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

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

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

Spontaneous differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of cheek pouch in a Syrian hamster

A 2-year-old male hamster was presented because of left facial swelling and salivation. Necropsy was performed and affected cheek pouch with tissue samples of regional and internal organs were submitted for histopathological study. In histopathological examination it was found that the tumor consisted of cords and islands of tumoric epithelial cells which were diffused in the dermis. Vacoulation of cytoplasm in many cells were striking features. The lesion was infiltrated by mononuclear cells. These findings were consistent with differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, which restricted only to the left cheek pouch. There was no evidence of tumoral invasion to the other organs. Cheek pouch spontaneous tumors in hamsters have been rarely reported

Diagnosis and management of hypoglycaemia due to pancreatic insulin-secreting neoplasia in a German shepherd dog

A 7-year-old castrated male German shepherd dog was presented with a 10-day history of intermittent lethargy, weakness and episodic seizures. Laboratory findings after admission revealed hypoglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia. Provisional diagnosis of insulinoma was made based on the presence of concurrent hypoglycaemia and elevated insulin level. In exploratory laparotomy a small nodular mass was detected on the pancreas. Other abdominal organs were normal in gross inspection. The mass was removed surgically. Histopathology of the excised pancreatic nodule confirmed the diagnosis of insulinoma. The dog became seizure free following the surgical operation

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

unusual case of nasal mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a German shepherd dog

This study represents an unusual case of mucormycosis localized in nasal cavity of a German shepherd dog. The patient was a 1-year-old male guard dog with unilateral nasal epistaxis, mucopurulent nasal discharge, sneezing and nose pawing. The dog had a history of head trauma about 2 months before admission, which was associated with mild self-limited epistaxis. Initial nasal rhinoscopy showed severe turbinate destruction. The samples of nasal discharge were collected by nasal flush technique and submitted to the Central Laboratory of School of Veterinary Medicine in Tehran for routine cytological, mycological and bacteriological examinations. Direct microscopic examination with 10% KOH/DMSO wet mount revealed the fragments of non-septate hyphae. The fungus was recovered in culture and identified as Rhizopus oryzae. This case showed that the veterinary practitioners should be aware of the possibility of localized nasal mucormycosis when examining dogs with chronic nasal discharge

Dog-bite induced fatal meningitis in a kitten: a case report

Bacterial infection of the brain is relatively rare in dogs and cats. A cat at approximately three months of age was admitted to the clinic with a history of dog bite seven days before admission. On clinical presentation, the cat was unconscious and in lateral recumbency. One hour after admission, the cat developed severe apnoea and asystole. Cardiorespiratory resuscitation was unsuccessful and the animal died. Necropsy and histopathological examination revealed a purulent meningitis. A sample of purulent exudates was submitted for microbiological examination. Pasteurella multocida was isolated from bacterial culture. Due to the history of dog biting, direct inoculation of P. multocida into the subdural space following penetrating dog-bite wounds was suggested to be the cause of meningitis and death of the kitten. This report highlights the importance of antibiotic therapy in bite wounds to reduce such fatal complications

Radiological evaluation of rabbit femoral defect healing in Caspian seashell pellets

Autograft is the best bone graft substitute, however, it has some limitations, so allograft with synthetic or natural materials has been advised to use for bone graft. In this study, Iranian Caspian seashell was used as a biocompatible natural material for radiological evaluation. Lodgment of seashell in drilled defects of femur was compared in the treatment group [rabbit models] with natural healing process of cancelluos bone in the control group. Handling characteristics, osteoconductivity, resisting against bone forces and absorption, were evaluated by radiological study. The study was performed in faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Karaj. Twelve New Zealand rabbits were divided into two equal groups of six [treatment and control groups]. In the treatment group unilateral drilled defect was induced in the greater trochanter of femur. Each defect was implanted by the pieces of seashell. In the control group, similar bone defects was also produced to study natural bone healing process. Radiographs were taken from rabbits in 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 63 days post-operation. After 9 weeks, radiographic findings in the treatment group were included; a range of 10-15% reduction of bone density and progressive new bone formation in the presented bone defects. Results of radiographic evaluation in the control group, indicated more than 50% of bone healing was developed in the cylindrical defects of femoral greater trochanter. [...] Due to high structural density of seashell, which makes it tolerable against local biomechanical bone stress, there was no post-surgical complication [such as trochanteric fracture] in the treatment group. Seashell is a natural source of calcium which is a valuable substitute for bone grafts in medical and veterinary orthopedic surgeries

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