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

Rupture of chorda tendineae of the tricuspid valve in a horse: a case report

A2-year-old cachectic cross-breed gelding was admitted to Veterinary Teaching Hospital of University of Tehran following the onset of a marked respiratory distress, coughing and ventral edema. Clinical examinations indicated harsh respiratory and expiratory sounds as well as jugular vein distention. The respiratory and heart rates were 35/min and 60 bpm, respectively. A grade III/IV pansystolic murmur with the PMI on the tricuspid valve, which could be heard on the left side, was detected. Sinus tachycardia was revealed by electrocardiography. Rupture of the chorda tendineae of the tricuspid valve, pulmonary artery regurgitation, pulmonary artery hypertension, tricuspid valve regurgitation, pulmonary artery, and right ventricular dilation were also found in echocardiography. These findings were confirmed at post mortem examinations. On the basis of the findings, chorda tendineae rapture of the tricuspid valve and right side heart failure due to primary pulmonary hypertension were diagnosed

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