Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume:13 Issue: 3, Summer 2019

  Struvite crystals (Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate) are one of the most common causes of urolith formation in cats. Presence of these crystals in urea leads to urinary obstruction and idiopathic cystitis. The prevalence of urinary crystals has increased in recent years, thus there has been a growing interest in development of noninvasive, fast responsive therapies. Vitamin C is a safe compound with antioxidant properties. This vitamin is known as urine acidifier as well. Since struvite crystals are more soluble in acidic pH, it could be expected that vitamin C application could improve crystals dissolution as well as their disposal. It could also prevent other complications.

This study was designed to analyze the effects of vitamin C in reducing the rate and intensity of struvite crystals with current long term therapies such as diet alteration, acidifier’s applications and diuretics.

Ten male domestic cats with clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease were selected. Struvite crystalluria was confirmed by urine analysis and ultrasonography. Cats were divided to treatment and control groups each containing 5 cats. Both groups were treated by conventional therapies for two weeks, however, during the 1st week the treatment group received injectable vitamin C (100 mg/kg, every 24h, SC) and the control group received oral DL Methionine (200mg/cat, every 8h), in addition to conventional therapies. Urine was collected at days 0, 7 and 14 and its pH, specific gravity and number of crystals were calculated. Presence of floating echogenic foci was evaluated using ultrasound.

Significant decrease in struvite crystalluria was observed in both groups. However, in group treated by vitamin C this decrease was faster and more effective. In addition, in case of obstruction, vitamin C showed better therapeutic effects.

According to these results, vitamin C injection could be a therapeutic approach in treatment of urinary tract obstructions where fast response is needed to avoid further complications. Oral methionine seems to be a suitable choice for prophylaxis in patients with moderated signs and relatively high urine pH or continuing therapy to prevent recurrence of disease.

GReliable prediction of patient response to fluid resuscitation is a crucial issue in the management of hemorrhagic shock.

This study was designed to investigate vertebral heart score (VHS) variation in fluid resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock patients and the feasibility of this method in determining resuscitation endpoint. 

VHS values were assessed using previously published standard method in left to right lateral view. After induction of anesthesia (control assessments), hemorrhagic shock was induced by blood withdrawal to a mean arterial pressure of 40 to 50 mmHg within 30 minutes and then maintained in hypovolemic situation for an additional 30 minutes (second and third stages of assessments). Afterward, the dogs were randomly assigned to two groups which received 20 ml/kg lactated Ringer’s solution or 5 ml/kg Hydroxyethyl starch, in four consecutive 15 minute intervals (fourth stage of assessments). One hour after the last resuscitation step, final radiographic assessments were performed. 

Hemorrhagic shock caused significant decrease in VHS values to a mean of 7.7 vertebrae (P<0.05). Following the fluid resuscitation VHS increased and returned to pre-shock values in both groups.

This study confirms that the breed-specific VHS assessment can be a useful method in monitoring of patient’s response to fluid therapy and determination of resuscitation endpoint in dogs with hemorrhagic shock.

Gammacoronaviruses, which are single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses, are responsible for a wide variety of existing and emerging diseases in birds. The Gammacoronaviruses primarily infect avian hosts.

This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Gammacoronaviruses in quail population in Iran.

In the period from 2016 to 2018, samples from 47 quail flocks with or without enteric signs, were collected from four provinces in Iran.

Gammacoronavirus was detected in samples of 4 flocks by using RT-PCR and characterized by N gene sequencing. The isolates formed a distinct group from other Gamma- coronaviruses groups.

The finding suggests the existence of a novel Gammacoronavirus circulating in quail farms. The phylogenetic relationship of the isolates concerning different sequences and geographical regions displayed complexity and diversity. The present study is the first detection of Gammacoronavirus in quail farms in Iran. Further studies are required and should include the isolation and experimental studies of Gammacoronaviruses in Iran.

Stem cells have great effects in clinical cell-based therapy. Accordingly, controlling the behavior and directing the fate of stem cells cultured in the laboratory is an important issue.

The aim of this study was to evaluate osteogenic properties of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) which differentiated toward osteogenic linage by osteoblast-imprinted substrate.

Rat ADSCs seeded on osteoblast-imprinted substrates, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in cellular supernatant of days 7 and 14. Alizarin Red staining of mineral matrix production in day 17 was performed. In order for in vivo evaluation, after seeding differentiated cells on a simple collagen scaffold, samples were implanted in an 8mm critical size calvarial defect. After 4 weeks defect site was harvested and prepared for histopathological examination.

ALP in both time points was significantly more than in undifferentiated ADSCs. (p<0.05). Alizarin red staining of differentiated cells showed a great production of mineral matrix nodules in cell culture plate. Histopathological investigations revealed greater amount of new bone formation and mostly in the center of defect, indicate osteoinductive effect of differentiated cells in vivo.

The osteoblast-imprinted substrate can mimic the topography and shape of natural osteoblast, which can mechanically direct ADSCs toward osteogenesis.

Equine metabolic syndrome is an endocrinopathy that affects different breeds of horses and ponies. This metabolic disorder is a multifactorial syndrome and it is primarily linked to obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.

The present study was performed to evaluate insulin resistance in Darehshori horses with regards to age, sex, season and obesity.

Twelve adult stallions and 14 non-pregnant Darehshori breed mares were selected between January and November 2015. Fourteen horses were under and others were above 10 years old. Body condition scores of the animals were estimated based on Hennekes’ 1 to 9 scoring system, thus, 1 is poor and 9 is extremely fat horse. Body condition score of 12 horses was under 5 and the others above 5. The horses were studied during a period of one year, every 45 days and blood sampling and body condition scoring were performed at each time. Insulin resistance was assessed based on screening test. Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin and leptin were determined.

This study comprehensively used multiple detailed parameters to scan thoroughly the concept of insulin resistance in Darehshori horses on a long term basis. The levels of insulin, glucose and leptin in aged and obese stallions in warmer months were significantly higher than the others and reference range (P<0.05), hence, insulin resistance was detected in these groups of studied animals.

These findings represented insulin resistance phenomenon in a specific breed in Iran. The physiologic characteristics of this breed may be different from other ones and the conditions in Iran such as climate are different from other countries. Hence, it should be considered that Darehshori horses have unique characteristics compared with other breeds. The study may be used as a guideline for evaluating the insulin resistance in Darehshori horses.

Clostridium septicum has played a significant role as a causative agent of many acute fetal diseases in man and animals. Alpha- toxin is the main factor in the pathogenesis of C. septicum with hemolytic, necrotic and lethal activities.

The study was designed to evaluate alpha-toxin purification and antibody production rate against a local strain of C. septicum NH2 which could be applied in diagnosing kits, potency test of the vaccines, and other related applications.

Local strain of C. septicum NH2 was cultured in liver broth. Alpha-toxin in supernatant purified by three steps: the first step was done by 25% and 60% of ammoniums sulfate precipitation and continued by DEAE-Sephadex ion exchange chromatography, and finally finished in gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. Alpha-toxin was assayed in all steps and purification procedures were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. After immunization of rabbits with alpha- toxin and serum collection, immunoglobulin was separated by three purifying steps: ammoniums sulfate, ion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. Serum purification process was evaluated by electrophoresis, double immunodiffusion (DID), single radial immunodiffusion (SRID), western blot, and SDS-PAGE. RESUTLS: SDS-PAGE

showed the alpha-toxin and anti-alpha-toxin were purified partially. Double immunodiffusion and single radial immunodiffusion methods detected the specific antibody. Heavy and light chains of anti-alpha-toxin separated by 2ME in electrophoresis reacted with 48 kDa alpha-toxin during the western blot without any reaction to other proteins in nitrocellulose paper.

The present study showed a modified protocol for C. septicum alpha-toxin and anti-alpha-toxin production. The purification method is more economical and faster than previously reported procedures, and anti-alpha-toxin production is  an advantage in detection of C. septicum infection

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the prevalent debilitating neurodegenerative disor- ders. Accordingly, researchers are working on methods to modify PD progression. Previously, the neuro- protective effects of betaine, as a methyl donor agent in homocysteine metabolism, have been demonstrated in animal models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and memory deficits.

It was aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of betaine in an animal model of PD.

In male Wistar rats under two-week course of oral betaine administration (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg per day), the behavioral, biochemical, and histological evaluations were conducted one week follow- ing unilateral nigral 6-OHDA injection.

Betaine administration with dose of 200 mg/kg, one week before and after 6-OHDA lesioning, was associated with a meaningful reduction in the plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in comparison with the control and sham groups (P < 0.05). Our evaluations revealed a remarkable improvement in motor asymmetry induced by apomorphine in the rats under treatment of betaine 200 mg/kg. Moreover, in this group, a significant decrease of malondyaldehyde (MDA) concentrations was detected in the brain tissues, as well as a significantly diminished neuronal cell loss (percent) in substantia nigra pars compacta (P < 0.05). The results of 50 and 100 mg/kg betaine groups were not significant.

Altogether, our findings indicate the antioxidant neuroprotective effects of betaine in this animal model of PD and it is in concordance with betaine properties in decreasing the plasma levels and possible neurotoxic effects of Hcy.

Ischemia/reperfusion of tetsis is a male infertility condition which occurs because of oxidation demage. Echinacea purpurea extract (EPE) has antioxidant and protective effect.

So, the main purpose of this research was to determine effects of EP extract on testicular ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat.

50 adult Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: group one as control, group two, 2 hour I/24 hours R period, group three, 1 hour I which after 1 hour of ischemia, rat was injected 25 mg/kg EPE and ischemia continued for an hour, then was followed by 24 hours R period. Groups 4 and    5 were similar to experiment 3, except rats were injected with 50 and 100 mg/kg of EPE, respectively.  Then 24 hours later, the left testis was removed for histological and antioxidant enzyme activity including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant status (TAS).

Based on the findings, MDA concentration was significantly elevated in I/R rat (P<0.05)  while EPE diminished MDA concentration in I/R rat (P<0.05). SOD and GPx activity decreased in I/R  rat (P<0.05). Injection of the of the EPE (25, 50 and 100mg/kg) increased SOD and GPx concentrations (P<0.05). There was significant fluctuation on TAS in EPE treated groups in comparision to the control group (P>0.05). Seminiferous tubules degenerated and few spermatocytes were observed in testis tubules of the I/R rat. EPE (50 and 100mg/kg) improved testis characteristics in experimental I/R-induced rat in which normal spermatocyte in seminiferous tubules was observed.

These results suggested EPE has protective effect against against testicular I/R.

The harmful, dangerous essence of the veterinary waste of hospitals, clinics and labora- tories and the consequences of their inconsistent management, such as problems caused by lack of planning in separating, storing, collecting, transporting and disposing of them, causes many environmental and health problems. On the other hand, according to clause 11 and 2 of the Special Waste Management Law of the Environment Protection Organization (E.P.O) and the Ministry of Health of Iran, the waste of veterinary clinics isalso hazardous waste due to the presence of a variety of microorganisms harmful to humans and animals (such as anthrax & brucellosis, etc.).

The guidelines and checklist of the Environment & World Health Organization (WHO) were used in order to increase awareness of the management of the waste from veterinary centers.

The answers to the questions were completed by the direct referral of the researcher to 6 pub- lic and private veterinary centers. Statistical evaluation was analyzed using SPSS Version 22.

The results showed that although veterinary waste management in clinics and government laboratories is relatively more favorable than private veterinary clinics, it is far from world health standards.

Application of rules and guidelines, increasing the level of knowledge and staff training at all levels, and continuous monitoring of the collection, transportation and disposal of veterinary waste are necessary.

Osteomyelitis of the vertebral body is a rare condition, and its prognostic is reserved in several species, caus- ing spinal cord involvement, and neurological manifestations. In foals, the disease can be resulted from an infection caused by several bacteria, in which R. equi has a higher incidence among the responsible agents. The objective of this report is to describe the osteomyelitis occurrence on the structures that constitute the atlantoaxial joint in a 115 day-old foal. At the cervical spine radiographic exam suspected a fracture in the odontoid process. After the radiograph results, associated to the clinical manifestations, and the owner’s interest, it was decided to euthanize the animal. In order to find a more accurate diagnosis, a myelography and a myelotomography were performed. The radiograph was not enough to identify precisely the vertebral disorders, whilst the computerized tomography detected the lesions related to the condition was confirmed later with necropsy and histopathological evaluation.