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 Hamartomas are mostly benign tumor-like malformations characterized by a disorganized overgrowth of mature cells and tissues indigenous to the affected anatomical site. A 20-day-old male Kurdish foal was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Urmia University, Urmia, Iran, with a history of hematochezia and tenesmus. Clinical examination identified a pedunculated tissue mass within the rectal lumen. The abnormal mass was surgically excised via polypectomy under local anesthesia. Tissue samples were obtained, fixed in 10.00% neutral buffered formalin, and processed routinely for histopathological examination. Histopathological evaluation of the resected tissue confirmed the diagnosis of a cystic polypoid rectal hamartoma characterized by normal rectal epithelium overlying multiple cystic, blood-filled vascular spaces. The foal recovered without complications and no recurrence was noted during a long-term follow-up exceeding 18 months. This report underscored that congenital rectal hamartoma, while rare, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in neonatal foals presenting with hematochezia or dyschezia. Prompt surgical intervention is curative and associated with a favorable prognosis.

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 case report, the comprehensive management of a bilateral mandibular fracture in a single-humped camel including pre-, peri- and post-operative cares is described. A one-year-old camel with the overhanging of the rostral part of the lower jaw which occurred seven days ago was presented. After clinical and radiographic examinations, a bilateral mandibular fracture at the caudal part of canine teeth was diagnosed. It was decided to repair the fracture surgically under general anesthesia. The camel was restrained in sitting position and was remained in this position during anesthesia and surgery period. After premedication with acepromazine (0.10 mg kg^-1) and xylazine (0.20 mg kg^-1) intramuscularly, anesthesia was induced using ketamine and diazepam intravenously (2.00 and 0.10 mg kg^-1, respectively). Maintenance of anesthesia was performed by repeated doses of xylazine and ketamine intravenously (0.10 and 1.00 mg kg^-1, respectively) as needed. After preparation of the oral cavity, the fracture was reduced and an interfragmentary wire and an interdental wire (1.00 mm diameter size) were applied on each side of the mandible for the fixation of fracture segments. After two months, the interdental wires were removed while the interfragmentary wires were left intact. Follow up the camel three months after surgery, showed the full ability of prehension and chewing of roughages by the camel.

Abstract Tendon rupture in dogs is generally the result of a direct trauma. This report described the use of adjacent muscle autogenic fascial graft for reconstruction of distal rupture of long digital extensor tendon in a dog. A two-year-old male mix breed dog, was presented with a non-weight bearing lameness of the right hind limb and a deep rupture of lateral side of right tarsus. History taking revealed that this rupture appeared without any apparent cause, when walking around the farm, three days before. Radiography was done and no fracture was observed. Hyperextension of right tarsal joint compared to left limb was observed. Under general anesthesia, after dissections of the ruptured area, complete rupture of long digital extensor tendonwas revealed. Then, we attempted to locate the edge of the tendon, however, the tendon length was shortened approximately 1 cm. Hence, a strip of 1 cm length from fascia of cranial tibial muscle was harvested to fill the defect. The graft was sutured to the two ends of tendon using locking loop pattern. Subcutaneous layers and the skin were sutured routinely. Ehmer sling bandage was applied to prevent weight bearing on the surgical region. Re-examination and phone contact with the owner eight weeks and six months postoperatively revealed a poor lameness and excellent function of the dog, respectively. It could be concluded that the fascia of adjacent muscles can be used as an autogenic graft for reconstruction of some tendon ruptures.

Abstract In the present study, the effect of tail fat on recovery times in intact sheep and sheep with a ligated median sacral artery following similar anesthetic exposure with isoflurane was investigated. This study was performed using seven healthy fat-tailed Iranian Lori-Bakhtiyari ewe lambs. The lambs were anesthetized twice at two week intervals (the experiment was performed in two stages). After mask induction with isoflurane in 100% oxygen, sheep were intubated and anesthesia was maintained for 4 hr using a rebreathing system. Induction and extubation times and time to sternal recumbency and attempts to stand were recorded during anesthetic induction and recovery (Stage 1). Two weeks later, prior to the second anesthesia, the median sacral artery (MSA) was ligated under epidural anesthesia in sheep. All sheep were anesthetized as mentioned above (Stage 2). No significant differences were observed for the induction time between two stages (p > 0.05) but extubation, sternal recumbency and attempts to stand times were significantly longer in intact sheep (Stage 1) after 4 hr anesthesia with isoflurane (p < 0.05). Recovery time was decreased following MSA ligation in fat-tailed sheep, which suggested that body fat had a major role in the recovery time of isoflurane in sheep. We developed an animal model to investigate fat drug solubility of isoflurane gas. Therefore, using less-soluble in fat anesthetics is better than high-soluble anesthetics for prolonged anesthesia to decrease postoperative complication in obese patient.

Abstract A 3-year-old Arabian colt was presented for a major gingiva wound at the right rostral part of mandible. After clinical assessments, rostral mandibular fracture was determined. Stabilization of fractured region was achieved via cerclage wire application under general anesthesia. Fixation wires were left in place for 6 weeks. A 3 -month follow up revealed complete fracture healing. The purpose of this case report was to give clinical information about rostral mandibular fractures and treatment of these fractures and nutrition protocol in a horse, as this fracture is of the most common type of jaw fracture sustained by young horses.