IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Year:2020 | Volume:12 | Issue:2|Papers Count:13

Equine congenital or acquired flexor tendon deformity can occur immediately after birth or at any stage in the first 24 months of life. The long term prognosis after treating a severe flexor tendon deformity in horses may be poor. Although unfavorable prognosis of flexion deformities is a concept, but results of this presented case reveals that performing an appropriate treatment without any complications, will result in a functional improvement even in older patients, such as in this very case. The aim of this report is to present the long-term outcomes after the surgical treatment and postoperative supports of a congenital flexor tendon deformity in a pony.

This study aimed to compare the effects of xylazine or propofol before intrathecal (IT) bupivacaine administration in dogs. The study was conducted in two groups of 10 dogs each. In group I (XG), intrathecal injection of 20 mg bupivacaine was administered into the subarachnoid space in the lumbosacral area after treatment with 1 mg/kg intravenous (iv) xylazine. In group II (PG), 4 mg/kg iv propofol was administered before IT bupivacaine administration. The onset, duration, and magnitude of sensory block (scale 0– 3) were determined using the pin-prick test throughout the anesthesia. Duration of surgery (XG: 47. 20 ± 5. 01 min, PG: 50. 85 ± 6. 97 min) and duration of anesthesia (XG: 92. 20 ± 7. 02 min, PG: 94. 50 ± 7. 26 min) were not significantly different between the groups. This study concludes that propofol administration before IT anesthesia with bupivacaine maintains safe levels of IT anesthesia and can therefore be used as an alternative to xylazine treatment.

This study aimed to determine and identify Sarcocystis spp. infection in sheep of Mashhad city, Iran. From October 2018 to May 2019, the entire esophagus and diaphragm from 100 slaughtered sheep were collected from the Mashhad abattoir. Initially, samples were inspected by the naked eye for the presence of macrocysts. Also, all samples were examined for Sarcocystis spp. by tissue impression smear, histopathology, and PCR tests. Additionally, eight samples were inspected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and gene sequencing to confirm species identification. The infection rate of sarcocystosis by impression smear, histopathology, and PCR methods were 69%, 96%, and 100%, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed the existence of S. gigantea macrocyst with PAS-positive secondary cyst wall in 26% of sheep. Also based on cyst wall morphology, two types of microcysts including S. tenella with striated thick cyst wall and S. arieticanis with smooth thin cyst wall were identified in 47% and 11% of sheep, respectively. By TEM, the cyst wall of S. gigantea had cauliflower-like, S. tenella had finger-like and S. arieticanis had hair-like villar protrusions. Comparative analyses of the sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene revealed S. gigantea, S. tenella, and S. arieticanis in PCR samples. The results showed that the infection rate of Sarcocystis spp. was very high by the PCR method. Also, the existence of S. gigantea, S. tenella, and S. arietcanis species was confirmed by histopathology, TEM, and DNA sequencing methods in sheep of this area.

This study compared two methods of estrus induction between dogs (using vitagnus and vitagnus-estradiol). A total of 10 adult cyclic female Shih tzu Terrier mix breed dogs at anestrus stage were selected and divided into two groups. The first group (VAC) received vitagnus for five weeks (90 mg daily, PO). The second group (VAC-E2) was treated with vitagnus and estradiol benzoate. Estradiol benzoate was injected at the beginning of each week (0. 01 mg/kg, IM). Blood sampling for evaluation of steroid hormones and vaginal smears were taken weekly. The sings and return to the estrus with the number of puppies were recorded. In the VAC group, 60%, and in the VAC-E2 group, 80% of dogs returned to the follicular phase after five weeks. In the VAC-E2 group, signs of estrus appeared 7 to 10 days and a mating process started 4 to 6 days earlier than those in the VAC group. The average number of delivered puppies was 4. These symptoms were confirmed by the cytology of the vagina. There was no significant difference in the estradiol and progesterone levels between groups. The mean concentration of estradiol significantly changed between weeks 1 and 4, 1 and 5, and 2 and 5 (p < 0. 05). The progesterone level in the VAC-E2 group on week five was higher than that in other weeks. In conclusion, the administration of estradiol benzoate before vitagnus improved induction of estrus in dogs.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed ruminants caused by an aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae. The disease in cattle is clinically characterized by fever and vesicles on the foot, in the oral cavity and on the mammary gland. This study was carried out to determine the changes in some serum biochemical parameters of cattle naturally infected with FMD O in Shahrekord district, Iran. For this purpose, blood samples were obtained from 23 Holsteins with clinical signs of FMD, as well as 22 blood samples from healthy animals. Serum analysis revealed significantly higher levels of AST, CK, CK-MB and LDH activities as well as MDA, troponin I, glucose and triglycerides concentrations in FMD-affected cattle compared to healthy control group (p < 0. 05). Serum GPx and SOD activities in cattle with FMD were significantly lower than those in normal animals (p < 0. 05), while there was no significant difference in serum CAT activity between 2 groups of animals. It is concluded that oxidative stress and some degrees of myocardial and pancreatic lesions develop in FMD-affected cattle. These findings provided information to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease and gives further insight to improve supportive treatment procedures in FMD virus infection in cattle.

Recent studies suggest that vitamin D may have preventive and therapeutic effects on autoimmune disease, cancer, and diabetes type 1 and 2 beyond the skeletal condition and calcium metabolism. To demonstrate the effects of an over-supplemented single 8 million I. U. vitamin D3 IM injection on the modulation of immune responses and oxidative/antioxidative variables in transition dairy cows, this study was conducted on a commercial dairy farm with about 1500 lactating cows in the Tehran province, Iran. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows were randomly categorized into control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, 12 cows received a single dose of 8, 000, 000 IU vitamin D intramuscularly. In the control group, a placebo (distilled water) was injected into 12 cows 2 to 8 days before the expected calving time. Blood samples were collected on 21 and 7 days before calving and 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days after calving. 25(OH)vitamin D3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α ), interferon-γ (INF-γ ), haptoglobin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), ferric reducing the ability of plasma (FRAP), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and hemolysate GPx were measured. This study showed that the treatment group had significantly higher amounts of 25(OH) vitamin D3, hemolysate GPx, and IL-6 values than the control group. According to our results, vitamin D3 injection increased the amounts of IL-6 and hemolysate GPx activity and tended to affect serum GPx activity.

Sheep satellite cells more than satellite cells of the rat and mouse are similar to human satellite cells. These cells are widely used in the modeling and treatment of diseases like heart insufficiency, neurological diseases, muscular dystrophy, cerebral cell transplantation for the treatment of migraines, screening, and the production of new drugs. This study was aimed to isolate and culture primary satellite cells (PSCs) obtained from sheep fetus, and perform clonal expansion of transfected PSCs. Skeletal muscle tissues of hind limbs were collected from sheep fetuses obtained from a local abattoir. After enzymatic digestion, flasks were replaced after 3 hours to isolate non-myogenic cells, such as fibroblasts. After six days, the cells were differentiated to myoblasts. Using a differentiation medium containing the horse serum, myotube cells were observed in the flask, indicating that the cultured cells were satellite cells. The mRNA expression of the PAX7 gene was used to confirm the presence of satellite cells. In addition, the results showed that satellite cells grow in a culture medium containing 5% FBS without differentiation, while 10% FBS initiates their differentiation.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α ) is the main regulator in energy metabolism. Training stimulates many processes like mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose metabolism, and fatty acids metabolism. It also increases the capacity of fat oxidation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eight-week aerobic training of different intensities on PGC-1α , interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), and atherogenic index in obese male Wistar rats. Twenty-four obese male rats induced by a high-fat diet (weight: 250 to 300 gr, BMI >30g/cm2) were divided into three groups: aerobic training of moderate intensity (MI), aerobic training of high intensity (HI), and the control group (C). The MI and HI training groups carried out exercise training by eight weeks of walking on a treadmill for five sessions/week, 60 min per session, and at a speed of 28 m/min and 34 m/min, respectively. The levels of PGC-1a in the MI and HI groups significantly increased compared to the C group (p < 0. 05). Moreover, there was no significant differences between IRF4 levels of MI and HI groups (p > 0. 05). The serum HDL-C levels increased only in the MI group compared to the C group (p < 0. 05). The LDL-C, TG, TC, and atherogenic index levels reduced more significantly in MI and HI groups than in the C group (p < 0. 05). The results show that eight-week aerobic training of two moderate and high intensities may be the signaling pathways to the activation of the PGC-1a protein (i. e., a key regulator of energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis) in skeletal muscle.

The pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is related to its low molecular weight proteins mainly ESAT6 and CFP10 that are highly specific and potentially useful for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. This research focused on isolation, purification, and characterization of low molecular weight proteins from Mtb. Cultures of Mtb were inactivated by heating at 68 ° C for 90 min and 100 ° C for 3 hrs, respectively. Inactivated cultures were filtered and the proteins in the supernatant fluid precipitated with two rounds of ammonium sulfate, at 4 ° C. The collected precipitates were dialyzed and subjected to gel chromatography (G-50) and the obtained fractions were analyzed for protein concentrations and molecular weight. ESAT6 and CFP10 protein complex in the purified fraction was confirmed by Western blotting. Guinea pig sensitization assay was used for estimating the potency of the purified fraction compared to the standard PPD. The maximum amount of low molecular weight proteins were precipitated by 20% ammonium sulfate. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed protein bands of approximately 10-15 kDa. The purity of the proteins was ≥ 95%, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The presence of the ESAT-6/CFP10 complex was confirmed by Western blot analysis. The purified fractions showed no cross-reaction with BCG or M. avium strain. ESAT-6/CFP-10 purified by the ammonium sulfate method appeared to be suitable for the development of a diagnostic kit for the detection of Mtb.

Several species of ectoparasites infect birds. These parasites that are considered arthropods include: mites, ticks, lice, bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies. This study aimed to identify the ectoparasites species on ornamental birds and determine their prevalence in Zabol and Zahedan in the northern part of Sistan and Baluchestan. A total of 318 birds were examined and inspected for ectoparasites. Parasites were collected by forceps and stored in 70% ethanol. In parallel to the identification of their species, the samples were cleared in 10% KOH following which light microscopy was used to identify the parasites according to their morphological characteristics and the descriptive keys proposed for each species. The overall prevalence of ectoparasites in birds was 21. 7%. The ectoparasites were identified as Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Columbicola columbae, Goniodes pavonis, Myrsidea fasciata, an unknown species from philopetrus genus Argas reflexus, Pseudolinchya, and Culicoides. So far few studies have been performed on parasites in birds in Sistan and Baluchestan. Identification of parasites (such as lice in birds) in any region of the country helps us to improve our knowledge about parasitic fauna in this area.

Mongoose is a common name for 29 to 34 species in 14 genera of the family Herpestidae which are found in vast areas of southwestern Asia, especially southern Iran. Anatomical and morphological studies of the brain have always been of interest to the researchers in the field of anatomy, due to its high importance in various fields of veterinary and zoology. Because of the lack of information about the brain structure in wild carnivores, the present study was conducted to better understand the morphological features in Indian grey mongoose. For this purpose, 4 carcasses of adult mongooses were used. They were found in different areas of Fars province. The mongooses had died due to natural causes. The brain was carefully separated from the skull and the measurements and observations were made on different parts of it. In this study, it wa found that the brain's structure has an ovoid appearance. Also, distinguished olfactory bulbs, deep transverse and longitudinal fissures, and relatively large cerebellar vermis were observed. According to the current study, it can be concluded that the anatomical features of the brain in the mongoose are similar to those of other carnivores and are in perfect harmony with the sensory and motor capabilities of the animal.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus, Goat-poxvirus (GPV), and Sheep-poxvirus (SPV) are members of genus capripoxvirus (CaPV) and have close genetic similarity. The use of CaPV-vaccine strains would be useful to protect the cattle against LSD. This study aimed to compare the neutralizing antibody titer of Iranian heterologous sheep pox and goat pox vaccines against LSD in cattle. A total of 100 calves was vaccinated with Gorgan-GPV and Ramyar-SPV vaccines on separate farms. Neutralizing antibody titer and side effects of vaccines were evaluated at days 14, 28, 45, 90, and 180 post-vaccination. The mean of rectal temperature in SPV was higher than GPV and persisted for up to 3 days. Also during the onset time of fever, ocular and nasal discharge were observed, whereas in the GPV and control group no clinical signs were observed. In each vaccinated group, the first detectable antibody titer was after 14 days and rose to peak at 28-45 days post-vaccination, then it decreased in the following days. Although, the mean of the neutralizing index (NI) titer between GPV and SPV was relatively similar and there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0. 05) at all days of the experiment, but in GPV the titer appeared slightly higher than SPV and reached to protective level (NI ≥ 1. 5) on day 45 post-vaccination. There was a high antibody titer (Log101. 07) in the day 180 post-vaccination. The results showed that GPV vaccine because of the induction of the protective level of antibody titer, and persisting within a long period for up to 180 day post-vaccination, has a good immunogenic response, so is considered a suitable vaccine to control LSD.

The only branch that detaches from the aortic arch of adult horses is the common brachiocephalic trunk. This report describes a rare case of the unusual arterial arrangement of the aortic arch in a female adult horse. The aortic arch was found to lack a common brachiocephalic trunk and had instead two branches, the first being a brachiocephalic trunk and the second being a left subclavian artery. The direct origin of the left subclavian artery from the aortic arch is very rare in horses and a similar case has not been reported previously. The potential embryologic and phylogenetic aspects of this variation are discussed.