Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Pneumonia remains a significant economic burden on the small ruminant industry. Excessive inflammation, oxidative stress, and alterations in copper and zinc can accompany pneumonia. As these micro-nutrients play crucial roles in immune function and anti-oxidant defence, modulating their levels may influence the disease progression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different therapeutic regimens on copper and zinc status in lambs with pneumonia. Twenty lambs with pneumonia were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: oxytetracycline and tylosin (OT), OT plus vitamin B1 (OTVB1), OT plus vitamin C (OTVC), and OT plus vitamin B1 and vitamin C (OTVB1C). A control group received only distilled water. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 3, 6, and 14 for subsequent assessment of plasma copper and zinc concentrations. While the control group maintained stable levels, the pneumonic groups exhibited varying degrees of changes. Plasma copper concentrations increased significantly in all pneumonic groups compared to the control group throughout the study. The OT and OTVB1C groups had the highest number of lambs with increased copper level. Plasma zinc concentrations decreased significantly in the OT and OTVB1 groups, with the lowest levels in the OTVB1 group on day 3. The OTVC group mirrored the control group with stable levels. The OTVB1C group, compared to the other groups, showed a more persistent reduction. These findings suggest that the effects of the various treatment regimens on plasma copper and zinc levels may be complex and time-dependent.

Abstract Scaffolds play a crucial role in tendon healing by providing structural support, promoting cell infiltration, and guiding tissue regeneration. Polycaprolactone (PCL) has been used as a polymer in biological scaffolds for several tissue engineering studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin-loaded PCL scaffold on Achilles tendon using a tenotomy model in rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups. In control group, tenotomy and suture placement were performed. The identical intervention followed by the implantation of curcumin-loaded PCL scaffold around the tendon stumps was performed in the treatment group. The nanofibrous PCL scaffold containing 5.00% curcumin was fabricated by electrospinning. Walking track analysis was performed weekly. Then, after 6 weeks, histopathological examination and tendon mechanical tests were performed. The weekly walking track analysis revealed a significant improvement in Achilles functional index in scaffold-treated rats from week three to six. The rate of functional improvement was remarkably slower in the control group. Histopathological examination revealed aseptic inflammation and enhanced neovascularization in the treatment group. Also, collagen arrangement and density were significantly improved in this group compared to the control samples including less regular orientation and loose organization of collagen fibers. Significant increase in mechanical properties, except for strain, was observed in the treatment group. The present study demonstrated that implantation of curcumin-loaded PCL scaffold resulted in increased fibrillar architecture, as well as improved mechanical properties and Achilles functional index in rats. To reduce the biodegradation-induced inflammation, an anti-inflammatory treatment is recommended.

Abstract A 2-year-old intact male Asian Shepherd dog was referred with a history of chronic regurgitation along with normal appetite and diagnosis of megaesophagus on plain radiography. Clinical examination revealed normothermia, normocardia, normopnea, low body condition score and poor hair coat. The most important laboratory findings include anemia, azotemia, hyperlipidemia, increased thyroid stimulating hormone, decreased thyroxine and hypocortisolemia, as well as a marked increase in acetylcholine receptor antibody concentration. Based on the results, in addition to primary hypothyroidism and primary hypoadrenocorticism, myasthenia gravis was also diagnosed as an underlying cause of megaesophagus. Following nursing care and preferred treatment of each disease, the megaesophagus was resolved in the next visit. This clinical report describes for the first time, to the authors' knowledge, a dog with a rare type of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) known in human medicine as a Schmidt's syndrome. We want to emphasize the importance of clinicians’ awareness regarding the possibility of APS to identify different diseases caused by it in order to achieve successful treatment.

Abstract A 2-year-old female Shih Tzu dog was submitted with the history of anorexia and depression for one week and no prior surgery. Fever and pale mucosa were noticed in physical examination. Microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smear disclosed large form of Babesia and single to four pear-shaped merozoites within erythrocytes (RBCs). Regenerative anemia characterized by a marked reticulocytosis, significant intra-vascular hemolysis, nucleated RBCs, left-shifted neutrophils, thrombocytopenia, azotemia, high serum creatinine and urea concentrations were recorded following hemato-biochemical analysis. Abundant bilirubin crystals and abnormal reddish color after centrifugation were observed in urinalysis. Molecular analysis was performed using specific primers for detection of Babesia canis. Diminazene aceturate, ciprofloxacin, ivermectin and phosphorus-vitamin B12 were prescribed and the clinical signs improved after four days. Two months follow-up showed no recurrence. Such studies would significantly contribute to the development of appropriate preventive strategies and successful treatment. This communication reports a clinical case of canine babesiosis caused by B. canis in a female Shih Tzu dog.