Clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings in sheep and goats with urinary tract disorders

Research (Published online: 20-07-2021)

22. Clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings in sheep and goats with urinary tract disorders

Mohamed Tharwat

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1879-1887

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In sheep and goats, most urinary disorders are incidental findings at the postmortem examination and do not present clinically. As such, the diagnosis of renal diseases in sheep and goats can be overlooked. Therefore, this study was carried out on sheep and goats to describe the clinical, ultrasonography (USG), and postmortem findings of various disorders affecting the urinary tract.

Materials and Methods: A total of 58 animals (30 sheep and 28 goats) were examined, as well as were ten healthy control animals (five sheep and five goats) for a comparison. The animals were referred for various causes, including anorexia, frequent and painful urination, hematuria, decreased body weight, oliguria, and anuria.

Results: The sheep and goats were categorized into ten groups of symptoms and disorders: Pelvic abscessation, pigmented urine, renal failure, pyelonephritis, cystitis, hydronephrosis, rupture of the urethra, rupture of the urinary bladder, rupture of the urinary bladder together with the urethra, and paralysis of the urinary bladder. Clinical presentation, USG, and postmortem examination results for each group were detailed. Many clinical presentations were nonspecific. USG examination of the urinary tract significantly facilitated the verification of the previously mentioned disorders.

Conclusion: USG demonstrated superior performance in the early and confirmatory diagnosis of urinary disorders in sheep and goats. Therefore, it is recommended that routine USG be the preferred imaging modality for examining sheep and goats with urinary disorders and for determining their prognosis.

Keywords: goat, pathology, sheep, ultrasonography, urinary.

Alterations in acid-base balance, blood gases, and hematobiochemical profiles of whole-blood and thoracic fluid in goats with contagious caprine pleuropneumonia

Research (Published online: 20-07-2021)

21. Alterations in acid-base balance, blood gases, and hematobiochemical profiles of whole-blood and thoracic fluid in goats with contagious caprine pleuropneumonia

Mohamed Tharwat

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1874-1878

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly contagious and fatal disease affecting goats and some wild ruminants. It is a cause of major economic losses in the goat industry in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This study aimed to investigate the acid-base balance, blood gases, and hematobiochemical profiles of whole-blood and fluid collected from the thoracic cavity in goats with CCPP.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-five goats suffering from weight loss, anorexia, dyspnea, polypnea, cough, and nasal discharges due to CCPP were studied. Twenty-five healthy goats were used as controls. Diseased animals were enrolled in this study based on a positive serological latex agglutination test (LAT) that confirmed the detection of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae. The control goats were enrolled based on a negative result of the LAT.

Results: Compared with a mean value of 7.38±0.04 in controls, the pH in the diseased group was 7.41±0.05. The blood pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), pressure of oxygen (PO2), base excess (BE), bicarbonate (HCO3), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), and saturation of oxygen (SO2) were lower in goats with CCPP than in controls. However, the anion gap (AnGap) was higher in the diseased goats than in the healthy ones. Compared with the levels in blood samples, the thoracic fluid PCO2, PO2, BE, and SO2 were higher while pH, HCO3, TCO2, and AnGap were lower. Compared with the findings in healthy goats, hematological alterations included significant increases in white blood cells and neutrophils, and a significant decrease in the red blood cell count. In the thoracic fluid, neutrophilic leukocytosis was a remarkable finding. The serum concentrations of globulin, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose, and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) increased significantly compared with those in controls. In contrast, serum concentrations of albumin, calcium, and magnesium, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased significantly compared with those of healthy animals. The activities of ALP, AST, GGT, and creatine kinase and the concentration of phosphorus were higher in thoracic fluid than the serum values in the diseased group.

Conclusion: When compared with the healthy controls, goats with CCPP have metabolic acidosis. Compared with the levels in healthy goats, the blood PCO2, PO2, BE, HCO3, TCO2, and SO2 are low in goats with CCPP; however, the AnGap is higher in diseased goats.

Keywords: acid-base balance, blood gases, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, goat, Mycoplasma.

RFamide peptides, the novel regulators of mammalian HPG axis: A review

Review (Published online: 20-07-2021)

20. RFamide peptides, the novel regulators of mammalian HPG axis: A review

Smruti Smita Mohapatra, Joydip Mukherjee, Dipak Banerjee, Pradip Kumar Das, Prabal Ranjan Ghosh and Kinsuk Das

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1867-1873

ABSTRACT

The RFamide-related peptides (RFRPs) are the group of neuropeptides synthesized predominantly from the hypothalamus that negatively affects the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal (hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal [HPG]) axis. These peptides are first identified in quail brains and emerged as the mammalian orthologs of avian gonadotropin inhibitory hormones. The RFRP-3 neurons in the hypothalamus are present in several mammalian species. The action of RFRP-3 is mediated through a G-protein-coupled receptor called OT7T022. The predominant role of RFRP-3 is the inhibition of HPG axis with several other effects such as the regulation of metabolic activity, stress regulation, controlling of non-sexual motivated behavior, and sexual photoperiodicity in concert with other neuropeptides such as kisspeptin, neuropeptide-Y (NPY), pro-opiomelanocortin, orexin, and melanin. RFamide peptides synthesized in the granulosa cells, interstitial cells, and seminiferous tubule regulate steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in the gonads. The present review is intended to provide the recent findings that explore the role of RFRP-3 in regulating HPG axis and its potential applications in the synchronization of reproduction and its therapeutic interventions to prevent stress-induced amenorrhea.

Keywords: hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, reproduction, RFamide-related peptides-3.

Novel formulation with essential oils as a potential agent to minimize African swine fever virus transmission in an in vivo trial in swine

Research (Published online: 20-07-2021)

19. Novel formulation with essential oils as a potential agent to minimize African swine fever virus transmission in an in vivo trial in swine

Haig Yousef Babikian, Rajeev Kumar Jha, Quang Lam Truong, Lan Thi Nguyen, Yusef Babikyan, Hoa Thi Nguyen, Thanh Long To and Ali Agus

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1853-1866

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: African swine fever (ASF) is currently the most prevalent disease in swine. The disease is spreading throughout primary swine-producing countries with heavy losses in population and revenue. To date, no successful vaccines or medications have been reported. This study aimed to design and develop a blend of natural essential oils and test its efficacy against the ASF virus (ASFV) in swine.

Materials and Methods: We attempted to develop a natural oil blend formulation (NOBF) and determine its efficacy against the ASFV. This study follows on from a previously published in vitro study that reported that the NOBF has anti ASFV properties. A study was designed using 21 healthy piglets of triple-cross (Landrace + Yorkshire + Durok) crossbred pathogen-free pigs with an average weight of 15 kg. The study consisted of NOBF-incubated, NOBF, positive control, and negative control groups. The NOBF groups were administered NOBF (80 mL/ton mixed in drinking water) beginning 10 days before the challenge and continuing throughout the experiment. The positive and negative control pigs consumed regular drinking water. The pigs were challenged by a sublethal dose of pure isolate ASFV strain Vietnam National University of Agriculture-ASFV-L01/HN/04/19 inoculation with 103.5 HAD50/dose through the intramuscular route. There were sic pigs in each group, three pigs directly IM challenged, and three pigs were considered cohoused pigs.

Results: Both challenged (three) and cohoused (three) pigs in the positive control showed clinical signs of ASFV infection, as detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in blood samples, oral swabs, and feces. There was 100% cumulative mortality, that is, both challenged and contact pigs died in the positive control group on day 20 of infection. No signs of infection or mortality were observed in the NOBF-incubated group. The challenged pigs in the NOBF-direct challenge group showed clinical signs and mortality, whereas no clinical signs or symptoms occurred in the cohoused pigs. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) level of the contact pigs was the highest in the treatment group and the lowest in the positive control group. The IgM level of the contact pigs in the treatment groups was the lowest, whereas that of the positive control was the highest. The RT-PCR test showed that the ASFV was deactivated in the NOBF-incubated group. The challenged and contact pigs of the positive control group had high Ct values. The challenged pigs of the NOBF group had high Ct values, whereas the contact pigs from the same group and those of the negative control were negative for the ASFV, determined by PCR, in all samples. The comparison of the challenged groups showed that the appearance of the virus was delayed by at least 2 days in the NOBF group compared to the positive control group.

Conclusion: The results showed that NOBF can prevent the spread of the ASFV in a population. Moreover, NOBF can enhance the pig humoral immune system by enhancing IgG levels and reducing IgM levels. This study successfully demonstrated that NOBF is an anti-ASFV agent, which prevents horizontal transmission and enhances pig humoral immunity.

Keywords: African swine fever virus, In vivo trials, intramuscular challenge, natural oil blend formulation, Swine.

Development of lymphocyte subpopulations in local breed chickens

Research (Published online: 19-07-2021)

18. Development of lymphocyte subpopulations in local breed chickens

Adil Sabr Al-Ogaili and Samer Sadeq Hameed

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1846-1852

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Local breeds of chicken are known to have relatively higher disease resistance to many endemic diseases and diseases that are highly virulent in commercial chickens. This study aimed to address the lymphocyte subpopulations in three constitutive immune system organs (thymus, bursa of Fabricius, and spleen) in 30, 8-week-old, male local breed chickens.

Materials and Methods: The T (CD3+) and B lymphocytes (Bu-1+) were identified through one-color, direct immunofluorescent staining of the thymus, bursa, and spleen lymphocytes. Likewise, two-color, direct immunofluorescent staining was performed to identify the CD4- and/or CD8-defined T lymphocytes. The proportions of T and B lymphocytes and CD4- and/or CD8 defined chicken lymphocyte subsets in lymphoid suspensions prepared from the thymus, bursa, and spleen were determined by flow cytometry.

Results: CD3+ cells, particularly those positive for CD4+CD8–, were dominant in the thymus, whereas cells expressing the Bu-1 marker were predominant in the bursa of Fabricius. The proportion of T and B cells was almost equal in the spleen, with more cells expressing the CD4–CD8+ marker in the red pulp.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that local breeds of chicken could serve as a reliable model for studying the immune system of commercial light chicken breeds, due to the similarity in the presence and the distribution of the immune cells.

Keywords: direct immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, local breed chickens, lymphocytes subpopulations.

Detection of African swine fever virus in pigs in Southwest Nigeria

Research (Published online: 19-07-2021)

17. Detection of African swine fever virus in pigs in Southwest Nigeria

Emmanuel Jolaoluwa Awosanya, Babasola Oluseyi Olugasa, Fufa Ido Gimba, Mohd Yusoff Sabri and Gabriel Adetunji Ogundipe

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1840-1845

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Nigeria experienced repeated outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in pig herds between 1997 and 2005 in the southwest region of the country. ASF is believed to currently be enzootic in this region. The status of enzootic transmission of ASF virus strain to pigs is; however, unknown. Twenty-three genotypes of the ASF virus based on the p72 gene are found across Africa. This study aimed to identify the current circulating field strain(s) of the ASF virus in Southwest Nigeria and characterized evolutionary trends.

Materials and Methods: DNA samples were extracted from 144 pooled blood samples obtained from 2012 to 2013 following the manufacturer's instructions. DNA was used for conventional polymerase chain reaction using primers targeting the p72 gene and amplified products sequenced with Sanger's sequencing. Sequences were analyzed for homology and phylogenetic relationships.

Results: Eleven of 144 samples (7.6%) showed bands at 950 bp. A new field strain of ASF virus of genotype I that shared ancestry with ASF virus strains or isolates from Spain and Brazil was identified among pig herds. The new strain differs phylogenetically in amino acid composition compared with previously identified ASF virus field strains.

Conclusion: The currently circulating field strain of ASF virus suggests a mutation responsible for decreased morbidity and mortality recorded in sporadic cases.

Keywords: African swine fever virus, enzootic, evolution, phylogeny, sequencing, Southwest Nigeria.

Risk factors associated with dystocia in swine

Research (Published online: 16-07-2021)

16. Risk factors associated with dystocia in swine

Nguyen Hoai Nam and Peerapol Sukon

Veterinary World, 14(7): 1835-1839

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dystocia in swine can increase the stillbirth rate; however, its importance in pig-breeding systems has been underestimated. Until now, few studies have investigated dystocia and associated risk factors. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of various risk factors on dystocia in swine.

Materials and Methods: Out of 5,557 piglets, we included 4,997 piglets in risk analysis study. The dependent variable was dystocia, which was recorded when a birth interval exceeded 45 min or when obstetric assistance was applied. The independent variables were parity, gestation length, litter size, birth order, gender, presence of a dead piglet, birthweight, crown rump length, body mass index, ponderal index, and oxytocin use. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine the associations between potential risk factors and dystocia at the piglet level.

Results: A total of 6% of the piglets were born with a dystocia event, and 47.2% of the farrowing experienced at least one event. Dead piglets and piglets with a crown rump length of >31 cm were associated with an increased dystocia rate. This rate decreased from birth order 2 to 7, stabilized to 11, and then increased till the end of the fetal expulsion process.

Conclusion: Dystocia is common in swine. Therefore, this condition should be carefully addressed by veterinarians and farrowing house personnel so that its adverse effect on welfare and productivity of sows and survivability of piglets can be reduced. Further studies investigating dystocia status and risk factors in different swine farrowing systems should be undertaken to provide more knowledge about this neglected condition.

Keywords: birth order, crown rump length, dystocia, piglet, swine.