فصلنامه دامپزشکی ایران
سال هجدهم شماره 74 (بهار 1401)

The proventriculus is one of the most important parts of digestive tract in birds for mechanical and chemical digestion and can vary depending on the bird's eating habits. In the present study, the morphological and histological structure of proventriculus in common kestrel, steppe eagle, golden eagle and imperial eagle have been investigated and compared. In this study, Proventriculus of common kestrel (n=4), steppe eagle (n=5), golden eagle (n=4) and imperial eagle (n=6) were collected and fixed in 10% formalin buffer solution and the histological process were carried. Finally, H&E, Masson’s trichrome, Orcein and PAS stainings were utilized. Histologically, slight differences were observed between the proventriculus of common kestrel and steppe eagle. Notable differences included a continuous and relatively thicker layer of mucosal muscle in the steppe eagle's proventriculus, and the distinct simple columnar epithelium of the submucosal glands type II ducts. The only notable structural difference in golden eagle was the presence of relatively dense connective tissue of lamina propria and one to three layers of continuous smooth muscle in its structure. The histological structure of imperial eagle's proventriculus had two differences with its structure in common kestrel. Firstly, the lamina propria was composed of relatively dense connective tissue and secondly, the muscle layer was relatively thinner than other species examined in this study, while the serosa layer had a considerable thickness. It can be concluded that the structure of proventriculus was similar in three species of eagles and common kestrel, and the main significant difference was related to the layers of mucosal muscle.

Several factors play a role in the development of obesity in animals, which is the most important of them lack of exercise, excessive feeding, and hormonal disorders. Testosterone is responsible for many of the physical characteristics specific to males. Body condition score (BCS) is used to determine the body status. Body weight increases significantly with castration in dogs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between body condition score with lipid profiles and serum testosterone concentration in obese, normal and thin dogs. This survey was accomplished on one hundred and fifty intact male dogs referred to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The owned dogs were divided into three equal groups: group A (obese), group B (normal) and group C (thin). There were fifty dogs in each group. Body condition score system was used from number one to nine. The dogs were selected from large breeds (German shepherd and Doberman Pinscher), male and in the age range 1-7 years-old. Serum lipid profiles (triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C concentrations) were measured using spectrophotometric method. Testosterone concentration was also determined by ELISA method. Body condition score and testosterone concentration had an effect on lipid profile levels, so that the increase of BCS caused a significant increase of triglyceride (122.06±67.99 mg/dl), total cholesterol (241.08±67.25), LDL-C (134.18±63.10) and VLDL-C (23.96±13.42) in obese dogs (A) and a significant decrease of HDL-C (82.98±26.86) and testosterone (3.36±0.57). It was also identified that the decrease of BCS in thin dogs (C) caused a significant decrease of serum triglyceride (76.24±29.67 mg/dl), total cholesterol (203.54±59.89), LDL-C (89.99±55.99) and VLDL-C (15.25±5.93) and a significant increase of HDL-C (97.64±35.65) and testosterone (9.00±0.82). Means of testosterone concentrations were obtained 3.36±0.57, 5.71±0.55 and 9.00±0.82 ng/ml in the obese, normal and thin dogs, respectively. The results showed that serum testosterone concentration decreased with obesity (increase of BCS), and increased with emaciation (decrease of BCS). Further investigations are necessary to be determined the better understand of relationship between obesity and hormonal changes.

Today, the increasing use of beauty products such as Botox has raised concerns about their secondary impact on the body. The healing of wounds created at the site of these injections and paralyzed areas in case of this medicine has been considered by many researchers and physicians. The aim of this study was to investigate the process of wound healing in an area that previously treated with Botox. This study was performed on 30 rats weighing 200 to 250 g. 10 days before surgery Animals in Botox group, was injected 5 units of Botox and in the control group, saline serum with a volume of 1 ml subcutaneously in an area of 20 × 20 mm. After 10 days, the animals were ready for surgery. The surgery was performed by removing the injected area of the skin in full thickness and then the animals were kept in separate cages. Each of the Botox and control groups was divided into three equal subgroups (n = 5). Each of the subgroups was examined macroscopically and microscopically on days 7, 14 and 21, respectively, after euthanasia. In macroscopic evaluation of wound size and wound closure percentage, no significant difference was observed between Botox and control groups; However at all animals the percentage of wound closure in the Botox group was higher than the control group. In microscopic evaluation of skin sections in the day of 7 after wounding, in the Botox group, a large number of fibroblasts and blood capillaries that contained abundant erythrocytes were seen. On the day of 14 in the Botox group, the fleshy bud tissue showed faster maturation and the fleshy bud tissue contained fewer fibroblasts and more collagen fibers were seen. In the Day of 21 In all mice of Botox group, most of the wounds were completely covered by proliferated keratinocytes and also in the dermis, compared to the control group, connective tissue with pink fibers and a small number of fibroblasts and blood capillaries were visible. Overall, this study showed that wound healing in areas where previously injected by Botox is not problematic but also performed with better speed and quality.

A treatment containing Zataria multiflora essential oil was compared with antibiotic therapy for Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis in dairy cows in a field trial. Treatment outcomes in response to ointment were monitored using microbiological culture. Intramammary ointment of a Z. multiflora essential oil (Group 1; IOZM) was compared with placebo ointment (Group 2; PO), cefquinome intramammary lactating cow ointment (Group 3; CFQ) and a negative control group (Group 4) in 18 dairy cows with Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis each group. Effects on bacteriological cure rate in response to ointment treatment were monitored by culture. Results from this field trials demonstrated that IOZM treatment had the potential to be as effective at eliminating Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis as treatment. Following a 14-d and 28-d experimental period, bacteriological responses were observed in 9 out of 18 IOZM treated cows compared with 10 out of 18 CFQ treated cows. Also, the California Mastitis Test grade had no significant effect on treatment. The results of this trial suggest that S. aureus subclinical mastitis treatment with Z. multiflora essential oil, which indicates that this treatment could be used as an alternative treatment.We successfully treated the S. aureus subclinical mastitis in bovine with Z. multiflora essential oil and can suggest it’s used instead of antibiotic use.

Bromocriptine ((BRM); as a dopaminergic agent) reduces the serum prolactin, and is one of the most routine drugs to induce a successful estrus cycle in bitches. Some clinical side effects are accompanying this drug. This study aimed to investigate the hemodynamics of the uterine artery (UA) following administration of the increasing doses of BRM. In a case-control study, five non-pregnant bitches of mixed breeds in the anestrus stage received daily oral doses of BRM on days 1 and 2 (100, µg/kg), days 3 and 4 (200 µg/kg), and days 5 onward (400 µg/kg) until turning into proestrus. Three bitches, with expressed estrus without any intervention, were considered as control. The vaginal cytology, the ultrasound examination, and the serum progesterone (P4) assay were performed at 2-3 day intervals. Proestrus was induced within 6.6±1.17 days following BRM treatment. BRM significantly lowered the serum P4 to 15.1±0.78 compared to the control group (21.5±1.13 ng/mL) during induced estrus. BRM significantly changed UA hemodynamics over the days before proestrus. Mean UA pulse index, resistance index, and peak systolic velocity in BRM-induced estrus were significantly lower than the control group. The results of this study showed lower serum P4 levels and some alterations in the canine uterine hemodynamic during BRM-induced estrus compared to naturally expressed estrus. Induced cycle in dogs with lower serum P4 levels and altered UA hemodynamics must be considered for subsequent pregnancy outcomes in the BRM induced-estrus.

Present study investigated a suitable source of plasma egg yolk (PEY) to supplement tris-based extender for cryopreservation of canine semen. Collected semen by artificial vagina was diluted to reach 50-100×106 per ML by Tris-based extender, supplemented with 20% PEY of three avian species (domestic chicken, domestic duck and pigeon) and 3% glycerol. After cooling specimen to 4°C for 1 hr, the specimens were diluted with equal volume of freezing extender consisting of 20% PEY, similar to initial PEY, and 7% glycerol to achieve the final glycerol concentration of 5%. The sperm viability parameters including total motility, progressive forward motility, plasma membrane integrity and live percentage of sperm were assessed following semen collection, after adding the first and the second part of semen extender and post thawing. Chicken PEY had better plasma membrane integrity (80.9±2.0 %) compared to pigeon PEY (76.6±3.08 %; P<0.01). There was not any other significant difference in semen viability parameters between chicken PEY (total motility: 85.4±2.72; progressive forward motility: 71.9±3.24; live percentage: 89.7±1.66) and other plasma egg yolks. In conclusion, due to the ease of availability and superiority in some sperm viability parameters, chicken PEY at the concentration of 20% could provide beneficial effect for cryopreservation of canine semen.

The rapid development of aquaculture resulted in modern methods such as intensive aquaculture or water circulation systems producing agricultural wastewater with high concentrations of nitrogen pollutants. However, these pollutants and urban, industrial, and agricultural wastewater are harmful to aquatic animals and increase damage in gills and energy loss. The present study aimed to evaluate the histomorphometry of the gills of Nile tilapia exposed to different ammonia concentrations. Juvenile Oreochromis niloticus were prepared and kept in the 100l aquariums for adaptation. After completing these steps, the test was conducted based on the increase in susceptibility of Nile tilapia on ammonia. Then, an acute toxicity test was performed in the experimental and control groups for 96 hours according to the standard instructions. For sub-lethal toxicity studies, 120 Nile tilapia were categorized into four groups, including three groups based on different percentages of (10, 20, and 30% LC50 96h) and a control group. The groups were exposed to ammonia for 14 days at a stable physicochemical conditions. Finally, histological analysis was carried out on fish gills. Then standard method of  paraffin sections followed and tissue sections, 4-6µ thick were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin methods. The data obtained demonstrate that high concentrations of ammonia caused various gills tissue damage as hyperemia, filament swelling, increase in the number of chloride cells, necrosis and cell death, hyperplasia, hypertrophy and changes in behavior such as decreased appetite and mobility. The obtained data showed that an increase in ammonia level could cause irreversible damage to gill structure, and other tissues. Therefore, the habitats of these aquatic animals must be continuously monitored for ammonia levels.

Estrogens are known to have antioxidant properties and their deficiency after ovariohysterectomy (OVH) predisposes the body to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Occurrence of oxidative stress following OVH in dogs and rats has been demonstrated in previous studies. However, no investigations have been done in relation to changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation, especially in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of some antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and 17-beta estradiol in serum before and one month after OVH. In this study, 12 cats aged 2 to 5 years that were not in the estrous cycle were used. Then OVH surgery was performed. Blood samples were taken before and one month after surgery and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and catalase (CAT) enzymes, the concentration of MDA and 17-beta estradiol in serum were measured. The activity of SOD, Gpx, CAT and MDA concentration increased after OVH compared to before which was not significant. The concentration of 17-beta estradiol decreased postoperatively compared to before, which was statistically significant. OVH did not cause oxidative stress with no significant change in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in cats after one month, although 17-beta estradiol showed a significant decrease. More studies are needed to determine further dimensions.

Allergic contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct contact with an offending substance. The aim of this study was to establish a suitable method for induction of allergic contact dermatitis in dogs for future studies. For this purpose, 1% and 2% dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) were injected with and without ethanol and olive oil or acetone and olive oil subcutaneously in the back of 8 BALB/c mice (4 equal groups). Then, based on the types and severity of the symptoms, it was decided to sensitize the dogs with only 2% DNCB. Finally, in two stages, 2% DNCB with or without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was injected with ethanol or acetone and olive oil subcutaneously in thoracic and scapular regions of five dogs. Two percent DNCB challenge caused clinical findings including erythema, edema and skin scaling, as well as pruritus and scratching behavior in the mice. Clinical findings in dogs developed in mild severity including redness and swelling within a few days. There was a significant increase in total blood leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocytes counts at seven days in dogs. Also statistical analysis showed that one week after DNCB injection, IgE expression increased significantly and this increase continued until day twenty-one. Based on the result of this study, intradermal injection of 100 μL of 2% DNCB mixture with DMSO (dissolved in a 4:1 mixture of ethanol and olive oil) was a suitable method for induction of allergic contact dermatitis in dogs. Furthermore, the scapular region was also a convenient location to prevent self-induced lesions.

In recent years, using suitable probiotic bacteria is one of the big concerns in aquaculture industry. For each species presence of lactic acid bacteria in the gut of that species, makes them a suitable probiotic candidate as food additive. In this study, lactic acid bacteria of intestine of common carp from captured fish ponds of Khuzestan province were examined. For this purpose 30 fish from several ponds were sampled. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated using specific culture media and identified by biochemical and molecular tests. Definite identification was performed by the PCR method and sequencing. The isolated probiotic bacteria identified as Enterococcus gallinarum, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Lactococcus lactis, and Staphylococcus hominis. The bacteria isolated in this study were able to grow in the temperature range of 25-45 ° C, pH renge of 3 to 9, media salinity containing 1-4% NaCl, and most of them in different bile doses of 7.5-2.5%. Assessing the antagonistic activity of these isolates showed that they have a relative ability when compared with a model bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila). However, the results showed that the isolated bacteria were sensitive to the commonly used antibiotics in aquatic animals. The bacteria were appeared genetically similar to the bacteria that isolated from commercial products and aquatic organisms of Indonesia, China, Japan, The United States and India. This study is the first report of isolation and identification of Enterococcus spp with probiotic capabilities in common carp in Iran as Iranian strain.

Rabies, as an endemic fatal zoonotic disease, is transmitted from infected animals to humans commonly through contact (scratches and bites). The present paper provides the first documented evidence of rabies in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Signs of rabies disease were found in one red fox in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The red fox had aggressive behavior and attacked humans. The animal died after a while. Soon after the death, the samples were taken from the fox’s brain (hypothalamus, cerebellum, and hippocampus). In this report, laboratory evidences of rabies were confirmed by the fluorescent antibody (FAT) and RT-PCR tests in foxes. To prevent and control this deadly disease, suspected cases of rabies in humans and animals should be monitored regularly with a sensitive monitoring system and advanced reporting. This includes the history of exposure, symptoms, clinical examinations, and laboratory results. Rabies can be controlled by vaccination and fast diagnostic tests.

In this article we described necropsy findings of Cysticercus tenuicollis infection among a group of 65 wild-caught imported vervet monkeys from Tanzania into “Razi vaccine and serum research institute Karaj-Iran” for assessment of oral polio vaccine neurovirulence test (MNVT). The methods of diagnosis were based on observation of the C. tenuicollis, morphological characters of scolex as well as the shape, size and the number of the rostellar hooks and histopathological examination. Totally 7 female monkeys were detected positive (10.8%) for C. tenuicollis. Our results highlighted that, most cases of C. tenuicollis infection in vervet monkeys detected incidentally and cause mild or no disease, but well developed cysts could be organized in abdominal cavity causing peritoneal cysticercosis. It was suggested to set up more measures such as ultrasound imaging and serological tests, on next import shipment of the vervet monkeys, to prevent entrance of infected animals to the post quarantine holding areas.