Veterinary Research Forum

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 A one and a half years old male French bulldog weighing 9.50 kg was presented with the history of inappetence, lethargy, abdominal distension and exercise intolerance since last 2 days. The physical examination was done which revealed normal physiological parameters including temperature, mucus membrane color and capillary refill time except palpable precordial thrills, jugular distension on palpation, tachycardia and systolic murmurs on auscultation. Electrocardiography (ECG) was done which depicted ectopic foci with atrioventricular junctional tachycardia and right ventricular enlargement involving very small inverted P waves, deep S waves in leads I, II, III and augmented vector foot (aVF) and splintered QRS complexes. The dog was undergone chest radiography that revealed right atrial enlargement, increased sternal contact of heart on lateral view and a bulge at 9:00 o’clock to 11:00 o’clock depicted right atrial enlargement on dorso-ventral view. Lastly, echocardiography was done to arrive at a diagnosis confirming the Ebstein’s anomaly as a form of tricuspid valve dysplasia including apical displacement of tricuspid valve leaflets, division of right ventricle into atrialized and functional portions, increased displacement index, increased apex-mitral annulus to apex-tricuspid annulus ratio, severe right atrial dilatation and tricuspid regurgitation. The dog was medically treated with diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and inotropes and the owner was advised to put the dog on low sodium diet for 2 weeks. The dog has resolved clinical signs of right sided heart affection; but, suddenly collapsed at home. The owner denied for the necropsy of dog.

Abstract Congenital agenesis of lumbar vertebrae was diagnosed in a day-old female lamb based on radiology and clinical examinations. There was no neurological deficit in hindlimb and forelimb associated with standing disability. Radiography of the abdominal region revealed absence of lumbar vertebrae. Necropsy confirmed clinical and radiographic results. No other anomaly or agenesis was seen macroscopically in the abdominal and thoracic regions as well as vertebral column. Partial absence of vertebral column has been reported in human and different animal species, as an independent occurrence or associated with other organs anomalies. The latter has been designated as caudal regression syndrome. Vertebral agenesis may arise from irregularity in the differentiation of somites to the sclerotome or sclerotome to the vertebral primordium. Most of the previously reported cases of agenesis were related to the lumbosacral region, lonely or along with other visceral absences. This case was the first report of congenital agenesis of lumbar vertebrae in a lamb.