Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a hereditary disorder characterized by progressive renal cyst formation, leading to compromised kidney function and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This prospective, 18-month longitudinal study evaluated diagnostic and prognostic markers in 12 PKD-affected cats, utilizing ultrasound imaging alongside biochemical analysis. The study documented a 14% increase in cyst volume, a 7% enlargement in kidney length, and significant elevations in plasma creatinine, phosphorus, and blood urea nitrogen levels (P < 0.05), underscoring their correlation with disease progression. Hematological analysis revealed progressive anemia associated with advanced CKD stages, further delineating the systemic impact of PKD.
These findings underscore the progressive nature of CKD in cats with PKD, even with diligent care provided by pet owners and veterinarians. Furthermore, the importance of routine sonogeraphic evaluation along with hematological and biochemical assessments is highlighted in our study to enhance early detection and improve outcomes in feline PKD. Future longitudinal studies with expanded cohorts are essential to validate these findings and refine diagnostic criteria for PKD-associated CKD.

Abstract Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) is a rare condition in dogs, primarily caused by improper feeding and care practices. It involves the accumulation of triacylglycerols in hepatocytes due to various toxic factors and dietary carbohydrate deficiencies. This case report describes the clinical, hematological, and pathological findings of an abandoned 8-year-old dog suffering from hepatic lipidosis that was referred to an animal shelter. The dog was unconscious, immobile, depressed, and severely obese. Pronounced abdominal distension and icteric mucous membranes were immediately noticeable during the initial examination. A blood sample was collected, and the case was referred to a veterinary hospital for diagnostic imaging. Unfortunately, before the referral could be completed, the dog suddenly died. Immediately following the death, a postmortem necropsy was performed to determine the cause. Necropsy revealed an extremely enlarged liver with a yellowish discoloration and abnormal kidneys with nodular lesions. Based on these findings, fatty liver was strongly suspected. Complete blood count and biochemical parameters, including triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate transferase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, were subsequently evaluated. Complete blood count results indicated leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and an increase in red cell distribution width. Biochemical analyses revealed hypertriglyceridemia and elevated levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Histopathological examination confirmed severe fatty degeneration in the liver, alongside marked degenerative and necrotic changes in the kidneys. The findings of the present study contribute to the limited data on canine hepatic lipidosis and underscore the necessity of raising awareness about its clinical presentation, diagnostic markers, and histopathological characteristics.

Abstract Canine hemoprotozoan diseases viz. ehrlichiosis and babesiosis are mostly associated with critical anemia and thrombocytopenia with pancytopenic changes, leading to multi-organ failure. For faster recovery of patients with complicated hemoprotozoan diseases, whole blood transfusion or bone marrow stimulating agents to produce more red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets might be helpful. Unfortunately, canine specific transfusion procedures are expensive and even not available in many developing countries. Development of alternate therapeutic modality by bone marrow stimulation to augment the production of RBCs and platelets and thus, to treat the critical pancytopenic patients is and urgent necessity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), acts as a precursor of reduced glutathione and increases the production of bone marrow B cells. It also improves viability and self-renewal capacity of stem cells and thus, boosts hematopoietic differentiation by protecting induced pluripotent stem cells. This study envisaged to develop alternate therapeutic approach to combat pancytopenia secondary to canine hemoprotozoan diseases. Bone marrow mediated aplastic pancytopenia was induced experimentally by administration of cyclophosphamide in rats. Bone marrow stimulating property of NAC was compared with desmopressin, another bone marrow stimulator, which revealed better in terms of hematobiochemical and histopathological changes. Results of rat model study were extrapolated in clinical canine hemoprotozoan cases having pancytopenia. Dogs treated with hemoprotozoan disease specific therapy along with NAC rendered favorable changes by haltering the progression of critical anemia and thrombocytopenia. Study revealed that supplementation of NAC along with canine hemoprotozoan specific therapy is beneficial to alleviate pancytopenia.

Abstract A 7-year-old castrated male poodle was brought to the referral Animal Medical Center and diagnosed with diabetes and pancreatitis. One month later, the patient presented with cloudy urine, and ultrasonography revealed a large number of spherical substances. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with fungal cystitis with Candida albicans. Initially, 10.00 mg kg^-1 itraconazole was prescribed twice daily for six weeks, and the symptoms of prolonged urination improved; however, the fungal balls persisted in the bladder. The six months later, the patient showed recurrent symptoms, such as dysuria and stranguria; therefore, 5.00 mg kg^-1 fluconazole was prescribed twice daily; however, it was not effective. Subsequently, 1.00 mg kg^-1 caspofungin once daily was administered for three consecutive days. Finally, the fungal balls in the bladder disappeared. The patient was regularly monitored after completion of treatment and, 17 months later, doing well without recurrence. Few reports exist on the use of caspofungin in veterinary medicine. The recommended dose of caspofungin in dogs remains unknown. In the case of azole-resistant Candida, treatment using caspofungin should be considered; although, additional studies on the established dosing and side effects are needed.

Abstract Thymoma is one of the thymic epithelial tumors arising from the thymic epithelial cells of a variety of animal species including cat, cattle, dog, goat, horse, and pig. The cancer cells of thymoma are always localized within thymus. Feline thymoma was usually identified in the cranial mediastinum of elder cats. In this report, we present the full diagnostic characteristics of a young cat with a cranial mediastinal mass diagnosed as a cystic type B1 thymoma. A 3-year-old male neutered domestic short-haired cat was referred for further diagnosis due to the shortness of breath and pleural accumulation. One single cystic extra-pericardial mass was seen and the boundary between the mass and the surrounding tissue was clearly demarcated in three-view thoracic radiographs. Ultrasound showed pleural effusion and intra-thoracic mass. Pleural fluid biochemistry showed high level of triglycerides and complete blood count revealed the elevated number of basophils and high level of feline serum amyloid A (fSAA). Pleural effusion sediment cytology showed a large number of round cells, mainly small lymphocytes, as well as a moderate number of neutrophils and a small number of large lymphocytes. The high level of triglycerides in pleural fluid instead of serum and high level of fSAA seem to provide informative clues to the diagnosis of thymoma and are worthy of further investigation.

Abstract A 2-year-old intact male Asian Shepherd dog was referred with a history of chronic regurgitation along with normal appetite and diagnosis of megaesophagus on plain radiography. Clinical examination revealed normothermia, normocardia, normopnea, low body condition score and poor hair coat. The most important laboratory findings include anemia, azotemia, hyperlipidemia, increased thyroid stimulating hormone, decreased thyroxine and hypocortisolemia, as well as a marked increase in acetylcholine receptor antibody concentration. Based on the results, in addition to primary hypothyroidism and primary hypoadrenocorticism, myasthenia gravis was also diagnosed as an underlying cause of megaesophagus. Following nursing care and preferred treatment of each disease, the megaesophagus was resolved in the next visit. This clinical report describes for the first time, to the authors' knowledge, a dog with a rare type of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) known in human medicine as a Schmidt's syndrome. We want to emphasize the importance of clinicians’ awareness regarding the possibility of APS to identify different diseases caused by it in order to achieve successful treatment.

Abstract Acute pancreatitis (AP) can develop into life-threatening conditions such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Thirty-nine of 54 client-owned dogs admitted to the Referral Animal Medical Center and diagnosed with AP within 24 hr of onset were retrospectively reviewed to assess early predictors of progression from AP to SIRS. The patients were divided into SIRS (SIRS occurring after AP) and non-SIRS (AP occurring but no SIRS) groups. The population and mean values of laboratory variables within 24 hr of admission were assessed and compared between both groups. There were significantly more dogs with abnormal lactate levels in the SIRS group (80.00%) than non-SIRS group (11.10%). Other parameters did not differ significantly. Mean lactate level values were significantly higher at 3.64 ± 1.75 mmol in the SIRS group compared to 1.68 ± 0.52 mmol in the non-SIRS group. The increased energy required by activated immune cells may lead to metabolic changes characterized by anaerobic glycolysis and increased lactate production. This study’s results suggest blood lactate monitoring in the early stages of progression from AP to SIRS in small animal clinical practice. Measuring lactate levels at the early stages of pancreatitis could lead to rapid therapeutic intervention for SIRS and ultimately reduce mortality.

Abstract The current study was conducted to survey the prevalence of pigeon candidiasis in diseased pigeons suspected to candidiasis by isolation, microscopic examination, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and to characterize Candida spp. phylogenetically. For this purpose, samples were obtained from 100 suspected pigeons from September 2018 to February 2019 in Ahvaz, Iran. Cloacal and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from each diseased pigeon with diarrhea resistant to the antibiotics, crop stasis, white diphtheritic membrane in the mouth, regurgitation, and vomiting. Sabouraud dextrose agar was used as a culture medium. Selected colonies were stained with lactophenol cotton blue stain. In the culture and direct microscopic observation, 19.00% of birds were suspected to candidiasis. Twenty-two isolates were identified. All 22 isolates were confirmed as Candida spp. By PCR method. The PCR test confirmed the presence of Candida spp. in 19.00% of pigeons. Based on the sequencing results of some PCR products, the isolates belonged to Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The results revealed a 99.78% accordance when compared with other sequences of C. albicans which were formerly deposited in GenBank^® from Colombia, Indonesia, China, and Sudan. The results revealed a 99.54% accordance when compared with other sequences of C. glabrata which were formerly deposited in GenBank^® from the Netherlands and Spain. The symptoms such as diarrhea resistant to antibiotics, crop stasis, white diphtheritic membrane in the mouth, regurgitation, and vomiting were the most prevalent clinical symptoms in positive pigeons.

Abstract Influenza is a highly contagious zoonotic disease in the world. Avian H9N2 influenza virus is a significant pandemic pathogen widely distributed throughout the world. Pet ownership has been documented as a risk factor for infection transmission to human. Considering major public health concern, the prevalence of antibodies against avian H9N2 influenza virus was evaluated in 170 serum samples of dogs by hemagglutination inhibition assay. This study is the first survey to assess the epidemiology of avian H9N2 influenza virus infection in dogs in Kerman, southeast of Iran. Out of 170 samples, 65 (38.23%) were positive for H9N2. Antibodies were higher in farm dogs that were kept with other animals and also in dogs were fed a raw diet. These findings emphasize the importance of close attention to these populations for control and prevention programs. It is important to reduce infection burden, especially in regions with widespread distribution of H9N2.

Abstract Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a common cause of anemia in dogs. The immune aggression towards erythrocytes can be triggered by many pathological conditions such as infection, inflammatory disease or neoplasia. Upon ruling out any eliciting conditions, a diagnosis of the primary immune-mediated disease can be made. In this particular case of severe anemia (tested positive for circulating antibodies against red blood cells with flow cytometry), vector-borne diseases (which are a common cause of immunopathology in Mediterranean countries) were excluded, leptospirosis was not. This resulted in an unsuccessful immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone, two whole blood transfusions and ultimately death of the patient. Leptospirosis (confirmed positive in two tests, micro-agglutination test for antibodies and PCR for microbial DNA in urine), can mimic a primary IMHA and must be considered in its differential list of causes. A liver involvement, that included elevated serum activity of liver enzymes and increased serum bile acid was observed at the admission and suggested an etiopathogenesis other than a primary IMHA.

Abstract Uveitis is a major cause of vision loss. Methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used in uveitis due to its relatively safe profile. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different dosages of MTX via intra-vitreal administration for treatment of endotoxin induced uveitis (EIU) in an experimental model. Thirty-five healthy rabbits were randomly divided into four groups and all animals were tolerated intra-vitreal injections. The first group received normal saline (NS), the second group received normal saline plus Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS), (NS+LPS), the third group received 400 μg MTX plus LPS (LPS+MTX 400) and the fourth group received 800 μg MTX plus LPS (LPS+MTX 800). Intra-ocular inflammation was evaluated by clinical examination scoring during 7 post-injection days and histopathological examination at the end of study. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the histopathological and clinical scores. According to the clinical examinations, all groups demonstrated higher uveitis score than group 1 on first post-injection day. Also, groups 2 and 3 showed greater uveitis score than group 4. On the third, fifth and seventh post-injection days, clinical uveitis score in groups 2, 3 and 4 was significantly higher than group 1. The mean histopathological inflammation intensity scores in groups 2, 3 and 4 were significantly higher than group 1. Single intra-vitreal injection of 400 μg and 800 μg of MTX did not show significant anti-inflammatory effects on EIU in rabbits.

Abstract The objective of the present study was to investigate the clinical and histopathological effects of intravitreal injection of pentoxifylline (PTX) the management of an experimental model of uveitis. Fifty-two rabbits were divided randomly into six intravitreal treated groups as below: 1) Balanced salt solution (BSS), 2) Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS) + BSS, 3) LPS + PTX 100 μg, 4) LPS + PTX 500 μg, 5) BSS + PTX 100 μg and 6) BSS + PTX 500 μg. Inflammation was evaluated by clinical examinations using slit lamp on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 post injections and histopathological examinations were also performed at the end of the study. Clinical examinations demonstrated a statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2 on day 5 and day 7. Moreover, the comparison of clinical severity scores of group 1 with groups 3, 4, 5 and 6, on third, fifth and seventh post-injection days showed statistically significant differences. The mean histopathological inflammation intensity score in groups 5 and 6 was significantly higher than group 1. The mean histopathological inflammation intensity score in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 was significantly higher than group 2. Intravitreal injection of PTX in an experimental model of uveitis in rabbits not only does not reduce inflammation but also leads to inflammation when used alone or in combination with LPS.

Abstract A 10-year-old, male Rottweilerdog was presented to Small Animal Hospital of Tehran University with a history of lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia and blindness. The dog showed symptoms of depression, high body temperature (39.2 ˚C), tachypnea (40 breaths min^-1) and cachexia. In ophthalmic examination, bilateral hyphema (hemmorrahge in anterior chamber of the eye) and blindness were detected. The pulse of the animal was normal (90 beats min^-1) and obvious general lymphadenopathy was determined. Lymph nodes were firm, freely movable, and painless on palpation. Initial differential diagnosis of lymphoma included lymphoma, metastatic neoplasia, lymphoid hyperplasia, and lymphadenitis. In hematology and cytology tests, this case was suspected to lymphoma. Immunohistochemical staining of neoplastic lymph node revealed that nearly 20.00 – 25.00% of neoplastic cells were strongly positive for anti CD3, whereas they were negative for both CD20 and CD79a. According to the microscopic and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of T cell lymphoma was made. The present report is the first case of multicentric lymphoma with ocular metastasis in a dog in Iran.

Abstract A four-year-old male Persian cat was referred with three weeks history of progressive lameness due to a rigid osseous mass with 3.50×2.50×2.00 cm in dimensions in his left arm. In the histopathological evaluation of bone biopsy, two distinct populations of cells including multinucleated giant cells and oval cells which embedded in a fibro-osseous stroma and surrounded by lamellar bone trabeculae were observed. At necropsy, multiple metastatic nodules with different sizes unveiled in the liver and spleen. Microscopically, those tumor cells which already described in the bone lesion were also infiltrated to the liver and spleen. The neoplastic cells had no immunoreaction to CD68, desmin, alpha smooth muscle actin, S100, CD20, CD3 and pancytokeratin, but only a few cells had reaction to vimentin were similar to fibroblasts.

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 Three known feline hemoplasmas are Mycoplsama haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. They are described as cause of feline infectious anemia in domestic and wild felids. Other blood parasites or blood-related pathogens like concurrent retroviral infections may deteriorate the clinical condition and severity of anemia. The aims of this study were molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran for the first time. Blood samples were collected from 185 healthy and diseased domestic cats. Blood smears were prepared and hematological parameters were measured to determine possible anemia. Using 16S rRNA gene universal and species specific polymerase chain reactions with the following sequencing, 47 (25.40%) of cats were hemoplasma positive. Also, 17.02%, 72.50% and 40.40% of total positive samples were M. haemofelis, ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ and ‘Ca.M. turicensis’ infected, respectively. 10 (21.20%) of hemoplasma positive cats had anemic blood profiles (HCT < 24.00%). All M. haemofelis infected cases were included. Partial 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed a high identity between the hemoplasma species found in this study and domestic cat sequences existing in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 94.00% to 100% sequence identity between sequences of this study and existing sequences in Genbank. All hemoplasma isolates in this study were grouped within a single clade and additionally subdivided into two groups; haemofelis group including M. haemofelis and ‘Ca. M. turicensis’ and haemominutum group including ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’.

Abstract One of the most important species of the Bartonella genus is B. henselae that causes a zoonotic infection, cat scratch disease (CSD). The main source of the bacteria is cat and the carrier is Ctenocephalides felis flea. One hundred and forty nail and saliva samples were collected from 70 domestic cats. Positive samples for B. henselae were characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Sequences of gltA gene were trimmed using BioEdit software and then compared with the sequences of the same gene from B. henselae isolated from cats and humans in GenBank database. Phylogenic tree was constructed using CLC Sequence Viewer software and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method. Molecular assessments showed that five samples out of 70 nail samples (7.14%) and one sample out of 70 saliva samples (1.42%) were genetically positive for B. henselae. At least an 87.00% similarity was seen between the gene sequences from the current study and the reference sequences from the GenBank database. Phylogenic analysis has shown that strains isolated in this study were grouped in a different haplo group, compared to other strains.Among the Asian countries, the prevalence of the bacteria in Iran was close to that in Japan and Turkey. In conclusion, findings of this study showed the prevalence of B. henselae in Iranian cats which is important due to its public health issues, especially for the immunocompromised pet owners.

Abstract Clostridial myositis, considered to be rare in pet animals, is an acutely fatal toxaemic condition. Some species of clostridia are responsible for necrotic myositis. A 2-year-old male German shepherd dog was admitted with non-weight bearing lameness and massive swelling of the left hind limb. Clostridium perfringens type A with alpha toxin was diagnosed as a pathogenic agent. Based on the history, the bacteria were introduced inside the tissue via contaminated needle following intramuscular injection. Urgent medical therapy followed by surgical intervention was performed. The dog was discharged completely healthy after hospitalization for four weeks. The objective of this report was to describe necrotic myositis in a dog with an emphasis on clinical signs and treatment as well as bacteriological and molecular identification of the micro-organism. Because of the fatal entity of the disease, prompt diagnosis as well as proper and urgent treatment is very important for successful therapy.

Abstract Canine distemper virus (CDV) creates a very contagious viral multi-systemic canine distemper (CD) disease that affects most species of Carnivora order. The virus is genetically heterogeneous, particularly in section of the hemagglutinin (H) gene. Sequence analysis of the H gene can be useful to investigate distinction of various lineages related to geographical distribution and CDV molecular epidemiology. Since vaccination program is conducted only in large cities of Iran, CD still remains as one of the major causes of death in dogs in this country. In order to monitor H gene, CDV has been detected in 14 out of 19 sampled dogs through the amplification of nucleoprotein (NP) gene in nested-PCR assay. In the next step 665 bp of H gene was amplified in 9 out of 14 NP-gene positive dogs. Phylogenetic analysis distinguished two distinct CDV genotypes in Iran. JN941238 has been embedded in European cluster and JN941239 has been embedded in Arctic cluster. Nucleic analysis has been shown high difference among both Iranian CDV lineages with CDV vaccine strains.

Abstract Behavioral problems in cats have drawn more attention in recent years since they affect the cat-owner relationship. This study was designed to study the rate of cats with undesirable behaviors according to their owners. Frequency of behavioral problems in 167 cats attending Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, was evaluated using a questionnaire. According to the results, 94.6% of owners reported that their cats have exhibited at least one undesirable behavior. Fearfulness, attention seeking, aggression towards other cats/people, scratching, and elimination problems were the most prevalent behavioral complaints reported by the owners; whereas obsessive behaviors were the least common behavioral complaints. In addition, data analysis suggested that age, breed, outdoor access, owner reaction towards the behavior and the cat’s interaction with other cats/people might have been associated with the development of some behavioral problems in cats. Considerable rate of undesirable behaviors in domestic cats in Iran is important enough to highlight the significance of veterinary intervention.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of hypericin and fluoxetine in the treatment of companion dogs with tail chasing in Ahvaz district. In the present survey, eighteen dogs with tail chasing were assigned into three equal groups for a three-year period. The dogs were randomly classified based on different treatment groups. During 15 weeks, dogs of group A were given 0.05 mg kg^-1 hypericin orally and dogs of group B received 1 mg kg^-1 fluoxetine, orally. The group C was the control group. Changes in signs of tail chasing were weekly reported by the owners or a veterinarian. Treatment periods were assessed in five intervals: weeks 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and weeks 13-15, respectively. Hypericin (group A) was significantly more effective in the treatment of tail chasing compared with fluoxetine (group B), (p = 0.043). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in each group between weeks 1-3 (X² = 8.8, p = 0.01), 4-6 (X² = 9.1, p = 0.01), 7-9 (X² = 7.4, p = 0.03), 10-12 (X² = 10.4, p = 0.005) and 13-15 (X² = 12.5, p = 0.002). Improvement of behavior in the dogs of group A was significant compared with group B, between weeks 10-12 (X² = 5.4, p = 0.02) and 13-15 (X² = 7.2, p = 0.007). In conclusion, our survey showed that hypericin was more effective than fluoxetine in controlling signs of tail chasing.