نشریه پژوهش های بالینی دامپزشکی
سال پانزدهم شماره 2 (پاییز و زمستان 1403)

Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process that includes 4 phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and matrix remodeling and is supported by a large number of cellular events. Leoheal spray contains the active ingrediants of allantoin, carbomer, boric acid and chlorhexidine. According to the severity and extent of the wound, the duration of treatment and treatment methods will be different. The use of topical ointments, new dressings and biological coatings are used to treat the wound. One of the other ways to repair wounds is to use chemical compounds that are effective in repairing skin layers. The combination of these materials with a synergistic effect in performance can also be effective in repairing it according to the nature of the damage. The purpose of this research to study the effectiveness of leoheal spray on the quality of wound healing process. This study was conducted on 20 male rats with an average weight of 250 to 300 grams. Rats were divided in two groups of without drug and positive control, and according to Abramov's indices, the effectiveness of drug on wound healing was evaluated using Shapro and Yelk statistical tests. The results of the statistical analysis showed that our desired indicators collagen deposition, neovascularization, fibroblast maturation, acute and chronic inflammation and the formation of granulation tissue in the two groups had no significant difference and only in the process of re epithelization followed a positive trend. (P=0.4). Leoheal spray leads to the improvement of re epithelization process in resection wounds.

Hard ticks (Ixodidae) are obligate blood-sucking arthropods and are considered to be an important agent of disease transmission to humans and animals. Hard ticks cause pain and burning, increased sensitivity, anemia, weakness and incapacity, paralysis and tick poisoning, weight loss and production and ultimately death in livestock due to their bite and blood feeding in livestock, poultry and humans. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the frequency of infection and identifying the diversity of hard tick species in Ardabil city by a cross-sectional descriptive method during the spring to winter of 1403 and as random classification sampling. For this purpose, different parts of the cow's body were examined for tick contamination, and the observed ticks were separated from the host's skin by tweezers. The demographic information of the cows and the distribution pattern of the parasite on the body surface were recorded. In the present study, the prevalence of hard ticks was reported as 19.7% (95% confidence interval 23.7%, 15.7%). Hard ticks observed in infected cows included 52.0% Hyaloma genus, 41.3% Ripicephalus genus, 13.3% Dermacentor and 0.4% Hemophysalis genus. In the present study, 253 hard ticks were isolated and identified in the perineum, head and ear, groin, back, sides and abdomen, breast skin and testicle areas, respectively.The frequency of infection with hard ticks showed a significant relationship with the sampling season and geographical area of life (p<0.05), but no significant relationship was seen with the age, gender, breed, and the way cows were kept (p>0.05). The results of this research indicate that ticks of the genus Hyaloma and Ripicephalus were the most abundant hard ticks in cattle in Ardabil city, which can play a role in the transmission of infectious diseases transmitted by ticks to cattle in the region, as well as to farmers and villagers.

Diseases of the upper respiratory tract have been considered due to their association with athletic performance and horse health. Among infectious disorders, fungal infections have been a challenge for equine veterinarians due to their resistance to treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the origin of secretions from the nostrils and its association with upper respiratory tract diseases. 10 horses with secretions from nostrils that did not respond to treatment, after segregation by age, sex and breed, underwent endoscopic rest and mycological sampling. Sedation was performed by administering Detomidine Hydrochloride at a dose of 0.04 mg / kg. After observing the nose, throat and larynx and the space inside the guttural pouch, disorders such as nasal inflammation, epiglottis involvement, epiglottis enlargement, pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia, unilateral laryngeal paralysis, arytenoid cartilage deformity, discharge from the guttural pouch and dorsal soft palate dislocation were examined. Two swabs were taken from each horse, and each was sent to a mycology laboratory in a separate tube, one containing physiological serum plus chloramphenicol and the other containing Sabouraud Dextrose agar plus chloramphenicol. Nine head of the studied horses had upper respiratory tract abnormalities. Lymphoid hyperplasia was the most common among upper respiratory tract abnormalities. The result of mycological culture was positive for every 10 heads. In only one head, guttural pouch was the source of the discharge. Among the obtained fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus was the most abundant. The present study showed that most discharges from nostrils that do not respond to drug treatment are due to fungal infections and definitive diagnosis is possible with the help of biopsy and endoscopic examination. In future studies, it is suggested that in addition to the use of field endoscopy, and a wider statistical population should be examined.

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that contaminate food and harm humans and animals. This study aimed to show that aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is harmful to chicken livers and to find out how curcumin and melatonin can help protect against this harm. In this study, 25 one-day-old chickens were randomly divided into five equal groups (5 pieces each). The control group did not get any medicine for 10 days. The AFB1 group got 2 mg/kg of aflatoxin B1, and the melatonin (melatonin), curcumin, and curcumin-melatonin (Cur-Mel) groups got 1 mg/kg of melatonin, 2 g/kg of curcumin, and both curcumin-melatonin at the same time. Blood was collected directly from the heart when the animals were killed on day 10. Serum TAC, GGT, and AST levels were measured to evaluate the liver. Histopathology and grading of lesions from 0 to 3 were performed based on the severity of liver lesions. The groups receiving curcumin and melatonin had higher reserves of total antioxidants. There was a significant difference (P<0.0001) between the groups that got curcumin and melatonin and the control group in serum GGT and AST levels. Also, serum TAC levels in the aflatoxin B1 group were significantly lower than those in both the curcumin-melatonin group (P<0.01). During the pathological examination, the control group showed complete health and no discoloration, setting it apart from the aflatoxin B1 and treated groups, except the curcumin-melatonin group. Compared to the aflatoxin B1 group, the liver damage was significantly less in the curcumin-melatonin group (P<0.0001). Curcumin and melatonin can reduce histopathological lesions, decrease oxidation, and increase antioxidant capacity in the liver tissue of chickens with toxic lesions caused by aflatoxin B1.

Determining the exact time of ovulation is essential to increase the success of insemination or breeding. An increase in the diameter of the follicle, serration inside the follicle, thickening of the granulosa layer, a change in the shape of the follicle from spherical to oval and its tip in the ovulation pit, the observation of echogenic grains inside the non-echoic fluid, and loosening of the follicle and a decrease in uterine edema are signs of approaching ovulation. In this study, 71 Thoroughbred mares and 38 KWPN Dutch mares, aged between 8 to 22 years, were examined from April to August 2024. A 5 MHz transrectal ultrasound was used to determine the timing of ovulation, measure the diameter of pre-ovulatory follicles, and assess the severity of uterine edema within 48 hours. All the mares studied were pregnant after studying breeding. The findings revealed that the median degree of edema in the Thoroughbred breed was 2, while in the Dutch breed, it was 1.75 (p < 0.001). The median follicle diameter in Thoroughbreds was 47 mm, while in Dutch mares it was 48 mm, with the Mann-Whitney test indicating a significant difference (p < 0.001). The median diameter of ovulatory follicles in the left ovary was 46 mm and in the right ovary was 48 mm (p < 0.001). The ovulation rate for Thoroughbred mares in the right ovary was 30 cases (42%) and in the left ovary was 41 cases (58%) out of 71 cases. In contrast, the ovulation rate for Dutch mares in the right ovary was 20 cases (53%) and in the left ovary was 18 cases (47%) out of 48 cases (p = 0.095).

Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), caused by Equine Herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), is a neurologic condition marked by ataxia, urinary retention, limb paralysis, and occasionally death. The disease can affect both vaccinated and unvaccinated horses, with a higher prevalence in older and female horses. EHV-1 exists in two main genotypes: neuropathogenic (D752) and non-neuropathogenic (N752), the former being more virulent. Transmission occurs through direct and indirect contact, including nasal secretions, contaminated equipment, and fetal fluids. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, PCR testing, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and histopathology. There is no definitive treatment; however, supportive care alongside antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant therapy may improve outcomes. Preventive measures rely on strict biosecurity, quarantine, and stress reduction. While vaccination may not prevent EHM, it can reduce respiratory disease and abortion associated with EHV-1. Early detection and proper outbreak management are essential for controlling disease spread and minimizing losses.

Aquatherapy, as a complementary therapy, uses the beauty and tranquility of aquatic animals and the aquarium environment to improve the mental and emotional health of individuals. This method involves interacting with aquatic animals, watching their natural movements, and experiencing the visual beauty of the aquarium, which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in the right context. Scientific evidence shows that aquarium therapy can have a positive effect on various groups of patients by creating a sense of calm, improving mood, and reducing tension and depression, and can improve the quality of life. However, it can also be a source of disease transmission and increase the risk of disease. Attention to animal rights and diseases associated with aquarium fish is an important aspect of aquarium therapy. Filling the aquarium environment with healthy fish and meeting their needs not only contributes to the health and well-being of the animals, but also provides better treatment experiences for patients. Therefore, measures to maintain the health and welfare of fish and pay attention to their rights seem necessary. Rapid identification of diseases in fish and taking necessary preventive or treatment measures are important. Regular examinations, maintaining appropriate aquarium conditions, and proper nutrition management can help prevent the occurrence of diseases. In the present study, infectious agents and suitable species in therapeutic aquariums were examined based on retrospective studies, and 11 types of fish were selected from important species, their diseases were categorized, and their risks were reviewed and suggestions were made regarding the selection of optimal species and methods in accordance with animal rights and the minimum requirements in this application.

Equine infectious keratitis is a common, painful, and potentially fatal disease. 18% of all reported equine eye diseases were due to ulcerative keratitis. The high incidence of ulcerative keratitis and the high probability assessment are likely due in part to the prominence of the eyeball in horses, the erratic behavior of the horses, and an environment rich in plant material. Ulcerative keratitis can have variable appearances. Simple traumatic ulcers are relatively superficial because no corneal stroma has been lost. There is minimal corneal edema and no apparent cellular infiltrate. Because uncomplicated ulcers heal rapidly, there is no corneal vascularization. Complicated ulcers include nonhealing and have stromal loss, keratomalacia, or corneal perforation with iris prolapse. Most ulcers with stromal loss or keratomalacia are infected with bacteria or fungi. Successful diagnosis and management of ulcerative keratitis depend on the correct interpretation of clinical signs; appropriate specimen acquisition; early, aggressive, and appropriate medical therapy; and surgical intervention when necessary.

Triage is the rapid assessment and classification of patients referred to the emergency department of veterinary medical centers based on the severity of the disease. The purpose of triage is to prioritize patients based on the severity of the disease symptoms, prevent wasting time, and perform necessary therapeutic interventions in critically ill patients so that more patients can be saved from certain death. Other patients who are not in critical conditions and whose vital signs are stable are given priority. In the emergency department, the technician, nurse, or emergency veterinarian examines the patient after taking a history from the animal owner and, if the patient requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation, begins resuscitation after requesting assistance from other medical personnel. Patients with abnormalities in the cardiorespiratory, nervous, and renal systems should first have their vital signs carefully evaluated and recorded. After that, the emergency veterinarian should take the necessary measures to stabilize the patient's vital signs. The triage room should be equipped with the necessary equipment, including oxygen tanks, equipment for venous or bone catheterization, intravenous fluids, electrocardiography, blood pressure measurement, and a resuscitation trolley. The resuscitation trolley should have all the necessary equipment for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including tracheal tubes of various sizes, laryngoscope, defibrillator, and emergency medications. Also, a suitable tube for taking blood samples for measuring hematocrit, total protein, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, arterial blood gas analysis, and serum lactate should be available. It should be noted that the vital signs should first be stabilized to remove the patient from the critical condition, then the patient should be referred to the diagnostic or surgical departments for more detailed evaluation (secondary evaluation). In other words, the secondary evaluation should be performed after the initial evaluation and stabilization of the patient's vital signs.

Glanders is caused by the intracellular, Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia mallei. The primary hosts of the disease are equines such as horses, donkeys, and mules; however, there have been reports of infection in camelids, small ruminants, lions, and even humans. Currently, Iran is surrounded by countries endemic for the disease, including Pakistan, India, Iraq, the Gulf states, and others. Given the current disease situation in neighboring countries, a comprehensive investigation of the disease status in both the human and equine populations in western Iran was undertaken. In the present study, a total of 404 equines of both sexes (including 360 horses, 32 mules, and 12 donkeys) and 384 human subjects (337 males and 47 females) who had direct contact with equines were examined clinically and tested using three laboratory techniques: ELISA, culture, and PCR. Additionally, in equines showing clinical and specific signs of the disease, FNA testing and nasal swabbing were performed where possible. The results indicated that in the ELISA test, 8 equines tested positive and 2 were suspected cases. Further confirmatory testing (culture and PCR) on these samples not only validated the ELISA results but also revealed, at the molecular level, the presence of a new bacterial strain in one of the horse samples. Among the human samples, only four individuals (three males and one female), all without any clinical history of the disease, tested positive in both serological and molecular assays. The findings of this study suggest the potential emergence and spread of new strains of B. mallei among equine populations and horse handlers in Iran, calling for stricter surveillance and control measures.

Seasonal anestrus and transitional periods are key phases in the reproductive cycle of mares, playing an important role in their fertility and reproductive efficiency. This study aims to investigate the physiological mechanisms related to these periods and introduce effective management strategies to stimulate ovarian activity and reduce the duration of reproductive inactivity. The main focus is on the use of artificial lighting and pharmacological interventions, including hormone therapy with GnRH analogs, progesterone, and dopamine antagonists. The results of this study indicate that the precise implementation of therapeutic protocols and appropriate environmental conditions can assist in follicular growth, induce ovulation, and ultimately improve reproductive performance in mares. This study serves as a practical guide for veterinarians and breeders to enhance reproductive management in mares. Mares are among the species whose reproduction occurs during the longer days of the year, with multiple reproductive cycles occurring during the breeding season. Their reproductive activity is significantly influenced by the length of daylight (photoperiod). The reproductive cycle of these animals is divided into four main stages: anestrus (inactive period), spring transitional period, breeding season (including estrus and diestrus), and autumn transitional period. Two key stages in this cycle, seasonal anestrus and the transitional period, have a major impact on fertility productivity and reproductive performance in mares. During the seasonal anestrus, due to the reduction in daylight hours, ovarian activity in mares decreases, and the estrous cycle halts. On the other hand, the transitional phase is a transitional period that shifts mares from anestrus to the breeding season (spring transitional period) or from the breeding season to anestrus (autumn transitional period). These periods, due to hormonal changes and fluctuations in ovarian activity, significantly affect fertility and reproductive health in mares, presenting considerable management challenges due to irregular ovarian activity and the absence of ovulation.