Serum biochemical and hematological parameters in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]

Background: clinical prostatic diseases occur in 80% of dogs over 5 and 95% over 9 years of age. It seems that benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] affects Scottish terriers more severely than the other breeds

Objectives: this study aimed to evaluate the changes of biochemical and hematological parameters in BPH dogs

Methods: blood samples were collected from 10 male dogs [mostly terrier or mix] older than five years with weight 8.91 +/- 2.5 kg.suffering from BPH which referred to Small Animal Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty of Tehran University. The diagnosis of BPH was based on clinical, laboratory surveys and ultrasonography. 10 normal male dogs with same age, breed and weight were selected as control group. Then serum acid phosphatase [TAP and PAP], CRP, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulins and hematological parameters were assayed and the results were analyzed by Independent student T-test. Also, Pearson's linear correlation test was used to determine the correlation between TAP, PAP, CRP and ESR with length and width of prostate

Results: the length [p=0.008], width [p= 0.01] of prostates was significantly higher in dogs suffering from BPH compared to the healthy dogs. TAP and PAP levels significantly increased in all dogs in BPH group [approximately 6 times] compared to the controls [p=0.001]. Moreover, serumic CRP concentration was elevated in some BPH dogs [approximately 6 times] [p=0.001]. While there was significant ESR elevation in some of the dogs in disease group compared to the normal dogs, no significant difference was observed in other biochemical and hematological parameters between two groups [p>0.05]. There was a highly significant correlation between serum TAP and PAP [p

Conclusions: the serum acid phosphatase, CRP and ESR were elevated in BPH dogs but the increase in serum acid phosphatase was more important than the others. It is recommended that each laboratory should use its own values of acid phosphatase in dogs

Echocardiographic findings in athletic horses with pulmonary regurgitation

Determining the clinical significance of cardiac murmurs is widely considered in equine practice. Pulmonary murmurs are commonly detected in athletic horses. Echocardiography plays a leading role in assessment of these murmurs. Echocardiographic evaluation of horses with pulmonary regurgitation and determining the importance of pulmonary valve murmurs. A total number of 450 athletic horses were examined with focus on cardiac and respiratory systems and 18 horses [8 horses with pulmonary murmur grades 3 and 4 and 10 normal horses] were included in echocardiographic examination. B-mode, M-mode, color flow Doppler and spectral Doppler were performed on two groups and the calculated indices were compared. No statistical difference was found between the values of the two groups [p<0.05]. No significant correlation was found between severity of murmurs grade and the severity of regurgitating jets. We found that with moderate grades of pulmonary regurgitation, no change in cardiac indices is present

Radiographic measurements of front feet of the sound Akhal-Teke horses

The Akhal-Teke is an ancient horse originating from Asia where it was used by nomadic tribes and used as a warhorse. Lameness examinations require proper interpretation of clinical and radiographic findings. Therefore, understanding of normal radiographic findings of the foot is necessary. Although the radiographic appearance of the normal foot must be understood to recognize abnormalities, there are no studies examining the normal hoof and digital soft tissues in Akhal-Teke horses. The purpose of the study reported here was to determine a normal radiographic appearance and morpho-metry of the distal phalanx and its related soft tissue in mature Akhal-Teke racehorses without any clinical signs of lameness and foot problems. Radiography of the distal phalanx and associated soft-tissue structures of the front feet of 10 healthy pure Akhal-Teke horses were performed to determine normal radiographic appearance and morphometry. Lateromedial radiographic views of each front distal phalanx were used to measure important distances, angles and ratios of the hoof wall. All the measurements from lateromedial radiographs were multiplied by the magnification correction factor to gain the actual distances. Mean +/- SD thickness of the soft tissues dorsal to the middle aspect of distal phalanx was 18.3 +/- 1.22 mm. There was not any significant difference between left and right digits for any radiographic determination. This study introduced S-Founder and CF-Founder as important criteria in evaluating laminitis and sinking of P3

Reduced anti-Miillerian hormone [AMH] in mares with hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles

Anti-Miillerian hormone [AMH] has been observed to decrease with the development of hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles [HAFs] in mares. Two studies were conducted to evaluate AMH concentration in mares with HAFs compared to seasonally anoestrous and cyclic mares, and to elucidate changes of AMH with the development of luteinised unruptured follicles [LUFs]. In study 1, AMH and progesterone were evaluated in seasonally anoestrous, anovulatory [with HAF] and cyclic mares [at mid luteal phase]. In study 2, mares in control and LUF groups were treated with 1500 IU/case hCG when they had a >/=32-mm follicle and an endometrial oedema score of three [day 0]. Mares in the control group received no further treatment. Mares in the LUF group received 1.7 mg/kg flunixin meglumine at the time of hCG administration, and 12, 24 and 36 h after it. Ultrasonography and blood collection for AMH and progesterone measurement were performed on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8. In study 1, AMH concentration was lower in seasonally anoestrous and HAF mares than cyclic mares [P<0.05]. Progesterone concentration did not differ between HAF and cyclic mares [P>0.05]. In study 2, AMH was not different between LUF and control mares [P>0.05]; however, progesterone had a lower concentration and a delayed rise after hCG administration in LUF mares compared with the control group [P<0.05]. The results indicated that similar to seasonally anoestrous mares, AMH concentrations decreased in mares with HAFs. LUFs were also found to be functionally different from HAFs

Normal pulsed wave Doppler echocardiographic parameters of Turkmen horses of Iran

Turkmen horse is one of the oldest and purest breeds in the world, but there is no information on Doppler echocardiographic parameters in this horse. In the present study, pulsed-wave [PW] Doppler echocardiography was performed on 42 clinically normal 3- to 15-year-old racing Turkmen horses. No cardiac disease was detected with two-dimensional [2-D] real-time, M-mode, and colour flow mapping. Doppler echocardiographic parameters and indices of tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary and aortic flows were measured in this study. Tricuspid inflow velocities during rapid filling [E] and atrial contractions [A] were significantly higher than mitral inflow [P<0.05]. The Doppler waveforms, obtained from the aortic outflow, showed a significantly longer pre-ejection period [PEP] and shorter ejection time [ET] than the pulmonary artery waveforms [P=0.001 and P=0.028, respectively]. The time taken from the onset of the QRS complex to the onset of the A wave for tricuspid flow, pulmonary PEP, and pulmonary PEP/ET, had a significant positive correlation with age. These values can be used as standard and reference values for evaluation of cardiovascular disorders in Turkmen horse

Assessment of avian osteoporosis by a quantitative radiographic method

The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative radiographic method for assessment of experimental osteoporosis in Leghorn breed laying hens. Three groups of 24 Leghorn pullets were reared in cage and fed a ration containing different calcium levels, including 3.55, 2.075 and 0.6 percent [for groups 1-3, respectively]. The hens were fed this diet from 17 weeks of age to the end of the experiment. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, 8 hens from each group were selected randomly. Radiographs were obtained from the tibiotarsus and the humerus of each hen. Radiographs were digitized using a camera and assessed by "Image J" software. Bone radiopacities and bone cortex/diameter [C/D] ratios were measured. The hens were sacrificed and the bone ash and calcium contents were measured. Bone densities of the birds in different groups were significantly different at just 36 weeks of age; they were greater in the tibiotarsus bone of the control group than in the tibiotarsus bone of median [P=0.02] and with the low calcium [P=0.007] groups. Humerus densities were also greater in control group compared with that of median [P=0.04] and with low calcium [P=0.0004] diet group. Cortex/diameter index of the tibiotarsus bone was different in all three stages between control and the two other groups, while there were no significant differences between the humeri C/D indices and the three groups in the first stage. Humeri C/D indices of the second and third stages had significant differences between control and the two other groups [P?0.05]. This study showed that radiographic evaluation of bone density is valuable just in progressed osteoporosis, while C/D index can be used for diagnosis of osteoprotic bones in earlier stages

[Radiographical study of osteoarthrosis in dogs]

Degenerative joint disease [DJD] is a non-inflammatory and noninfectious disorder of movable joints characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and new bone formation around the joints. There is no comprehensive report about the prevalence of DJD in dogs in Iran. The aim of this radiographical study was to evaluate the rate of DJD and the influencing factors such as age, sex, breed and location of the joint in dogs referred to the Radiology Division of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Tehran. Atotal of 1896 canine cases were studied during a period of five years [1382-1386]. Two hundred and thirty two cases were x-rayed with each having the problem of joint disease. Radiographic evidence of DJD was found in 21.12% of the examined dogs. Degenerative joint disease of the vertebral column was diagnosed in 6.46% of all the cases. Degenerative changes of appendicular joints were found in 14.65% of the cases. The incidence of osteoarthrosis of the forelimbs was 47% among cases with DJD of appendicular joints. The rate of osteoarthrosis of hind limbs was 53%. The highest rate of DJD of appendicular joints was seen in the hip joints [38.23%]. This study demonstrated that radiographic changes of DJD were more discernible in large breed dogs [34.56%], as compared to small breeds [13.63%] [p

[Effective factors on using artificial milk in under-one children in Aran-Bidgol [2009]]

Background: Breast milk is the best food for infants because it provides the baby with basic nutritional needs

Objective: To determine the factors affecting the use of artificial milk in children under one year referred to artificial milk commissions

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed on 186 infants under one year who were referred to artificial milk committee in Aran-Bidgol County [Kashan, Iran] in 2009. Data were collected using a questionnaire with 43 questions over demographic information associated with mother and infant, start of feeding, infant's health and behavior, type of pregnancy and birth, mother's condition and family planning, start of feeding, and history of previous lactation. Data were analyzed by chi square test

Findings: The most frequent causes for use of artificial milk were slow growth [51.1%], multiple birth [14.5%], doctor's recommendation [10.8%], infant's inability to breastfeed [10.2%], infant's illness [5.9%], mother's illness [4.8%], adoption [2.2%], and parents' separation [0.5%]. There was a statistically significant relationship between lactation and type of delivery, mother's motivation, need for after-delivery care, baby-friendly maternity unit, and use of pacifier [P<0.05]. No significant relationship between breastfeeding and mother's drug use, infant's illness, mother's employment, mother's education, and mother's breast condition was found

Conclusion: According to our findings, it seems that training and encouraging pregnant mothers for natural delivery and breastfeeding, and also establishing higher numbers of baby-friendly maternity hospitals can lead to considerable decrease in use of artificial milk

Study of the prevalence and type of ophthalmic diseases among different breeds of horses in Tehran riding clubs

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and type of ophthalmic diseases among horse populations in the suburbian riding clubs of Tehran. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed in 901 horses and ocular lesions were diagnosed in 40 [4.4%] animals. In the 54 eyes of these horses that had ocular defects, 103 ocular abnormalities were detected. Of those horses affected, 65% showed abnormalities in one eye and 35% had abnormalities in both eyes. Various sequelae to ocular trauma and periodic ophthalmia were the most common and recognizable causes, which comprised 25% and 15% of horses with ocular defects, respectively

[Ultrasonographic study of pelvic bones structures in horse]

Pelvic bones injuries may cause lameness in horses. Radiography of pelvic region in horse is usually unsatisfactory due to difficulties and dangers. Meanwhile, advanced radiographic machines are not easily available which result in delay in diagnosis and treatment. In the current study, ultrasonography of the pelvic bones in 5 healthy horses, the approaches, and normal views were evaluated using A 2-5 MHZ convex probe for transcutaneous and 5-10 MHZ rectal probe for transrectal techniques. Ultrasonographic approaches for evaluating different parts of the pelvic region were defined and the bony structures were nominated. Pelvic sonography was indicative by the smooth and strong echo of the bone surface in most parts. Iliac body showed rough surface, Ischial tuber and arch just beneath the tail. The most difficult region for evaluation was coxofemoral joint. The dorsal surface of the joint was assessed by transcutaneous approach. Our findings showed that sonography can provide useful information about possible injuries of the pelvic region. This technique can be recommended for horse pelvic evaluation either before pelvic radiography or in the absence of advanced radiographic equipments

Ultrasonography study of tendons and ligaments of metacarpal region in the camel [Camelus dromedarius]

Twelve left camel forelimbs were collected, and Ultrasonography was performed at five different levels around the metacarpal region. Limbs were then cut in the transverse plane at levels corresponding to the ultrasound images. Transverse and sagittal plane images were taken at each of the five levels, keeping all ultrasound imaging factors constant. Echogenicity, diameter, width and cross sectional area of the superficial digital flexor tendon [SDFT], deep digital flexor tendon [DDFT] and suspensory ligament [SL] were evaluated. Characteristics of echogenicity and different tendon and ligament sizes were measured and discussed

Normal left ventricular systolic time intervals assessed by pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography in the Turkmen horse of Iran

The Turkmen horse is one of the oldest and purest breeds in the world. There is no information with regards to the normal echocardiographic parameters of this horse regarding to cardiac diseases. Pulsed-wave [PW] Doppler echocardiography was performed on 42 clinically normal 3-to 15-year-old racing Turkmen horses. There were 26 stallions and 16 mares. The left ventricular isovolumetric contraction time, pre-ejection period [PEP], and the left ventricular ejection time [LVET], were measured, and the values of the left ventricular total electromechanical systole [LVTES] and the PEP-to-LVET ratio were calculated. The most suitable window for the measurement of the aforementioned indices in PW Doppler echocardiography was the left parasternal window using the five-chamber apical view. The following values were acquired in PW Doppler echocardiography: PEP = 0.088 +/- 0.018 s; LVET = 0.445 +/- 0.031 s; LVTES - 0.533 +/- 0.032 s; and PEP-to-LVET = 0.199 +/- 0.046. These measurements can be used in the future as standard and reference values for the evaluation of cardiovascular disorders in the Turkmen horse

[Radiographic evaluation of dental malocclusion and elongation of the teeth in rabbits: a retrospective study]

Aquired dental disease is characterized by deterioration of tooth quality, acquired malocclusion and elongation of the teeth roots. By now, there is no study to show incidence rate of dental diseases in Iranian pet rabbits. The aim of this study is to investigate types of disorders [dental malocclusion and elongation of the teeth roots] and rate of dental diseases based on information received from radiographs prepared from referred rabbits to Small animals Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran. During three years [2004-2007] 64 out of 239 radiographs were related to dental disorders in rabbits. Among 64 studied radiographs, 23.44% were affected by stage I of the disease and the same rate was affected by the stage II. Almost 37.5% of the affected rabbits showed signs of stage III of the disease which were accompanying with malocclusion and loss of zigzag occlusal pattern of upper and lower cheek teeth. 15.62% were affected by stage IV of the disease, no affected cases with stage V was shown. These results showed high occurrence rate of tooth root elongation and malocclusion [about 64.06%] in referred pet rabbits to the University of Tehran Veterinary hospital

Three-dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography of the kidney vasculature in normal dogs

Three-dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography is a new technique to evaluate the pattern of blood vessels. This study was performed to assess the feasibility of this method in evaluation of kidney vasculature pattern in dogs. In this paper, visualization of the Renal, Interlobar, Arcuate, and interlobular arteries and veins using 3D color Doppler ultrasonography in dogs is shown and the technique is described. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical protocol in which 3D color Doppler ultrasonography was used for kidney in veterinary practice and seems to have the potential to provide greater detail of the vascularity associated with abnormal lesion

Concurrent atrioventricular block, sinus arrest and pneumothorax in a dog secondary to vehicle accident

In human several kinds of electrocardiographic findings have been reported in association with pneumothorax such as decreased and/or alternating QRS amplitude [electrical alternans]. However, electrocardiographic changes concurrent with pneumothorax have rarely been discussed in veterinary literature. A 3-year-old male crossbreed dog was presented with a history of car accident. Thoracic auscultation revealed decreased lung sounds. Heart sounds were also markedly muffled bilaterally. An electrocardiogram revealed sinus arrest in association with first degree atrioventricular block. Pneumothorax was the main finding in thoracic radiographs. Seven days after initial admission, thoracic radiographs revealed that pnuemothorax was resolved and all electrocardiographic abnormalities returned to normal limits

Ultrasonographic findings of some ocular structures in Caspian miniature horse

Ultrasonography is a relatively easy, safe and non-invasive examination method which can be used in diagnosis of ocular disorders as complementary to routine ophthalmic examinations. As there has been no collated study undertaken on the normal measurements of ocular structures in Caspian miniature horse, obtaining these measurements could be a benchmark to diagnose some of the diseases and eye problems of this miniature breed. Transpalpebral ultrasonographic scanning of left and right eyes of six Caspian horses was performed using a 10-13 MHz transducer. Qualitative ultrasonographic findings of the eyes were described and measurements of the ocular structures were obtained. Mean +/- standard deviation of the anterior-posterior length of the eye axis, thickness of the lens, depth of the anterior chamber and depth of vitreous were as 32.9 +/- 1.0, 10.8 +/- 0.8, 3.0 +/- 0.5 and 18.3 +/- 1.0 mm, respectively

Normal color and pulsed waved doppler ultrasonography of femoral artery in rabbits

Doppler ultrasound can provide important information about vascular problems through the analysis of blood flow wave-form. The purpose of this study was obtaining the normal images of color Doppler and estimation of blood flow velocity parameters of femoral artery in rabbits. Left and right femoral arteries of 8 healthy adult New Zealand rabbits were evaluated. Color and spectral doppler images of the artery were obtained. Values of peak systolic velocity [PSV], end diastolic velocity [EDV], resistive index [RI] and pulsatility index [PI] were measured. Color doppler showed a laminar flow with aliasing artifact in the center of flow due to higher velocity. Moderate to high resistance flow pattern with diphasic flow velocity and blunted profile were observed in spectral wave-form analysis of pulsed doppler. Results of this study may be useful as baseline in haemodynamic evaluation of femoral artery and evaluation of diseases such as thromboembolism and arterial stenosis in rabbits as an animal model

Diagnosis of retinal detachment by using ultrasonography in several horses with cataract

Diagnosis of retinal detachment by usingultrasonography. 3 horses. Clinical examination and diagnosis ofdisorder on the basis of ultrasonographic findings with7.5 MHz probe and real time B. mode technique,transpalpebrally. Ultrasonography showed echodense linearstructures resulted in classic funnel appearance ofvitreous in one case and convex hyperechoic lineardensity of the back of globe in two cases. Ultrasonographic findings werecharacteristic of complete retinal detachment in one caseand partial retinal detachment in two cases