فصلنامه دامپزشکی ایران
سال بیست و یکم شماره 88 (پاییز 1404)

Enterotoxemia occurs in goats as a common disease with high mortality. The present study aimed to investigate maternal-derived antibodies against epsilon toxin to improve vaccination strategies for enterotoxemia in goats in Iran. Kids born from 12 vaccinated goats and kids born from 7 unvaccinated goats were sampled at 0, 3, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 86 days of age. A commercial blocking ELISA kite was used for serological analysis of samples. The percentage of inhibition was significantly higher in vaccinated dams compared to unvaccinated ones. In kids, the percentage of inhibition in both groups was statically similar until 42 days of age. After this point, the percentage of inhibition in the control group decreased significantly, becoming notably lower compared to the treatment group at 56 and 70 days old. At 86 days old, the percentage of inhibition in both groups was statically indifferent. In the unvaccinated group, the percentage of inhibition at 56 days of age is significantly lower than the percentage of inhibition at 42 days of age.  Moreover, in the vaccinated group, the percentage of inhibition at 70 days of age was significantly lower than at 56 days of age. In conclusion, vaccinating dams during the last month of pregnancy is effective in enhancing maternally derived antibody titers against epsilon toxin in kids. In goat kids born to vaccinated and non-vaccinated dams, 56–70 and 42–56 days of age, respectively, seem to be the proper times for the administration of the first dose of the enterotoxemia vaccine.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae and part of the normal flora in the intestines of both humans and warm-blooded animals. It causes a wide range of infections, both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal, in humans and animals, including dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are often considered potential reservoirs of E. coli strains that can cause intestinal or extra-intestinal infections in humans. Therefore, zoonotic transmission aspects of infection are highly important. The use of certain antibiotics and the selective pressure in the environment contribute to the selection and spread of resistance genes to similar antibiotics, complicating the treatment of many bacterial infections. This study aimed to investigate the presence of certain extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes in E. coli strains isolated from feces of both healthy and diarrheal dogs, and to examine their antibiotic sensitivity. A total of 100 E. coli isolates were screened phenotypically for the production of ESBL enzymes using cefotaxime and cefotaxime/clavulanic acid combination disks. The antibiotic sensitivity of the ESBL-producing strains to 12 antibiotics from various classes was evaluated. Furthermore, the presence of the genes blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-9, and blaOXA-1 in the ESBL-producing isolates was assessed using multiplex PCR. The results showed that 31 out of 100 E. coli isolates were phenotypically ESBL producers. The blaTEM gene was identified as the predominant ESBL gene in 45.2% of the isolates, while the blaCTX-M-1 gene was found in 25.8%. The highest antibiotic resistance was observed against erythromycin, while the lowest was against meropenem. Additionally, 20 different antibiotic resistance patterns were identified in the isolates. Given the zoonotic aspects of E. coli transmission, further epidemiological studies and pre-treatment antibiotic sensitivity profiling are recommended to ensure successful treatment and prevent the spread of ESBL-producing strains.

Haemoparasitic infections are frequently observed in dogs from tropical regions, including Iraq. Numerous dogs become infected with several blood parasites, resulting in more serious diseases than a singular infection. This investigation was designed in Wasit Province, Iraq to conduct a comprehensive molecular detection and characterization of haemoparasites in Infested Dogs. This cross-sectional study was performed from the beginning of May 2024 to the end of December of 2024. Totally 280 stray dogs were examined in different areas in waist, Iraq. The blood sample were obtained from the jugular vein of infested dogs was used for both microscopic and molecular analysis. Thin blood smears were prepared, detected by giemsa staining and screened for piroplasms Babesia, Theileria and Anaplasma. Total DNA was extracted followed by nested PCR using primer targeting16S rRNA gene to detect for Anaplasma spp. and 18SrRNA for Babesia spp and Theilleria spp. PCR products were confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Nucleotide sequencing verified the authenticity of the amplified genes, whose sequences were compared with reference sequences of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes, and the isolate sequences from this work were posted in GenBank. A microscopic analysis of thin Diff-quick-stained blood smears identified big intra-erythrocytic Babesia sp., Theileria sp., and Anaplasma sp. in thirty four dogs. The PCR investigation revealed Anaplasma sp. in 77 dogs (27.5%), Babesia sp. in 55 dogs (19.6%), and Theileria sp. in 63 dogs (22.5%). The identification and similarity scores between the isolates of this investigation and the reference strains were 100% identical. The findings of this study indicate that stray dogs are reservoirs of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp., potentially playing a significant role in the epidemiology and dissemination of blood parasites, hence posing a substantial threat to the cattle industry.

Nicotine (NC) is the major alkaloid in tobacco and has been strongly associated with male reproductive toxicity, mainly through mechanisms related to oxidative stress and apoptosis. Ellagic acid (EA), a naturally occurring polyphenol with well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been reported to counteract oxidative tissue damage in various experimental models. The present study investigated the protective effects of EA against NC-induced reproductive impairment in adult male Wistar rats. To do this, a total of twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6), including control group, EA group (60 mg/kg, orally), NC group (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), and NC combined with EA group. Following 30 days of treatment, the animals were euthanized, and testicular tissues were examined for gonadosomatic index (GSI), sperm quality parameters (count, motility, viability, and morphology), and expression levels of key apoptotic genes (Bcl-2, caspase-3, p53, and BAX). The administration of NC significantly reduced GSI, sperm count, motility, viability, and normal sperm morphology compared to the control group. Also, NC significantly increased the expression of p-53, caspase-3, and BAX genes and decreased Bcl-2 gene expression. Co-treatment with EA and NC significantly attenuated these adverse effects and improved reproductive parameters and apoptotic gene expression. In conclusion, these findings suggest that EA mitigates NC-induced reproductive toxicity in rats by reducing apoptosis, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for NC-related reproductive disorders.

Advancing age in broiler roosters reduces reproductive potential. Natural antioxidants, such as rosemary oil and selenium, are expected to enhance reproductive function by reducing oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate how these antioxidants affect the expression of fertility genes (StAR and PVRL3) in aging roosters. Forty-two Ross 308 broiler roosters, all over 50 weeks old, were used in a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design over 10 weeks. Treatments were: 1) Control diet, 2) Basic diet +100mg/kg rosemary essential oil, 3) +200mg/kg rosemary essential oil, 4) +0.3mg/kg selenium-enriched yeast, 5) +100mg/kg rosemary essential oil and 0.3mg/kg selenium-enriched yeast, and 6)+200mg/kg rosemary essential oil and 0.3mg/kg selenium-enriched yeast. At the end of the treatment, three samples of testicular tissue from each treatment were collected and stored at -80°C. The expression levels of the StAR and PVRL3 genes were measured using real-time quantitative PCR. The results indicated that rosemary oil did not significantly affect StAR gene expression. However, a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly reduced PVRL3 expression, whereas the 100 mg/kg dose did not show a significant effect. Selenium supplementation at a dosage of 0.3 mg/kg significantly increased the expression of the StAR and PVRL3 genes. Adding 100 mg/kg of rosemary along with 0.3 mg/kg of selenium significantly increased the expression of the PVRL-3 gene. However, when 200 mg of rosemary was added in the presence of selenium, a decrease in PVRL-3 gene expression was observed, and selenium did not prevent this decline. This suggests that using 200 mg of rosemary essential oil may be undesirable. Based on these results, adding 100 mg/kg of rosemary along with 0.3 mg of selenium-enriched yeast to the diet of older broiler breeder roosters is recommended.

Pharmaceutical research on α2-adrenergic agonists in Caspian miniature horses, a breed native to Iran, is currently limited. So, the objective of the present study was to evaluate sedative and hematobiochemical effects of intravenous administration of xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine, and dexmedetomidine in Caspian miniature horses. The study involved the random assignment of six Caspian miniature horses (by drawing of lots), crossover design into five groups. Each horse received one of four α2-adrenoreceptor agonists or saline. The study employed a randomized crossover design with a minimum washout period of seven days. The horses received either intravenous treatments of 1 mg/kg xylazine, 20 µg/kg detomidine, 10 µg/kg medetomidine, 5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine, or 5 mL of 0.9% saline. The sedation scores and physiological responses, including heart rate, respiration rate, digestive motility, and rectal temperature, were assessed immediately prior to drug administration (0 min) and subsequently at intervals of 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 min post-administration. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in some mean sedation scores and incoordination (impairment of the ability to coordinate muscle movements) among the treatments examined. The findings showed that there were no significant differences in the mean heart rate among the treatments and control assessed at any of the time points; however, significant differences in the mean respiration rate, digestive motility, rectal temperature, and selected hematobiochemical parameters were observed at some measurement time points post-injection. In conclusion, these agents demonstrated potential for effective sedation in healthy Caspian miniature horses, though further studies are recommended.

Ureteral obstruction is a clinically important condition in dogs that often requires surgical intervention. Such procedures can lead to significant physiological changes, particularly in hematological and biochemical parameters. This study aimed to evaluate hematological alterations and selected serum biochemical factors following experimental ureteral anastomosis in dogs. Five healthy mixed-breed dogs (15–30 kg, aged 1.5–4.5 years) underwent left ureteral transection and end-to-end anastomosis using a simple interrupted suture pattern. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium and maintained with halothane after premedication with acepromazine (Schwartz, 2022; Hardie & Kyles, 2004). Urine and venous blood samples were collected pre-operatively and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 90 post-surgery for urinalysis, complete blood count, hematocrit, and measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, chloride, sodium, and potassium. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Significant increases in BUN, creatinine, and neutrophil counts were observed at all post-operative time points. BUN and creatinine exceeded normal ranges on days 1 and 3. Phosphorus levels were significantly elevated on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, while potassium levels increased significantly on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Uric acid, calcium, chloride, and sodium changes were not statistically significant. Despite compensatory mechanisms by the kidney and contralateral ureter, certain biochemical changes are inevitable following unilateral ureteral surgery, highlighting the need for careful postoperative monitoring to prevent complications.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the histogenesis and development of the pheasant's pancreas during embryonic stages. Twenty-five fertilized pheasant eggs were placed in an incubator at 37.5°C and a humidity of 58 to 62%. Three pheasant embryos at ages 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 as well as three one-day-old chicks were collected. After tissue processing including dehydration, clearing and impregnation with melted paraffin samples were sectioned (5 micrometer) and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's Trichrome and Gomori’s trichrome stains. The pheasant's pancreas began to form between days 13 and 15 days of the embryonic period. In the 17-day-old pheasant embryo, in addition to the dorsal lobe, the formation of the ventral lobe had also begun. Similar to the 15-day-old pheasant embryo, the pancreas of the 17-day-old embryo consisted of undifferentiated epithelial cells, connective tissue, and underdeveloped ducts, but the number of acinar cells had increased. In the 19-day-old embryos, the acinus was formed and mainly organized. Also, the Langerhans islands were observed at this age. In the 21-day-old embryo, the interlobular ducts were identified, and the formation of the Langerhans Islands had increased. In the 1-day-old pheasant chick, the exocrine part of the pancreas, the acinus, was more developed. The islets of Langerhans were also clearly visible, as these islands in the splenic lobe were more numerous than in the other lobes. In conclusion, the histogenesis of the pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) pancreas begins to form between days 13 and 15 days of the embryonic period, and continues until after hatch. The dorsal lobe demonstrated primary by initiating development first. The definitive pancreatic architecture was established through the sequential differentiation of key components. The endocrine islets of Langerhans emerged on day 19, followed by the maturation of the exocrine acinar tissue and the ductal system on day 21, marking the culmination of embryonic organogenesis.

Normovolemic hypotension can occur due to vasodilation or loss of vascular tone sympathetic nervous system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate electrocardiographic changes and rhythm disorders in normotensive dogs with isoflurane-induced hypotension and treated with ephedrine, dobutamine and fluid therapy. Twenty-nine adult male and female dogs of Mixed breed, weighing 20.1 ± 4.3 kg and in the age range 1.5-2.5 years-old were selected. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol and 1.5% isoflurane in 100% oxygen, respectively. Then, hypotension was induced by deep anesthesia provided with 3% isoflurane. The dogs were given one of five treatments of 1- Ringer's solution (1 ml/kg/min, n=5), 2- Ringer's solution (1 ml/kg/min) with intravenous administration of ephedrine (RE, 0.2 mg/kg, n=6, 3- Ringer's solution (1 ml/kg/min) with intravenous infusion of dobutamine (RD, 5 µg/kg/min, n=6), 4- Intravenous administration of ephedrine (E, 0.2 mg/kg, n=6) and 5- Intravenous infusion of dobutamine (D, 5 µg/kg/min, n=6). By the time the direct blood pressure reached above 60 mmHg after challenge, treatment was discountinued, and the amount of isoflurane was reduced. If there were no responses, the treatment was repeated once again. Electrocardiogram was obtained from all animals at defined time points. Heart rate after treatment was significantly higher in the ringer's with dobutamine (184.2 ± 14.75) than in ephedrine (99.6± 23.8) and dobutamine (108.8± 20/29). Heart rate in the ringers with ephedrine after treatment (110.5 ± 26.46) was significantly higher than the baseline. The changes in P wave, QRS, PR interval, QT, heart electrical axis, and ST segment shape were insignificant. It was concluded that the addition of ephedrine or dobutamine to conventional fluid therapy in normovolemic hypotensive dogs can be associated with higher heart rate values. According to the obtained results, dobutamine with ringer's solution increased the heart rate more than the other groups.

The aim of this study was to report the clinical and histopathological outcomes of a vascular hamartoma tumor of the gingiva in a calf and to evaluate the treatment results. A 3-month-old female Simmental calf was presented to the large animal surgery department of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, with a complaint of a mass in the region of the first lower incisor. The owner reported that the lesion had been present since birth and caused bleeding during feeding. Additionally, a small piece of the lesion had been torn off by the owner, resulting in severe bleeding. On clinical examination, an oval mass the size of a plum (30×20×5 mm) was observed on the surface of the lower incisors. The mass was attached to the gingiva and had pushed one of the incisors forward, displacing it out of alignment. After local anesthesia, the mass was completely removed using surgical excision. During the surgery, significant bleeding was observed, and it was found that there was a root of a deciduous tooth in the mass, which was extracted. The surgical area was closed with nylon sutures. Postoperatively, no feeding problems were observed in the calf. Based on histopathological examinations, the mass was identified as a vascular hamartoma. Gingival vascular hamartoma tumors are rare in cattle.