[Hematological and serum biochemical parameters in anemic dogs]

Anemia is a common disorder in domestic pet animals, usually encountered in veterinary clinics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of the anemic dogs and to show practically the value of measuring the corrected reticulocyte percentage [CRP]. A survey was conducted on 500 dogs which referred to small animal hospital of the faculty of veterinary medicine of Tehran university. From this population, a group of 139 anemic dogs was selected with PCV less than 37% and 20 healthy dogs as control group. They were examined for the hematological parameters [RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCHC, RDW, WBC, PLT, Dif, reticulocyte percentage and corrected reticulocyte percentage] and serum biochemical factors [Fe, alanine amino transferase activity,creatinine, total protein and glucose]. The anemic dogs were divided into 3 anemic groups based on MCV and MCHC: microcytic hypochromic [1.44%], microcytic normochromic [21.59%] and normocytic normochromic [76.97%]. A comparison survey was conducted between the results of the 3 anemic and control groups by one way ANOVA and Tukey test. The measurement of hematological parameters indicated that RBC, Hb and PCV decreased significantly in all anemic dogs. The results showed that RDW of microcytic hypochromic group increased significantly compared to control. The reticulocyte percentage of all anemic groups was significantly different from control group, but calculation of CRP showed there was only significant difference between normocytic-normochromic and control groups. One way ANOVA indicated that serum Fe in microcytic-hypochromic group and serum creatinine in normocytic-normochromic group significantly decreased and increased, respectively. Total protein of all groups is significantly decreased compared to control group. There were no significant changes for the other parameters. Based on the result, it is suggested that CRP and biochemical parameters be measured such as: creatinine, total protein, ALT and glucose in addition to CBC, in all anemic dogs

[ molecular and clinical survey of feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus prevalence in non-vaccinated cats in Tehran, Iran]

Despite the widespread use of vaccines against feline herpesvirus type1 [FHV_1] and feline calicivirus [FCV], clinical signs are still seen in cat population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of FHV-1 and FCV in non vaccinated clinically healthy cats and cats with URTD. Oropharyngeal and conjunctival swabs were taken from 16 cats with clinical signs of URTD and 26 clinically healthy cats. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] were performed to diagnose FCV and FHV-1 infections. In cats with URTD, the prevalence rate of FCV [100%] was higher than FHV-1[43%] but in clinically normal cats the prevalence rate of both viruses was about 50%. Clinical signs in cats with FCV was more various than FHV. Also, the prevalence of both viruses co-infection was 30% and half of them showed clinical disease. The results indicated higher rate of both viruses infection especially FCV in domestic cats in Tehran in comparison with other regions. Stomatitis was seen in 50% of cats with URTD. In 50% of cats with corneal ulcers, contrary to our expectations, FCV was detected not FHV-1. It seems that new variants of calicivirus are more virulent and are able to damage other tissues like cornea and conjunctiva. FCV tends to produce more clinical signs than FHV. Also, infection with new variants of FCV and FHV-1 in healthy cats and cats with URTD is much higher than other regions of the world. Therefore, a revision of vaccines and vaccination program, especially for FCV has become a matter of necessity just like other countries

Isolation, characterization and transduction of canine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells [cBM-MSCs]

Stem cell therapy in small animal medicine is still in its infancy and few in vitro and in vivo research projects regarding animal Mesenchymal Stem Cells [MSCs] have been carried out. On the other hand, Cell tracking is the first step of the cell-based therapies and is essential to recognize cell fate post transplantation. The aim of this study was to isolate, characterize, and transduce cBM-MSCs. Canine Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells [cBMMSCs] were isolated from bone marrow of dogs and characterized based on morphology, differentiation capacities, and surface marker expressions. For the first time, we labeled cBM-MSCs by GFP-encoding lentiviral vector to track them. cBM-MSCs were successfully isolated and proliferated. Morphologically, these cells were similar to other MSCs from other sources and species and were able to differentiate into osteocytes and adipocytes. cBM-MSCs expressed surface marker CD44 but were not able to express CD34. Approximately, 70% of cells efficaciously expressed GFP after labeling; We found that GFP labeling is an easy and effective technique to track transplanted cBMMSCs. Our results also provide fundamental information about canine BM-MSCs in order to use in veterinary medicine

Comparison of immunochromatographic rapid test with molecular method in diagnosis of canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus [CPV] infection is one of the most common causes of infectious gastroenteritis in dogs and is a highly contagious, often fatal disease. The original virus[CPV type 2] has had some mutations since its emergence and new variants [CP V-2a, 2b and 2c] have been reported from many countries all around the world. Early diagnosis and treatment can profoundly affect the disease outcome. To compare the ability of Immunochromatographic [1C] test to detect CPV infection in 50 PCR positive samples [n=50] with regard to virus strains. 50 rectal swabs [n=50] were prepared from suspicious dogs and subjected to PCR and 1C test respectively. The sensitivity of 1C test in PCR positive samples was 84% [42 out of 50 samples] and the positive predictive value of the test was 100%. Using PCR, CPV strains in our study were 2a [18/50,36%] and 2b [32/50,64%] with the predominance of 2b strain. 1C test was also able to diagnose 15/18 [83.3%] of CPV-2a and 27/32 [84.3%] CPV-2b strain positive samples, which means 1C test can detect CPV infections caused by both virus strains [2a and 2b], without significant difference. This study shows that 1C test results are relatively reliable for diagnosing CPV infection in daily veterinary practice and the test is able to diagnose both CP V-2a and CP V-2b which are prevalent strains in Iran

[Comparision of auricle and external ear canal fungal flora between healthy domestic short-hair and Persian cats]

Fungal agents are considered as one of the most prevalent organisms in external otitis. The aim of this study was to compare the fungal flora of external ear canal and concave surface of auricle in healthy Persian and Domestic Short Hair [DSH] cats. Samples were collected from 120 healthy cats [60 Persians and 60 DSH] with swab and cellophane tape. Out of 103 [85.8%] organisms isolated from cats, 83 [80.6%] were identified as molds. infection with Dermatophytes were detected in 3 [5%] samples. Yeasts were also present in 20 [19.4%] cats. Based on the results of this study there wasn't any significant difference in fungal flora of the ear canal between Persian and DSH cats. Ear canal and pinna in most of healthy cats harbor fungal filamentous and yeast organisms that maybe pathogenic in suitable conditions. Furthermore dermatophyte organisms in apparently healthy cats can be transmitted to their owners

Immunotherapy using autoclaved L. major antigens and M. vaccae with Meglumine antimoniate, for the treatment of experimental canine visceral leishmaniasis

To evaluate immunotherapy against canine visceral leishmaniasis, Leishmania major antigen and heat-killed Mycobacterium vaccae [SRL172] were used as stimulators of immune defense mechanisms and the results were compared with standard chemotherapy meglumine antimoniate. Nineteen mongrel dogs aging 1-3 years old were used in this experiment. Infection was carried out in 15 out of 19 dogs using L. infantum, isolated from a naturally infected poly-symptomatic dog. All the cases showed positive serologic results by direct agglutination test during 30-60 days following inoculation. In the first group, which was under chemotherapy [Glucantime [R]], one of the members showed recurrence of the disease despite rapid effect of the therapeutic protocol. Immunotherapy using SRL 172 caused complete cleaning of the parasite in group 2, but the speed was less than Glucantime. Immunotherapy using L. major antigen combined M. vaccae in group 3 and combine administration of immunotherapy and chemotherapy in group 4 both were with relapsing of one case in each group. Group 5 and 6 were consisted of positive and negative control dogs, respectively. immunotherapy seems to be an adjuvant in treatment of canine leishmaniasis but it needs more investigation for final confirmation

Rectovaginal fistula and atresia ani in a kitten: a case report

Rectovaginal fistula with atresia ani is a congenital condition that affects the anal opening and rectum by the formation of an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina. This was diagnosed in a domestic short hair kitten. The presenting physical abnormalities included depression, dehydration, partial tail agenesis, anal atresia and a discharge of watery feces from the vaginal opening. The kitten died before surgery because of her poor general condition. Necropsy confirmed the diagnosis that was proposed after the clinical and radiographic findings

Comparative study of antibody titers produced against two BHK rabies vaccines in field trial experimental condition in dogs by RFFIT

Rabies is acutely fatal encephalitis caused by a neurotropic virus. This virus belongs to the family of Rhabdoviridae and genus of Lyssavirus. The virus is almost always transmitted to human through infected mammalian saliva. Rabies is inoculated to a wound by an infected animal bite. Since infection is established in the CNS, the outcome is almost always fatal. According to the outstanding role of vaccination against rabies in animals, as well as post-exposure treatment regimen in human, production of cell-cultured rabies vaccine is the most common interest of researchers. Two BHK-rabies vaccines, one made in the Pasteur Institute of Iran and two in Schering-Plough Animal Health of Madrid, Spain have been tested on 12 dogs divided into two groups. Sera were taken monthly over 18 months. To evaluate the titer of the rabies-neutralizing antibody, these sera were analyzed by the rapid fluorescence focus inhibition test [RFFIT] in the end of each month. Both study groups showed a sufficient immunogenic response without any significant difference at least one year after vaccination. With respect to the effective immunization of rabies vaccines, their annual injections would be sufficient. According to the results, at the end of the study [18th month] serum titer in only one dog [No.7] was less than protective level. Two animals in group one [No.2 and No. 5] also had serum titers less than protective level. Mean of post vaccination antibody titer were not different in either groups [P=0.35]

[Comparison between serology and PCR methods for the diagnosis of visceral Leishmaniasis]

Canine visceral leishmaniasis [CVL] caused by Leishmania Infantum is endemic in most Mediterranean basin and its seroprevalence ranges from 10 to 37%. Diagnosis of Infection is very important especially in asymptomatic dogs for control of human leishmaniasis for control of human visceral leishmaniasis. This study was aimed to compare three methods for detection of canine visceral leishmaniasis. In this research process study, 71 dogs were selected from 4 endemic villages in Meshkin-Shahr district. Peripheral blood samples were tested by serologic [DAT and Dipstick rK39] and molecular [PCR] methods. Skin samples were tested by molecular [PCR] methods. Twelve samples of PCR products were sequenced that all of them were identified as Leishmania infantum and 2 nucleotide sequence data submitted to the GenBank database. From 71 dogs that were studied, 21.1% were symptomatic and others were asymptomatic[78.9%]. 17 dogs [23.9%] had >/= 1:320 titer of antibody by direct agglutination test [DAT]. Twenty two dogs[31%] were positive by Dipstick rK39 test, 21 dogs [29.6%] were positive by PCR on skin samples, 31 dogs [43.7%] were positive in blood PCR and 38 dogs [53.5%] were positive by skin/blood PCR. The highest correlation was between DAT and Dipstick test [76%].According to the results of this study, we can diagnose infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs by DAT as a suitable method and PCR is suitable to follow parasite DNA in skin and other tissues of dogs

Assessment of antimicrobial resistance of cultivable helicobacter-like organisms in asymptomatic dogs

This study was performed to detect cultivable canine gastric Helicobacter-like organisms [GHLO's] and to evaluate their sensitivity to common antibiotics in two groups of naturally infected dogs [pets and stray dogs]. Gastric samples were taken from the body and antrum of 30 pets and 30 stray dogs. From each part of canine gastric mucosa, four gastroscopic samples were used for impression smear, rapid urease test [RUT], polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and culture examination. 88.5% and 95% of gastric samples were positive for the presence of GHLO's in cytological and PCR examination, respectively. From 60 canine gastric cultures, successful growth happened in 17 cases. Antimicrobial sensitivity test was performed by disk method. All isolates of helicobacters were highly susceptible to polymyxin B,ampicillin, tetracycline, clarithromycin, erythromycin and gentamicin. Two isolated GHLO's were resistant to metronidazole. One strain also was resistant to amoxiclav, ceftriaxone, norfloxacin and oxytetracycline. This matter could show the resistance of some strains ofhelicobacters to different antimicrobials in veterinary medicine. With regards to the results of this study, it is recommended that antibiotic sensitivity test or use of concurrent different antibiotics be tried in the case of treatment resistance

Isolation of Leptospira canicola from a dog in Iran: first report

A 5-year-old male cross-bred guard dog with signs of anorexia, vomiting and jaundice was referred to Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. Initial diagnostic laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, haemoconcentration, azotaemia, high liver enzyme activities, proteinuria and bilirubinuria. Aggressive therapeutic procedures failed to improve the animal deteriorated condition and finally the animal died. After necropsy, specimens were collected for microscopic examination as part of completing diagnostic procedures. Results of urine bacterial culture confirmed leptospirosis as a causative agent. Furthermore, numerous large spiral bacteria were also observed under dark-field microscope. This article summarizes and characterizes the historical and physical findings, laboratory data, bacterial culture and pathological diagnostic features of leptospirosis in the cross-bred dog. Based on published data, this is the first case of confirmed Leptospira isolation from a dog in Iran

Seroepidemiological study on canine visceral leishmaniasis in Meshkin-Shahr district, Ardabil province, northwest of Iran during 2006-2007

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Meshkin-Shahr district as endemic areas of human visceral leishmaniasis [HVL] for presenting control program of HVL to health authorities. A Seroepidemiological study to determine seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis [CVL] among ownership dogs using direct agglutination tests [DAT] in 21 villages of Meshkin-Shahr district, Ardabil Province was carried out from June 2006 to August 2007. Three hundred and eighty four ownership dogs were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare seroprevalence values relative to gender, age and clinical signs. Of the 384 serum samples tested by DAT, 17.4% [95%C.I, 13.2%-20.8%] were positive [1:320 and higher]. No statistical significant difference was found between male [16.5%] and female [20.2%] seroprevalence [P=0.416]. The highest seroprevalence rate [64.2%] was observed among the ownership dogs of three years age and above. Only 25.4% of the seropositive dogs had clinical signs and symptoms. The most clinical signs among symptomatic dogs were cachexia [75%] and alopecia [36.5%]. The majority of seropositive dogs [74.6%] lived in endemic areas of Meshkin-Shahr district were asymptomatic. It seems that all symptomatic and asymptomatic infected dogs are the most important risk factors for human infection in VL endemic areas

Comparision of the validity of different diagnostic methods in determining ghlo infections in cats

The aim of the present study was to compare different diagnostic methods in the determination of gastric helicobacter infection. 30 healthy stray and 27 domestic cats. were studied The procedure involved taking biopsy samples from antrum and body by pediatric gastroscope in off feed animals. Diagnosis of gastric helicobacter infection by cytology, rapid urease test, histopathology and PCR was also conducted. In all diagnostic methods, helicobacter infection was found to be more prevalent in domestic cats than the stray ones. None of the cats were infected with H. pylori and most of them had mixed infections with H. felis and H. heilmanii. Sensitivity and specificity of different diagnostic methods in comparison with PCR were 93 and 44%, respectively in rapid urease test, 97 and 92% respectively in histopathology and 98 and 94%, respectively in cytology. Based on result of the study most of the cats may be infected with helicobacter spp without any significant clinical signs. Cytology was the most simple and fastest screening methods in the diagnosis of helicobacter infection. With respect to morphologic similarities of H. felis and H. heilmanii and inability to culture H. heilmanii, PCR can be considered as one of the best methods in the identification of infecting helicobacter strains in cats

Sequencing and expression of elastase 11 gene in polymorphoneuclear leukocytes in healthy individuals for determination of single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] by RT-PCR

ELA2 gene responsible for coding human neutrophil elastase, a powerful serine protease carried by blood neutrophils and capable of destroying most connective tissue proteins. The NE gene consist of 5 exons and 4 introns. Peripheral blood obtained from healthy individuals. Total RNA was isolated using RNA standard techniques from fresh separated cells by polymorphoprep. RNA was analyzed by employing PCR amplification of reveres transcribed using a total of ten specific primers. We amplified five exon of ELA2 gene separately and sequenced each exon. Mutational analysis was performed by directed capillary sequencing method. We have found new single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] in exon II codon 44. It was a silent mutation G to A substitution but no changes in amino acid sequences were seen. The codon sequence was GCG that has changed to GCA. The purpose of SNP detection is mainly recognition of susceptible people to certain diseases and providing suitable drugs based on each person genetic information. SNP information in Iranian patients can be used for analysis of drug response to human diseases

Study of giardia infection in cats

Giardiasis caused by the intestinal flagellate Giardia duodenalis. It is postulated that animals may be a reservoir for human infection and vice versa, thus, giardiasis classified as a zooanthroponotic disease. Therefore, accurate information about the Giardia infection in animals can help the control and prevention of disease in human. With respect to considerable population of cats in Iran and close relation to human, in the current study we tried to determine the infection rate of Giardia in stray, semi-stray and domestic cats. One hundred eighty one cat fecal specimens were collected and after formol-ether concentration, Giardia cysts were detected using light microscope. Twenty one samples [11.6%] out of 166 samples were Giardia cyst positive. The highest levels of infection with Giardia were in domestic cats [75%]. The findings prominence the necessity for cat owners to have knowledge about zoonotic transmission of Giardia

[Comparative evaluation of radiography and electrocardiography for diagnosis of cardiac enlargement in dog]

To compare the obtained results of radiography and electrocardiography [ECG] for diagnosis of cardiac enlargement in dogs. Descriptive study. Twenty two different breed dogs of both sexes were suspected as having cardiac disorders based on clinical signs. Complete physical examination, CBC, evaluation of probable diseases, recording of ECG [without using of sedatives in standard condition] and taking radiographs in lateral and dorso-ventral positions of thorax were done. VHS index [Vertebral Heart Scale] was measured in all of animals based on lateral thoracic radiographs. Likelihood Ratio and Fisher's Exact test for reliability of the data with Phi Table. Seven out of 22 cases showed cardiac enlargement signs in electrocardiography. In 5 cases the disease was confirmed by radiography. Among studied parameters for diagnosis of cardiac enlargement, we have found a correlation between radiography and electrocardiography, and radiography and VHS. Meanwhile, the latter showed stronger reliability

Epidemiologic study of periodontal disease in dogs referred to the small animal hospital,faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Tehran

To determine the prevalence of periodontal disease and gindivitis and their relationships with probable influencine, University of Tehran,Iran.[1992-2000]. Case series. 300 dogs were Used in the Study. Animals with 6 months of age and older include in this study. Factors like: age, diet, content of bone in the diet [hardness of diet] and occlusion conformation were recorded in each animal. Based on oral examinations and factors like: dental calculus, depth of gingival sulcus, dental mobility and loosing teeth, the gingival status of the dogs were determined as: healthy, gingivitis [primary and irreversible lesions] and periodontitis [irreversible and advance cases]. Chi-square test and the frequencies in percent. The frequency rate of gingivitis and periodontitis in the study were 24% and 12% respectively. Age and occlusion conformation had not any significant influence on disease progression. Small breeds had a higher tendency for the dental problems [gingivitis=32.8% and perodontitis=24.8%] in comparison with larger breeds [gingivitis=19.2% and perodontitis=0.9%]. Periodontal disease was more common in older animals in a manner that none of the animals over 5 years old had healthy gingiva. Furthermore the dogs that had access to bone in their diets had lesser periodontal problems [jealthy gingiva=79.9%]. dental calculus deposits were more abundant and gingival sulcus was deeper in maxillary forth premolars and first molars teeth but mobility and loosing problems were more common in incisors. With respect to results of this study periodontal disease was common in dogs referred to small animal hospital, faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Tehran. Therefore, especial attebtion should be paid to the oral hygiene situation and dog's especially small breeds and older animals should be fed with a diet sufficient of hard material

Treatment of diabetic rats induced with steroptozotocin by immunoisolated transplantation of islet cells

Background and Purpose: Although it is now certain that insulin injection allows us to control the complications resulting from blood sugar imbalances, its accurate control by insulin injection is difficult. Therefore as a logical solution, transplantation of islet cells is globally considered as a treatment and the present study is conducted to verify it

Methods and Materials: After materials preparation, donor tissue was obtained from 6 male wistar rate cage 75-90 days [weight 250-300 gram]. Transplantation was done on diabetic rate induced 2-4 weeks earlier by 60 mg/kg streptozotocin intravenous injection

Results: After islet cells transplantation, blood glucose was reduced to normal [145 +/- 5 mg/dl] and insulin and C-peptide increased [1.9 +/- 0.1 MIU/L and 0.053 +/- 0.001 ?g/ml respectively]. Clinical symptoms of dibetes induction were relieved after transplantation

Conclusion: The technique of islet cells transplantation in the form of encapsulation with the absence of immunological inhibitors to support the graft against the recipient's immunity system is an innovative method to treat type I diabetes

[ epidemiologic survey on dmft amony 4-5 year old children of kindergartens under the supervision of Behzisti organization in Tehran [2003]]

Background and aim: the goal of this study was to determine some of the epidemiologic factors of dmft and CF rate [caries free] among 3-5 year old children of kindergartens under the supervision of Behzisti organization in Tehran [2003]

Methods and Materials: this cross-sectional study was performed randomly on 400 girls and boys, aged 3-5, from 32 kindergartens. Examinations were done by on explorer and mirror and x-ray was not used. Caries diagnosis was based on WHO guidelines and children with dmft=0, were considered as CF cases. General knowledge of children were asked from their parents through a questionnaire. Statistical tests including x2, t and one way ANOVA and LSD post hoc test when needed were used. Significance level was a = 0.05 and Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the relationship between quantitative variables and dmft

Results: mean dmft among the investigated children was 2.45 and means of "d", "m,' and "f' were 195. 0.43 And 0.07, respectively. The rate of CF, in this study was 48.3% and "Sex" did not have an effect on CF. Investigations showed that the rate of CF decreased mean dmft increased by age [P>:0.00l].Also was observed that parents education, mother occupation, the size of family and the grade of child's birth were significantly effective on dmft [P<0.05]. In groups with low-level parents education and house-wife mothers, mean dmft was high and an increase in family size and grade of child's birth, dmft was also increased

Conclusion: this study showed mean dmft in investigated children as 2.45 and the rate of CF as 48.3 which did not show acceptable results. Children belonging to parents of low-level education had more problems

[Normal wlues of intraocular pressure in stray cats by using Schiotz tonometry and it's comparison after induction of anesthesia with ketamine and acepromazine]

Objective: comparison of intraocular pressure alternations measured by Schiotz tonometry before and after induction of anesthezia by ketamine and acepromazine in stray cats. The effects of factors like age, sex and iris color on intraocular pressure were also studied

Design: uncontrolled clinical trial

Animals: hundred stray cats were used in the study

Material and methods: hundred stray cats were collected from different portions of Tehran by a special cage designed to do this. To improve the accuracy of data in each case measurement was performed three times and it's average was recorded as IOP in that animal. Furthermore, because in many clinical examinations especially when the animal suffer from pain due to glaucoma use of anesthesia is obligatory and to assess the effect of anesthesia on IOP, all of the cats were anesthetized by ketamine hydrochloride and acepromazine in traditional doses and IOPs were measured again in this situation

Statistical analysis: in this study statistical analysis were performed by independent t test, paired t test, one way ANOVA and tookey as complementary test

Results: in this study, the mean of IOP was 17.5 +/- 0.46 mmHg. Furthermore, the results of this study showed that sex and color of iris had no significant effect in IOP, but in respect to age based on statistical ANOVA test, the difference was significant. Younger animals had higher values of IOP compared with older cats. Beside this, the results of this study showed that anesthesia with ketamine and acepromazine in cats can lead to increase in IOP and x =[y-0.743/1.021] formula, as an index, can be used for IOP determination in situations that anesthesia performance is obligatory [x = corrected IOP value before anesthesia induction, y = acquired IOP value after anesthesia]

Discussion: from the factors evaluated in this study, just age had a significant influence on IOP. Beside this for determination of glaucoma especially when use of ketamine and acepromazine are obligatory and there is considerable pain in the patient and physical restraint is impossible, this could lead in increase of IOP in affected animals. To evaluate IOP properly in this conditions use of correction coefficients could be helpful