Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Tumors in cattle are uncommon, partly due to their relatively shorter lifespan, and vaginal neoplasms are rarely documented. Among vaginal and vulvar tumors, fibropapillomas are the most common, while leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas, fibrosarcomas, and fibroleiomyosarcomas occur far less frequently. We describe the clinical presentation, surgical management, and pathological characterization of a vaginal fibroleiomyosarcoma in a 5-year-old Holstein cow. Clinical examination revealed a firm intravaginal mass attached to the dorsal wall. Surgical excision was performed under epidural anesthesia, followed by appropriate post-operative antibiotic and analgesic therapy. The cow recovered without complication, and no recurrence was observed during six months of follow-up. Macroscopically, the tumor measured 65.00 × 52.00 × 40.00 mm, and it was firm in consistency and gray in color. Histopathologically, it was composed of spindle-shaped neoplastic cells arranged in fascicles and bundles, displaying marked pleomorphism, blunt-ended nuclei, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and numerous mitotic figures. The stromal component showed variable collagen deposition, giving the lesion a biphasic fibromatous and leiomyomatous pattern. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells showed strong cytoplasmic positivity for α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, confirming both smooth muscle and mesenchymal differentiation. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a primary vaginal fibroleiomyosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the second report of such a tumor in cattle and the first described in a Holstein cow. The case highlights the diagnostic value of combining histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses for accurate identification of rare bovine vaginal tumors.

Abstract Anal atresia (AA) is a congenital anorectal malformation in neonatal lambs characterized by failure of the anal membrane to perforate, resulting in the absence of an anal opening. Early diagnosis and surgical correction are essential for improving survival and outcomes. This study evaluated hematobiochemical and oxidative stress parameters in neonatal lambs with non-segmental AA undergoing surgical intervention. Forty-five male lambs diagnosed with non-segmental AA were enrolled and stratified by time of presentation: within 24 hours of birth or 24-72 hours. An additional 45 healthy male lambs served as controls. Hematological and biochemical parameters, including white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total protein, C-reactive protein, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, globulin, fibrinogen, and urea were measured at presentation and 3 days post-operatively. All AA lambs underwent surgical correction, with clinical follow-up for 30 days. Significant differences in hematobiochemical indices and oxidative stress markers were observed between AA lambs and healthy controls. Early surgical intervention (within 24 hours) was associated with significantly reduced levels of urea, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein. It also resulted in lower malondialdehyde concentrations and higher superoxide dismutase activity, indicating decreased oxidative stress and inflammation compared with later intervention. These findings highlight the critical importance of early surgical intervention in neonatal lambs with anal atresia. Timely surgery improves hematological stability, mitigates oxidative damage, and supports better overall recovery.

Abstract Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) is a rare condition in dogs, primarily caused by improper feeding and care practices. It involves the accumulation of triacylglycerols in hepatocytes due to various toxic factors and dietary carbohydrate deficiencies. This case report describes the clinical, hematological, and pathological findings of an abandoned 8-year-old dog suffering from hepatic lipidosis that was referred to an animal shelter. The dog was unconscious, immobile, depressed, and severely obese. Pronounced abdominal distension and icteric mucous membranes were immediately noticeable during the initial examination. A blood sample was collected, and the case was referred to a veterinary hospital for diagnostic imaging. Unfortunately, before the referral could be completed, the dog suddenly died. Immediately following the death, a postmortem necropsy was performed to determine the cause. Necropsy revealed an extremely enlarged liver with a yellowish discoloration and abnormal kidneys with nodular lesions. Based on these findings, fatty liver was strongly suspected. Complete blood count and biochemical parameters, including triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate transferase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, were subsequently evaluated. Complete blood count results indicated leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and an increase in red cell distribution width. Biochemical analyses revealed hypertriglyceridemia and elevated levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Histopathological examination confirmed severe fatty degeneration in the liver, alongside marked degenerative and necrotic changes in the kidneys. The findings of the present study contribute to the limited data on canine hepatic lipidosis and underscore the necessity of raising awareness about its clinical presentation, diagnostic markers, and histopathological characteristics.

Abstract Curcumin has been employed in traditional medicine for over a millennium to treat various ailments, and its global use is now widespread. Chinese medicine relies heavily on curcumin as a primary element and uses it to cure infectious diseases, skin disorders, depression, and stress. It has cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic properties, as well as pharmacological effects on disorders like type II diabetes, atherosclerosis, and human immunodeficiency virus replication. The anti-cancer activity of curcumin has been studied extensively with notable improvements in gastrointestinal, melanoma, urogenital, breast, and lung malignancies. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin on expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, c-Fos, and interleukin (IL)-6 genes in brain and liver tissue owing to the effects of ketamine anesthesia on postnatal rats. The thalamic and hepatic tissues were collected without anesthesia, immediately after anesthesia, and 4 and 12 hr after anesthesia in control and curcumin treated postnatal rats. The results showed that glucose, triglyceride, high- and low-density lipoprotein levels were lowered with curcumin treatment. We also found that ketamine increased c-Fos and inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, all of which contribute to inflammation. Brain and liver immunohistochemistry studies confirmed the real-time polymerase chain reaction findings. Curcumin injections alone may be effective in decreasing ketamine-induced inflammation in both brain and liver tissues.

Abstract One of the most critical emergencies in dogs is esophageal foreign bodies. The most important foreign body reported in the esophagus is bone; however, there are also reports of fish hooks lodged in the esophagus. This case report describes the history, clinical signs, radiographic findings and surgical management of an esophageal foreign body due to a single-barbed fish hook in a 4-month-old Siberian Husky female dog with regurgitation, pain, anorexia and lethargy. In this case, plain radiography was taken to determine the type and location of the foreign body and it was confirmed that a single-barbed fish hook was lodged in the heart base of thorax. Depending on the type of foreign body, penetrable or non-penetrable as well as the location, a variety of methods including endoscopy, fluoroscopy, and surgery are used for its removal. For treatment, for the first time, a covault hook was utilized to remove the foreign body via gastrotomy. Case follow-up during two weeks showed no postoperative complications and the patient was healthy.

Abstract Ocular tumors are rarely seen in farm animals. Iridociliary epithelial tumors are the second most common tumor of the eye in dogs and cats, but there is just one report of this tumor in sheep. This case report described the history, clinical signs, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, and surgical management of an iridociliary adenoma tumor in a 3-year-old Iranian Shaal sheep with signs of anorexia, depression, loss of vision, and a mass covering the left eye. The mass had protruded from the left eye globe but had not penetrated the periocular tissues. Enucleation was performed to excise the tumor. Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue staining methods were done for the mass, but the result for both of them was negative. Slides were also immunostained for antibodies against cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, and S-100 protein. The results were positive for vimentin but negative for cytokeratin and S-100. According to the results of histopathology and immunohistochemistry, the type of tumor was diagnosed as iridociliary adenoma. To our knowledge, it was the second report of the iridociliary tumor in the sheep and the first report of this tumor in the Iranian Shaal breed.

Abstract A balanced anesthesia protocol is called perfect when it has fast induction, excellent recovery, the least effect on the cardiopulmonary system and sufficient analgesia. Many of anesthetic combinations have an analgesic effect without opioids. However, at the end of anesthesia, analgesia decreases or is incomplete. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anesthesia times, electrocardiogram (ECG) and analgesic effect of tramadol when administrated with ketamine, ketamine-diazepam, ketamine-midazolam, and ketamine-xylazine and selected a balanced anesthesia protocol in buzzards. Ten adult common buzzards (Buteo buteo) received seven different anesthetic protocols (with or without tramadol). In each protocol, anesthesia times, electrocardiograph parameters and analgesic effect were recorded. Excluding ketamine-tramadol, all protocols produced deep anesthesia in all buzzards. Among of all protocols, no significant differences regarding the amplitude and duration of waves (P, QRS and T) was found. By adding tramadol to anesthetic protocols, response duration to thermal sense increased up 3 hr after recovery. Tramadol did not make considerable effects on anesthesia times and ECG and made analgesic effect up to 3 hr when used with ketamine-benzodiazpins or ketamine-xylazine. Therefore, tramadol can be used with injectable anesthetics to make suitably balanced anesthesia in buzzards.