Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Corneal ulcers, particularly from alkaline chemical injuries, are a leading ocular complication in animals, accounting for about 20.00% of emergency referrals. These burns damage the conjunctiva and cornea, causing deep ulcers, potential perforation, delayed healing, infections and blindness. Prompt treatment is crucial to accelerate healing and minimize complications like permanent opacity. This study compared the efficacy of blood serums (autologous, homologous, and heterologous) against standard treatment (N-acetylcysteine and ciprofloxacin eye drops) and a control group (Normal saline) in treating induced corneal ulcers in five groups consisting of 10 healthy mixed-breed female dogs. Ulcers were created using 3.00 M sodium hydroxide-soaked filter paper on both eyes. Evaluations on 1, 7, 14, and 21 days assessed quantitative parameters (Total corneal and stromal thickness, ulcer diameter) and qualitative symptoms (photophobia, blepharospasm, discharge, congestion, edema, neovascularization, opacity) via ultrasonography and clinical exams, respectively. Results showed significant time- and treatment-dependent improvements. Heterologous serum notably reduced thickness and ulcer diameter from day seven compared to others. By days 14 - 21, all treatments (serums and drugs) lowered stromal thickness versus control. Qualitative parameters were improved significantly with all treatments from day seven. These findings supported the use of blood-derived serums, especially heterologous serum, to accelerate healing and improving clinical outcomes in canine corneal ulcers.

Abstract The cooling procedure markedly diminishes the quality of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) sperms, primarily because their membranes are highly susceptible to this process. This susceptibility triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals, ultimately leading to lipid peroxidation in the sperm membrane. Surprisingly, there has been a lack of research on the use of Tris-based extenders to safeguard guinea pig sperm under refrigeration conditions. This study aimed to assess the viability of guinea pig spermatozoa diluted in Tris buffer-based extenders during storage at 5.00 ˚C. Sperm collection was carried out through castration of the animals. For this study, 10 adult male guinea pigs were utilized, being divided into four groups including phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), human tubal fluid (HTF), Tris-citric-glucose (TCG), and Tris-fructose-yolk (TFY) cultures. Evaluations including sperm motility, morphology, plasma membrane integrity, viability, and total count were conducted at 0, 24, and 48 hr after sampling. The results obtained indicated that at the 24-hr and 48-hr marks of the experiment, both overall and progressive motility percentages, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and morphology of sperms in the PBS and HTF cultures exhibited a significant increase in comparison with the TCG and TFY cultures. Consequently, it can be inferred that PBS and HTF cultures are highly effective in preserving the quality of guinea pig spermatozoa.

Abstract Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and more specifically tonsillar SCC are generally regarded as locally invasive with various rates of metastasis. A 13-year-old male Lhasa Apso was referred to the clinic with an unusual mass on his left tonsil and abnormal lumps under the tongue. The dog's food and water intake, breathing and heart rates, body temperature, capillary refill time, and blood tests were normal. A biopsy of abnormal tissue and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations confirmed the basaloid SCC. Some treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are used to treat a specific tumor or area of the body. However, in this particular case, chemotherapy was not administered. Considering that dogs with tonsillar cancer generally have a poor to guarded prognosis and a short life expectancy, this case was euthanized after one year with the owner's consent due to the significant tumor enlargement.

Abstract Giardia duodenalis is a zoonotic protozoan infecting various vertebrates such as humans and domestic animals. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and genotypes of G. duodenalis using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in dogs of Urmia, Iran. Overall, 246 stool specimens were collected from 100 pet, 49 stray, and 97 shelter dogs in the Urmia, Iran. Totally, seven samples (2.48%) were microscopically positive in terms of Giardia cyst. The PCR-RFLP analysis revealed that three (1.21%) and two (0.83%) samples have the C and D genotypes, respectively. In addition, two samples (0.83%) were belonged to the AI sub-group. A significant association was determined between the frequency of Giardia infection and life style, age, and stool form of dogs. The findings of the study showed the high frequency of Giardia infection in stray dogs and the dogs under one-year-old. Furthermore, the C and D genotypes of G. duodenalis were predominant in dogs of Urmia, Iran.