Comparative evaluation between chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes in hyperlipidemic cats

The purpose of the present survey was to determine the effects of the chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes and the influence of time on treatment process in cats. For the management of cholesterol induced hyperlipidemia, twenty-one healthy cats were randomly divided into three equal groups. Group A [control] included seven cats that were fed with cholesterol powder [4g/kg for 10 days]. Group B was similar to group A, but in addition, atorvastatin [5 mg/kg] was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, but chitosan [3 g/cat] was administered instead of atorvastatin. Blood samples were collected four times on days 0, 10, 40 and 55 after challenge. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured using standard commercial kits. Atorvastatin [P<0.001] and chitosan [P<0.01] showed more hypolipidemic activity in lowering triglycerides compared with group A. In a comparison between two drugs and their effects on triglyceride, atorvastatin showed a significant difference with chitosan [P<0.01]. Atorvastatin [P<0.01] and chitosan [P<0.05] showed more activity in lowering cholesterol than the control group. The treated groups [B and C] had good results in lowering LDL-C, compared with group A, on day 45 [P<0.001]. A significant difference was seen only between groups A and B and on day 45 in increase of HDL-C [P<0.01]. In conclusion, it was shown that although both drugs had hypolipidemic activity in cats, atorvastatin was more effective than chitosan. Further experimentation will be needed to elucidate the possible biochemical mechanism of the drugs

[Diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz city by counterimmunoelectrophoresis]

Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode that is highly prevalent in dogs and it can cause dirofilariosis. The disease is transmissible to human, so it is important in terms of public health. The aim of the present study was to diagnose Dirofilaria immitis infection in the dog population of urban and rural areas of Ahvaz by counterimmunoelectrophoresis and compared with knott test. In the present study, serum of 200 dogs [80 urban and 120 rural], were evaluated for detection of Dirofilaria immitis infection, in Ahvaz area, Southwestern Iran. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis and modified knott's test were conducted on all blood samples to trace the antibody and microfilariae. Using counterimmunoelectrophoresis test, 9.5 percent of dogs [19 cases] were infected, but in modified Knott test, positive cases were detected 8 percent [16 cases]. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis test showed three more positive cases [one urban and two rural dogs] compared with the modified Knott test, which probably was due to occult infection. However, the difference was not significant [p>0.05]. Based on the results of counterimmunoelectrophoresis test, 6.25 percent of male and zero percent of female dogs in urban areas and 13 percent of male and 7.6 percent of female dogs in rural areas were infected respectively. The highest prevalence of infection in 6 year-or-more age groups was 23.3 and 14.29 percent in urban and rural dogs respectively. Statistical analysis did not show any significant relationship between infection and factors such as age and sex of the studied dogs [p>0.05]. It is proposed that for more accurate diagnosis of dirofilariosis, counterimmunoelectrophoresis test and the modified knott's test be used simultaneously

Evaluation of prophylactic and therapeutic effects of silymarin on acute toxicity due to tetracycline severe overdose in cats: a preliminary study

The aim of the present study was to determine the protective action of silymarin on acute toxicity due to tetracycline severe overdose in cats. Thirty healthy cats were randomly allotted into five equal groups. Cats in group A were given tetracycline [single dose 120 mg/kg, p.o.]; group B consisted of cats that received silymarin [single dose 30 mg/kg, p.o.] concurrent with tetracycline administration; groups C, D and E were treated as group B, but silymarin was administered 4, 12 and 24 h after tetracycline administration, respectively. The serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], BUN, serum creatinine and total and direct bilirubin were measured before tetracycline administration and 4, 12, 24 and 72 h later. A single oral administration of tetracycline increased, significantly, serum concentrations of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH in all cats of group A, after 24 h [P<0.001]. In groups B and C, levels of serum enzyme activities remained within normal values. In group D, there were changes in levels of serum enzyme activities, but the difference was not significant [P>0.05]. In group E, levels of serum enzyme activities were significantly higher than normal values [P<0.05]. The difference was significant between groups A and E with groups B and C for the serum enzymes [P<0.05]. In conclusion, silymarin can protect liver tissue against hepatotoxicity in cats with tetracycline severe overdose, particularly in the first 4 h after exposure

serological survey of Leptospiral infection of cats in Ahvaz, southwestern of Iran

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis with numerous reservoir hosts. The disease is caused by infection with various serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. This study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in stray cats in Ahvaz [south-western Iran] from April 2007 to June 2008. Blood samples were collected from 102 stray cats and screened for leptospiral infection using the microscopic agglutination test [MAT]. Five of the 102 cats [4.9%] were serologically positive for at least one serovar of L. interrogans. The greatest number of reactors was for L. interrogans serovar balum [five serum samples]. Antibodies against more than one serovar [namely, serovars balum and australis] were detected in one sample. All positive titers were detected at 1:100 dilution. The prevalence of leptospiral infection was 5.3% and 4.4% in male and female cats, respectively. There was no significant difference in positive titer prevalence between different sexes but prevalence was significantly different between age groups [P = 0.021], as all cats with positive titers were three years of age or more. This is also the first report of infection with L. interrogans serovars balum and australis from cats in Iran

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

Feline herpesvirus 1 infections in a domestic cat population in Ahvaz, Iran

Feline herpesvirus 1 [FeHV-1] and feline calicivirus [FCV], associated with upper respiratory tract disease, are highly prevalent in cats worldwide. With the aim of investigating the importance of FeHV-1 in a population of cats, samples were taken in a hospital in Ahvaz, south-west Iran, between June 2007 and June 2008. Oropharyngeal, nasal and ocular swabs were collected from 65 domestic cats, including 52 stray and 13 household animals and were tested for the presence of FeHV-1 DNA by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The overall prevalence rate of FeHV-1 was 35.38%. There was a statistically significant association between the prevalence rate of FeHV-1 and the presence of respiratory signs. High prevalence of FeHV-1 infection strengthens the importance of applying hygienic and preventive measures in cats in the study area

Electrocardiographic changes in the littermate mongrel dogs from birth to six months of life

Evaluation of the cardiovascular system of canine pediatrics requires awareness of the anatomical and physiological changes occurring from birth to six months of age. The aim of this study was to report electrocardiographic changes in the littermate mongrel dogs from birth to six months. Serial six-lead electrocardiograms were recorded from ten normal littermate mongrel dogs kept on right lateral recumbency, aged between birth and six months. Heart rate significantly decreased until the age of six months, reaching values of 99 +/- 5 beats per min. Age as well as body weight caused a gradual increase in duration of the P wave, P-R and Q-T intervals, S-T segment and also amplitude of the R and T waves. Sinus rhythm was commonplace in dogs under 18-week-old and sinus arrhythmia was found from 16 weeks of age. Sex only influenced the amplitude of the R and Q waves. Males had higher mean values of the R wave amplitude [0.991 +/- 0.050] than females [0.740 +/- 0.039], but females had higher mean values of the Q wave amplitude [0.256 +/- 0.013] than males [0.217 +/- 0.010]. The mean electrical axis [ +/- SD] of QRS waves in this study was 69.61° +/- 21.47°. The possible dependence of the electrocardiographic alterations on age should be taken into consideration in practical veterinary medicine when working with dogs of different ages

study on Dirofilaria immitis in healthy urban dogs from Ahvaz, Iran

Heartworm infection is one of the most important parasitic diseases in dogs and an increasing number of cases are reported each year by necropsy in Ahvaz. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection and to investigate the risk factors related to heartworm disease in urban dogs in this area. Blood samples were collected from 100 dogs from Feb 2007 to Feb 2008. All samples were examined by modified Knott test, direct smear and antigen detection [Immunochromatographic antigen rapid canine D. immitis Ag Test Kit] technique to detect circulating microfilaria and adult antigen of D. immitis, respectively. Of the total 100 dogs, 1% were positive by direct smear, 5% were positive by modified Knott test and 6% were positive by antigen detection. In addition, 1% of positive dogs were determined to have occult D. immitis infections. Dirofilaria immitis was the only canine filarial parasite present in this study. From these three methods, modified Knott test, due to microfilarial identification on concentrated blood had the highest validity. The difference between outdoor and indoor dogs was found significant [P = 0.033], whereas no statistically significant differences were observed between different age groups, sexes and breeds [P>0.05]. The highest heartworm prevalence by modified Knott test was observed in older than 6-year-old dogs [8.3%] followed by 3-6 years [2.7%] and the 6-month to 3 years [3.5%] age groups. The infection was more prevalent in males and short haired breeds. Our results suggest that heartworm treatment and preventive care should be considered in urban dogs of Ahvaz, Iran

possible relationship of megaesophagus and canine distemper in two German shepherd dogs

Megaesophagus [esophageal dilatation] is a neuromuscular disease. In this disorder, the esophagus is abnormally stretched and air is collected with food in it. Two male dogs aged 4 and 6-year-old, German shepherd breeds and weighing 18.4 and 23.2 kg were presented to the Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University with complaints of regurgitation, dehydration, anorexia, depression, dysphagia, myoclonus, hypersalivation, gurgling sound during swallowing and fatigue in the past month. They were not vaccinated against distemper and other viral diseases. Physical examination revealed a relatively thin body condition. A plain radiograph of the chest revealed advanced megaesophagus with aspiration pneumonia. Rapid antigenic test [immunochromatography assay] was positive for canine distemper. CBC was abnormal [leucopenia, lymphopenia and neutropenia]. Supportive treatments were administered for them. We advised the dogs be placed in a vertical position for 15 min after the meal. Only one dog was sent back home in good health four weeks later and the disease did not relapse for more than six months. The second dog had a symptom of megaesophagus and did not respond to supportive treatments completely. A possible relationship between megaesophagus and canine distemper infection has been reported in the present survey

Antigenic detection of cryptosporidium parvum in urban and rural dogs in Ahvaz district, southwestern Iran

Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite with a wide range of vertebrate hosts. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum in urban and rural dogs of the Ahvaz area. Faecal samples were collected randomly from 93 dogs between May 2005 and September 2007. The studied dogs were divided into two groups [urban and rural] and based on age into three groups [<6 months, 6 months -3 years and >3 years]. The results were analyzed by using Chi-square analysis and Fischer's exact test. Prevalence to Cryptosporidium parvum antigens was 4.3% [4 of 93] by means of ELISA, indicating that this antigen is present in the ecosystem. The infection was more prevalent in rural dogs [6.4%; 3 of 47] in comparison with urban dogs [2.17%; 1 of 46], nevertheless, there were no significant differences between the different groups [P?0.05], but the infection was more prevalent in diarrheic dogs [17.65%; 3 of 17] compared with non-diarrheic dogs [1.3%; 1 of 76], and the difference was significant [P=0.019]. Infection was not significant in the different age groups [P>0.05]. Concurrent detection of cryptosporidium parvum with canine distemper [one sample] and parvovirus [one sample] were shown in the studied dogs. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining was also carried out and the prevalence of infection was 2.15% [2 of 93]. The use of ELISA allowed the detection of more positive cases than light microscopy. This study showed that Cryptosporidium parvum can be a risk factor, particularly for those dogs in contact together in the population of urban and rural dogs

study on seroprevalence and coproantigen detection of Toxoplasma gondii in companion cats in Ahvaz area, southwestern Iran

Cats play crucial roles in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. In the present study, a total of 198 companion cats of different ages were examined for serum antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by immunochromatography assay and for oocyst presence in faeces by microscopic examination [flotation method] and immunochromatography assay. The cats were selected between referred cases to the veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University, southwestern Iran from December 2006 to November 2009. Classification was made by age, sex, breed, region and season. The studied cats were divided into three groups based on age [<6 months, 6months -3 years and >3 years] and into five regions based on area [north, east, west, south and central]. The results were analyzed by Chi-square analysis, Fischer's exact test and Z test. Forty nine of 198 serum samples [24.75%] had antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii [955 CI: 18.7-30.7%]. Prevalence was significantly higher in adult cats above 3 years [38.8%] and 6 months-3 years [26.6%] compared with cats less than 6 months [3.8%] [P<0.001]. Prevalence was higher in male cats [29.7%] than females [20.6%], in less than 6 months [3.8%] [P<0.001]. Prevalence was higher in male cats [29.7%] than females [20.6%], in the summer season [26.2%] and west region [27.5], but the difference was not significant between the prevalence of infection relative to host gender [P=0.14], season [P=0.99] and region [P=0.98]. Faecal flotation technique and immunochromatography assay was carried out on faecal samples also and T. gondii oocysts were not detected in any of the 198 samples. Our study showed that the prevalence of infection [24.75%] is relatively high in serum of companion cats in the Ahvaz district

Vertebral heart scale of common large breeds of dogs in Iran

In order to assess the influence of breed on the vertebral heart scale [VHS] of dogs, the VHS was measured and compared in left to right [LL] and right to left lateral [RL] views. For all dogs [n=56], the mean VHS on the RL radiographs [9.7 vertebra [v]] was significantly larger than the mean VHS on the LL radiographs [9.6 v] [p=0.047]. Doberman dogs had higher mean values of the VHS in LL [9.9 v] and RL [10.1 v] views than all the other breeds, except in RL radiographs VHS of native dogs, although these differences were not significant. Native dogs had the lowest VHS in LL [9.4 v] and RL [9.4 v] radiographs than all of the other breeds. The mean VHS values for German shepherd dogs were 9.6 and 9.8 v and for mixed breeds of German shepherd and Doberman were 9.6 and 9.7 v in LL and RL radiographs, respectively. The mean VHS values in LL views were significantly smaller than in the RL view in Doberman and German shepherd dogs. No significant differences could be found between the VHS of LL and RL radiographs in mixed breed and native dogs

Prevalence of giardia duodenalis infection in household cats of Ahvaz district, south-west of Iran

The occurrence of Giardia duodenalis in cats is of potential significance from both clinical and public health perspectives. The object of this study was antigenic detection of G. duodenalis in house hold cats of Ahvaz district, South-West of Iran. The prevalence of G. duodenalis was determined in fecal samples by two techniques: centrifugation-flotation and a commercial Giardia Antigen Test Kit [immunochromatography assay] in 150 household cats of different ages among referred cases to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University from January 2008 to February 2010. Five out of 150 fecal samples [3.33%] were positive for antigen of G. duodenalis by immunochromatography assay. The prevalence was significantly higher in young cats less than 6 months [15.79%] compared with adult cats 6 months - 3 years [1.37%] [P=0.027] and above 3 years [1.72%] [P=0.044]. The infection had more prevalence in diarrheic cats [17.39%] compared with non-diarrheic cats [0.79%] and the difference was significant [P=0.02] as well. The prevalence was higher in male cats [3.41%] than females [3.23%] and in the season of autumn [6.06%], but the difference was not significant between the prevalence of infection relative to host gender and season [P>0.05]. Microscopy examination on fecal samples showed that 2% of the studied cats were positive. The parasite antigen was present as a zoonotic infection in Ahvaz district, South-west of Iran. More sensitive techniques, such as immunochromatography assay, might yield more reliable results, in the detection of low levels of Giardia in fecal samples of cats

[Comparative study of prostatic dimensions by plain radiography, urethrocystogra-phyand necropsy]

The Prostate gland is the major accessory gland in male dogs. Prostate disease is a common problem in older intact male dogs. The aim of this study was to determine prostatic dimensions by plain radiography and urethrocystography in dogs and compare them with actual sizes. Plain radiography and urethrocystography were performed on 10 intact young adult male dogs. After necropsy length, width, height, volume and weight of prostate glands were measured. All statistical analyses paired t test, linear regression and correlation coefficient were performed. Prostate glands of 9 dogs could be evaluated with urethrocystography and reliable length and height of prostate gland were measured. Means of prostatic length and height were smaller than their actual sizes but still had significant correlation [p<1=0.05]. Equations between prostatic and actual lengths and depths in urethrocystography were L=0.91 x l + 0.57 [R[2] = 0.84] and Z= 1.36 x z - 0.79 [R[2] = 0.76] respectively. The results of this investigation were showed that urethrocystography could be used for prostatic measurement. This method can be as a reliable technique, whenever ultrasonography can not be performed

Antigenic detection of Feline Panleukopenia virus [FPV] in diarrhoeic companion cats in Ahvaz area

The present study was carried out for the antigen detection of Feline panleukopenia virus [FPV] in diarrhoeic cats referred to the Veterinary Clinic of the School of Ahvaz University, in southwest Iran. Faecal samples were collected from 67 diarrhoeic household cats during 2005 to 2007. According to the age and clinical signs, the cats were divided into two groups; <6 months and >6 months, hemorrhagic and non hemorrhagic diarrhoea, respectively. Faecal samples were tested by immunochromatography assay test and 34% of cats were found positive to FPV antigen. The infection was more prevalent in cats less than 6 months [37%] compared with animals older than 6 months of age [31%]. No significant differences were observed between different clinical signs, age and sex of the animals [P>0.05]. The affected cats had no history of vaccination against Tri-cat, but in the healthy cat population, 18% were vaccinated. The difference between the two groups was significant [P<0.05]

serological survey on Brucella canis in companion dogs in Ahvaz

Canine brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Brucella canis. This bacterium can be transmitted to humans as well as other dogs. It is a significant cause of reproductive failure, predominantly in kennels. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella canis infection in companion dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in the southwest of Iran. A total of 102 blood samples were obtained from dogs between 2006 and 2008. Sera were examined by Immunochromatography assay. The studied dogs were divided into two age groups [1-5 years and >5 years] and based on clinical signs [related signs to brucellosis such as scrotum dermatitis, diskospondylitis, lymphadenitis, abortion and infertility] into two groups also. Prevalence to Brucella canis antibodies in these dogs was 4.90% [5 of 102]. The infection had more prevalence in dogs above 5 years [9.3%; 4 of 43] in comparison with dogs less than 5 years [1.69%; 1 of 59], but the difference between the two age groups was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. There was no significant difference between the different sexes either [P>0.05]. Nevertheless, the difference for related signs to brucellosis was significant between the groups [P=0.018]. Three out of 14 cases [21.4%] which had clinical signs and two out of 88 cases [2.3%] which had no clinical signs were seropositive. This study showed that antibody against Brucella canis is present among the companion dog population of the Ahvaz area and preventive measures should be taken to control pathogenic bacteria

first report of concurrent detection of canine parvovirus and coronavirus in diarrhoeic dogs of Iran

Two male dogs at the age of 3 and 5 months of Doberman pinscher and German shepherd breeds were referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University with clinical signs of depression, vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, profound dehydration, fever and anorexia. The affected dogs had not the history of vaccination. Concurrent infection of canine parvovirus and coronavirus was detected in dogs by means of immunochromatography assay. The haemogram showed lowered white blood cell counts as leukopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia. The dogs received supportive treatment to correct the life-threatening dehydration and prevention of secondary bacterial infections. Despite treatment, one dog [Doberman pinscher] died within 3 days after the onset of clinical signs, and the second dog recovered after 4 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of concurrent infection of canine parvovirus and coronavirus in diarrhoeic dogs in Iran

First report of Pasteurella dagmatis isolation from a bitch urine in Iran

Pasteurella species are commensal bacteria of the respiratory airways and oronasal cavity of animals. In this study, we report an unusual case of Pasteurella dagmatis isolation from dog urine with uroliths. An 11-year-old female dog was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz University complaining of abdominal pain, hematuria, dysuria and stranguria. In clinical and radiological examinations, it was found that abdomen was distended due to urinary bladder obstruction with uroliths. Pasteurella dagmatis was isolated from urine specimen collected by cystocentesis. Finally, uroliths were removed by surgery. Appropriate antibiotic treatment with cephalexin caused improvement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of P. dagmatis presence in dog urine

[Seroepidemiology of canine leptospirosis in Ahvaz, Iran]

The presence of dogs has been identified as a risk factor for human Leptospirosis. The aim of this study was the survey of the current state of leptospiral infection in dogs in Ahvaz. Sera from 100 rural dogs of villages around Ahvaz and 49 urban dogs referred to veterinary hospital of shahid Chamran University were detected for antibodies against serovars canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, grippotyphosa,ballum,hardjo andpomona by microscopic agglutination test. Out of the 149 dogs investigated, 8[5.4%] were serologically positive against at least one serovar of leptospira. Titers >/= 1:100 were detected in 7 rural [7%] and one urban [2.04%] dogs. The predominant titers were directed to serovars hardjo [44.5%] followed by ballum [22.2%], icterohaemorrhagiae [22.2%] andgrippotyphosa [11.1%]. Mixed infection was detected only in one dog. Serovars canicola and pomona were uncommon in dogs from Ahvaz. As expected, a very low prevalence of infection was found in urban pet dogs but in contrast low prevalence of infection in rural shepherd and/or stray dogs with poor level hygiene was unexpectable. However, the sources of infection in these dogs were not clear and this is the first report of infection with serovar hardjo from dogs in Iran

[Antigenic detection of Canine Coronavirus in diarrheic dogs in Ahvaz]

The Purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Canine Coronavirus [CCV] in diarrheic dogs of Ahvaz district. Fecal samples were collected from 58 diarrheic dogs between 2005 and 2006. Dogs were grouped by age [less than and above 6 months], sex, breed, geographical location [urban and rural] and quality of diarrhea [hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic] to determine whether these factors were associated with coronavirus infection, using Fischer's exact test. Prevalence to CCV antigens in these dogs was 3.45% [2 of 58] by means of immunochromatography assay [IC] indicating that this virus is present in the environment. Though the infection had more prevalence in dogs less than 6 months, rural dogs and German shepherds, but there were no significant differences between different sexes, age groups, breeds, location and quality of diarrhea [p>0.05]. CBC in 2 dogs that were affected with coronavirus infection was normal. This study that is the first report on prevalence of CCV in Iran showed that CCV infection in the Ahvaz dogs may be attributed as a cause of viral diarrhea in dogs. A vaccine is recommended, especially for open population and kennel dogs that are at a high risk for contacting the virus