolk increased by adding zinc and the highest glutathione peroxidase activity was observed in the diet of soybean oil and level of 200 ppm zinc.

A Kermani ewe was examined because of inappetance and illthriftness. Clinical examination showed normal heart rate, tachypnea, muffled heart sounds, stiff neck, dullness, dehydration, rumen atony and paled mucosal membrane. Postmortem examination revealed pericarditis, peritonitis, intestinal adhesion, mesenteric abscesses as well as mild opacity of meninges. Salmonella enterica was isolated in bacterial culture from affected tissues. Although there are some previous reports regarding the association between salmonella infection and peritonitis, pericarditis and meningitis in domestic animals, to the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report about the concurrent peritonitis, pericarditis and meningitis due to salmonella in ruminant.