The use of ultrasonographic adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-aorta ratio in the diagnosis of benign and malignant adrenal diseases in dogs

Research (Published online: 12-01-2023)

12. The use of ultrasonographic adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-aorta ratio in the diagnosis of benign and malignant adrenal diseases in dogs

Naparee Srisowanna, Chutimon Thanaboonnipat, Sirinun Pisamai, Kiatpichet Komin, and Nan Choisunirachon

Veterinary World, 16(1): 104-110

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ultrasound (US) is a useful tool for detecting adrenal abnormalities. However, a definite reference range differentiating normal and diseased adrenal glands in dogs of varying body sizes is still lacking. The organ dimension-to-aorta (Ao) ratio of the dogs is correlated with their body weight (BW). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the adrenal dimensions, including adrenal pole thickness and adrenal length, as well as the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio, to differentiate between dogs with normal, benign lesions such as pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and malignant invasive adrenal tumors.

Materials and Methods: The medical records and US images of 39 dogs that were either normal (normal) (n = 15) or affected by PDH (n = 15) or malignant invasive adrenal tumors (tumor) (n = 9) were retrieved in this study. All the dogs had a transabdominal US on the sagittal plane. The adrenal dimensions and luminal Ao diameter at the peak of the systolic phase were recorded. The average adrenal dimensions, including the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio, were compared among the groups.

Results: Most of the dogs in each group were small-breed dogs with comparable ages, BW, and Ao values. Both adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio were significantly lower in the normal group than in the PDH and tumor groups. To differentiate the PDH group from the tumor group, adrenal dimensions of pole thickness and length were more appropriate than the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio.

Conclusion: Adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio can be used to diagnose adrenal diseases. However, in small-breed dogs, adrenal dimensions are suitable for differentiating PDH from tumor groups. Further research is required with a larger sample size and a wider range of canine body sizes.

Keywords: adrenal, aorta, dogs, hyperadrenocorticism, tumor, ultrasound.

First study on microscopic and molecular detection of Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Leishmania infantum coinfection in dogs in Southwest Colombia

Research (Published online: 12-01-2023)

11. First study on microscopic and molecular detection of Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Leishmania infantum coinfection in dogs in Southwest Colombia

Ruben Dario Pérez-Ramírez, Rodrigo Lugo-Vargas, Julieth Michel Petano-Duque, Juan Sebastian Cruz-Méndez, and Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán

Veterinary World, 16(1): 94-103

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine vector-borne diseases represent an important issue for the welfare and health of animals, but also have great zoonotic potential. These diseases are caused by bacteria, nematodes such as filariae, and other parasites such as Leishmania spp. Given the difficulty in differentiating common microfilariae in dogs by microscopy and serological methods, molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing should be valuable for reaching a reliable diagnosis. This study aimed to use microscopy and PCR to identify the microfilarial species in dogs from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, and a possible association with Leishmania infantum parasites.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 270 dogs from Pradera and Florida municipalities. Microfilariae were detected in dogs by optical microscopy and amplification with 5.8S-ITS2-28S. Species identification was achieved through the amplification of the gene cytochrome oxidase I (COX1).

Results: Microscopic detection of microfilariae was possible in 4.81% (13/270) of the dogs. In addition, by PCR of COX1 and Sanger sequencing of ITS2, Acanthocheilonema reconditum was identified as the circulating microfilarial species in 12 dogs, coinfecting with the species L. infantum (Leishmania donovani complex).

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on A. reconditum and L. infantum mixed infection in dogs in Colombia, particularly in the Valle del Cauca.

Keywords: 5.8s-ITS2-28s, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, COX1, hsp70, Leishmania infantum.

Ameliorating effect of Mucuna pruriens seed extract on sodium arsenite-induced testicular toxicity and hepato-renal histopathology in rats

Research (Published online: 11-01-2023)

10. Ameliorating effect of Mucuna pruriens seed extract on sodium arsenite-induced testicular toxicity and hepato-renal histopathology in rats

Preethi Lavina Concessao, Kurady Laxminarayana Bairy, and Archana Parampalli Raghavendra

Veterinary World, 16(1): 82-93

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: A significant cause of arsenic poisoning is polluted groundwater. Arsenic poisoning results in the suppression of spermatogenesis and the liver and kidneys are vulnerable to the toxic effects as well. Mucuna pruriens has been identified to have fertility-enhancing and anti-lipid peroxidation properties. Based on these properties of M. pruriens, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of M. pruriens seed extract in reducing sodium arsenite-induced testicular impairment and hepato-renal histopathology in rats.

Materials and Methods: The study was divided into two groups; short-term (45 days) and long-term (90 days) treatment groups and each group was divided into nine subgroups. Subgroups 1 and 2 served as normal and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) controls, respectively. Subgroups 3–9 received sodium arsenite in the drinking water (50 mg/L). Subgroup-4 received NAC (210 mg/kg body weight [BW]) orally once daily. Subgroups 5–7 received aqueous seed extract of M. pruriens (350, 530, and 700 mg/kg BW, respectively) orally once daily. Subgroups 8 and 9 received a combination of NAC and aqueous seed extract (350 and 530 mg/kg BW, respectively) orally once daily. Following the treatment, animals were sacrificed and sperm parameters and DNA damage were evaluated. Testis, liver, and kidneys were analyzed for histopathology.

Results: Sodium arsenite-induced a significant reduction in sperm parameters and increase in the abnormal architecture of spermatozoa. Histology revealed tissue necrosis. The M. pruriens seed extract ameliorated the damaging effects of sodium arsenite with respect to tissue architecture and sperm parameters when coadministered.

Conclusion: Mucuna pruriens has beneficial effects against the deleterious effects of sodium arsenite on various tissues. Thus, M. pruriens (530 and 700 mg/kg BW) supplementation would reduce the adverse changes observed with sodium arsenite exposure.

Keywords: arsenic, DNA damage, hepato-renal, Mucuna pruriens, testis damage.

Phylogenetic analysis of feline infectious peritonitis virus, feline enteric coronavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of cats in Surabaya, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 11-01-2023)

9. Phylogenetic analysis of feline infectious peritonitis virus, feline enteric coronavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of cats in Surabaya, Indonesia

Eduardus Bimo Aksono, Kania Rifa Iradatya, Teguh Hari Sucipto, Nur Syamsiatul Fajar, and Wiwik Misaco Yuniarti

Veterinary World, 16(1): 76-81

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Questions about the origin of coronavirus and its introduction to human beings have persisted. The detection of a variety of coronavirus related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in bats and pangolins led to the widespread belief that SARS-CoV-2 originated from wild animals and was introduced to humans through an intermediate animal. Thus, coronaviruses from animals, especially those in close contact with humans, have attracted particular attention. This study aimed to phylogenetically analyze feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), and SARS-CoV-2 found in cats in Surabaya amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The results will provide a basis for developing basic preventive and pet healthcare strategies.

Materials and Methods: Samples were collected on physical examinations of domestic and Persian cats (males and females) from March 2020 to March 2022. Samples were collected if there were clinical signs of FECV and FIP based on a veterinarian's diagnosis in several clinics in Surabaya. Laboratory examinations in this study were performed by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primers for conserved regions of FIP and FECV, DNA sequencing was performed with Applied Biosystem Genetic Analyzer protocol, homology analysis was performed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool NCBI, phylogenetic analysis was carried out with BioEdit 7.2 software, and sequences were compared with references from GenBank.

Results: Samples were collected from ten cats showing clinical signs of FECV and FIP, based on a veterinarian's diagnosis. On RT-PCR examinations performed with specifically designed primers for detecting FIPV in blood, peritoneal fluid, and feces, only one sample showed positivity for FIPV (1/10), namely, a peritoneal sample from a domestic cat in Surabaya. Homology analysis of the FIPV Surabaya isolate showed 98% similarity with FECV and FIPV reported in GenBank (MT444152 and DQ010921, respectively). In phylogenetic analysis, the FIPV Surabaya isolate was clustered together with SARS-CoV-2 of Clade A (MT198653) from Spain, SARS-CoV-2 Clade A (MT192765) from the USA, SARS-CoV-2 Clade D (039888) from the USA, and SARS-CoV-2 Clade F (MT020781) from Finland.

Conclusion: This study revealed a relationship between the SARS-CoV-2 viruses that infect humans and cats (FECV), which is an important finding for those keeping cats at home. However, this finding requires further comprehensive support from laboratory studies.

Keywords: cats, feline coronavirus, feline infectious peritonitis virus, phylogenetic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Surabaya.

Comparative protection of small ruminants against Mannheimia haemolytica infection by inactivated bacterin and toxoid vaccines

Research (Published online: 10-01-2023)

8. Comparative protection of small ruminants against Mannheimia haemolytica infection by inactivated bacterin and toxoid vaccines

Dounia Bkiri, Soufiane Elmejdoub, Zahra Bamouh, Ouafaa Fassi Fihri, and Mehdi El-Harrak

Veterinary World, 16(1): 68-75

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mannheimia haemolytica causes respiratory infection and mortality in sheep and goats, similar to the effects in cattle, which causes major economic damage. Regular vaccinations alongside good management practices remain the most efficient tools for controlling this disease. Indeed, vaccines against pasteurellosis are available, but results on their efficacy have varied. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three vaccines against mannheimiosis in small ruminants.

Materials and Methods: We evaluated three vaccines developed from a local field isolate based on the inactivated bacterium, its toxoid, and a mixture of bacterin/toxoid, which we then tested on sheep and goats. Selected criteria that were evaluated were safety, antibody response, and protection through a challenge. Post-vaccination monitoring was carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The evaluation was based on antibody responses to vaccination in sheep and goats for both bacteria and leukotoxin. Protection was assessed by clinical and lesion scores after the challenge of vaccinated goats with a pathogenic strain.

Results: The three tested vaccines were completely safe, did not cause any adverse reactions, and induced significant antibody titers in immunized animals. Following M. haemolytica challenge, unvaccinated goats showed clinical signs with lesions typical of the disease. Meanwhile, the best protection was obtained with the inactivated combined bacterin/toxoid vaccine.

Conclusion: This study highlighted the effectiveness of adding a bacterial toxoid in the vaccine as a promising solution for preventing mannheimiosis in small ruminants. Because of the worldwide distribution of M. haemolytica infection, general prophylaxis based on a combined inactivated vaccine could greatly benefit.

Keywords: efficacy, goats, leukotoxin, Mannheimia haemolytica, sheep, vaccination.

Pathogenicity and pathogenesis of a recent highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N8 in mule ducklings in Egypt

Research (Published online: 10-01-2023)

7. Pathogenicity and pathogenesis of a recent highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N8 in mule ducklings in Egypt

Mahmoud M. Abotaleb, Ahlam Mourad, Esraa Fouad, Walied Abdo, and Samir A. Nassif

Veterinary World, 16(1): 59-67

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In late 2017, an H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, clade 2.3.4.4, was isolated from domestic ducks in Egypt, which was associated with high morbidity and low mortality. The pathogenicity increased due to the continuous circulation of virus in ducks. Thus, this study aimed to monitor the pathogenesis and pathogenicity of new H5N8 Avian influenza (AI) virus in mule ducklings.

Materials and Methods: The lethal dose 50 (LD50) for this new local HPAI H5N8 isolate was calculated. Twenty ducklings were inoculated with 0.1 mL of dilution containing 10 LD50 HPAI per duck. The clinical signs and mortalities were recorded until 30 days post-infection (DPI) to confirm viral pathogenesis. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect viral shedding from collected cloacal swabs after 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th, 21st, and 30th DPI. The main histopathological lesions associated with the presence of HPAI virus were also recorded on the 3rd and 14th DPI.

Results: The result showed that the LD50 of the new HPAI H5N8 was 104 log10. Clinical signs were observed after 2nd DPI, but it was clinically severe on 3rd, 4th, and 5th DPI in the form of respiratory and gastric disorders, forming 90% of all diseased ducklings, whereas 30% of the infected ducks only showed nervous signs. The mortality rate peaked on 4th and 5th DPI with a cumulative mortality rate of 60% for the inoculated ducks, whereas no mortality was recorded after 6th DPI. Dead ducks showed typical postmortem lesions of AI disease. Necrosis and ecchymotic or petechial hemorrhages on the heart, pancreas, liver, and spleen were observed, whereas the lung showed pneumonia. With regard to viral shedding, infected ducklings shed the virus from its gut until 7th DPI, but the number of duck shedders gradually decreased until 14th DPI after viral shedding. The histopathological findings indicated that the spleen and thymus showed necrosis and hemorrhages, whereas the brain showed multifocal malacic foci and spread meningitis. Moreover, the lung had intrabronchial hyaline degeneration and fibrinous pneumonia on 3rd DPI. Furthermore, the liver showed multifocal necrotic foci and subcapsular hemorrhage, whereas the kidney showed remarkable tubular degeneration, mostly within the collecting tubules. Furthermore, the heart showed marked myocardiolysis of the cardiac muscle fibers. On 14th DPI, all histopathological lesions of the examined organs were restored to normal.

Conclusion: The currently circulating HPAI H5N8 virus strain has high virulence, particularly for imported mule ducks that originated from non-vaccinated breeder ducks. Therefore, vaccination and quarantine measures must be applied on imported 1-day-old mule ducklings. Moreover, the pathogenesis must be reviewed and monitored for updating circulating AI strains caused by the continuous and rapid evolution of AI viruses.

Keywords: pathogenicity, pathogenesis, vaccination.

A review of new emerging livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from pig farms

Review (Published online: 10-01-2023)

6. A review of new emerging livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from pig farms

Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Shendy Canadya Kurniawan, Mustofa Helmi Effendi, Sri Agus Sudjarwo, Sancaka Chasyer Ramandinianto, Agus Widodo, Katty Hendriana Priscilia Riwu, Otto Sahat Martua Silaen, and Saifur Rehman

Veterinary World, 16(1): 46-58

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a S. aureus strain resistant to β-lactam antibiotics and is often associated with livestock, known as livestock-associated (LA)-MRSA. Using molecular typing with multi-locus sequence typing, MRSA clones have been classified in pigs, including clonal complex 398. Livestock-associated-methicillin-resistant S. aureus was first discovered in pigs in the Netherlands in 2005. Since then, it has been widely detected in pigs in other countries. Livestock-associated-methicillin-resistant S. aureus can be transmitted from pigs to pigs, pigs to humans (zoonosis), and humans to humans. This transmission is enabled by several risk factors involved in the pig trade, including the use of antibiotics and zinc, the size and type of the herd, and the pig pen management system. Although LA-MRSA has little impact on the pigs' health, it can be transmitted from pig to pig or from pig to human. This is a serious concern as people in direct contact with pigs are highly predisposed to acquiring LA-MRSA infection. The measures to control LA-MRSA spread in pig farms include conducting periodic LA-MRSA screening tests on pigs and avoiding certain antibiotics in pigs. This study aimed to review the emerging LA-MRSA strains in pig farms.

Keywords: livestock-associated-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, pig, zoonosis, public health.