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- Assessment of Current Musher Practices across the Sled Dog
Industry with an Emphasis on Nutritional Programs
Implemented
Abstract: A questionnaire was developed and advertised broadly to the sled dog community to assess current habits and practices in the mushing industry to help guide future research in sporting dogs. The questionnaire covered nutritional programs, housing, training and health and well-being. Sled dog nutrition management is a controversial topic and while there is a dearth of available information on the nutrient requirements of these canine athletes, without adequate data based evidence, nutrition management decisions cannot always be scientifically based. Therefore, this report focused on evaluating nutrition programs used among mushers and differences in feeding management between racing- and off-seasons. Food type provided differed among mushers (P = 0.01), with combination diets accounting for 62% of responses. The source of homemade diet recipes differed (P<0.0001), with 50% of mushers sourcing their recipes from experienced mushers in contrast to animal nutritionists, 16%; veterinarians, 6%; or journals, 3%. When asked what nutrient(s) respondents felt were important to focus their nutritional programs on, more than 85% of respondents felt that protein and fat were important nutrients, and less than 40% believed fiber or carbohydrates to be essential dietary components. Raw meat and oils were the two most commonly supplemented products, and 50% of respondents report supplementing antioxidants. A majority of respondents provided the same amount of feed and water during racing and off-seasons, even though dogs’ nutrient demands and rate of water-turnover increase when increasing athletic activity. This data indicates that nutrition programs are largely tailored towards high protein and fat diet formulations, with little attention to the risks of raw meat supplementation, the appropriate balance of nutrients and structuring nutritional programs to meet seasonal requirements. These results suggest that scientific investigation into the dietary fiber, better balanced proteins and better feeding management are warranted.
- Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Pathogens Assessment in Canine Ophthalmic
Infections
Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify the main microorganisms associated with ophthalmic infections and determine the resistance profile of these isolates against antimicrobial drugs. 26 bacterial isolates from 18 canine ophthalmic infections were submited to the phenotypic resistance profile for 36 drugs of 12 classes of antimicrobials, research of multidrug-resistant strains with importance in public health and detection of Staphylococcus mecA gene by PCR. The bacterial isolates were identified as Staphylococcus spp. (n = 18), Enterococcus spp. (n = 1), enterobacteria (n = 6) and Pseudomonas spp. (n = 1). The percentage of resistance and intermediate resistance were 42.48% (n = 325). Considering separate antimicrobials drugs, 18 isolates were characterized by multidrug resistant, while by the assesment of resistance to class, 20 isolates were multiresistant. In the phenotypic detection, 61.11% (11/18) of Staphylococcus spp. were predicted by Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccus (MRS), whereas the genotypic detection, 38.89% (7/18) were carriers of the mecA gene. Two enterobacterias were considered producers of expectro Extended of Betalactamase (ESBL). EUCAST was more reliable for detecting MRS strains than the CLSI. The present study detected multiresistant isolates of great importance and are involved in cases of public health, such as MRS, MRSMLSb, ESBL, very important to be readily identified and controled so as to prevent the spread of this type of resistance.
- Associations between Farmer Demographics, Management Practices and
Attitudes towards Bovine Viral Diarrhoea and its Control
Abstract: Farmer participation is crucial to the successful mitigation of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) associated losses. This study aimed to identify producer groups most likely to benefit from BVD education by assessing the relationships between demographic and management variables, biosecurity behaviours and BVD awareness. A postal survey of South Australian cattle farmers was conducted, with 631 responses received and analysed. The survey tested attitudes and interests towards and perceived and demonstrable knowledge of BVD. Increases in the respondents’ perceived understanding, knowledge and interest scores were observed when Pestigard® was routinely used and when Pestivirus testing had been conducted in the herd. Perceived understanding and knowledge scores were also increased when quarantine procedures are in place, when the producer had attended a BVD seminar or educational session, or was aware of the Bovine Johnes Disease Market Assurance Program. Regular use of either 5in1 or 7in1 vaccinations was associated with increased knowledge of BVDV, while health and vaccination status checks prior to introduction of new cattle are associated with increased perceived understanding of BVDV. This study revealed that uptake of positive biosecurity and BVDV specific behaviours was associated with perceived understanding, knowledge and interest in BVDV and supports the need for excellent education and awareness-raising programs in association with systematic control or eradication schemes. Improvements in knowledge of BVD could be related to improvements in other areas of animal health and biosecurity.
- Eimeria Legionensis and Eimeria kofoidi (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)
Infection and Associated Lesions in Naturally Infected Red-Legged
Partridges (Alectoris rufa)
Abstract: With the aim to identify the Eimeria species responsible for coccidiosis in 50 deceased red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa), individual faecal samples were collected, dissolved in 2.5% K2Cr2O7 solution and maintained at room temperature to allow sporulation of the oocysts. Morphology and dimensions of sporulated oocysts were microscopically evaluated. To assess Eimeria intestinal localisation, faecal samples and scrapings taken from the different intestinal segments of each deceased animal were examined by fresh smears and flotation test, while the intestines were examined for gross lesions, then fixed in 10% formalin and processed for histopathological analysis. From scrapings and morphological analysis, Eimeria kofoidi and Eimeria legionensis were identified in the small intestine and in the caecum and colon, respectively. Histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of two distinct Eimeria species. In particular, E. kofoidi macrogamonts were found in epithelial cells of jejunum and ileum, between the basal lamina and the nucleus of the infected intestinal cells. This latter was flattened and displaced above. E. legionensis macrogamonts were instead found localised between the nucleus and the luminal surface of the infected caeca and colonic cells and these macrogamonts were larger than those of E. kofoidi. Chronic enteritis and severe displacement of the deep crypts of the small intestine, large areas of caeca and colonic epithelial necrosis associated to thickened wall and mononuclear cells infiltration diffused in a transmural manner, were the main histopathological lesions.
- Trazodone: A Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Its Off-Label
Use in Dogs and Cats
Abstract: Trazodone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression and anxiety in humans, it can perform these functions due to its selective serotonin receptor antagonism and reuptake inhibition properties. Trazodone has not been approved for animals by the FDA but it is legally prescribed by veterinarians as an off-label drug for dogs and cats. This review describes trazodone’s mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties and adverse effects and summarizes the benefits of trazodone for non-approved FDA indications to reduce anxiety, behavioral stress, sedation, pre-and post-operation stress. It also discusses its cardiac safety profile for dogs and cats. As few clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate trazodone’s efficacy for treatment of the many behavioral and medical conditions in animals, large and randomized controlled clinical trials are still needed to confirm its efficacy in clinical practice.
- Sequence Analysis of VP2 Gene of the Parvoviruses Isolated from Fecal
Samples of Domestic Cats in Tehran, Iran
Abstract: Panleukopenia is a viral enteritis of high mortality rate in Feline population. It is caused by a small single-stranded DNA virus, belonging to the Family Parvoviridae, called Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV). Parvoviruses are capable of adapting to new hosts and can simply mutate like RNA viruses, resulting in the emergence of different strains with antigenic changes. Unlike the original Canine Parvovirus (CPV) type 2, the antigenic variants (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, CPV-2c) earned the ability to replicate in cat hosts either with clinical signs or without any symptoms. Cats may be able to shed Parvoviruses for a long time and can serve as an important reservoir. Co-infection with FPV and CPV-2 variants has been also reported. These characteristics make the cat an important host for Parvoviruses. Since no molecular study has reported on Parvoviruses infected cats in Iran, a decision was made to study these strains of Parvovirus. Twenty-eight fecal samples were collected from kittens under 6 months of age, both male and female and different breeds which had leukemia. PCR was performed on each sample and 26 samples tested positive for Parvoviruses. Randomly, the PCR products of eight samples were sequenced and their phylogenetic tree was generated. Analysis of the results revealed that all eight samples are FPV and it appears that FPV is more clonal than the CPV-2 variants in Iran. Amino acid residue 232 from the VP2 gene of FPVs has been changed from isoleucine to valine, which has only been reported in CPV-2 and its variants. It seems that some FPVs of Iran are changing to the CPV-2 variants. Hence, it is expected that in the future, the CPV-2 variants will be observed in cats.
- The Effect of Adding Zeolite in the Feed of Chickens Cobb 500
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of zeolite on the feeding of Cobb 500 chickens in the productive parameters. The work was carried out in an integral farm of Ecuador, adopting the standards of biosafety and animal welfare for the breeding of poultry; no vaccines or drugs were administered. 200 chickens (1-day old) were studied for 42 days and distributed in 5 treatments, each one with 4 replicates (10 chickens per replicate, randomly selected); the treatments were: T1(control), T2(zeolite 2%), T3(zeolite 3%), T4(zeolite 4%) and T5(zeolite 5%). All of the groups were fed with BALMAR, a commercial feed (Pre-initial: 22.56% CP, 3150 Kcal/kg ME; initial: 21% CP, 3200 Kcal/kg ME; grow-out: 19.5% CP, 3250 Kcal/Kg ME), T1 included a commercial toxin trapper, for all other groups zeolite was added as a substitute for the commercial toxin trap. The variables studied were: feed and water consumption, feed conversion ratio, live weight and mortality. The data were processed with the statistical program Stat graphics Centurion XV.I, by means of ANOVA analysis. The results of this experiment showed that there were no significant statistical differences in water consumption, food intake and feed conversion when comparing the treatments with the control, although, the final weight showed statistical difference (p<0.05). The highest mortality was recorded in T1 (12.5%). It is concluded that at higher zeolite increase, better effects, thus the live weight of T5 (1638.9±46.7) was statistically similar to the control (1734.3±49.3); water and feed consumption and feed conversion rate were not affected; possibly the reduction in mortality was due to the toxins trapping action of zeolite.
- Natural Substances as New Potential Strategies for the Treatment of
Leishmaniosisin Dogs
Abstract: Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasites Leishmania, infecting numerous mammal species. Canine leishmaniasis is potentially zoonotic and causes severe fatal disease in dogs. The discovery of new natural products extracted from medicinal plants or compounds derived from them, such as quercetin, hesperidin, vitamin c, horse chestnut extract and selenium could represent a valuable source of new medicinal agents for treating leishmaniasis in dogs.
- Fermented Green Vegetable Soybean Meal Increases Dressed Carcass Meat and
Bone Weight in Black-Boned Chickens (Fah Luang Chicken, Gallus gallus)
Abstract: To use effectively waste green vegetable soyabean (edamame) and to improve the dressed carcass meat in black-boned chickens (Fah Luang chicken, Gallus gallus), fermented edamame meal was fed to black-boned chickens from 4 to 16 weeks of age. At 4 weeks of age, 20 birds (10 male and 10 female birds) were used to measure the initial weights of dressed carcass meat and each bone part. Another 60 birds were divided into 2 groups with 3 replicates of 10 chickens (5 male and 5 female birds) each. The control group received a basal formula diet only and the experimental group was fed 40 g fermented edamame meal per bird for a period of 30 min before being fed the basal formula diet. The weights of whole body, each dressed carcass muscle part and each bone part increased in the chickens fed fermented edamame meal (p<0.05). The feed cost per Kg body weight gain decreased (p<0.05). Income over feed cost per Kg body weight gain, as well as income over feed cost and strain per bird, increased in the fermented edamame meal group (p<0.05). These facts suggest that the feeding of fermented edamame meal to black-boned chicken induces the chicken’s production due to increase of dressed carcass muscle, cheap feed cost (USD/Kg body weight gain) and high income (USD/bird), suggesting the potential for commercialization of waste edamame meal as a feed ingredient for black-boned chickens.
- The use of Probiotics in Horses with Gastrointestinal Disease
Abstract: Probiotics are common adjunctive therapy used in human and veterinary medicine, mostly intended for gastrointestinal diseases treatment or prevention. Lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacilli, bifid bacteria and enterococci and Saccharomyces boulardii, a subtype of the nonpathogenic yeast have been most frequently used as probiotic active ingredients. To become a recognized effective probiotic, a certain microorganism must fulfill many expectations, primarily the ability to survive gastrointestinal tract passage, adhere to epithelial cells and colonize intestines to present antimicrobial effect and inhibition of enteric pathogens. Prior to evaluation of clinical efficiency, it is advised to perform in vitro studies in order to identify potentially beneficial properties of probiotic organisms. An effective probiotic product could be of a great value in equine medicine, since both, adult horses and foals, frequently exhibit gastrointestinal problems. However, very little objective research has been carried out on the topic. The effectiveness of probiotic products in horses has been proven in very few studies and some presented serious adverse effects. Therefore, the benefits of probiotics use in equine medicine still remain undetermined.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Current Treatment Options in Dogs
Abstract: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) is an idiopathic and chronic gastrointestinal failure of cats, dogs and some farm animals such as horses. Since the long and difficult classical therapy of the disease has various side effects, new therapeutic methods are needed. However, a safe and standardized treatment protocol has not been developed, yet. Therefore, IBD treatment is still a big dilemma for both human and veterinary medicine. In this review, IBD and new therapeutic alternatives in dogs were evaluated.
- The Visceral Organ, Gastrointestinal Tract and Blood Characteristics in
Pegagan Ducks Fed Ration Fermented by Tape Yeast with Different Moisture
Content
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of administration diet containing locally sourced materials fermented by tape yeast with different moisture content on the weight of the visceral organs, gastrointestinal tract and blood chemistry and profile of Pegagan ducks. As many as 200 Pegagan ducks aged 3 days were kept for 6 weeks in colony cages. This study used a completely randomized design that consisted of 5 treatments and 4 replicates. The treatments tested were symbolized as P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 based on the level of moisture content used in the fermentation process of ration, namely control, 40, 50, 60 and 70%. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance continued by Duncan’s multiple range test at 5%. The weight of gizzard, pancreas, crop-oesophagus, proventriculus, the total of small intestine and ceca were significantly (p<0.05) affected by treatment, but did not significantly affect (p>0.05) on the weight of bile, liver, spleen, heart, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and rectum. Furthermore, blood cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL of Pegagan ducks were significantly (p>0.05) different. It can be concluded that the fermentation process of locally sourced ration using a moisture content of 50% gives the optimal result on the weight of visceral organ, gastrointestinal tract and also blood chemistry and profile of Pegagan ducks.
- Intestinal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma with Lymph Node Metastasis in a Cat
Abstract: Intestinal adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor. The most common clinical signs of gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma are depression, anorexia, loss of weight, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation due to obstruction. In cats, gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas are the most common non-hematopoietic gastrointestinal tumors and their frequency is higher in males. In this report, the case of an 8 year old male cat with adenocarcinoma that had metastasized to the lymph nodes is presented.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors in Veterinary Medicine
Abstract: Inhibition of gastric acid secretion is necessary to treat many gastrointestinal diseases. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are very effective drugs, used for gastric acid inhibition and therapy of important erosive and non-erosive gastrointestinal disorders in animals as well as humans. In this review, general properties of PPIs, their mode of action, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions and clinical and alternative uses in veterinary medicine were evaluated.
- General Aspect and Current Fluid Therapy in Cattle with Digestive Diseases
Abstract: Digestive disorders therapy, both in calves and adult animals depends on the correction of dehydration, academia and the removal of D-lactate from the blood and it is possible to do it by means of fluid therapy. To do this, it is necessary to evaluate the dehydration of the animals and to evaluate some clinical signs that allow to suspect acid-base and electrolytes modifications in blood. The exact determination of these alterations, even a field level, by means of portable auto analyzers allow a fluid therapy adapted to each animal. Academia, with accumulation of D-lactate in the blood, seems to be one of the most important factors in the pathogenesis of systemic signs of neurological dysfunction, including ataxia, weakness and reduction of food intake in several digestive diseases in ruminants. Also reviewed are the products available in the market frequently used in the fluid therapy of these diseases, with their main indications and disadvantages. Finally, we review the main digestive pathologies that suffered from ruminants, especially diarrhea in calves, with their treatment.
- Efficacy of the Administration of a Natural Feed Supplement in the
Management of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in 7 Sport Horses: A Field
Trial
Abstract: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is one of the most common causes of poor performance in the equine patient and affects more than 90% of Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses in training. Nowadays, the principal therapeutic options for EGUS treatment include antiacids such as histamine receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors. Recently, many studies concerning feed supplements to treat and prevent EGUS were carried out. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a natural feed supplement, administered for 30 days, as the only treatment for gastric ulcerations in sport horses in training. Seven horses were selected for the study on the basis of their gastroscopic evidence of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa. Each horse received a natural feed supplement (Gastrocure, Institute Farmaceutico Candioli, Italy) registered for use in horses for 30 days. Gastroscopy was performed on day 0 (T1), day 15 (T2) and at the end of the treatment (day 30, T3). Scores were assigned according to MacAllister method (score 0,1,2,3,4 for number of lesions and score 0,1,2,3,4,5 for lesion severity). Statistical analysis showed a strong evidence (p<0.01) of lower scores occurring at T3 when compared to T1for both number and severity of gastric lesions. In conclusion, the administration of Gastrocure was effective in reducing the number and severity of ulcerative lesions in horses affected by EGUS.
- Cryptosporidiosis in Ruminants: Update and Current Therapeutic Approaches
Abstract: Cryptosporidium species causes asymptomatic or mild to severe gastrointestinal disease in their broad range of host species. These host species include humans, domestic and wild animals worldwide. The importance of cryptosporidiosis in ruminants has been emphasised in recent years for not only mortality, delayed growth and economic losses in the farm but also zoonotic importance. So more than 200 substances have been tested against cryptosporidiosis, but none of them was able to eliminate the infection consistently. This article will focus on therapeutic interventions in neonatal ruminants against cryptosporidiosis including perspectives for new drugs.
- Quercetin Promotes the Expression of Genes Involved in Phagocytosisin
Bovine Neutrophils
Abstract: This study was conducted to explore the effect of Quercetin (QH) on phagocytosis of bovine neutrophils. Neutrophils were isolated from fifteen multiparous Holstein cows. We in vitro treated neutrophils with PBS or 50 µM of Quercetin (QH) or Cytochalasin B (CytB), as phagocytosis inhibitor, prior to monitoring phagocytosis of Escherichia coli by flow cytometry and microscopic examination. Additionally, the expressions of CORO1A, CYBA (gp91phox), LAMP1, RAB7A, RAC1 and PAK1 mRNA were analyzed by real-time PCR. In the time-course experiment, treated neutrophils were allowed to co-cultured with live bacteria for 30, 60 and 90 min before measuring gene expressions. The expression levels of IL-1 β and TNF genes in order to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory property of quercetin were assessed by conventional RT-PCR. The results of flow cytometry and microscopic examination showed that the percentage of neutrophils performing phagocytosis were significantly higher in QH group in comparison with other groups. We reported here that mRNA expressions of CORO1A, CYBA, LAMP1, RAB7A, RAC1 and PAK1 genes involved in phagocytosis, were significantly up-regulated in QH group. As expected, CytB group had profound down-regulation of genes with one exception in PAK1. From our observations, the expression levels of phagocytic process genes in the QH group were optimum at 60 min and started to decline at 90 min of incubation. The data also indicated that quercetin inhibited inflammation by reducing the expressions of both IL-1β and TNF. In conclusion, the information in our experiments conclude that quercetin has the ability to boost the expression of genes involved in phagocytosis while reduces the expression of proinflammatory genes.
- On the Acclimatization of Pelagic Fish Species Juveniles in a Closed
Environment: An Atlantic Horse Mackerel Case Study
Abstract: Understanding how fish species acclimatize to a new environment may help to improve aquatic/fisheries resource management. Further, baseline information specific to behavior patterns of (pelagic) fish species juveniles particularly during acclimatization appears unreported to best of our knowledge. Therefore, the current study was goaled to examine the acclimatization of pelagic fish species juveniles in a closed environment using Trachurus trachurus as a case reference. Eighteen Trachurus fish juveniles were maintained in well-kept seawater-filled aquarium under laboratory/room conditions of controlled temperature. The characteristic observations of fish aggregation, fish-to-feed movement and fish-feed selection that varied across begin (days 1-5), middle (days 6-15) and end (days 16-20) phases provided substantiations about either how and when Trachurus spp. juveniles started, increased and or achieved complete/full acclimatization behavior. The initial peak (laboratory/room = ~18°C; water = ~20°C) temperatures of 20-day acclimatization period would stabilize with time. Along with the abovementioned characteristic observations, water temperatures seemed to fluctuate more compared to laboratory/room. Overall, the current study provides noteworthy baseline knowledge about pelagic fish juveniles’ behavior(s)/pattern(s) in closed environment and useful reference for future acclimatization studies.
- Effect of Pre-Slaughter Autophagic Status on Postmortem Proteolysis in
Skeletal Muscle of Mice
Abstract: Post mortem proteolysis is a key event during the aging process, where muscle converts to meat. However, its precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the effects of pre-slaughter autophagic status on post mortem proteolysis were investigated using mouse skeletal muscle. Mice were fasted for 14 h and administered with or without the autophagy inhibitor wortmannin, whereas control mice were given free access to diet. Skeletal muscle samples were collected and stored at 4°C. Muscle proteins were extracted at several time points, followed by evaluation of microtubule-associated protein Light Chain 3 (LC3)-II expression as an autophagic marker and of post mortem changes in water-soluble proteins by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Mice fasted before sacrifice showed significantly higher expression of LC3-II than control mice and this effect was inhibited by the administration of wortmannin. Results on HPLC analysis indicated typical post mortem changes in water-soluble muscle proteins and these changes were accelerated when autophagy was induced by starvation. In addition, the administration of wortmannin canceled acceleration of post mortem changes by starvation. These findings could suggest that autophagy is a mediator of post mortem proteolysis in skeletal muscle and contributes to meat quality.
- Kinetic Motilities of Cryopreserved Bull Spermatozoa: Owing to the Effect
of Eurycoma longifolia Jack Aqueous Extract
Abstract: This study was carried out to improve the kinetic motilities of frozen-thawed bull semen diluted with tris-based egg yolk diluent that was supplemented with Eurycoma longifolia jack aqueous extract. A total of 24 ejaculates were obtained from six cross-bred bulls using an electro-ejaculator. The extract of Eurycoma longifolia jack was distributed into three low doses and three high doses; cryopreserved samples were evaluated into three different times to confirm the results of kinetic motilities through different times and between groups. Path velocity (VAP μm/s), progress velocity (VSL μm/s), track speed (VCL μm/s), lateral amplitude (ALH μm/s), Beat Frequency (BCF Hz), straightness (STR %), linearity (LIN %), were evaluated three different times using Computer-assisted sperm analysis. Results revealed that the percentage of VAP, ASL and VCL were higher (p<0.05) in the frozen-thawed semen group supplemented with 5 mg mL-1 Eurycoma longifolia jack extract (73.19±1.91, 58.34±2.06 and 117.91±2.68 in first evaluation, then 74.22±2.06, 57.45±1.72 and 118.92±2.55 in second evaluation and 72.95±2.27, 56.75±1.30 and 119.07±3.54 in third evaluation; respectively). In conclusion, Eurycoma longifolia Jack aqueous extract supplementation to the semen diluent at 5 mg mL-1 significantly improved sperm kinetic motilities of frozen-thawed bull semen.
- Some Morphologic Features of Heart Failure with Different Etiology
Abstract: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Chronical Degenerative Valvular Disease (CDVD) are very common in dogs nowadays. However, due to modern level in oncology we can meet chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathies more often. We have lack of information about pathogenic mechanisms underlying doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DoxCM) and features differentiating it from CDVD and DCM. The study population consisted of 46 dogs of different age, sex and breed. These dogs were sub grouped due to diagnosis: Healthy dogs without heart failure (n = 14), DCM (n = 6), CDVD (n = 16) and DoxCM (n = 10). Fresh myocardial biopsies taken immediately after euthanasia from left ventricular apex, freezed in liquid nitrogen for biochemical study and prepared for histological and electron microscopy. Histological and ultrastructural findings defined several features connected with pathogenesis of different diseases. This preliminary study shows changes induced by Doxorubicin (Dox) in dogs. These findings mostly connected with mitochondrial disturbances, insulin resistance and energy depletion. In this study also shown several features connected with development of CDVD and differences from DCM.
- Immunologic Aspect of Mice (Mus musculus) Dental Caries Induced by
Streptococcus mutans
Abstract: Dental caries (tooth decay), cavities or caries is a breakdown of teeth due to activities of bacteria acid producing in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates. The most responsible bacteria for dental cavities are Streptococcus mutans. Dental shape, saliva pH, normal flora, diets were suggested as predisposition factors for dental plaque and caries. The aim of this research was to study immunologic response in dental caries induced by S. mutans. This research was experimental study, using post-test control and complete random design. Eighteen mice (Mus musculus) with 18 weeks age, 20-30 gr. body weight, were divided into 2 groups: Infected group and negative control. In the infected group, the mice were given cariogenic food (plus 5% sucrose) and infected by S. mutans (3×105cfu/mL). S. mutans was inoculated onto the enamel and between the teeth. On the 4th day after infection, the mice were euthanized and parotid glands were removed for immunologic examinations (TNF-α, TLR3, TLR4, IL-10, IgA, IFN-γ) and measured by flow cytometry. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA, α = 0.05. The results showed that infection of S. mutans caused dental caries marked by changes of the enamel teethcolour, turn to yellow and accompanied by the emergence of black dots.The TNF-α, TLR3, TLR4, IgA, IFN-γof parotid glands decreased, but the IL-10 increased significantly. Infection of S. mutans onto the enamel and between the teeth of mice caused dental caries and immunologically S. mutans suppress the mice immune system, both cellular and humoral, both innate and adaptive immunity.
- Determination of Breeding Seasonality in Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis) Stags
via Serum Testosterone Profiling
Abstract: Breeding seasonality in mammals is influenced by the environmental changes and the endocrine response of the animals to that changes. Comprehension in breeding seasonality enables better reproductive management consequently maximizing the reproductive potential of the stags. Despite that, the study in breeding seasonality in Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) is still scarce. Five healthy and matured stags were selected for this experiment. Semen were collected using electroejaculator at a monthly interval from April to September 2012. Semen motility is determined using a percentage. Meteorological data were obtained from the nearest weather station located in Petaling Jaya. Serum was utilized for the radioimmunoassay determination of serum testosterone profile. The warmest condition was in June and it's coolest in November of 2012. There was a strong, positive correlation between testosterone concentration and general motility (p<0.05) with a correlation coefficient, rs = 0.943. Meteorological data alone; temperature, relative humidity and rainfall are insufficient to determine the breeding seasonality in Rusa deer, bearing no significant correlation with serum testosterone concentration and sperm motility. Rusa deer stags is reproductively active from April to July, low in August and starts to rise again in September. Therefore, this study demonstrates that breeding seasonality in Rusa deer stags can be determined via serum testosterone profiling.
- Metabolic Features of Heart Failure with Different Etiology
Abstract: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Chronical Degenerative Valvular Disease (CDVD) are very common in dogs nowadays. However, due to modern level in oncology we can meet chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathies more often. We have lack of information about pathogenic mechanisms underlying Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyopathy (DoxCM) and features differentiating it from CDVD and DCM. In this study we investigate several metabolic features of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy, DCM-like phenotype cardiomyopathies and CDVD. We observed some stages of myocardium glucose metabolism in order to estimate life potential of end stage myocardium and respectively survival of patient. The study population consisted of 46 dogs of different age, sex and breed. These dogs were subgrouped due to diagnosis: Healthy dogs without heart failure, DCM, CDVD and DoxCM. Fresh myocardial biopsies taken immediately after euthanasia from left ventricular apex, freezed in liquid nitrogen for ELISA and biochemical study. Differences in metabolic profile found between of CDVD and healthy dogs were not significant. At the same time doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathy and DCM-like phenotype myocardial disease had similar changes. It should be mentioned, DCM patients had previously long history of treatment, but DoxCM group-not. Differences between DoxCM, DCM and CDVD were significant and can be explained by changes what suffering myocardium undergoes. Rapid or slow developing energy depletion leads to myocardiocytes death and heart failure. Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy is far more dangerous due to rapidness of development in observed study. Myocardium, due to lack of time, had no adapting ability for acute energy depletion and massive cell death. This preliminary study shows changes induced by doxorubicin (Dox) in dogs. These findings mostly connected with mitochondrial disturbances, insulin resistance and energy depletion. In this study also shown several features connected with development of CDVD and differences from DCM.
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Open Access journal
