Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Corneal ulcers, particularly from alkaline chemical injuries, are a leading ocular complication in animals, accounting for about 20% of emergency referrals. These burns damage the conjunctiva and cornea, causing deep ulcers, potential perforation, delayed healing, infections, and blindness. Prompt treatment is crucial to accelerate healing and minimize complications like permanent opacity. This study compared the efficacy of blood serums (autologous, homologous, heterologous) against standard treatment (N-acetylcysteine and ciprofloxacin eye drops) and a control group (Normal saline) in treating induced corneal ulcers in two groups consisting of 10 healthy mixed-bred female dogs. Ulcers were created using 3M sodium hydroxide-soaked filter paper on both eyes. Evaluations at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days assessed quantitative parameters (corneal/stromal thickness, ulcer size) and qualitative symptoms (photophobia, blepharospasm, discharge, congestion, edema, neovascularization, opacity) via ultrasonography and clinical exams, respectively. Results showed significant time- and treatment-dependent improvements. Heterologous serum notably reduced thickness and ulcer size from day 7 compared to others. By days 14-21, all treatments (serums and drugs) lowered stromal thickness versus control. Qualitative parameters improved significantly with all treatments from day 7. These findings support the use of blood-derived serums, especially heterologous serum, to accelerate healing and improve clinical outcomes in canine corneal ulcers.

Abstract Understanding spinopelvic parameters is crucial for diagnosing skeletal and muscular disorders. This study was the first to measure spinopelvic parameters, specifically pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS) in Scottish cats using computed tomography (CT). the research analyzed twelve Scottish cats (4.00 – 6.00 kg, 2 - 3 years old). The mean values obtained were 48.80° for PI, 26.00° for PT and 22.80° for SS. The PI = PT + SS equation was valid in healthy cats but failed in cases with spondylosis and pelvic fractures indicating its potential diagnostic utility. Pearson correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between PI and PT or PI and SS, however, a significant negative correlation between PT and SS was observed. This suggested that as PT increased, SS decreased. The study established baseline values for PI, PT, and SS in Scottish cats and highlighted the potential for using these parameters in feline diagnostics. The failure of the PI = PT + SS equation in pathological cases underscored its role in identifying specific conditions such as spondylosis and pelvic fractures. This foundational data was crucial for assessing spinopelvic alignment and diagnosing spinal disorders in cats. The findings suggested that deviations from baseline values could aid in diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders, optimizing treatment and preventing complications. Further research is needed to explore how variations in these parameters relate to different spinal conditions.

Abstract The aim of this study was to using purified chicken antibody (IgY) for developing solid phase competitive (SPC) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) A serotype. After immunization of chickens, polyclonal immunoglobulin (IgY) antibodies were extracted and purified from egg yolk and yield was about 5.00 mg mL^-1 of yolk as well as near 0.40 mg mL^-1 of specific IgY antibody against FMDV serotype A. Also, optimized sucrose density gradient method produced 228 µg mL^-1 whole virus which is much higher than that of the conventional method of sucrose density gradient method. The optimum concentration of purified capture IgY and bind type A antigen were 0.50 µg and 0.10 µg per well, respectively. The OD values < 0.70 were considered positive, and values ≥ 0.70 were negative for in-house kit base on standard controls. Statistical analysis base on 80 serum samples showed the 96.66% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 90.90% negative predictive value, 97.50% accuracy, and 98.33% reliability for serum samples for two commercial and in-house kits. The SPCE developed based on IgY antibody is a suitable alternative for the detection of antibodies after vaccination against type A FMDV with high sensitivity and specificity. The present research demonstrated the possibility of commercial development of the SPCE kit using IgY antibodies for the detection of FMDV antibodies in serum samples with adequate sensitivity and accuracy.

Abstract Echocardiography is a noninvasive, highly sensitive method for evaluating heart disease in veterinary medicine, crucial for measuring cardiac structures and functions. Despite its importance, limited data exist on sheep, particularly the Ghezel breed, a significant breed in Iran. This study aimed to establish normal echocardiographic values for Ghezel sheep, providing reference data for both clinical and research applications. We evaluated 15 healthy Ghezel sheep with a mean age of 16.50 ± 1.80 months and a mean weight of 42.69 ± 4.73 kg. Comprehensive clinical exams, biochemical and hematological tests and color Doppler echocardiography were performed. Descriptive results from standard right and left parasternal views in both longitudinal and transverse planes were obtained and compared to existing studies. The study successfully established pulse wave Doppler reference values for the Ghezel breed. These findings could be used in diagnosing heart disease in Ghezel sheep and would be beneficial in future research particularly in sheep used as an animal model for translation in human cardiac studies.

Abstract Cardiovascular and respiratory alterations during anesthesia are of major concern in canines. Thus, it is essential to understand the potential depressant effects of anesthetic drugs on cardio-vascular system; so that, anesthetic procedures are conducted in the best possible way. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the echocardiographic indices during dex-medetomidine and midazolam anesthesia in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-eight female dogs brought to the department for elective ovariohysterectomy were randomly divided into two groups comprising of 14 each. Sedation was achieved with dex-medetomidine and G_MID. Physiological parameters and echocardiographic indices were evaluated before drug administration (T₀), after 10 min of sedation (T₁), after induction (T₂) and at the end of surgery (T₃) in both groups. Heart rate was significantly higher at T₁, T₂ and T₃; while, rectal temperature was significantly lower at T₃ in G_MID compared to the G_DEX. There was a significant decrease in stroke volume and cardiac output values at T₁ and then, a significant increase at T₂; whereas, there was a non-significant decrease at T₃ in both groups. Ejection fraction and fractional shortening values decreased significantly at T₁, increased significantly at T₂ and then, decreased significantly at the end of surgery (T₃). Dexmedetomidine-ketamine and midazolam-ketamine combinations provide better hemodynamic and respiratory stability in the dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Systolic functions were minimally altered with G_MID compared to G_DEX. Thus, G_MID is more cardio stable compared to G_DEX.

Abstract Echocardiography is a non-invasive and gold standard imaging tool for diagnosing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. This study aimed to compare the echocardiographic parameters between healthy and DCM-affected dogs. A total of 52 client-owned dogs, comprising 38 males and 14 females, were included. Among these, 24 dogs (46.15%) were classified as healthy controls and 28 dogs (53.85%) were part of DCM group. On breed-wise prevalence, it was reported that Labrador Retriever breeds showed a higher incidence of DCM than the others. The comparative studies of echocardiographic parameters showed that DCM-affected dogs had significantly higher values in left ventricular long axis length at -end diastole (LVLdA4C) and -end systole (LVLsA4C), end diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume (ESV), left atrium (LA)/aorta diameter (Ao) ratio, left ventricular internal dimension at systole (LVIDs), and end point septal separation (EPSS), as well as significantly lower values in left ventricular contractibility indices such as fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) compared to healthy dogs. Also, receiver operating characteristic curves were made to determine the optimal cut-off points for each echocardiographic parameter with specificity and sensitivity for diagnosing DCM. Significant areas under the curve were observed for parameters such as LVIDs, EF, FS, LA/Ao, EPSS, LVLdA4C, LVLsA4C, left ventricular EDV, left ventricular ESV, and ESV for DCM-affected dogs. This cut-off value can be used as an early diagnosis of DCM through echocardiography, facilitating timely clinical interventions and management strategies for improved quality of life in dogs.

Abstract The Turkmen horse is one of the oldest breeds in the world with unique characteristics in agility, endurance and jump, being publicly acclaimed. Laminitis affects the limbs and decreases athletic performance. Radiographic evaluation is essential to confirm the sinking diagnosis in every breed of a horse suffering from laminitis. Since no information about distal phalanx radiographic measurements in this breed has been reported, the current study was designed and conducted. In the present study, 24 clinically sound registered Turkmen horses of both sexes (15 mares and nine stallions) were selected. Lateromedial radiographic views of both front distal phalanges were taken, focusing on the distal phalanx. After magnification correction, images were used to measure founder distances (FD) and other distal phalanx radiographic measurements using an image processing program. There was no significant difference between radiographic measurements of the left and right front feet. The FD had a significant positive correlation with weight. The horses under 3 years of age had a significantly greater U angle than the horses over the age of three. Also, palmarocortical length (PCL) in the Turkmen stallions was significantly higher than mares. In this investigation, PCL in horses under the age of three was significantly lower than horses over 3 years of age. The values determined in this study can be used as baseline data of front feet in Turkmen horses.

Abstract Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) plays an important role in the locomotion of the horses with flexion of the limbs. In the hind limb, it passes over the calcaneal bone and attaches to medial and lateral surfaces of calcaneous by two bands of connective tissue; while, the medial band is weaker than the lateral one. Occasionally, severe trauma, over-extension or fracture of the calcaneous may cause rupture of the supportive bands leading to tendon luxation. An 11-year-old Thoroughbred jumping gelding with symptoms of lameness in both legs, after examination by an internal specialist veterinarian in equine practice field was referred to the Teaching and Research Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Clinical examination showed lateral luxation of SDFT in the right and left tarsal joints. Radiography revealed no sign of calcaneal involvement, except soft tissue swelling. In the radiography of the tarsal joints, the calcaneus bones did not show significant changes, but among the bones of the central and 3^rd tarsal bone (distal intertarsal joint) of the tarsus, osteophyte formation was observed to a mild extent, indicating mild bone spavin in both tarsal joints. In ultrasonography, SDFT thickenings accompanied by hypoechoic regions in tendons were seen, confirming the signs of tendonitis. Moreover, fibrous tissue formation was diagnosed. In the left leg, anechoic fluid in the calcaneous bursa was seen. Evaluation of diagnostic imaging findings enables veterinarians to diagnose the site and extent of the lesions, choosing the appropriate therapeutic approach in addition to clinical symptoms.

Abstract Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is one of the most common surgeries in veterinary medicine. Although this surgical method has several advantages, it can alter the function of various organs such as heart. The present study investigated the effect of OHE on cardiac functions using M-mode echocardiography. A total of 10 healthy adult domestic short-haired cats were enrolled in the current study. Fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) percentages along with cardiac output (CO) were measured through the right parasternal approach in papillary muscle level view. Moreover, the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before OHE (D0) as well as 10 (D10), 20 (D20) and 30 (D30) days after OHE. The results of this study showed that the mean FS and EF decreased on all days of the study. The FS reduction was significant between D10 and D30 and EF changes were significant between D10 and D20. The means of CO increased significantly on D0 compared to the D10. After D20, CO reduced until the end of the study. Mean concentrations of LH and FSH increased on all research days; but, the changes were significant until D20. Despite the negative effects of OHE on myocardial function, there was no significant correlation between hormonal levels and echocardiographic findings after OHE in this study.

Abstract Right ventricular structural and functional changes result from many cardiovascular disorders in cats. Accordingly, echocardiographic evaluation of the size and function of the right ventricle (RV) provides important prognostic information in many conditions affecting the right heart. Therefore, detection of these changes is clinically important and needs reference values to ease the diagnosis. The present study was designed to calculate structural and fanctional right ventricular variables in 10 apparently healthy cats (six males and four females, averege age 1 year old and body weight 2.70 - 4.80 kg) with no sedation. For this purpose, The minimum, maximum, mean ± standard error of the mean of right ventricle internal dimention in systole and diatole (cm), right ventricle free wall thickness in systole and diastole (cm), fractional shortening (%), right ventricle volume in systole and diastole (mL), right ventricle area in systole and diastole (cm²), ejection fraction (%) and fractional area change (%) were measured and reported. Descriptive statistics were provided for all calculated variables. Statistical correlation of the collected variables with body weight, gender and heart rate were analyzed. Results showed that there is a significant correlation between heart rate with body weight and between systolic and diastolic RV volumes with gender. The results of the present study would help clinicians in the diagnosis of the right heart changes in DSH cats.

Abstract Prostate gland can be structurally evaluated by computed tomography (CT) with taking advantages of tomographic feature and post-contrast parenchymal changes. The current examination initiated to determine association between computed tomographic and cytological results in evaluation of canine prostate. Thirty mature male dogs were included and under gone by both CT and fine needle sampling of prostate. The cytology and CT examination results showed 18/30 (60.00%) and 15/30 (50.00%) normal prostate, 5/30 (16.66%) and 4/30 (13.33%) prostatitis and 7/30 (23.33%) and 11/30 (36.66%) benign prostatic hyperplasia, respectively. Moderate agreement has been found between cytology and final diagnosis based on pre-contrast CT images, however fair agreement was existed between cytological diagnosis and final CT interpretation according to post-contrast and both pre- and post- contrast CT series. Additionally, the internal iliac lymph node length showed statistically significant difference in prostatitis compared to normal and benign hyperplastic prostates in this study. In conclusion, the fair and moderate associations between cytology and final diagnosis based on CT images should be considered and they can be used in further investigations and clinical examinations. Also, using internal iliac lymph node length to differentiate prostatitis with normal and benign hyperplastic prostates can be used efficiently in diagnosis to choose the best method of management and have a proper follow up and prognosis.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the pituitary gland dimensions due to age and weight using computed tomography (CT) in dogs and cats. The CT images of pituitary gland were assessed in 11 client-owned dogs (six males and five females; age range, 1 to 9 years) and 15 client-owned cats (eight males and seven females; age range, 1 to 14 years) with no evidence of pituitary diseases. The length, height, width and volume of the pituitary gland were measured in sagittal and transverse planes. Mean pituitary length, width, height and volume (± standard deviation: SD) were respectively 4.96 (± 0.69 mm), 3.62 (± 0.64 mm), 2.62 (± 0.05 mm) and 26.19 (± 7.99 mm³) in cats and were 7.00 (± 2.14 mm), 4.80 (± 1.20 mm), 3.80 (± 0.70 mm) and 77.53 (± 51.64 mm³) in dogs, respectively. Mean pituitary height-to-brain ratio (P:B ratio), (± SD) in cats and dogs was 0.28 (± 0.05) and 0.21 (± 0.03), respectively and mean percent of pituitary volume to brain volume (± SD) in cats and dogs was 0.10 (± 0.05) and 0.10 (± 0.07), respectively. There was no significant correlation between the size of pituitary gland and age, weight and body condition score (BCS) in dogs, however in cats, significant difference was found between height of pituitary gland and weight and BCS, pituitary width and weight and P:B ratio and BCS. These findings could be useful to identify abnormal pituitary gland enlargement in CT images. To be more accurate in the assessments, further studies are required.

Abstract Ultrasonography is an accurate and accessible method for detecting polycystic kidney disease (PKD), an inherited autosomal dominant disease, and other urinary tract diseases. The present work is a preliminary study of PKD and urinary tract abnormalities using ultrasonography in Persian and other long hair cats in Iran. This study was conducted on 83 cats including 68 Persian cats and 15 Persian related cats from December 2013 to March 2015. The age of cats ranged 3 to 72 months. Cats were classified as PKD-positive when at least one renal cyst was observed. Other urinary system abnormalities were recorded ultrasono-graphically. Association of personal and nutritional characteristics with PKD and other urinary tract disease detected by ultrasonography was statistically analyzed. The prevalence of PKD among Persian cats and in the total population was 33.80% and 31.30%, respectively. PKD was more prevalent among male cats compared to those in female cats. PKD occurrence was significantly more among cats fed by commercial dry foods compared to those fed by homemade foods. There was no significant association between PKD and age, hair color, eye color, related clinical signs and other kidney abnormalities in ultrasonographic findings. The prevalence of renal calculi, urine sediments and bladder calculus were 2.40%, 32.80% and 3.60%, respectively. Urine sediments were significantly raised with increasing age. Screening program is essential for on-time diagnosis of PKD and to plan therapeutic management and control of the disease.

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.

Abstract Bilateral simple ectopic kidney was diagnosed in an apparently healthy 3-year-old, female domestic short hair cat, incidentally based on radiology and ultrasonography examination. The cat was presented for routine examination without any complaint. In clinical evaluation, no significant abnormal clinical sign was seen except for the absence of both kidneys in their proper location in abdominal palpation, which they were palpated more caudally. Radiography revealed silhouettes of soft tissue opacity in the caudal part of the abdominal cavity superimposed on urinary bladder. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of both kidneys more caudally. The left kidney was dorsal to the urinary bladder and the right kidney located cranially than the left one. Each kidney showed normal shape and size and imaged in their proper side. Hematological, biochemical and urinalysis examinations showed normal values. Ectopic kidney can be diagnosed in feline patients as an incidental finding but it is important to evaluate the kidney for concurrent problems.

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 Dogs presented to the Small Animal Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran were included in the present study if spinal or intervertebral disc involvement was suspected. Clinical signs were recorded as well as general information of the patient such as age, breed and sex. Sixty dogs were examined radiographically and two standard orthogonal lateral and ventrodorsal projections were taken from the suspected region. Then magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for all patients. Agreement between MRI and radiographic findings, comparison of sex and breed with diagnostic imaging grades, comparison between diagnostic imaging grades and mean age, recovery rate after surgery or medical treatment, effects of diagnostic imaging severity grades on surgical or medical referrals were evaluated statistically. There were no significant association between age, sex and breed and frequency of the intervertebral disk disease. Intervertebral disc involvements between L₂-L₃ and T₁₃-L₁ were estimated as the most frequent sites of involvements. Sensitivity and specificity of radiography were evaluated 90.0% and 46.0%, respectively, by considering the MRI as a gold standard modality. There was a significant association between severity of disease in the MRI with referral to surgery and medical treatment. The recovery rate after surgery was significantly higher than medical treatment. These results can be used as a foundation for other studies with more focuses on details of injury and larger group of patients.

Abstract Euphrates turtle is the only soft shell turtle of Iran, and unfortunately is in danger of extinction due to multiple reasons. Imaging techniques, in addition to their importance in diagnosis of injuries to animals, have been used as non-invasive methods to provide normal anatomic views. A few studies have been conducted to understand body structure of the Euphrates turtle. Since there is only general information about the anatomy of turtle limbs, the normal skeleton of the Euphrates limbs was studied. For this purpose four adult Euphrates turtles were used. Digital radiographic examination was performed by computed radiographic (CR) in dorsoventral (DV) and lateral (L) positions. Spiral CT-scanning was done and 3D images of the bones were reconstructed for anatomical evaluation. For skeletal preparation, the skeleton was cleaned by a combination of boiling and mealworm methods and limbs’ bones were examined anatomically. In the present study, simultaneous anatomic, radiographic and CT studies of bones in individual turtles made us possible to describe bones anatomically and provided comparable and complementary conditions to represent the abilities of the radiography and CT for better understanding of the anatomy. Arrangement and the number of carpal and tarsal bones are used in turtles’ classification. Among the studied species, Euphrates turtle carpal and tarsal bones show the most similarities to the Apolone spinifera.