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 Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a common congenital anomaly in large animals, but it is rarely documented in small ruminants. This report described a case involving a three-month-old male lamb of the Iranian Shall breed that was presented to a Veterinary Hospital of University of Tehran with nasal discharge and growth retardation. Clinical examination revealed a heart rate of 120 beats per min, a respiratory rate of 50 breaths per min, pale mucous membranes and a low-grade pansystolic murmur that was auscultated bilaterally in the thoracic region. Echocardio-graphy revealed a 10.00 mm defect between the right and left ventricles, located in the supraventricular region behind the aortic valve, along with evidence of left-to-right shunting. Imaging studies including echocardiography and radiography indicated increased cardiac volume particularly in the right ventricle. These findings were corroborated by necropsy. This case study aimed to elucidate the imaging findings associated with Ventricular septal defect in an Iranian Shall lamb.

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.

Abstract Blood selenium and trace minerals play an important role in animal’s health and production. The aims of this study were to determine selenium effect on blood glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, trace minerals and weight gain in lambs. Twelve female Makuei breed were studied for 63 days in groups of control, nanoselenium (NanoSe) and sodium selenite (NaSe). Mean concentrations of GPX, Cu and Fe in selenium supplemented groups were higher than in control group but the differences were not significant. Mean GPX and selenium was significant among the bleeding times, for Cu and Zn significant occasionally while not for weight gain. The percentages of weight gain in groups were 34.20, 38.90 and 36.30, respectively, which was not different. The individual comparison of parameters among groups showed differences for GPX, selenium and Cu. Correlations were observed between weight & Fe, weight & GPX, weight & selenium, Zn & Fe and GPX & selenium in NanoSe group. Weight gain showed negative correlations with Fe and positive correlation with GPX. In conclusion, selenium compounds increased GPX activity and selenium in which it was predominant in NanoSe than in NaSe group. Selenium compounds showed no effects on Cu, Zn and Fe but caused weight gain to increase. NanoSe revealed correlations between weight gain, GPX, Fe and selenium and was preferable to NaSe. Thus, the effect of NanoSe on reducing the oxidative stress and increased weight gain was acceptable and probably an option to NaSe administration in lambs.

Abstract Hemimelia as a congenital anomaly is a failure of development of extremities formation in embryonic period. This anomaly is defined as complete absence of the part of extremities and different forms were explained for hemimelia. Adactyly is an alternative name for transverse hemimelia and is a rare disorder in the most of animal species. A two months old male lamb with normal vital signs was referred to clinic due to both hind limbs shortness and absence of hooves from the birth day. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed and partial hemimelia was confirmed radiographically in both hind limbs. In left hind limb, total absence of the toe indicated presence of adactyly in this limb. No other congenital deformities were diagnosed in skeletal system based on clinical and radiological examinations. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of such rare conditions in a lamb. Clinical findings and radiological signs of this rare anomaly in a lamb were described in this report.

Abstract Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a persistent patency of a vessel normally present in the fetus that connects the pulmonary arterial system to the aorta. The ductus arteriosus fails to close at birth when breathing commences and placental blood circulation is removed. Closure of the ductus arteriosus arises in response to decline pulmonary vascular resistance and increased systemic vascular resistance. This report describes a case of PDA in a two-month-old male lamb with clinical signs of machinery murmur, tachycardia, increase respiratory rate, weakness and ill thrift. Echocardiographic examination and necropsy finding confirmed PDA.

Abstract Skeletal abnormalities are most often used to describe defects in the arms or legs that are associated with genes or chromosomes, or that occur due to an event that happens during pregnancy. Spider lamb syndrome (SLS) is a congenital disorder in sheep breeding that is recognized by some deformities in skeletal system especially in the limbs.A dead day-old cross-breed white lamb with deformed limbs was referred to the anatomy hall of the Veterinary Faculty of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. In the external examination, the lamb was very skinny and in the facial region, superior brachygnathia with a slight Roman nose were observed. Metacarpal and metatarsal regions were more elongated than that expected. Also Metacarpal and metatarsal bones were as long as the antebrachial and crural regions, respectively. This paper, the first report of this syndrome in Iran, described the anatomic and radiographic features of the skeletal deformities in a day-old dead Kermanian breed lamb.