Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease primarily caused by Mycobacterium bovis, a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with significant zoonotic implications. This study aimed to detect MTBC in wildlife species, specifically nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), using gross pathology, histopathology, acid-fast staining, and molecular confirmation. Necropsied tissue samples were collected during post-mortem examination of a nilgai and a sambar deer from the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati, India. Macroscopically, multiple granulomatous tubercles of varying sizes were observed in the lungs and liver, with creamy white caseous material marked upon sectioning. Ziehl-Neelsen staining of the tissue smears from granulomatous lesions confirmed the presence of acid-fast bacilli. Microscopic examination of tuberculosis granulomas revealed a central necrotic mass surrounded by inflammatory cell infiltration, including Langerhans-type giant cells. Molecular confirmation of MTBC infection was achieved by amplifying hsp65 and IS1081 in tissue samples, further validated by Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for nucleotide analysis following Sanger dideoxy sequencing. In conclusion, this study confirmed the presence of tuberculosis in these wildlife species through an integrated approach combining pathology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics, highlighting the need to understand pathogen entry into the herd and prevent potential spillover.

Abstract Crocetin (CRT) is one of the active chemical compounds of saffron and has many biological effects such as antioxidant property. The present study investigated the effects of CRT on crushed sciatic nerve function. Vitamin (Vit) C was used as an antioxidant drug. Thirty rats were divided into six groups including intact, sham, crush, CRT 7.50, CRT 30.00 and Vit C 100. Nine other rats with no surgery were scheduled in three groups to receive 7.50 and 30.00 mg kg^-1 CRT and 100 mg kg^-1 Vit C. In anesthetized rats, right sciatic nerve was crushed using a small hemostatic forceps. Sciatic functional index values on days five, 10, 15 and 20 after crush were accelerated, the severities of sciatic nerve degeneration and gastrocnemius muscle atrophy were ameliorated, and the increased malondialdehyde level and the decreased superoxide dismutase activity in the serum were restored by 20 consecutive days of oral administration of 30.00 mg kg^-1 CRT and 100 mg kg^-1 Vit C. No significant differences were observed between 30.00 mg kg^-1 and 100 mg kg^-1 Vit C. The groups that did not have surgery but received CRT (7.50 and 30.00 mg kg-1) and Vit C (100 mg kg-1) showed no behavioral, histopathological and biochemical alterations when compared to intact group. It was concluded that CRT and Vit C produced similar improving effects on crushed-injured sciatic nerve function. Inhibition of oxidative stress, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant activity might be involved in improving effects of CRT and Vit C.

Abstract This study, aimed to investigate Chlamydia abortus, C. pecorum, and C. psittaci in bovine, sheep, and goat abortions sent to the Konya Veterinary Control Institute diagnostic laboratory from various provinces in Central Anatolia and Mediterranean regions of Turkey between 2019 and 2022 via pathological and molecular methods. For this purpose, a total number of 150 abortions (from 58 cattle, 73 sheep, and 19 goats) were analysed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The chlamydial DNA positivity rate was determined to be 24.00% via quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. According to the animal species, the positivity rate was 45.20% in sheep and 15.78% in goats. No cases positive for chlamydial DNA were found in the cattle abortions analyzed in the present study. When chlamydial agents were analysed on a species basis, C. abortus and C. pecorum were detected in 22.66and 1.33% of the cases, respectively. Among the animal species, 42.47% were C. abortus positive, whereas, 2.74% were C. pecorum positive in sheep. In the present study, the percentage of C. abortus-positive goats was 15.78%. and 22.66% of the Chlamydia spp. were positive according to immunohistochemical staining of aborted fetal lung, liver, heart, placenta and umbilical cord samples. This comparative study revealed that C. abortus was the most common chlamydial abortion agent in Türkiye. Chlamydial abortion agents cause abortion mostly in sheep in the region according to the animal species, and immunohistochemical staining contributes to the diagnosis of the agent at the Chlamydia spp. level.

Abstract Infectious bronchitis, being caused by a coronavirus, is a significant disease affecting broiler and layer chickens, leading to substantial losses in the poultry industry due to the high mortality rates and decreased egg yield. Nearly 30 serotypes and 100 variants were described to date; developed vaccines are being for some severe cases, like the Massachusetts strain, to mitigate the effects. Determining the vaccinal strain's titer is crucial for creating an effective vaccine, and calculating the virus infectivity in the egg embryo is very important using dilutions ranging from 10^-3 to 10^-8, from each dilution 0.10 mL is used. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the avian bronchitis virus injected into the allantoic cavity of ten days old embryonated eggs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction tests determined the viral load in the allantoic fluid. The embryos were removed to study gross injuries. The trachea, lung, and mesonephros were removed and submitted for histopathological studies, and nuclear factor-kappa B immunofluorescence analysis. The results revealed that the dilution of one-thousandth of the virus in the embryos caused the highest organ damage and viral replication. Varying degrees of hyperemia, edema, cellular infiltration, and degeneration were observed in the trachea, lung, and mesonephros depending on the virus dilution. This study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of the avian bronchitis virus, and has a potential impact on achieving an effective vaccine.

Abstract Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with a progressive damage to the air sacs and deposition of collagen fibers in the lung tissue. The study aimed to explore the effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) or thymoquinone (TQ), alone or in combination with dexamethasone (DEX), on the development of bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF. Forty-two male rats were divided into seven groups: Control (CTRL); BLM, received a single dose of BLM on day 0, intratracheally; all remaining groups received BLM, as well. DEX, received DEX daily, intraperitoneally, 1 day before BLM and continued for 14 days; NSO and TQ groups, received daily NSO and TQ, respectively, 7 days before BLM and continued for 35 days; DEX + TQ, received both DEX and TQ; DEX + NSO, received both DEX and NSO. At the end, lung tissues were used for histopathological and biochemical analyses. BLM significantly increased the severity of fibrosis and inflammation compared to the CTRL. Bleomycin also significantly increased the amount of hydroxyproline, however, decreased most antioxidant enzymes in the lung tissue compared to the other groups. Group TQ + DEX significantly reduced the severity of BLM-induced PF as well as alterations in biochemical parameters, lung weight and O2 saturation. Nigella sativa oil slightly reduced BLM-induced PF, however, it caused non-significant hyperemia in lung tissue. Thymoquinone potentiated the effects of DEX on most biochemical and pathological alterations of BLM-induced lung injury much better than NSO. More studies are needed to support the use of NSO and TQ as potential protective agents against PF.

Abstract Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) has caused significant financial losses to the Iranian poultry industry in the past few years. Thirty-two broiler chickens with gross lesions of HPS were inspected histologically and immunohistochemically. Sampling was performed in Sabzevar, Iran. The dead and sick birds from random farms were subjected to necropsy examinations. Only four broiler chickens had no hydropericardium and the other gross findings were similar for birds. Basophilic and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions, hemorrhages and necrosis in different organs were the primary characteristic histologic lesions. Lymphoid depletion, goblet cell hyperplasia and necrotizing enteritis were some of the findings reported in previous research. Low macrophage infiltration rate and brain lesions were other discoveries in Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) examination. Feulgen reaction and Cluster of Differentiation 68 (CD68) immunohistochemical staining were used for a comprehensive investigation and these techniques revealed improved histopathologic details. Feulgen staining confirmed brain lesions and some other changes in different organs. Eventually, the CD68 method revealed low macrophage presence in most organs. This study suggested that HPS might cause brain damage and the susceptibility of the Arian breed to the adenovirus needs further investigation.

Abstract Linguatula serrata can infect most ruminants and cause accidental infections in humans. It is a causative parasite of linguatulosis, a disease that not only produces economic losses in cattle but also represents a public health risk due to its zoonotic nature. This study aimed to explore the clinical and pathological findings of pulmonary linguatulosis in a rabbit. The most striking clinical findings in the deceased rabbits were wheezing and labored breathing. Grossly, the most prominent morphological changes in the lungs were well-circumscribed, flat or slightly raised, solitary grayish-white nodular lesions, and consolidated areas. The characteristically tongue-shaped developmental forms of parasites were observed on the cut surface of the lung. Histopathologically, the most noticeable morphological changes in the lung parenchyma were diffuse thickening of the inter-alveolar septum, fibrinoid necrotic vasculitis, medial smooth muscle cells hypertrophy of the arteries, alveolar emphysema, longitudinal and transverse sections of L. serrata nymphs and extra-medullary hematopoietic foci (megakaryocytes). The morphological appearance of the nymphs showed multiple transverse grooves, saw-like cuticles, peri-buccal hooks and acidophilic glands. In conclusion, these findings reveal the etiopathological diagnosis of linguatulosis and suggest that the lungs might be a target organ in addition to the liver and lymph nodes.

Abstract This study presents the first report of congenital tuberculosis in an 8-month-old male British Shorthair cat. The case was examined using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. The cat was referred to a private veterinary clinic with general respiratory system problems and subsequent deterioration, leading to death. The cat owner granted permission for the cat necropsy and pathological examinations at Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Türkiye. During systemic necropsy, white round foci with diameters ranging from 3.00 to 5.00 mm were observed in the lung and spleen. Tissue samples were collected from the lung, spleen, liver, heart, kidney, mediastinal lymph nodes and brain for histopathological examinations. The tissues were subjected to routine histological tissue processing and sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Ziehl-Neelsen. Additionally, Mycobacterium spp. antibodies were used for immunohistochemical staining. Microscopic examination revealed exudative tuberculosis lesions, areas of necrosis without a fibrous capsule and karyorrhectic cells only in the lung and spleen. Acid-resistant bacteria observed by ZN staining in the lesioned areas of the lung and spleen were identified as Mycobacterium spp. using immunohistochemical staining. No positive staining was observed in other organs using ZN and immunohistochemical methods. As a result, congenital tuberculosis was diagnosed in a cat for the first time, especially in relation to lesions in the spleen.

Abstract Genital tumours are rare among cattle, largely due to their relatively short lifespans. Leio-myoma, a smooth muscle tumour being more prevalent in dogs, appears only at a rate of 1.00 - 2.00% in cattle, affecting reproductive efficiency in cases of complete uterine obstruction. This case report involves an 8-year-old cow with repeated insemination attempts unveiled 5.00 cm intra-luminal uterine mass, obstructing the right uterine horn. Transrectal sonography (TRUS) revealed a highly vascularized mass with normal ovarian function. Confirmation of clinical condition, i.e., uterine leiomyoma, via uterine biopsy concluded the presence of neoplastic smooth muscle cells arranged in interlacing bundles showing mild pleomorphism, and special staining using Masson’s trichrome revealed an unappreciable amount of connective tissue; subsequently right flank celiotomy was performed to remove the benign tumour. Forty-five days after celiotomy, TRUS examination confirmed an unobstructed uterine horn, and bilateral oviduct patency was adjudged with 2.50% methylene blue. Following treatment for chronic endometritis, artificial insemination led to conception nearly 90 days post-procedure. The TRUS aids preliminary diagnosis, while definitive identification demands necropsy and surgical methods. This case underscores the diagnostic significance of TRUS, histopathology and celiotomy for identifying and managing uterine leiomyoma in cattle.

Abstract Tropical or Mediterranean theileriosis in dairy cattle is widely distributed in many tropical regions of the world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the proliferation status of mononuclear cells infected with Theileria annulata schizonts in different tissues and its relationship with the pathogenesis of the parasite in cattle by histopathology, immuno-histochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood and tissue samples of eight Holstein cattle that had been lost due to theileriosis and eight healthy slaughtered cattle of the same breed were collected as a control group after necropsy. The piroplasms in the blood smears and the schizonts in the cytoplasm of the lymphocytes and macrophages of the lymph nodes were microscopically detected. Histopathologically, the proliferation of macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells in lymph nodes and the heart, congestion, and bleeding in the red pulp of the spleen, portal tracts of the liver, interstitial tissue of the kidneys, multifocal necrosis and ulceration in the abomasum together with hyperemia and hemorrhages and lymphoblastic infiltration in the submucosa and lamina propria adjacent to these lesions and emphysema with ecchymotic hemorrhage in the lungs were evident. Immunohistochemistry identified the proliferated cells as mostly Cluster of Differentiation 3- Positive T lymphocytes and macrophage marker antibody 387- positive macrophages. Positive results of PCR for the Tams1 30.00 kDa gene were observed in lymph nodes, liver, lung and abomasum. It was concluded that the pathological changes were the result of schizont-infected macrophage proliferation leading to severe uncontrolled proliferation of uninfected T lymphocytes.

Abstract This study aimed to identify Sarcocystis species isolated from macroscopic sarcocysts of naturally infected sheep and goats using histopathological and molecular studies. A total of 260 macrosarcocyst samples were randomly collected from 1,337 infected sheep and goats slaughtered at different abattoirs in Duhok province, Iraq, from May 2021 to June 2022. The macroscopic cysts, which were found in the esophagus, diaphragm, and abdominal muscles, were classified into fat and thin cysts. Histopathological examination of the observed fat and thin cysts showed a thick eosinophilic wall, several internal septa-forming compartments enclosing numerous bradyzoites, and mild mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltrating around the cysts. The 18 Subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and 28 Subunit ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) genes of Sarcocystis spp. were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from 200 macrosarcocysts samples. Molecularly, the DNA sequencing results obtained from fat macrocysts of sheep and goats were found to be identical to Sarcocystis gigantea, and from thin cysts of sheep proved to be similar to Sarcocystis medusiformis, while from thin macrocysts of goats were found to be identical to Sarcocystis moulei. Alignment and phylogenetic analysis observed a very close relationship between identified species of Sarcocystis and other Sarcocystis DNA sequences of sheep and goats across the world. To our knowledge, this is the first histopathological and molecular study for identification of Sarcocystis spp. isolated from different macroscopic forms of sarcocysts of sheep and goats in Iraq.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of parainfluenza 3 (PI3) virus antigen through histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) methods in sheep lung samples collected from Erzurum province, Türkiye. Between August and November 2017, 1462 sheep were dissected in the slaughterhouse and their lungs were examined macroscopically. In total, 100 of the lung samples with pneumonia were selected. Routine histopathological and IHC analyses of the collected lung tissues with pneumonia were performed. Pneumonia observed through macroscopical and histopathological examinations of the lung samples was classified as purulent-catarrhal bronchopneumonia (14.00%), fibrinous bronchopneumonia (23.00%), interstitial pneumonia (69.00%), granulomatous pneumonia (7.00%), verminous pneumonia (19.00%) and pulmonary adenomatosis (6.00%). Two or three types of pneumonia were observed in many of the same cases. The PI3 virus antigen positivity rate in the IHC analysis of sheep lung samples was 19.00%. In the IHC tracing, positivities were found mostly in the alveolar macrophages and cytoplasm of bronchial, bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells. As a result, the prevalence of PI3 virus in sheep in Erzurum province, Türkiye, was determined to be 19.00% using KLN BVB IHC method.

Abstract Arsenic (As) contamination in natural water resources has become a great disaster throughout the world posing serious health problems. The current study was performed to evaluate the protective effects of Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) against As exposure in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Fish were fed three times a day with 4.00% of body weight of diet with different doses (0.00, 1.00 × 10⁶, 1.00 × 10⁷ and 1.00 × 10⁸ CFU g^-1) of EcN for 80 days and then, challenged with 20.00 mg L^-1 As for 96 hr under stagnant flow. Physicochemical characteristics of the inlet water were temperature of 25.10 ± 0.70 ˚C, pH of 7.30 ± 0.20 and dissolved oxygen of 7.30 ± 0.30 mg L^-1 and 50.00% of water was exchanged once a week. Afterwards, fish were euthanized with a clove oil solution (50.00 μL L^-1) and tissues were dissected from each fish and immediately fixed in 10.00% buffered formalin. The histopathological results indicated that the supplemented EcN did not have any side effects on various organs. It was also observed that the damages to kidney, liver, gill and skin were pronounced in fish exposed to As. However, the histopathological damages induced by As in fish tissues were less pronounced in the EcN-treated groups compared to the fish fed with the basal diet. Lamellar blood congestion in gills and epidermal cells detachment from the skin surface as well as hepatocytes, enterocytes and tubular necrosis were reduced in treated groups. These findings indicate that EcN has the potential to ameliorate the As-induced organ toxicity.

Abstract This study aimed to report, for the first time, histopathological lesions caused by an outbreak of acute Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 8 infections in two farms in Cyprus. Lung tissue samples were collected from two different affected farms (a total of eight samples) for bacterial culture, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based serotyping and histopathological evaluation. Severe respiratory clinical signs, vomiting, anorexia, sudden deaths, a morbidity rate of around 25.00% and a mortality rate of over 60.00% in the fattening stage were reported. Macroscopic lesions included acute to subacute fibrotic, hemorrhagic and necrotizing pneumonia with occasionally encapsulated nodule-like abscesses and fibrous pleuritis. Histopathological evaluation revealed fibrous exudate between alveolar spaces and connective tissue, areas of necrosis mixed with alveolar macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells and necrotic leukocytes surrounding colonies of cocci. The bronchial and bronchiolar epithelia were degenerated and replaced by eosinophilic cell debris mixed with inflammatory cells. Several arteries and capillaries were clotted and/or infiltrated by inflammatory cells. In conclusion, these A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 8 cases were accompanied by acute illness, death and more pronounced bronchitis and bronchiolitis.

Abstract Ceruminous gland tumor is the most common tumor of the ear canal in cats. Otoscopic examination of the ear tumor is so difficult due to narrowing of the external ear canal. The present study aimed to investigate clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological characteristics of feline ceruminous gland neoplasm in cats. Ten cats with unilateral ear canal swelling were subjected to thorough physical and clinical investigations. Ultrasound of the ear canal and parotid gland was performed using 8.00 MHz linear probe. Tissue specimens were collected after surgical excision (total ear canal ablation) for histopathological examination. Clinical examination of the ceruminous tumors revealed firm pinkish mass obliterated the ear canal with purulent or bloody aural discharge. Ultrasound examination of the ear tumor was helpful in detecting the size, shape, echogenicity and extension of the tumors to the surrounding structures as well as the nature of the feline ceruminous tumor. Histopathological examination was the main diagnostic tool for detecting the nature of the ceruminous neoplasms.

Abstract In February 2019, a severe respiratory distress with co-infection of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) and Newcastle disease accompanied with Salmonella Enteritidis occurred in a broiler flock in the western region of Iran. Clinical signs included paralysis, torticollis, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, gasping and respiratory rale with high mortality. At necropsy, caseous diphtheritic membrane adherent to the larynx and trachea was observed. Microscopically, syncytial cells formation with dense eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were main histopathological findings in tracheal tissues. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ICP4 gene amplification as a definitive diagnosis was utilized for the detection of ILT virus nucleic acid in suspected tracheal samples inoculated on to the chorioallantioc membrane of 11-day-old specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken eggs. Tracheal tissues taken from these SPF birds were positive by nested ILT PCR. In conclusion, because of no vaccination policy against ILT in broilers, the most probable scenario is that virus-laden dust or other fomites can be vectors and virus persistence and disease outbreak can be a sequel of wild virus introduction to the farm.

Abstract Canine lymphoma is the most common neoplasm of the hematopoietic system with the most frequently diagnosed malignancy. Also, dogs affected by T-cell lymphoma displayed a lower rate of complete chemotherapy response and have a high risk of death in the early stage of the disease. A 5-year-old male mixed dog was presented to the Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran with a history of left testicle swelling for four months. The testicle had approximately 13.00×10.00 cm size with a greyish-white cut surface. Histopathologically, the testicular tissue was infiltrated by neoplastic cells as only a few degenerated seminiferous tubules have remained. The neoplastic cells were round to oval with pleomorphic nuclei and single or multiple prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive and negative immunoreactivity for CD3 and CD20, respectively. According to histopathological and immunohistochemical features, the tumor was concluded as a testicular T-cell lymphoma. It seems that recognition of lymphoma type could be helpful for clinicians therapeutic protocols.

Abstract This study investigated the toxic effects of dried pulverized Caloncoba echinata leaves on the hematology, blood biochemistry and vital organs of male albino rats. Twenty adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Groups A, B and C were fed 25.00%, 15.00% and 5.00% of pulverized C. echinata leaves in feed respectively while group D was given normal feed for a four weeks period. Blood samples were collected at two weeks intervals for hematological and blood biochemistry analyses. Results showed a significant reduction of packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and total red blood cell counts in group B from week two to the end of the study. There was also a reduction of body weight and leukocytosis in groups A and B from week two to the end of the study. There was a significant reduction of albumin in group B when compared to the other groups after two weeks and a significant reduction in blood glucose concentration in group A after two weeks of the feeding of the leaves to the end of the study. Discrete areas of degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes were observed in the rats of groups A and B and testicular atrophy in group B rats. It was concluded that feeding the rats with the pulverized C. echinata leaves led to a significant reduction of body weights and erythrocytic parameters, leukocytosis, hepatic and testicular injuries in the albino rats.

Abstract Budgerigar is a common name for a colorful Australian native bird belonging to the Melopsittacus undulatus species. It is a very familiar pet around the world and its breeding has been grown in Iran. This study was conducted on a 2-year-old budgerigar with a nodular mass on the left wing. Physical examination revealed a firm, round and well-circumscribed mass approximately 1.70 cm in diameter. Radiographs showed a soft tissue mass with no involvement of bony structures. Fine needle aspiration was performed and the sample was cultured. In cultural examination, Klebsiella spp. were isolated in pure culture. Genus and species of the bacteria were confirmed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The mass was surgically excised and it was mainly composed of numerous, large lipid-laden macrophages containing abundant vacuolated cytoplasm, extracellular acicular cholesterol clefts and large number of multinucleated giant cells (especially multinucleated Touton giant cells) in the dermis. Finally, a diagnosis of cutaneous xanthogranuloma was made based on histopathological findings.

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous administration of synthetic eugenol (EG) for disbudding of goat kids, as a new chemical method. Thirty apparently healthy Raieni (Cashmere) goat kids (five-day-old) were divided randomly into six groups (n = 5). In the pathology (P) groups (P₃, P₈ and P₆₀ according to the sample collection day after injection) an amount of 0.10 mL of EG was subcutaneously administrated in both horn buds. In the disbudding 1 and 2 (DB₁, DB₂) groups, 0.10 mL of EG, and in the control (C) group 0.10 mL normal saline was subcutaneously injected in the right horn buds, respectively. Eugenol injection in DB₂ group was done in twelve-day-old goat kids. The left horn buds of DB₁, DB₂ and C groups were considered as control of horn outgrowing. The horn buds, kidneys, liver, lung, brain and heart, tissue specimens were collected from P₃ and P₈ groups, and bud skin samples were collected from P₆₀ group. The results showed that the EG was able to stop the horn growth in the first week of goat life. There was no significant difference between left and right horn size in the C group. Histopathological study revealed complete necrosis of bud tissue in dermal and epidermal layers, in P₃ animals. Healing and re-epithelialization were seen in the samples taken from P₈ group. Subcutaneous injection of the synthetic EG can be considered as a new method for goat kids disbudding.

Abstract In the present study, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) was investigated in goats slaughtered in Shiraz abattoir using histopathological examinations and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ilium and mesenteric lymph node samples from 66 suspected goat carcasses to Johne’s disease were collected. Among 66 examined slaughtered goats, nine (13.63%) goats were positive for MAP in both histopathological and PCR examinations. Eight goats were positive in PCR method while no lesion related to Johne’s disease was observed in their histopathological sections. All positive goats in histopathological examination were also positive in PCR. Based on the results of PCR, the detection rate of MAP in Shiraz abattoir was 25.80% (17 goats). According to the present findings, although both histopathological and PCR methods are appropriate for detecting Johne’s disease, PCR is more sensitive than histopathological examination.

Abstract Osteoma is an uncommon bone tumor in avian species and other animals. A 2-year-old male canary (Serinus canaria) with a history of an oval mass in the left wing for several months was examined. Radiographs showed a radio-opaque mass. Upon the bird’s owner request, the canary was euthanatized and submitted for necropsy. The histopathologic examination revealed numerous trabeculae consisting of both woven and lamellar bone covered by one to several rows of normal osteoblasts. The trabeculae were closely packed, having only small intertrabecular spaces which contained proliferating osteoblasts, sinusoids and myeloid tissue. Based on clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic findings, the mass was diagnosed as extraskeletal osteoma. To the best of authors’ knowledge, extraskeletal osteoma has not been reported in in avian species so far, and this is the first report of osteoma tumor in the birds. However, benign tumors of bones are extremely rare in the birds, osteoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the birds with bone lesions.

Abstract Astrocytoma as one of the most common central nervous system (CNS) tumors is rarely reported in veterinary literature. A 7-year-old Persian Lori-Bakhtiari ewe was presented to the clinic with a two months history of progressive blindness, nystagmus to the right, bilaterally decreased pupillary reflexes, head pressing and paddling. At necropsy, a whitish well-circumscribed mass with dimensions of 3.50×2.50×1.50 cm was observed in the dorsal parietal lobe of the left cerebral hemisphere. Microscopically, the mass was well-circumscribed and highly cellular, consisted of round to elongated cells with scant and vacuolated cytoplasm with few, flaccid processes. The nuclei were round to oval with densely stippled chromatin and indistinct nucleoli. Immunohistochemical analyses showed positive staining for vimentin, S100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Definitive diagnosis of cerebral protoplasmic astrocytoma was made on the basis of the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This type of neoplasm should be included in the differential diagnosis of CNS lesions in the sheep.

Abstract Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a major cause of economic losses in poultry industry. The IB virus primarily affects respiratory tract, but various strains differ in their tropism for other target organs such as kidney and alimentary tract. The objective of this study was to estimate the pathogenicity of Iranian IBV variant (IR-1), which is limited exclusively to Iran. Specific pathogen free chicks were inoculated intranasally. Sera, fecal swabs and different tissue samples were collected on different days post infection (DPI). Clinical signs, gross pathology and histological changes were recorded. The viral load was quantified in the RNA extractions from different tissue samples using real-time PCR. Anti-IBV antibodies were detected in serum samples. The IgG antibody were found on 21 and 28 DPI. Severe histological lesions were observed in the trachea and lung while the lesions in kidney were appeared to be milder. Viral RNA was detected in all tested tissues from 1 DPI to the last day of the experiment. The highest viral load was measured in the trachea and feces on 1^st and 5^th DPI, respectively. It can be concluded the IR-1 had broad tropism for respiratory tract, digestive system, and renal tissue, reflecting its epitheliotropic nature, but it caused the most severe lesions in the respiratory tract. This was the first pathogenicity study of Iranian IR-1 IBV. Further knowledge of IBV pathogenesis provides the groundwork to inform more effective prevention practices.

Abstract The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is a herbivorous, freshwater fish species of the family Cyprinidae, and the only species of the genus Ctenopharyngodon. Neoplasms in fishes are generally less aggressive than neoplasms in mammals and are most commonly discrete, focal and benign neoplasms. A 3-year-old grass carp with a big mass on the vertebrae was referred to the clinic. According to the owner’s statements, the fish had no signs of lethargy, ataxia and abnormal behaviors. The size of the mass was 7 × 6 × 6 cm. It cut hardly with audible sounds. The consistency of the mass was as hard as a cartilage. Microscopic examination revealed numerous irregular crests of hyaline cartilage beneath the skin. According to histopathologic characteristics, chondroma on the vertebrae of grass carp was diagnosed.