hydrophilic proteins of lung surfactant as a prognostic marker in experimental pneumonia

Background: SP-A and SP-D are hydrophilic proteins which regulate the inflammatory response of the lung. Pasteurella multocida is one of the most common bacteria isolated from calves suffering from shipping fever pneumonia, one of the majorproblems in dairy herds

Objectives: evaluation of surfactant content may provide a valuable diagnostic tool for detection of calf pneumonia due to Pasteurella multocida and also state of treatment

Methods: ten Holstein-Frisian bull calves aged 4 months with body weight of 120 +/- 5 kg were selected for study in two groups. The Pasteurella multocida [PMC66 Razi] was used in the present study for inducing pneumonia. The Bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] process was done in selected calves. BAL fluid was collected and centrifuged and finally the sediment [crude surfactant] was reserved at -20degreeC. The cytological evaluation and surfactant content was assayed by ELISA, TPL kit assay and HPLC

Results: the serum levels of SP-A and SP-D in pneumonic group were significantly elevated. Although the increased Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF] level of SP-A in pneumonic cases was found as compared with the control animals, the statistical analysis did not show any significant differences between two groups. The level of SP-D in BALF of pneumonic group significantly elevated. The amount of Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine [DPPC] in pneumonic group decreased significantly in comparison with control group

Conclusions: pasteurella inducing pulmonary can change the major component of lung surfactant, evaluation of these markers can be helpful as an appropriate tool in diagnostic state of pneumonia and healing

Changes in clinical signs after treatment in calves with experimental colisepticemia with Escherichia coli

Background: Colisepticemia is an acute fatal disease in farm animal neonates. Clinical finding of septicemia is non-specific and cannot be differentiated from signs of non-infectious disease or disease with local infection such as diarrhea

Objectives: Evaluation of clinical signs variations in calves with experimental septicemia with Escherichia coli 01 11 :H8

Methods: Colisepticemia was experimentally induced in ten Holstein bull calves after an adaptation period. Vital signs and 7 clinical criteria were recorded from 24 h before septicemia until 48 h after that. Blood culture was performed and treatment was done based on antibiogram from 24 h after challenge

Results: Changes of suckling reflex and shock were not significant. Changes of appetite, dehydration, behavior, standing ability, total score from 24 h before the challenge to 24 h after treatment were significant [p=0.00l]. Fecal consistency altered with treatment [p<0.04]. Heart rate [p=0.04 and p=0.033, respectively], respiratory rate [p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively] and body temperature [p0.00l and p=0.004, respectively] have significant changes till 24 h after challenge and till 24 h after starting treatment. Blood cultures were positive except for 0 h and 48 h after challenge

Conclusions: The present study indicated clinical signs changed unfavorably following septicemia that were dissolved approximately during 24 h, depending on treatment in appropriate time and drug choice. Thus, a targeted scoring system will be useful in clinical evaluation of septicemia, quantifying the changes procedure and treatment efficacy

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus infection in sheep and goats in Iran

Chlamydia abortus is a zoonotic bacterium that commonly causes abortions in ruminants. This microor-ganism is one of the most important infectious agents causing abortion and major economic losses in sheep and goats worldwide. The objective of this study was investigating the status of C. abortus infection among small ruminant flocks of some regions in Iran. A total of 1440 sera samples from sheep and goats were collected from 113 flocks of 7 provinces and tested with CHEKIT-ELISA for antibodies against C.abortus. The study detected overall se-roprevalence levels of 25.6% for the individual animals, and 81.4% flocks had at least one positive animal. Analysis of different sheep groups based on their age revealed that the highest numbers of infected animals were registered in the 2 years age group [p<0.05]. These results indicate that the seroprevalence of C. abortus infection in sheep and goats is very high in Iran. Therefore, it is necessary that Iran's veterinary organization set up appropriate surveillance and control programs to reduce economic losses of this disease

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

[ study of oocyst shedding pattern and weight changes in neonatal calves experimentally infected with Cryptosporidium parvum]

Background: Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite which belongs to apicomplexa phylum. The parasite infects both wild and domesticated animals and human beings as wellOBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to detect oocyst shedding and diarrhea pattern in experimental cryptosporidiosis and their correlation with weight loss in neonatal calves

Methods: Twelve Holstein calves of both sexes were obtained at birth from dairy farm and randomly divided into two groups of 6 calves. Six calves were orally infected with 10[7] C.Parvum oocysts at the 12h post parturition. The control group was not infected. Clinical signs were examined and fecal samples were collected by the rectal examination twice a day. All calves were weighed from day 0 to day 30 with 3 days intervals to determine effects of cryptosporidiosis on weight gain

Results: All infected calves were noticeably depressed and had a decreased appetite from 3 days post inoculation [DPI] while they received colostrum. Subsequently, watery diarrhea with clumps of mucus and yellow or pale changes of feces color were observed. The infected calves have had diarrhea for 5-8 days that remarkably had got dehydrated. The most severity of diarrhea was 4-6 DPI. Oocyst excretion started 4 DPI, peaked at 6 DPI [60.48×10[6] +/- 9.03oocysts/g feces] and continued until 11 DPI. Control calves had no diarrhea and other clinical signs during the whole period of the trial. The mean weight gain of control group was significantly higher than inoculated group during experiment [p<0.001]. The Weight of the infected calves was retarded until 9 days old and then risen subsequently

Conclusions: Present study showed the role of C.Parvum as the primary cause of diarrhea and weight loss among neonatal calves

[ effects of age, sex and slaughtering on cellular distribution of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids in calves and cattle]

Based on our knowledge, there have been no studies about the effect of age, sex, lobe and slaughtering stress on cellular distribution of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids in calves and cattle in Iran. The main purpose of this study was to compare the cell distribution pattern of bronchial alveolar lavage fluids in calves and cattle in terms of age, sex, type of lung lobes and the stress of slaughtering. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in twelve calves at three different ages' groups [less than 2 months, 2-4 months and 4-6 months]. 250 milliliters sterile normal saline was infused through the tracheal tube and lavage was performed using syringe pressure. Post-mortem BAL was performed on twelve isolated lungs by infusing 150 milliliter normal saline. The lavage fluid was collected in sterile plastic tubes. The slide smears was prepared by pellet which were air-dried and stained with a Giemsa stain. Slides were evaluated cytologically. The data was analyzed by T-test, One Way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test .Also, the Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the age and cell. Significant negative correlations were observed between cells such as epithelial cells, macrophages and mast cells, with a correlation coefficient of -0.430, - 0.059 and- 0.267- and age although the differences were not significant [p<0.01]. Statistically significant difference was observed in percentages of mast cells in males [1.48 +/- 1.25%] and females [zero percent] [p=0.04]. The differences were significant [p=0.019] between percentage of epithelial cells in the lungs of slaughtered cattle and lavaged lung of calves. The percentages of macrophages in slaughtered animals was significantly decreased [p=0.019] compared with live calves. Significant differences were not observed in cell density in different ages and sexes. But in the cell density in live animals [583 cells per microliter] was significantly higher than the lungs of slaughtered [237 cells per microliter] [p=0.03]. It seems that age and lobe do not affect pattern of lung immune cells. Sex and slaughtering stress, however may cause changes in immune cell type and density and lead to develop more respiratory disease

[ effect of parenteral administration of erythromycin on Immunoglobulin G absorption in neonatal calves]

Motilides mainly erythromycin have a great ability to increase abomasal emptying rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of erythromycin as a prokinetic agent on abomasal emptying rate and Immunoglobulin G absorption in neonatal calves. Twelve holstein neonate calves were divided into two groups [treatment and control] of 6 Calves each. One hour after birth, treatment and control groups were injected by erythromycine [8.8 mg/kg; IM] and normal saline [IM]. After 30 minutes, calves were fed by 3 liters of colostrum using esophageal tube. Venous blood samples for determination of plasma IgG were obtained at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 hours and 5 and 7 days after birth. The results showed that administration of erythromycin caused a significant increase in the serum IgG level [20.394 mg/mL], compared to the control group [15.021 mg/mL]. This study revealed that erythromycin increases the serum IgG level probably through abomasal emptying acceleration

Electrocardiographic parameters of Markhoz goat using base apex lead and six standard limb leads

Electrocardiographic study of 50 healthy Markhoz goats ranging from less than 1 to more than 3 years in age was carried out. The heart rate varied from 99 to 123 beats/min with a mean of 110 beats/min. There was a significant difference between the heart rate of goats in 3 age groups [[P<0.05]. The mean duration of P and T waves and QT interval in base apex lead, QRS wave in lead I, P-R and PQ interval in aVF lead were higher and duration of QRS and T waves in aVR lead, P wave in lead III, PQ and P-R intervals in lead II and QT interval in aVR lead were lower than those in the other leads. The mean duration of QT interval had significant changes with age [P<0.05]

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

[Identification of fungal isolates from conjunctival sac in healthy goats]

Fungi are present as normal flora in the surface of the eye of healthy animals but under certain conditions may cause disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the fungal isolates from the conjunctival sac of clinically normal goats and determine the effect of host age and sex on the isolates. A total of 140 swabs were taken from the inferior conjunctival sac of 70 healthy goats. The selected animals were of both male and female and divided into two age groups. The samples were inoculated in sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and incubated at 25[degree sign]C for 21 days. Data were analyzed by Fisher's exact test. In total, 6 different fungal genera were identified in 26 [37.14%] goats and 36 [25.7%] eyes. The isolates included Penicillium spp.- 14 eyes [38.88%], Scopulariopsis spp.-11 eyes [30.55], Aspergillus fumigates - 4 eyes [11.11%], Fusariumspp. -3 eyes [8.33%], Mucorspp. -3 eyes [8.33%] and Alternariasp. -1 eye [2.77%]. The sex of goat had significant effect on frequency of fungal isolation [p<0.01]. The fungal species isolated in this report are comparable with studies on ruminants. The present study is the first report of fungal flora of normal caprine conjunctiva

Rupture of chorda tendineae of the tricuspid valve in a horse: a case report

A2-year-old cachectic cross-breed gelding was admitted to Veterinary Teaching Hospital of University of Tehran following the onset of a marked respiratory distress, coughing and ventral edema. Clinical examinations indicated harsh respiratory and expiratory sounds as well as jugular vein distention. The respiratory and heart rates were 35/min and 60 bpm, respectively. A grade III/IV pansystolic murmur with the PMI on the tricuspid valve, which could be heard on the left side, was detected. Sinus tachycardia was revealed by electrocardiography. Rupture of the chorda tendineae of the tricuspid valve, pulmonary artery regurgitation, pulmonary artery hypertension, tricuspid valve regurgitation, pulmonary artery, and right ventricular dilation were also found in echocardiography. These findings were confirmed at post mortem examinations. On the basis of the findings, chorda tendineae rapture of the tricuspid valve and right side heart failure due to primary pulmonary hypertension were diagnosed

[ effects of oral administration of solution containing minerals and organic substances in parturient dairy cows and the prevention of mineral deficiency and negative energy balance]

Negative energy balance and mineral deficiency are the most important metabolic disorders in fresh dairy cows. In order to evaluate the effect of the feeding of solution [LICVITE [registered sign]] containing minerals [calcium, phosphorus and magnesium] and organic substances [propylene glycol and niacin] in parturient dairy cows, 30 cows were examined in a dairy farm with 500 milking dairy cows. 500 ml of Licvite syrup was fed to 15 dairy cows one hour post partum, and once again 14 hours after calving [treatment group]. Fifteen parturient dairy cows, almost at the same physical situation as the treatment group, did not receive any substances after calving and were chosen as the control group. Jugular blood samples were taken from two groups as follow: 12- 15 days before parturition; 14 and 24 hours after calving; and, 10 days after parturition. Analysis of sera showed that the mean serum concentration of calcium in the treatment group at 24 hours after parturition, and mean serum concentration of phosphorous in all the measured times after parturition, were significantly higher than the control group [p<0.05]. After parturition it was noticed that there was a decreased level of BHBA and NEFA in the cows in the treatment group. The differences, however, were not statistically significant. The results of present study showed that oral administration of a solution containing mineral and organic substances, to dairy cows during the first day after parturition, had a very significant effect on the prevention of subclinical mineral deficiency and the negative energy balance

[Clinical and hematological findings in affected dairy cows with combined tricuspid and mural endocarditis]

Endocarditis of cattle can develop as valvular, mural or concurrent involvement of the valvular and mural endocardium. Given the importance of endocarditis among the diseases of the cardiovascular system in cattle, 568 dairy cows were studied through complete clinical examination, looking particularly for special signs of heart involvement. The cows suspected of having a heart problem were labeled following the identification. Additional measures including blood sampling, carcass examination, and lesion sampling for histopathology were carried out in the abattoir, and endocarditis was diagnosed in 2.81% of the cases. The mean age of the cows with endocarditis was 5.4 years. The body temperature was higher than 39[degree sign]C in 56.2% of the cases. Almost 70% of the cows had more than 84 heart beats per minute. Acardiac systolic murmur was found in 56.2% of the cows. Fewer than 5,500 white blood cells per microliter and neutrophilia with more than 40% neutrophils was diagnosed in 75% and 50% of the cases, respectively. Given these results, it was concluded that despite the absence of audible systolic murmur using a stethoscope, it is probable to see valvular endocarditis, particularly in industrial mid-aged dairy cows with a focal active infective involvement showing mild fever, persistent high or at least relatively high heart beat rate and intensity, marginal leucopenia, and relatively increased neutrophils and monocytes. Therefore it may be suitable to conduct echocardiography due to its very applicable findings

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

prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in horses of the Sanandaj area

Cardiac arrhythmias, caused by disorders in the generation and transmission of cardiac impulses, is included among the heart disorders that cause inefficient blood circulation. The most commonly-used method for diagnosing this disorder is electrocardiography. In this study, we aimed to identify and diagnose different types of arrhythmia prevalent among the seemingly-healthy horses of Sanandaj City, with particular regard to breeds specific to this region. The researcher took electrocardiograms of 50 horses in Base-Apex, including Kurdish purebreds [n = 4], Arab purebreds [n = 20], and hybrid horses [n = 26; 35 male and 15 female overall]. The results of the electrocardiograms showed arrhythmias in 16 [32%] out of all the horses in this study. Of these, 23% of the stallions, 10% of mares, 40% of the Kurdish purebreds, 8% of the Arab purebreds, and 26% of hybrid horses suffered from arrhythmias. Different types of arrhythmia diagnosed included sinus arrhythmia [10%], sinus tachycardia [8%], wandering pacemaker [8%], and first degree atrioventricular block [6%]. The frequencies of arrhythmia in horses found in this study were similar to the results of other researchers. It is important to distinguish between physiological and pathological arrhythmias in horses after diagnosis, since arrhythmias can have a great impact on exercise performance

[Study on possible relationship between gastric ulcer and cardiac arrhythmias in the Arab horse and Caspian miniature horse]

Peptic ulcer is a very common disorder in horse race and foals. In the present research possible relationship between gastric ulcer and the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia were studied in two different horse race. In this respect. 13 Caspian miniature horses and 8 Arab horses were studied. Gastric ulcers and cardiac arrhythmias were diagnosed in 13 horses [62%] and 12[57%] out of 211 horses, respectively. The observed cardiac arrhythmias were sinus tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, second degree AV block and SA block. There was no significant relationship between gastric ulcer and cardiac arrhythmia in general and between gastric ulcer and each kind of arrhythmia [p>0.005]. Serum calcium, potassium. sodium, magnesium and inorganic phosphorous concentrations were measured in the horses. No significant correlation was seen between serum electrolyte and gastric ulcer or cardiac arrhythmia. Despite lack of significant correlation between cardiac arrhythmia and gastric ulcer, more occurrence for some kinds of arrhythmia in affected horses with gastric ulcer was very interesting and need to be further investigated in future

Gastric ulceration in Persian Arab horses in Iran: frequency, haematology and biochemistry

Gastric endoscopy was performed in the 24 Persian Arab horses from several race training in Tehran and Tabriz for detection of gastric ulcer. Gastric ulcer was evident in 14 Persian Arab horses [58.3%]. Ten out of 14 ulcers were in nonglandular region of the stomach. The horses with the history of long term treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] had high prevalence of the gastric ulcer in the glandular mucosa. In this study the prevalence of gastric ulceration was higher in horses with active training program than others. Twelve out of 14 [71%] horses with gastric ulcers had a history of active training. The difference of two groups in respect to training was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. The number of monocytes was significantly lower and concentrations of potassium were significantly higher in horses with gastric ulcer [P<0.05]. The results of this study showed that the frequency of gastric ulceration in the training Persian Arab horses was relatively high. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical importance of ulcer in these horses

[Identification of cryptosporidium parvumby PCR and its determination of protein pattern and immunogenic antigens]

Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite which causes diarrhea in both human and wide range of animals. Since this protozoa causes remarkable economic losses in cattke industry in Iran, the molecular determination of porotozoa and characterization of its protein pattern and immunogenic antigend are the aim of this study. In this study, diarheatic fecal samples of calves suspected for cryptosporidiosis were collected and identified. Purification and concentration of cryptosporidial oocysts from fecal samples was performed. Oocysts were confirmed as Cryptosporidium parvum by semi-nested PCR using specific primers designed from 18srRNA gene of Cryptosporidium parvum. Acalf with negative antibodies against Cryptosporidium parvunm was infected with 5 x10[6] oocysts. 5 days after inoculation, oocysts were isolated and purified. Soluble proteins from sporozoites were prepared and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. There was an intense recognition of some10 to 100 kDa, ten low molecular weight proteins were recognized between 20-40 kDa, six separated protein bands was recognized between 40-70 kDa, immunoreactive proteins were present at different molecular weights between 17-260 kDa. Three antigens of apparent molecular weights 20-30 kDa, three antigen bands between 40-60 kDa and 2 bands 70-75 kDa were identified. Antibody responses to cryptosporidial antigens at high molecular weights were successfully diagnosed with apparent molecular weights 130, 170, 216 and 257kDa

Recombinant Cryptosporidium parvum p23 as a candidate vaccine for cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidium parvum is a ubiquitous protozoan, which develops within the microvillous membrane of enterocytes in a wide variety of vertebrates, including man. Cryptosporidiosis is an important parasite causing severe diseases in the immunodeficient people especially AIDS patients. Cryptosporidiosis has been also reported as a com-mon serious primary cause of outbreaks of diarrhea in newborn calves. The aim of this study was to confirm that P23 was an immunogenic antigen in domestic isolates of C. parvum. We isolated cryptosporidial oocysts from the naturally infected calves. The oocysts were then purified and characterized as C. parvum by nested PCR. To obtain the recombinant P23 protein, we isolated the mRNA from oocyst of C. parvum, and synthesized the cDNA. The cDNA was then amplified using specific primers for P23 gene. Sequencing of PCR product showed 100% homology to the known P23 sequences in GenBank. The double strand P23-cDNA was then cloned in pGEX-5X-2 expression vector and P23-recombinant protein was prepared. West-ern blot analysis of recombinant P23 showed that it could be recognized by the positive C. parvum serum. Furthermore, serum from immunized goat with the recombinant P23 protein also recognized a protein band with approximately 23 kDa in lysates prepared from the oocytes. Since P23 is an immunodominant surface glycoprotein expressed in the early phase of infection and the immunogenic epitopes are found in its residual chain of amino acid sequence, the recombinant P23 could be recom-mended as a favorable candidate for vaccination against C. parvum infection

[Prevalence of cardiac murmurs in clinically healthy horses of riding schools [Shiraz, Isfahan and Tehran]]

To determine the prevalence of cardiac murmurs in clinically healthy horses of riding schools [Shiraz, Isfahan and Tehran]. Field Study. Five hundred and twenty six horses [475 sporting and 51 non-sporting horses]. Horses were divided into: sporting horses [jumping, race, endurance, training], non-sporting horses [foals, pleasure] and two different age groups:>2 and 2 years old was significantly greater than horses 2 years old can be related with increase in the prevalence of systolic murmurs on the tricuspid valve. This finding may be due to the effect of training and occurrence of eccentric cardiac hypertrophy