نشریه علوم درمانگاهی دامپزشکی ایران
سال شانزدهم شماره 2 (پیاپی 28، پاییز و زمستان 1401)

Recurrent equine uveitis (ERU) is an important eye disease that causes secondary ocular changes such as lens dislocation, glaucoma, and retinal damage as chronic inflammatory lesions become chronic, making it the most common cause of blindness in horses worldwide. Homatropin is used as a mydriatic drug with pupil dilation and ciliary muscle relaxation during acute iris inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Homatropin 2% eye drops on pupil diameter and intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy horses. For this purpose, 20 apparently healthy horses of cross breed with an age range of 5-14 years and a weight range of 310-220 kg were selected. At each stage, IOP parameters and pupil size were measured before dropping, then repeated 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after the last drop. Data were then analyzed using one-way ANOVA analysis. The present study showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the treatment and control groups in the studied horses to determine IOP and homatropin decreased IOP at 15, 30 and 60 minutes compared to the control group (P <0.05). In this study, the effects of homatropin on pupil diameter were not significant. A supplementary study on the efficacy of homatropin in the treatment of EUR disease in horses with this disease is recommended.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and protective effects of portulaca oleracea extract on toxic damage induced by busulfan administration on some spermatic parameters in the male rat reproductive system. 40 adult male Wistar rats weighing 250-280 g were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 as following the groups receiving busulfan, busulfan + 5% portulaca oleracea extract, busulfan + 10% portulaca oleracea and control.Mean sperm parameters such as percentage of live, motile and progressive sperm in each group were compared.The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and total protein levels and histology in the rat testes were evaluated and compared. The mean of all three sperm parameters decreased significantly in the busulfan group compared to all groups (P<0.05). The highest levels of MDA and the lowest activity of SOD belonged to busulfan group followed by both concentrations and control groups (P<0.05). The activity of catalase enzyme in Busulfan groups and both concentrations of portulaca oleracea did not differ significantly (P>0.05), and the control group showed the highest activity of catalase in comparison with other groups (P<0.05). The results of histopathology also showed higher scores in both treatment groups than the busulfan group and its lower than the control group (P<0.05). The results showed that portulaca oleracea regardless to concentration could reduce the toxic effects of busulfan in a reproductive system and spermatogenesis by reducing the oxidation of membrane fatty acids and increasing the activity of SOD enzyme.

Tendons and ligaments in palmar aspect of metacarpus are always exposure to injuries resulting from traumas and diseases of limbs. Ultrasonographic evaluation enables observation of the tendons and ligaments injuries and diseases of limbs. Ultrasonography is currently being used to assess tendon/ligament healing. This study was conducted on 5 healthy Dareh-shori horses with a Mean age of 13.8±5.38 years and height of 128.8±13.15 cm. Non of the horses have clinically disorders in front limbs. After clipping and washing, the area between accessory carpal bone and fetlock joint was divided into 6 zones and 2 levels in sagittal and 4 levels in transverse view. ultrasonography was performed with a linear transducer 12 MHZ Frequency on both front limbs in full weight bearing. Measurements of tendons and ligaments such as Superficial digital flexor tendon, Deep digital flexor tendon, Inferior check ligament and Suspensory ligament were done both sagittal (1 and 2) and transverse (1, 2, 3 and 4) view. Transverse ultrasonogram were made to get the measurements such as thickness, width and cross- sectional area of tendons and ligaments. Echogenicity and fibrillary pattern of tendons and ligaments were assessed in longitudinal images. Results of this study showed no significant differences was found between the amounts of the right and left front limbs.

Lead is a highly toxic and heavy metal that through the induction of oxidative stress could influence all systems, especially the reproductive system in the body. Furthermore, studies revealed that luteum cells, due to their high rate of metabolism, are more susceptible to oxidative stress. In the present study, to evaluate the lead effect on luteal cells, first, the proper concentrations of lead acetate were chosen by MTT staining. Then, five culture plates of corpus luteum cells were ordered into five groups consisting of the control group (without lead acetate), group 1, group 2, group 3, and 4, respectively, with concentrations of 0.005, 0.004 0.002, and 0.001 mM of lead acetate. To assess variations of oxidative stress parameters, values of MDA, GSH and FRAP were measured. The present study results showed that the value of GSH in the group with the concentration of 0.004 mM lead acetate was significantly (P<0.05) more than the control group and groups with 0.001- and 0.002-mM concentrations. Moreover, the value of GSH in the group with 0.005 mM concentration was significantly (P<0.05) more than the group with 0.001 mM concentration and the control group. Value of MDA in the group containing 0.004 mM concentration by significant difference (P<0.05) was more than the group containing 0.001 mm and the control group. In the FRAP test, no significant difference among the control group and other concentrations of lead acetate was observed. Results of the present study suggest that lead acetate with the concentration of 0.004 mM could induce the most damage on the corpus luteum cells and, in return, compared with the other concentrations, has the most effect on activating antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Equine Herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) is one of the most important world-wide distributions of equine herpes viruses. This virus mainly causes respiratory diseases in this animal. The present study attempted to determine the existence of this virus among the horse population of Khuzestan province. One hundred fifty-one horses kept in a number of clubs in different cities of the province were sampled and they were tested by applying PCR. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 to administer the Chi-square test, logistic regression, Mann-Whitney test and Fisher’s Exact test and the degree of freedom was set on α = 0.05. The results of the study showed that the overall rate of infection with EHV-4 in horses was 16/56% disregarding the host and environmental factors. The results also indicated that age, gender, pregnancy status, history of respiratory diseases, and the history of displacement between the cities of Khuzestan province and the exit from the province did not have a significant effect on the amount of infection (P>0.05). At the same time, the rate of infection of horses in Ahvaz was higher than that of other cities (Shooshtar, Shoosh, Ramhormoz and Mahshahr), but this difference turned out to be significant only in relation to Ramhormoz (lowest infection rate) (P<0.05). The results of the study showed that although the positive cases reported in this study were far lower compared to the previous studies using the ELISA method, the existence of the virus in the horses of the province remained significant.

Contrast media Radiography is an imaging method which provides high resolution images for digestive system. The aim of this survey is radiographic evaluation of metoclopramide and cisapride effects on gastrointestinal transit time of contrast media in dogs. For this purpose, the fifteen clinically healthy adult native dogs were divided into three equal groups. The control group was received ketamine and acepromazine sedation drug, before administration of contrast media (barium sulfate). The second group was metoclopramide group that was received metoclopramide and sedative drugs. The third group was similar to second group, with the difference cisapride was administrated instead of metoclopramide. Several radiographs at 0, 20, 40 and 60 minutes and each hour until arriving contrast media to colon. It was shown that start time of contrast media evacuation of stomach had not significant difference between control and metoclopramide groups, Nevertheless there was a significant difference between cisapride group with two another groups.The averages of complete evacuation time of contrast media from stomach were 84, 56 and 44 minutes for the control, metoclopramide and cisapride groups respectively. It was shown a significant difference between the control group with the other two groups, but there was not a significant difference between metoclopramide and cisapride groups . In fact, both drugs caused faster evacuation of contrast media of stomach. In conclusion, different groups had a significant difference in during contrast media evacuation of stomach, but it was not significant, for the complete evacuation of contrast media of digestive system .

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is an economically important bacterial pathogen of poultry worldwide. The Aim of the present study was conducted to isolation, detection and determination of antibiotic sensitivity of ORT isolates in commercial poultry flocks with respiratory signs in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Tracheal swab samples were taken from 60 different flocks, after cultivation on a selective medium, suspected colonies were subjected to biochemical and molecular identification of ORT. Then, confirmed isolates were aimed to antibiotic resistance assay. A total of 13 isolates, including seven isolates from broiler flocks (19.44%) and six isolates from broiler breeder flocks (33.33%) were obtained. All ORT isolates that were positive by culture were also detected to be positive by the PCR. The most resistance rates among all ORT isolates were obtained for ampicillin, erythromycin, ceftriaxone, and penicillin (100%). The majority of ORT isolates were susceptible to furazolidone. According to the results, the isolates showed different antibiotic resistance profiles, and most of the strains proved multiresistant. This can indicate the circulation of various multidrug resistant strains among poultry farms in northern Iran.

The increasing of melatonin has stimulating and inhibiting effects on reproductive patterns in different animal species. Controlling the estrous cycle using hormonal methods with minimal side effects and easy administration is very important in dog reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin implant (18 mg) on some reproductive factors and function of kidney and liver in female dogs. In this study, ten adult non-pregnant female mixed breed dogs enrolled in two equal control and melatonin groups. Melatonin implant (18 mg) was administrated in subcutaneous space of neck. Blood samples, ovarian ultrasonography, and vaginal cytology were performed weekly for nine weeks. The mean diameter of ovaries and serum concentration of estrogen, progesterone, ALP, ALT, creatinine, and BUN were not significantly different between the two groups. Vaginal cytology and changes of hormones showed regularly the estrous cycles. In conclusion, the administration of subcutaneous melatonin implant could not significantly affect the reproductive factors in female dogs likewise did not affect hepatic and renal functional parameters.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with a wide range of host species. As the final host, the cats play an important role in the environment contamination and other hosts infection. Therefore, preventing the shedding of Toxoplasma oocysts in cats play a significant role in controlling the disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the live attenuated strain of toxoplasma gondii experimental vaccine that was prepared at the Razi Institute in order to prevent the shedding of oocysts by cats. In this study, ten native male cats were randomly divided into two equal groups. The first group received the attenuated strain and the second group received the culture medium as a control. Immunization conducted twice (3 week interval) by subcutaneous injection. Clinical symptoms were observed and recorded daily from the beginning of the experiment until one month after the second injection. One month after the second injection, all cats were challenged orally with the PRU strain. The agglutination serological test and the molecular test results showed a significant immune response and protective immunity in the vaccinated group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In general, the evaluation of the attenuated strain on cats as an experimental vaccine showed that this vaccine, in addition to creating an immune response and controlling oocyst shedding, did not cause any specific pathogenicity in the vaccinated group. Therefore, it is suggested to carry out additional research on this experimental vaccine in a long time with a larger number of cats.

Investigation of cryptosporidiosis in lambs in Gonabad city, Khorasan Razavi provinceSummary Cryptosporidium is an enteric zoonotic protozoan that causes cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals. To investigate the infection of lambs in Gonabad city (located in the southeast of Khorasan Razavi province) with Cryptosporidium, fecal samples were collected from the rectum of 138 lambs of 5 to 60 days old from some sheep herds in different villages of this city. Stool samples were mixed with potassium bichromate 2.5% and transported in a cool box to the to the laboratory. Age, sex, breed, rectal temperature, presence of other animal species and herd size were recorded. Fecal smear was prepared and stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. Results showed that 19 samples out of 138 were positive (13.8%). There was no statistically significant difference between the protozoan infection with age, sex, fecal consistency, body temperature, breed and herd density (P>0.05).This study showed that the prevalence and intensity of Cryptosporidium infection in Gonabad city is significant, so this parasite should be considered a potential threat to the livestock economy and human health.

The aim of this study was to compare levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IFN- γ in lung homogenates with their concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as well as levels of ovalbumin-specific IgE in lung homogenates with its concentrations in serum following induction of allergic asthma in mice to determine the best specimen in similar studies. In this investigation, 14 six-week female Balb/c mice were sensitized to Ovalbumin+ Aluminum hydroxide (on days 0 and 7) and challenged with Ovalbumin aerosols (on days 14 to 16). Specimens were obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung tissue and serum on day 17. Ovalbumin was replaced by phosphate buffer solution in the control group. Infiltration of inflammatory cells especially eosinophils revealed inflammation in lung. ELISA results showed that in the asthma group levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in lung homogenates in comparison to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P<0.05). In the asthma group, levels of Ovalbumin-specific IgE in lung homogenates and seum specimens correlated to a high degree (r=0.942, P<0.05). In the control group, Ovalbumin-specific IgE was undetectable in lung homogenate while it was detected in serum. Based on our findings, lung homogenate is a valuable specimen to evaluate levels of IL-4, IL-10 and ovalbumin-specific IgE in similar studies. More investigations are needed to evaluate other cytokines and immune components.

One of the advantages of using epididymal sperm is helping to preserve the genetic resources of elite animals and endangered species after death. This study aimed to investigate the probable protective effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) on epididymal ram sperm under liquid storage at 4 ° C for 24 hours. Sperms were collected by making an incision on the epididymis of slaughtered rams and extended in extenders supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 mg/ml polyvinyl alcohol or polyethylene glycol then refrigerated for 24 hours. We found that only 0.5 mg/ml of PVA group had higher motility parameters comparing to control group (P <0.05). The lowest motility in PVA groups was observed at the concentration of 10 mg/ml. Extenders supplemented with PEG in different concentrations had no significant effect on the most kinetic indices. Both compounds were lethal to sperm at 15 mg/ml.