Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research
Volume:10 Issue: 3, Summer 2009

Seventy seven adult large mixed breed dogs of either sex were included in this study. The animals were randomly divided into four groups and received the following drug combinations intramuscularly: Group 1 xylazine (0.5 mg/kg) and acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg), Group 2 xylazine (0.8 mg/kg) and acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg), Group 3 xylazine (0.3 mg/kg) and acepromazine (0.08 mg/kg) and Group 4 xylazine (0.5 mg/kg) acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) and atropine (0.04 mg/kg). Results showed no significant differences in the P-wave and QRS complex durations, PR interval and R waves among the 4 groups. QT interval significantly decreased following drug administration in group 4 compared to groups 1 (P = 0.03) and 3 (P = 0.004). There were significant increases in the QT interval in groups 1 (P = 0.001) and 3 (P = 0.01) after drug injections. Heart rate (HR) significantly decreased in groups 1, 2 and 3 after drug injections (P = 0.004, 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between HR, PR and QT intervals, and a positive correlation between HR and P-wave amplitude. There were no significant differences between all groups in the incidence of first and second degree AV blocks.

Wolbachia is an obligatory, intracellular α-proteobacterium which infect the reproductive and somatic tissues of some arthropod and nematode populations. Because there are not any available data on the presence of this bacterium in Iran, the present study was done to determine the presence of this bacterium among 30 species of arthropods and nematodes. After DNA extraction from samples, we screened Wolbachia spp. with specific primers using PCR method. A total of 770 arthropods (of 22 genera) and 41 nematodes (of 6 genera) were screened for Wolbachia. Overall 167 arthropod samples (18 colonies) from 7 genera and 1 nematode sample were found positive. Positive PCR products of 16S rDNA gene were digested with RsaI restriction enzyme and the types of Wolbachia were recognized as A supergroup of Wolbachia.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of long-term low-dose administration of lead (Pb) on thyroid function in sheep. In this experiment 10 healthy Iranian male sheep, aged about one-year-old were randomly allocated into two equal groups of control (n = 5) and experiment (n = 5). Both groups were kept under the same conditions of food and environment. The treatment group received lead acetate (5 mg/kg/day) orally for 8 weeks. Blood sampling of two groups was done on the same days, on days 0 (before receiving lead acetate in treatment group), 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70 after lead administration, every morning (8 to 9 a.m.). The function of the thyroid was evaluated by measuring the levels of serum thyroid hormones T3, T4, FT3, FT4 and TSH. The hepatic function in both groups was evaluated by measuring hepatic enzyme activities including alanin amino transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotreansferase (AST), γ glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total bilirubin (TBIL). Serum levels of T3 (on days 14, 56 and 70) T4 (on days 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70), FT3 (on days 56 and 70), FT4 (on days 42, 56 and 70) and TSH (on days 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70) significantly decreased in lead-treated sheep when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Serum enzyme activities of ALT (on days 28 and 42), AST (on days 28, 42, 56 and 70) and TBIL (on days 28 and 70) in Pb treated sheep increased significantly in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that Pb exposed sheep can be at risk of low thyroid function.

Disseminated candidiasis is an opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed animals by Candida species. The purposes of this study were to determine the predominant candidal forms in different tissues and tissue reactions. Sixteen dogs were selected in this study. The treatment dogs were immunosuppressed by intravenous administration of cyclophosphamide and after 5 days, they were challenged with 1 × 105 blastospores of C. albicans by intravenous injection. Both mycological and histopathological examinations were performed for detection of Candida in various tissues. The results showed that the highest counts of C. albicans were recovered from the lungs, followed by the kidneys, heart and liver on day 2 after challenge. The presence of yeast mixed with hyphal forms of C. albicans was confirmed in all tissues. In most tissues, the yeast cells of Candida were predominant, whereas hyphal forms, particularly true hyphae, were mostly found in the brain and eyes.

Morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics were employed to identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB), isolated from drinking yoghurt in different areas in Fars province, Iran. From 18 drinking yoghurt samples a total of 673 LAB positives were determined, in which 117 (17.38%) and 556 (82.62%) were identified as lactic acid cocci and lactic acid bacilli, respectively. Additionally, our biochemical tests showed the occurence of 52 (44.44%) Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris and 65 (55.56%) Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris among lactic acid cocci, and in the case of lactic acid bacilli, Lactobacillus helveticus 85 (15.3%); Lactobacillus plantarum 124 (22.3%); Lactobacillus brevis 117 (21%); Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei 86 (15.5%) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 144 (25.9%). Among lactic acid cocci and bacilli, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremorisand Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were found to be the more dominant species, respectively. The current study constitutes the first step in the designing process of LAB starter cultures, in order to protect the typical organoleptic characteristics of traditional drinking yoghurt. However, in the future we can consider genetical characterization and selection of the most desirable strains which can assess their potential as starter cultures for commercial use.

This study was performed to detect cultivable canine gastric Helicobacter-like organisms (GHLO’s) and to evaluate their sensitivity to common antibiotics in two groups of naturally infected dogs (pets and stray dogs). Gastric samples were taken from the body and antrum of 30 pets and 30 stray dogs. From each part of canine gastric mucosa, four gastroscopic samples were used for impression smear, rapid urease test (RUT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture examination. 88.5% and 95% of gastric samples were positive for the presence of GHLO’s in cytological and PCR examination, respectively. From 60 canine gastric cultures, successful growth happened in 17 cases. Antimicrobial sensitivity test was performed by disk method. All isolates of helicobacters were highly susceptible to polymyxin B,ampicillin, tetracycline, clarithromycin, erythromycin and gentamicin. Two isolated GHLO’s were resistant to metronidazole. One strain also was resistant to amoxiclav, ceftriaxone, norfloxacin and oxytetracycline. This matter could show the resistance of some strains ofhelicobacters to different antimicrobials in veterinary medicine. With regards to the results of this study, it is recommended that antibiotic sensitivity test or use of concurrent different antibiotics be tried in the case of treatment resistance.

Several studies have focused on polymorphisms of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in sheep, Ovar-MHC. This molecule plays a pivotal role in antigen presentation for eliciting immune responses against invading pathogens. The best-characterized genetic control of disease resistance and immune response in animals is associated with MHC. Numerous molecular genetic investigations have been undertaken to detect polymorphisms of MHC genes and their association with resistance to infectious diseases. We have examined Ovar-DRB1 in DNA samples of 82 Shaul Sheep using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Identities of 8 different patterns and 5 distinct DRB1 alleles among Iranian Shaul Sheep have been determined. PCR-RFLP analysis allows rapid identification of Ovar-DRB1 types and enables rapid discrimination between homozygotes and heterozygotes. Data obtained from the present study have revealed that the exon 2 region of Ovar-DRB1 was highly polymorphic in sheep. So PCR-RFLP can be applied to the analysis of this locus.

A total of 183 coagulase negative Staphylococcal infected quarters and 64 uninfected quarters were randomly allotted to 4 experimental groups: infected quarters that did not receive any treatment (positive control group; n = 60); infected quarters that received Tylosin (n = 61) or Cefquinome (n = 62) and also uninfected quarters that did not receive any treatment were considered as negative control group (n = 64). Treated heifers received Tylosin or Cefquinome 10 to 14 days before the expected calving date. The bacteriological cure rate based on sampling obtained 3 days after calving was significantly higher (P<0.01) in mammary glands treated with systemic Tylosin (85.3%) than in the positive control group and mammary glands treated with systemic Cefquinome (69.4%). At the same time Tylosin treated heifers had significantly lower (P<0.01) somatic cell count scores compared to the positive control and Cefquinome groups. With the exception of one heifer that calved 8 days earlier than the expected calving date, there was no detectable antibiotic residues in the milk of the treated heifers on the 3rd day of lactation.

Ruminal, post-ruminal and total tract crude protein disappearance of alfalfa hay and barley grain were measured using in vivo, in situ mobile bag and three-step in situ/in vitro enzyme procedures (3-step). For in vivo, four Baluchi lambs (49.4 ± 3.5 kg, body weight) were used in a 2 × 2 Latin square design within 2 periods (24 days of each period). Experimental diets were made of two alfalfa hay: barley grain ratios (DM basis) as 1.0:0.0 and 0.5:0.5. Diets were fed to animals for 24 days, with 7 days of feces collection. In situ mobile bag technique was followed by 12 h rumen incubation and then intestinal movement of the bags in rumen and post-rumen cannulated Holstein steers. The three-step procedure was followed by rumen incubation of samples for 12 h (using polyester bags) and enzymatic incubation of ruminal undegradable samples. In vivo total tract crude protein disappearance of alfalfa hay and barley grain (0.74 and 0.69, respectively) was significantly (P<0.01) lower than in situ mobile nylon bag (0.89 and 0.96, respectively) and the 3-step procedure (0.81 and 0.89, respectively). Total tract crude protein disappearance from in situ mobile bag was significantly (P<0.01) higher than the 3-step technique. Post-ruminal disappearance of ruminal undegradable crude protein from alfalfa hay and barley grain using in situ mobile bag method (0.69 and 0.86, respectively) was significantly (P<0.01) higher than the 3-step enzymatic method (0.49 and 0.56, respectively). Results of the present study showed that there was a significant difference between in vivo, in situ mobile bag and 3-step methods when total tract crude protein disappearance of barley grain and alfalfa hay was evaluated.

Bacteriocins are proteinaceous antibacterial compoundsthat exhibit bactericidal activity against species closelyrelated to the producer strain. The aim of this research was to investigate the production of bacteriocin by Bacillus spp. isolated from intestinal bacterial flora of the Caspian Frisian Roach (Rutilus frisii kutum). A bacteriocin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus strain RF 140 was identified. The antimicrobial activity started at the exponential growth phase and maximum activity was at the stationary growth phase. A crude bacteriocin obtained from culture supernatant fluid was inhibitory to indicator strains, including Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, and several species of Bacillus. Bacteriocin was stable at 80°C, but the activity decreased and was lost when the temperature reached 100 and 121°C, respectively. It was resistant to the proteolytic action of papain, catalase and amylase, but sensitive to proteinase K, pronase E and trypsin. Maximum bacteriocin activity was observed in the pH 4-9. This study indicates the importance of the bacteriocin produced by B. cereus strain RF 140 against food-borne pathogenic microorganisms such as L. monocytogenes and C. perfringens, and presents a potential for use as a biopreservative in food.

Staphylococci isolated from 98 mastitic cow’s milk samples were analyzed for the production of alpha, beta and delta-hemolysin on sheep, bovine and horse red blood cells and in vitro susceptibility to several antimicrobial agents. Out of a total of 18 isolated strains, 100% demonstrated hemolytic activity either alone or in combined forms. Among 8 isolates of S. aureus 3 isolates produced α/β and 5 produced α/β/δ hemolysins. From 10 isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), 2 α, 2 δ, 2 α/δ and 4 α/β/δ hemolysins producing isolates were confirmed. S. aureus isolates were resistant to cloxacillin (100%), penicillin (87%) and ampicillin (62.5%). CNSs showed resistance only to amoxicillin (60%). The results suggest that a cow’s infected mammary glands are an important reservoir of hemolytic staphylococci. A high degree of S. aureus antimicrobial resistances was detected.

This study was designed to determine the culling rates of 23 Holstein dairy herds (with an average size of 180 cows per herd) in Neyshabur area in northeastern Iran over a period of three years from 2001 to 2003. The average annual culling rate was 13.1%, (98.5% involuntary and 1.5% voluntary). Of the total disposals (1612 cows), 53.48% were culled by the end of five years of age. Poor fertility was the most important reason for culling (34.9% of disposals), followed by digestive disorders (12.6%), alimentary problems (10.85%), mastitis (9.6%) and lameness (8.3%). More detailed epidemiological studies are needed to plan and implement healthcare programs. These programs targeted toward diseases that lead to culling would be prerequisite for a profitable farming.

In this study, the immunogenicity of three types of antigens (hydatid fluid, protoscolices and whole body of E. granulosus) was investigated in lambs by ELISA. Sixteen 4–6-month-old lambs of mixed sexes were divided into 4 groups of 4 lambs (three immunized and one control group). Twelve lambs as immunized groups received 2 mg of hydatid fluid, protoscolices and whole body of E. granulosus antigens dissolved in 1 ml of PBS per immunization for each lamb, respectively. As an adjuvant, Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) was mixed with antigens to form a water-in-oil emulsion which was inoculated subcutaneously on day 1 of the trial. Each control lamb was inoculated with a total of 2 ml of PBS emulsified in equal volumes of FCA. Lambs were boosted on day 28 with the same preparation as described above except that FCA was replaced by Freund’s incomplete adjuvant (FIA). Three weeks after the second immunization, each lamb received a challenge infection with 2000 protoscolices intraperitoneally and also 10 gravid proglotid of E. granulosus orally. Sera were collected before and after immunization and serum antibodies were tested by ELISA. The results showed that the production of antibody had a significant difference between the test groups and the control (P<0.05). Lambs immunized with whole body of E. granulosus showed the highest antibody production. The level of antibody production between the lambs immunized with hydatid fluid and the protoscolices was not different significantly (P>0.05), whereas, the level of antibody production between the lambs immunized with hydatid fluid and whole body of E. granulosus was different significantly (P<0.05). The results of this study showed that the antigens of whole body of E. granulosus might be a good candidate for immunization and diagnosis of hydatid cyst in the intermediate hosts of E. granulosus.

The present study was carried out for the antigen detection of Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in diarrhoeic cats referred to the Veterinary Clinic of the School of Ahvaz University, in southwest Iran. Faecal samples were collected from 67 diarrhoeic household cats during 2005 to 2007. According to the age and clinical signs, the cats were divided into two groups; <6 months and >6 months, hemorrhagic and non hemorrhagic diarrhoea, respectively. Faecal samples were tested by immunochromatography assay test and 34% of cats were found positive to FPV antigen. The infection was more prevalent in cats less than 6 months (37%) compared with animals older than 6 months of age (31%). No significant differences were observed between different clinical signs, age and sex of the animals (P>0.05). The affected cats had no history of vaccination against Tri-cat, but in the healthy cat population, 18% were vaccinated. The difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.05).

Subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ or pastern joint) is an uncommon condition that occurs in the forelimb or hindlimb. Thoroughbred racehorses rarely show dorsal pastern subluxation (Thoroughbred ringbone) secondarily to an injury to the soft tissues supporting the fetlock. A 4-year-old Thoroughbred mare was presented with signs of lameness, swelling of the dorsal aspect of the pastern region of the right forearm and audible clicking sound when weight was placed on the limb. The condition seemed to have been developed as a consequence of extreme overexertion 4 days before referral. Radiographic examination of a non-weight bearing limb showed dorsal subluxation of the pastern joint. Under general anesthesia the affected limb was immobilized by cast after reduction of the luxated bone into the PIPJ. The affected limb was kept immobilized for four weeks. Then the cast was removed and the animal was given rest for two months. Consequently, weight bearing on the affected limb was improved and no signs of lameness were observed after six months.

Hypospadias is an uncommon congenital defect of urinary tract in farm animals. This defect has been recorded rarely in calves, lambs and foals in the world. The aetiology of hypospadias is not well understood, it seems to be multifactorial and may be related to genetic, endocrinological, and environmental factors. During April to October 2007, twenty-four goat kids with sings of hypospadias were referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Kerman University, Iran. The age of patients ranged from one week to three months old. Penile and testicular hypoplasia were observed in all of them. In one case, ectopic penis (between anus and scrotum) was found. In one goat, opening of the urethra was located in the scrotal region and in the others it was in the penile position. Urine had leaked into the subcutaneous tissue of the ventral abdominal wall and prepuce but the skin of the swollen area was normal and no signs of urine scalding were visible. For the treatment of patients, penile urethrostomy at the proximal region of the defect was performed by suturing the urethral epithelium to the skin with 3-0 nylon sutures in a simple interrupted pattern. There was no complaint about postoperative complications from goat’s owners.