Comparison of topical 0.03% tacrolimus and homologous injectable platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs

Research (Published online: 21-01-2023)

16. Comparison of topical 0.03% tacrolimus and homologous injectable platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs

Giovana José Garcia Estanho, João Victor Goulart Consoni Passareli, Letícia da Silva Pando, Daniel Espinhosa Vieira, Gisele Alborghetti Nai, Cecília Laposy Santarém, and Silvia Franco Andrade

Veterinary World, 16(1): 134-143

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is predominantly an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory ocular disease that is commonly diagnosed in dogs. This study aimed to compare the conventional use of topical immunosuppressant tacrolimus 0.03% eye drops and a new therapy injectable homologous platelet-rich plasma (HPRP) into the third eyelid gland and inferior and superior palpebral conjunctiva of dogs with KCS.

Materials and Methods: A total of 66 eyes from 33 dogs were evaluated. The eyes were divided into three equal groups: Negative control group, tacrolimus group (TG), and homologous platelet-rich plasma group (HPRPG). The animals were evaluated using the Schirmer's tear test-1 (STT-1), osmolarity test (OT), strip meniscometry test (SMT), tear film break-up test (TBUT), fluorescein test, lissamine green test (LGT), and cytological and histopathological analyses.

Results: In TG, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the STT-1 and SMT values, and goblet cell count in the palpebral conjunctiva by the end of the study. In HPRPG, 36% (four dogs) received three applications, 55% (six dogs) received two applications, and 9% (one dog) received one application before the initial ocular signs improved. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the lymphocyte and neutrophil counts of the palpebral conjunctiva in HPRPG than in TG. Both groups showed equivalent improvements in TBUT, OT, and LGT values.

Conclusion: Tacrolimus 0.03% eye drops were more efficient than HPRP in increasing tear production and the number of goblet cells. However, injectable HPRP was more efficient than tacrolimus in decreasing the number of conjunctival inflammatory cells. Treatment with injectable HPRP requires an average of two to three applications, is safe and feasible, and can be used as a cheaper alternative or as an adjuvant to conventional treatment with topical immunosuppressants.

Keywords: dogs, homologous platelet-rich plasma, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, tacrolimus 0.03%.

Dairy farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the brucellosis surveillance and control program in Bogor, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 19-01-2023)

15. Dairy farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the brucellosis surveillance and control program in Bogor, Indonesia

Heris Kustiningsih, Etih Sudarnika, Chaerul Basri, and Mirnawati Sudarwanto

Veterinary World, 16(1): 126-133

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is an infectious and zoonotic disease that affects people's health and the economy in most countries. Brucellosis is still prevalent in several Indonesian regions. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of dairy farmers in Bogor District in supporting brucellosis control and surveillance programs.

Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional. Data were collected through interviews with 151 dairy farmers in Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The outcome is brucellosis surveillance and control practice among dairy farmers, and the variables include individual characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes toward brucellosis surveillance and control. Descriptive analysis and path analysis were used in statistical analysis.

Results: The majority of farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practices were moderate, with the percentages 67.55%, 60.92%, and 41.72% respectively. Formal education, training, and dairy rising length are variables that have a direct and significant impact on knowledge level. Knowledge is the variable that influences the overall level of attitude. Age, knowledge, and attitude are factors that influence the practice of brucellosis surveillance and control.

Conclusion: Although the practice level of brucellosis surveillance and control for dairy farmers in Bogor Regency is moderate, efforts to improve it are still required. The basic effort is critical for increasing farmers' knowledge.

Keywords: brucellosis control, dairy cattle, knowledge, surveillance.

First meta-analysis study of cholinesterase inhibition in experimental animals by organophosphate or carbamate insecticides under the influence of diphenhydramine

Research (Published online: 16-01-2023)

14. First meta-analysis study of cholinesterase inhibition in experimental animals by organophosphate or carbamate insecticides under the influence of diphenhydramine

Fouad K. Mohammad, Hishyar M. S. Garmavy, Ammar A. Mohammed, and Hussein M. Rashid

Veterinary World, 16(1): 118-125

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Diphenhydramine is an H1-antihistamine that counteracts the toxic effects of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides that inhibit cholinesterase (ChE) activity. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of diphenhydramine on ChE inhibition induced by these insecticides in the plasma, erythrocytes, or whole brain of experimental animals.

Materials and Methods: A data search was performed on erythrocyte, plasma, and brain ChE inhibition caused by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in experimental animals (mice, rats, and chicks) treated with the antihistamine diphenhydramine in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis, which was done by the two-group random-effects model meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 18 records extracted from six studies that appeared from 1996 to 2022.

Results: Using the random-effects model, a two-group meta-analysis revealed that the combined effect size (ChE inhibition) was significantly more favorable in the control group than in the diphenhydramine intervention, as shown by a forest plot. The combined effect size (standardized mean difference) was 0.67, with a standard error of 0.3, a lower limit of 0.04, and an upper limit of 1.29 (p = 0.025). The heterogeneity was moderate, as I2 of the combined effect size was 74%, with a significant Cochrane Q-test result (Q = 65, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis indicated that, with brain ChE inhibition, the heterogeneity (I2) became 5%, which was lower than ChE inhibition in plasma (84%) and erythrocytes (78%). No publication bias was identified using the funnel plot and Egger's test.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that, in addition to its documented antidotal action against ChE-inhibiting insecticides, diphenhydramine can also reduce the extent of ChE inhibition, especially in the brain, which is the main site of toxicity of these insecticides. There is a need for additional studies to assess such enzyme inhibition in different parts of the brain.

Keywords: acetylcholinesterase, antihistamine, carbaryl, dichlorvos, meta-analysis, methomyl.

The impact of farm practices and wild carriers on white spot disease in marine shrimp in Rayong Province, Thailand

Research (Published online: 16-01-2023)

13. The impact of farm practices and wild carriers on white spot disease in marine shrimp in Rayong Province, Thailand

Sompit Yaemkasem, Jiraporn Promchairat, Pinchakorn Srithongkhum, Napawan Paungsroy and Chaithep Poolkhet

Veterinary World, 16(1): 111-117

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: White spot disease (WSD) is a highly lethal and contagious viral disease in marine shrimp caused by the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). White spot disease impacts the worldwide crustacean aquaculture sector, including Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the effect of farm management practices and wild carriers on WSD occurrence in grow-out marine shrimp farms in Rayong Province, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted using a structured questionnaire from June 2018 to June 2020. A total of 186 questionnaires for 186 ponds were collected from 15 shrimp farms. Univariate and multivariable analyses using generalized estimating equations were used to determine the risk factors associated with WSD. In addition, possible carrier samples (wild shrimp and wild crabs) were collected inside and outside farms to test for the presence of WSSV.

Results: Direct discharge of treated wastewater into farm ponds was statistically significant in the final model (p < 0.01), with an odd ratio (OR) factor of 0.097 (95% confidence interval [CI] of OR = 0.007–0.242). Pooled sampling for WSSV in wild shrimp and crabs showed that 48 out of 936 (5.13%) samples tested positive for WSD using nested polymerase chain reaction. The samples from banana shrimp, jinga shrimp, banded snapping shrimp, dwarf prawn, whiteleg shrimp, green tidal crabs, and mangrove crabs tested positive.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, we infer that the environment plays an important role in the spread of this disease. The results of this study will provide insights into the effective planning of disease control.

Keywords: disease carrier, farm practices, water management, white spot disease.

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.