Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract The thyroid gland is an integral part of the complex anatomy of the equine neck. Trans-cutaneous ultrasonography provides a non-invasive method for assessing the thyroid glands parenchyma and dimensions in horses. This study evaluated 30 clinically healthy Turkmen horses whose health status was confirmed through comprehensive physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and thyroid hormone analysis. The horses were divided into two age groups: Group 1 under 36 months (three males and eight females), and Group 2: Thirty-six months and older (eight males and eleven females). Ultrasonographic assessment of the thyroid region was performed using a high-frequency linear transducer. Each thyroid lobe was systematically evaluated for its dimensions, volume, morphology, contour, parenchymal echogenicity and echotexture. Statistical analysis revealed no significant age-related differences in thyroid parameters; however, sex-based differences were observed: females had significantly greater thyroid lobe length and volume on both the left and right sides compared to males. Qualitative B-mode ultrasonography showed consistent morphological features; in the longitudinal view, all thyroid lobes exhibited a flattened, oval shape. On transverse images, most lobes (83.93%, n = 47) appeared elliptical, while the remaining lobes (16.07%, n = 9) were spherical. Irrespective of shape, all thyroid lobes demonstrated regular contour margins. Regarding echogenicity, most lobes were hyperechoic, with a few being isoechoic, relative to the sternocephalic muscle. Furthermore, all thyroid lobes exhibited homogeneous to mildly heterogeneous echotexture. This study establishes diagnostic baselines for thyroid evaluation in the Turkmen horse breed aiding in the detection and management of thyroid pathologies.

Abstract Ocular ultrasonography is a safe, painless and non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides veterinarians with detailed images of the eye and surrounding structures. This study evaluated 30 clinically healthy Turkmen horses, divided into two groups as Group 1: under 36 months (3 males, 8 females), and Group 2: 36 months and older (8 males, 11 females). Significant differences in several ocular parameters were identified across different age groups in Turkmen horses. Specifically, the mean intercanthal distance, globe diameter, ciliary body volume and area, iris thickness, corpora nigra distance, volume and area, vitreous chamber and retinal/choroidal/scleral composite size demonstrated statistically significant variations between age categories. No significant differences were detected between sexes within any of the age groups for above measured parameters. Of the ocular parameters evaluated, only anterior chamber depth, central lens thickness and ciliary body thickness demonstrated statistically significant differences based on both sex and age. The average corneal thickness of the left and right eyes, as measured in sagittal and dorsal planes, was similar in both male horses under 36 months and those 36 months or older when compared to their respective female counterparts. No significant differences were observed between measurements of the left and right eyes, nor were there significant discrepancies between sagittal and dorsal measurements. These findings provided a baseline for understanding normal ocular ultrasonographic features in Turkmen horses and might aid in diagnosis and management of ocular diseases specific to this breed.

Abstract Vertebrate skeletons can be considered as a combination of apparently separate units, which has attracted the attention of comparative anatomists. The Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri) is one of the newt species native to Iran, inhabiting a limited area in the southern Zagros Mountain range. The present study investigated the typical morphometrical characteristics of the normal, mature, and healthy Luristan newt vertebral column using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). For this study, five female and five male specimens of Luristan newt were utilized. The typical morphological characteristics of the vertebral column were then examined. To facilitate the description of different regions of the vertebral column, abbreviations were employed: "T" for trunk vertebrae, "S" for sacral vertebrae, "Cd-S" for caudosacral vertebrae, and "Cd" for caudal vertebrae. All parameters, including vertebral body height, vertebral body length, spinous process height, spinal canal width, and spinal canal height, exhibited significant differences throughout the vertebral column. The highest vertebral body height in both sexes was recorded in T10. The highest vertebral body length in both sexes was observed in T12. The highest spinous process height in both sexes was recorded in Cd3. The highest spinal canal width in both sexes was recorded in the atlas. The maximum spinal canal height in both sexes was also recorded in the atlas. The lowest values in all parameters were observed in the last caudal vertebra. This study presents a comprehensive description and morphometric evaluation of the vertebral column in Luristan newt with micro-CT. 

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to evaluate effects of medetomidine on left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity in domestic short-haired cats. Eighteen healthy adult male domestic short-haired cats were used for this study. All animals were client-owned. Echocardiography machine with 7.50 MHz transducer was used. Specific veterinary two-dimensional and pulse-waved echocardiogram images in apical five chamber right parasternal view were obtained and blood velocity in LVOT was calculated. After baseline echocardiographic recordings, 0.04 mg kg^-1 of medetomidine was intramuscularly administered to each animal and LVOT velocity was calculated after 15 (T15), 50 (T30) and 80 (T80) min following drug administration. The LVOT velocity values (mean ± SEM) of cats in baseline were 1.06 ± 0.04 m sec^-1. There were significant differences between baseline and T15 and T30 regarding mean LVOT values. Age and weight had no significant effect on LVOT velocity values. The LVOT velocity values of T15, T50 and T80 were 0.77 ± 0.04, 0.80 ± 0.02 and 0.96±0.03 m sec^-1, respectively. Our findings revealed significant decrease in mean LVOT velocity up to 50 min following medetomidine administration. The present study determined normal LVOT velocity range for a small population of cats before and after intra-muscular medetomidine administration.

Abstract ‎Nosemosis is one of the most prevalent bee diseases in the world causing significant ‎economic losses in the global bee-keeping industry. This cross-sectional study was conducted during April-September, 2016 to investigate the prevalence of nosemosis in different climatic regions of Iran. A total of 183 ‎apiaries were selected based on cluster sampling and the climate of apiaries under study was classified using Domarten method. In each apiary, five percent of the colonies were ‎ randomly sampled. A total of 183 adult bee samples were taken and examined by microscopic and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for the presence of Nosema infections. According to the results, infection caused by Nosema ceranae was observed in all regions under study. The prevalence of N. ceranae was 46.40% (42.70–50.10). However, infection with Nosema apis was not observed in the samples in either pure form or as ‎associated infection. Based on the results of PCR, the prevalenceof N. ceranae was ‎53.80% (46.60– 61.00) ‎ in ‎humid, ‎71.00% (53.70–77.50) ‎ in semi-humid‎, ‎68.10% (61.40–74.80) ‎ in very humid, ‎29.40% (22.70–36.10) in arid, ‎34.30% (27.40–41.20) in semi-‎arid and ‎24.00% (17.90–30.00)‎ in Mediterranean climates. The prevalence of ‎infection in different climatic zones of the country was found to have significant ‎differences (p < 0.001). ‎ According to the findings, N. ceranae ‎ was the only Nosema species in honeybees with a broad geographical dispersion in Iran. It seems that climate can influence the prevalence of mentioned parasite. ‎

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effects of intramuscular injection of medetomidine on intra-renal arteriesresistive and pulsatility indices by duplex Doppler ultrasonographyin clinically normal adult domestic shorthair cats. For this purpose, twenty-six neutered adult healthy domestic shorthair cats (13 females and 13 males) were evaluated. B-mode, color Doppler and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasonography of right and left kidneys were performed to record the resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of intra-renal arteries. To minimize statistical errors, the mean RI and PI were determined for each kidney by averaging three waveforms from the intra-renal arteries. Twenty-four hr later, the cats were sedated by 0.04 mg kg^-1 intramuscular administration of medetomidine. All the Doppler measurements were repeated 15 min after drug administration. Mean ± standard deviation )SD( of PI and RI of the intra-renal arteries before administration of intramuscular medetomidine were 1.03 ± 0.08 and 0.61 ± 0.02, respectively. Fifteen min after medetomidine administration, the mean ± SD of PI and RI values were 1.04 ± 0.08 and 0.61 ± 0.02, respectively. Significant differences were not detected in mean PI and RI values before and 15 min after drug administration. Our findings showed that intramuscular administration of medetomidine does not cause significant hemodynamic changes in the intra-renal arteries after 15 min.