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

Investigation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in canine sera with dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy [DCM] is accompanied by myocytes and connective tissue changes. Matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs] play important roles in cardiac remodeling. It seems that the gelatinases [MMP-2 and MMP-9] are effective enzymes in cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy was confirmed in 22 dogs [patient group] including 11 female and 11 male by clinical examination, auscultation, thoracic radiography and echocardiography. 17 healthy dogs [control group] with similar weight and breed to patients were also selected from referred cases to Small Animal Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty of Tehran University and the same diagnostic procedures were performed on them. After that, serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 of control and patient groups were measured by semi-quantitative zymography. Semiquantitative analysis of zymograms from canine serums with DCM showed that total MMP-9 in patients is more than control group, while there was no significant difference in total MMP-2 between the two groups. Pro-MMP-2 was not detected in patient group but its active form was present in both groups, of course MMP-2 activity in patients was significantly more than control. Active form of MMP-9 was detected only in patients. Although pro-MMP-9 was present in both groups, its level in control group was significantly higher than patients. The heart enlargement was observed in the left, right or both parts. Statistically significant differences in active form of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were observed between different groups of heart enlargement [right, left and both parts] compared to control but this difference was not significant considering chambers affected and VHS [vertebral heart score] groups. In conclusion, although there are some changes in serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in canine DCM, it seems that increase of MMP-9 is more prominent than MMP-2 and neither of them were affected by heart enlargement or VHS grade

[Study on incidence of haemobartonelosis in pet cats of Tehran]

Background: Haemobartonella [also known as Mycoplasma] is a blood organism of cats and can cause many anemia and many clinical signs in the infected cats

Objectives: The purpose of the present study is to calculate the incidence rate of haemobartonellosis in pet cats of Tehran and study its relationship with certain factors. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected ones

Methods: 0.5 ml blood samples from cephalic veins of 120 pet cats in Tehran were prepared and after sending to parasitology laboratory and slide preparing, were stained with Giemsa. Finally, all of the prepared slides were studied with photomicroscope for presence of Haemobartonella. Meanwhile, the relationship between the infection and some factors including age, sex, breed, animal maintenance type, and color of their coats were studied with Chi square method. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected by Mann Whitney test

Results: Results showed that out of 120 pet cats in Tehran, 14[11.67%] were infected to Haemobartonella. Statistical analyses didn't show any significant relationship between the infection and the above-mentioned factors. Also, the results showed significant decrease in number of RBC, MCH, MCHC, NRBC, and number of Band cells compared with non-infected cats

Conclusions: Our findings showed that haemobartonellosis is one of the probable diagnoses, when we have anaemia in pet cats of Tehran

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of bone marrow in cats diagnosed with hematopoietic disorders

Cytological examination of bone marrow in cats, due to the large number of cells and various growth phases is somewhat complicated. The use of flow cytometric techniques and monoclonal antibodies are appropriate methods in the diagnosis of hematopoietic malignancies. The purpose of the present study is to determine cell-surface antigens for various developmental stages of feline bone marrow cells in hematopoietic disorders using flow cytometric. In this study, bone marrow cells from 4 cats with hematopoietic disorders and 2 clinically healthy cats, were labeled with 5 types of anti-feline MAbs included: CD21-like [Cr-Br], T lymphocyte subpopulation, CD-172a, Granulocyte, Pan-Leukocyte [CD45-like] and then analyzed using flow cytometric. The results revealed changes in immunophenotyping and light scatter properties compared with normal cases. The percentage of CD45, Granulocyte and CD172a markers in the bone marrow of a cat with erythroleukemia were lower compared with normal bone marrow. In a cat with myelodysplastic syndrome, scatter plot indicated an increase in the immature myeloid cells and a decrease in mature myeloid cells. It was concluded that cytological examination of bone marrow with studying dispersion studies on cells using flow cytometric and usage of a panel of antibodies such as CD21-like[Cr-Br], T lymphocyte subpopulation, CD-172a, Granulocyte, Pan-Leukocyte [CD45-like] could support the diagnosis of feline hematopoietic abnormalities

Epidemiological aspects of canine dirofilariasis in the north of Iran

Dirofilaria immitis is an important parasite in dog and other carnivores. Our objective was study on incidence and periodicity of heartworm in north of Iran and using other methods for its diagnosis in addition to Parasitology exam. This survey spanned two years, between 2006 and 2008. Blood samples were collected from 431 stray dogs distributed along north of Iran, the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. The Knott's modified test was used for diagnosis of D. immitis and other filariae. Meanwhile, the periodicity of microfilaria in peripheral blood circulation was calculated and the imaging diagnosis techniques of four dogs that had positive results were done. Diagnostic parasitology results indicated that 16.01% of stray dogs were microfilaremic. Two different microfilariae were diagnosed: D. immitis in 13.69%, Dipetalonema reconditum in 1.86% and in 0.46% both of them. There was no statistically significant between infection to fiariae with sex and age of dogs. Also study on the periodicity of the presence of microfilaria in peripheral circulation showed that the highest rate of those was at 1 am and the lowest rate at 12 pm. Radiographic study showed distinctive signs with varied degrees of severity included: Tortuous and enlargement of main and lobar pulmonary artery, pulmonary parenchymal lesions and Right side heart enlargement that confirmed in electrocardiography. Also in echocardiographic images observed short parallel-sided images with the appearance of equal signs that indicated the presence of the heartworm. These results showed that to obtain a reliable diagnosis of heartworm infection, imaging tests could support parasitological exams

[Detection of EHXA, STX[1] and STX[2] virulence genes in non-O157 Escherichia coli isolated from cattle and determination of antibiotic resistance profile of these isolates]

Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli is one the most important bacteria within Bacteriacae. The bacteria infect humans and a wide spectrum of animals, resulting in dangerous consequences such as hemolytic uremic syndrome and hemorrhagic colitis. In the current study, the prevalence of hemolysin [ehxA] and Shiga toxin [stx1 and stx2] virulence genes in non-O157 Escherichia coli, isolated from cattle stool samples, was evaluated by Multiplex PCR. The animals were referred to the Large Animal Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. The antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates were assessed against seven usual antibiotics used in veterinary medicine. In the PCR study of 39 non-O157 Escherichia coli strains isolated from cattle stool samples, 10 samples were found positive for stx1 or stx2 genes. The prevalence of ehxA gene was zero,which is significantly lower than that mentioned in papers reporting on this issue. As expected, the prevalence rate of stx genes in cattle isolates was usual [nearly 25%]. The prevalence of stx2 was greater than the prevalence of stx1. All isolates were multiple resistant to two or more antibiotics, including ampicillin, erythromycin, polymixin-B, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin and/or cephalotin

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

[ study on metal health status and personality traits of pet owners]

Many Iranian families manage to keep pets at home. Examining psychological consequences and personality traits of pet owners is important. The aim of this study was to examine mental health status and personality traits of pet owners. In this descriptive study, 612 pet owners [143 cat owners, 162 dog owners, 155 bird owners and 152 other pet owners] were asked to complete General Health Questionnaire [GHQ] and IPIP Personality Scale from January to December 2006. Bird owners had the highest [234 cases [38.3%]] and other pet owners had the lowest [129 cases [42.3%]] mental health problems. In general, 188 cases [30.7%] of all groups had mental health problems. 122 cases [20%] of them had somatic compliance, 182 cases [29.7%] had anxiety, 149 cases [24.3%] had social dysfunction and 84 cases [13.7%] had depression. Bird owners had significant high level of social dysfunction than other pet owners. With respect to personality traits, dog owners had low level of agreeableness and openness to experience than other groups. Other pet owners had high level of emotional stability than other groups. Contrary to other countries, it seems that having a pet in home enhances the probability of mental disorders in Iran. It is possible that lower mental health persons were keeping pets in Iran. In personality perspectives, dog owners are more disagreeable people and other pet owners are more emotionally stable ones

[Clinical and pathological findings in a suspected cat to feline infectious peritonitis]

To study probability of occurrence of infectious peritonitis in a affected cat with severe ascite. Case study. A five months old male domestic short hair cat. In the first step, clinical examination, radiology and sonography interpretation, CBC, serum biochemical analysis and electrophoresis were done. After then abdominocyntesis was done and total protein and the ratio of albumin to globulin of the abdominal effusion was measured. Post mortem examination and histopahtological survey was done on tissue samples. In clinical examination mild pyrexia [40[degree sign] C], pale mucous membrane, anorexia and severe abdominal distention were revealed. The abdominal effusion was clear, straw colored, viscose and foamy in shaking. Radiology and sonography revealed severe distention of abdominal cavity was due to acsite. In necropsy, there was straw colored inflammatory exudates with diffuse granular fibrinous exudation covering serosal surfaces of intestine or floating in the abdominal effusion. Histopathological findings showed lymphocytic-plasmocytic infiltration and focal necrosis in-brain, heart, liver, kidneys, mesenteric lymph nodes and intestines. Failure of treatments of abdominal effusion [high levels of total protein decrease in albumin to globulin ratio and cytological status], characteristics of abdominal effusion, serum electrophoretic findings in accordance with clinical and histopathological findings made diagnosis

[ prevalence of Giardia spp. among the pet dogs of Isfahan]

Study on Giardia spp, among the pet dogs of Isfahan. Cross-sectional study. One hundered and twenty dogs. Faecal specimens of 120 pet dogs which were referred to the small animal clinic of Isfahan were tested for Giardia spp. The diagnosis of Giardia spp was based on identification of cycts or trophozoietes in faece. Direct and formalin -ether methods as well as trichorme staining were appllied for identification of Giardia spp. Fisher exact test. The results indicated that 4 dogs [3.33%] were infected with Giardia spp. Because of probable infection of human by this species, our findings recommend killing of stray dogs and treatment of infected ones

[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

[ clinical implicatoin, history case report and ultrastructural study of Leydig cell tumor in canine testicle]

Objectives: clinical case report of leydig cell tumor in dog

Design: clinical case study

History: an eleven year old male German shepherd dog was reffered, small animal hospital of faculty of veterinary medicine because of Anorexia. Because of poor body condition, the animal was euthanised and submitted for necropsy examination. Based on the light and electronic microscopic observation, leydig cell tumor was confirmed

Clinical implications: occurrence of tumor in dog is without clinical findings, therefore maybe testicles are not necroptize at necropsy. Thus the rate of tumor, must probably be higher than it is reported

Results: histopathology and uttrastructural observations, confirmed the leydig cell tumor