effects of topical chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin on con-junctival bacterial flora of healthy dogs

Normal bacterial flora of the conjunctiva, which inhibits growth of opportunistic organisms, has an important role in the prevention of ocular infections. If resident flora is inhibited by disease or long-term application of antibiotics, opportunistic pathogens overgrow, leading to disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ophthalmic chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin on bacterial conjunctival flora in healthy dogs. A total of 16 animals were divided into 2 equal groups which received either chloramphenicol [CHL] [0.5%] or ciprofloxacin [CIP] [0.3%]. In both groups, the right eye of each animal was treated with 2 drops of antibiotics every 8 and 6 hours, respectively, for 1 week and the left eye received artificial tear solution and served as control. Bacterial and fungal cultures were performed 8 hours before and after the treatment. Fisher's Exact test and SPSS software were used for statistical analyses [p<0.05]. There were no statistically significant differences between control and test eyes and bacterial isolates in both groups. In CHL group, after treatment Staphylococcus spp [62.5%], Bacillus spp [12.5%] from the right eyes and Staphylococcus spp [75%] and Bacillus spp [12.5%] from left eyes were isolated. In CIP group, after treatment the bacterial isolates of right eyes were Staphylococcus spp [87.5%], Aerococ-cus spp [37.5%], Viridans streptococcus [25%], Micrococcus spp [12.5%], Bacillus spp [12.5%]; Staphylococcus spp [75%], Micrococcus spp [25%] Bacillus spp [12.5%] were isolated from left eyes of dogs after 1 week administration of artificial tear. Topically applied chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin had no significant changes in or detrimental effects on normal bacterial flora of treated dogs

Urinary oxalate, citrate, and gamma glutamyl transferase alterations after administration of Cynodon dactylon extract in cats

Urinary oxalate and citrate are the key factors in caox urolithiasis of cats and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase is a good test for assessment of kidney damage. Favorable effects of Cynodon dactylon on calcium oxalate stone formation have recently been proved in rats. The present study was designed to investigate the alteration of urinary oxalate, citrate, and GGT after administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of Cynodon dactylon to experimental hyperoxaluric cats. No scientific study has been done so far to demonstrate the beneficial effect of this plant in cats. 13 mature male cats were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A received standard diet and drinking water while, group B and C also received ethylene glycol at sub-toxic dose [130 mg/kg] daily for 30 days. Group C received hydroalcoholic extract of C.dactylon [400 mg/kg] from day 0 to 30, as well. Urine samples were collected on days 0, 15, and 30 and were analyzed for oxalate, citrate, and GGT levels. Urine oxalate level in group B was significantly higher than group C on days 15 and 30. Urinary citrate excretion was significantly higher in group C compared to the other groups on day 15; however, it decreased during the entire experiment in groups B and C. Urinary Gamma Glutamyl Transferase level was increased in hyperoxaluric cats and decreased in the treated group during the experiment. Based on our results, C.dactylon extract could reduce the hyperoxaluria and has beneficial effects on preventing the renal damage in cats. Such findings provide a scientific explanation for applying C.dactylon in prevention and possible treatment of CaOx kidney stones in cats and humans

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

[Molecular study on Ehrlichia canis in thrombocytopenic dogs]

Infection with Ehrlichia canis, a gram negative obligatory intracellular bacterium, causes canine monocytic ehrlichiosis which is the worldwide disease in dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of E. canis in thrombocytopenic dogs using nested PCR and diagnostic role of thrombocytopenia in the infection. Blood samples collected from 40 dogs attended in Teaching small animal hospital of Tehran University were classified as group A [platelet counts below 101.000/microL, thrombocytopenic, n=11], B [101.000-200.000/microL, thrombocytopenic, n=15] and C [platelet counts more than 201.000/microL, non-thrombocytopenic, n=14] according to their platelet counts. 16S rRNA was analyzed by nested PCR using specific primers. 16S rRNA gene fragment of E. canis were detected in five samples of group A [45.5%], three samples of group B [20%], and one sample of group C [7.1%]. Prevalence rate of infection was statistically higher in group A than the other groups [p=0.02]. In total, approximately one third of thrombocytopenic dogs had demonstrable E. canis infection [30.7%]. While thrombocytopenia cannot be considered as specific marker for detection of E. canis infection, it can be used as a surveillance test prior to other diagnostic methods

[Effect of climatic factors on canine Lime borreliosis in Iranian Caspian sea littoral provinces]

Lyme borreliosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. There are no reports on this subject in dogs from Iran. Determining the serologic prevalence level of produced antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex in three Caspian littoral provinces of Iran and studying the effect of climatic risk factors on it are the first aims of this study. During the period from July to September 2009 a seroepidemiological study was conducted on 273 dogs in three Caspian provinces of Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan, Iran's known habitats of tick [Ixodes ricinus]. In order to study the correlation between infection distribution and climatic factors by geographic information system [GIS], geographic position of seronegative and seropositive dogs was overlaid on climatic maps of Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. Multivariate regression model and correlation matrix analyses were used for statistical analysis. From 273 serum samples in the whole studied area, 22 [8.1%] showed antibodies against B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato in provinces of Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan were 0.0% [0.91], 2.2% [2.91] and 22% [20.91], respectively. Mean annual temperature had positive and significant correlation with B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex seroprevalence in sampled dogs of the three north provinces [p<0.05]. Regarding the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in dogs of three Caspian provinces of Iran, more attention must be paid to this disease, especially in Golestan province. This is the first study on the role of climatic factors in canine Lyme borreliosis in Iran

Disseminated leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica in a puppy from Karaj, central Iran

A 5-month old puppy with muco-cutaneous lesions in the chin, around lips and eyes was examined physically and microscopically for leishmaniasis. Muco-cutaneous lesions containing a large number of amastigotes of Leishmania spp. were observed. Amastigotes were also detected in liver and spleen of the puppy. The animal was positive with Dipstick rK39 kit and high level of anti-Leishmania antibodies was detected by direct agglutination test [DAT]. DNA, Using PCR-RFLP technique extracted from cultured Leishmania promastigotes and L. tropica was identified. This is the first report of concurrent mucosal and visceral involvement of L. tropica in a puppy from Iran

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs in Tehran, Iran

Toxoplasma gondii infects a wide range of animals; felines are definitive hosts and other animals including the dogs are intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in Tehran, capital of Iran and to investigate possible associated risk factors. Three hundreds ninety six serum samples were collected during 2007-8 from the dogs. Collected samples were tested using an indirect fluorescent antibody test [IFAT] in dilutions of 1:16 and more. All procedures were carried out in Shahrekord University, Iran. All the data were analyzed using SPSS software, qui square test with confidence interval of 0.95. From evaluated samples, 89 [22.47%] were positive in titers of at least 1:16. further evaluations in other dilutions showed positive results in dilutions of maximum 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 1:128 and 1:256 in 38, 29, 15, 2 and 5 dogs respectively. Investigation of the role of risk factors showed no sex predisposition while infection rate was significantly higher in dogs older than one year old. Living places were of significant importance; infection rate was significantly higher in stray or guard dogs in compare with household dogs [P<0.05]. Relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in Tehran shows high environmental contamination. It is recommended that the dogs with suspected clinical signs be tested for T. gondii infection

Microsporum canis infection in a red fox [Vulpes vulpes]

A 3-month-old male red fox that was in contact with a Persian cat referred to the small animal hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran with multi-focal circular non-pruritic skin lesions and hair loss mainly on the head and extremities. A complete series of dermatologic tests such as Wood's light examination, direct microscopic examination, and fungal culture were performed. The isolated pathogen was identified as Microsporum canis. The animal was treated using topical and systemic ketoconazole for 4 weeks. After treatment, the lesions were completely disappeared, and there was no recurrence of skin lesions during the follow-up period. It should be noted that asymptomatic cats may carry M. canis, thus may increase the risk of fungal infections for their owners and other pets as well. This is the first documented report of M. canis infection and its treatment in a red fox

Anterior uveitis in a kitten infected with toxoplasma gondii [Tehran strain]

Ocular lesions are a common manifestation of toxoplasmosis in cats. In this survey, 10 healthy Syrian mice were infected through intraperitoneal inoculation of bradyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii [Tehran strain]. Mice were killed 30 days after inoculation and the suspension of their brains was prepared, after confirmation of the infection. Seven kittens were fed with the infected mice brain suspension. The kittens were 2.5-3 months old and had body weights of 650-900 g. All kittens shed oocyst 7-8 days after infection, and had antibody titers as high as 1/320-1/1280 30 days after the challenge. Serum chemistry and complete blood count were determined in all of the kittens. Examination of eyes was done with ophthalmoscope twice during one week. Only one kitten showed unilateral anterior uveitis on day 16 after the infection was diagnosed based on serology, oocyst shedding and other clinical signs

An out break of botulism in four dogs and treating of one case

A cross - bred male 2 year- old dog with flaccidquadriparesis reffered to our hospital. History showedingestion of a dead cattle carrion by this dog and otherthree dogs which all had flaccid quadriparesis and diedwithin two days after ingestion.The history and neurologic examination and Injection ofblood serum and stool extract of reffered dog to laboratorymice confirmed botulism.The referred dog showed clinical improvement within 15days of treatment

[Treatment of canine transmissible venereal tumors using vineristin sulfate for the first time in Iran]

Transmissible venereal tumor is a common disease of dogs which has been diagnosed since eighteen century. Several methods have been suggested for the treatment of this disease but due to many reasons including the relapse of tumor especially by surgical intervention, expense of facilities and so on, chemotherapy using antineoplastic durgs has been preffered. The authors have treated 10 cases of such disease in german shepherd dogs using vincristic. Nearly all of the cases were the habitants of north west region of Tehran, and Karaj. The animals were treated weekly by intravenous rout in all the cases. The tumors regressed after the 5th injection, without any problem. There has been no relapse of tumor except one case which the owner didn't present the animal regularly; So the tumor relapsed and another course of chemotherapy again constituted, and finally the result was excellent. In General the outcome was excellent for all the cases