Arthrocentesis approaches to the phalangeal joints of the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Irrespective of the exceptional adaptation of dromedaries to harsh environmental conditions, they remain highly susceptible to joint lameness resulting from a range of diverse factors and conditions. The joints most often affected by traumatic osteoarthritis in dromedaries are the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. A comprehensive understanding of joint anatomy and topography of the dromedary is required to perform arthrocentesis correctly on affected joints. Forty-two distal limbs were taken from 28 camels and studied by gross dissection, casting, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT). Representative three-dimensional models of the joint cavities, recesses, and pouches were obtained using different casting agents. This study provides a detailed description of dorsally, axially, and abaxially positioned joint recesses, as well as palmar/plantar positioned joint pouches. The safety and feasibility of the different arthrocentesis approaches were evaluated. The traditional dorsal arthrocentesis approach of the metacarpophalangeal, metatarsophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints, has limitations due to the risk of damaging the tendon structures and articular cartilage, which can lead to joint degeneration. A lateral arthrocentesis approach via the proximal palmar/plantar pouches of the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints is recommended. This approach eliminates the potential needle injury to the articulating joint cartilage and other surrounding joint structures, such as tendons, blood vessels, and nerves.

Effect of age, season, and gender on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology in camels.

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples are valued mirrors of different parts of the airway and can be used with other approaches to the diagnosis of the lower respiratory tract. Several previous studies on various animal species showed the effect of the season, gender, and age on the percentage of cells in the BALF samples. Aim: The main aim of this study was to determine the impact of gender, age, and season on the cytological analysis in BALF of dromedary camels. Methods: Thirteen healthy camels were involved in this study. Camels were selected based on general respiratory clinical scoring. BALF was done using a special BALF catheter. BALF samples were analyzed from dromedary camels by microscopic examination of prepared smears. Results: The results of the BALF cytology percentage revealed that there was no variation between winter and summer in most cell types. Only the mean value of neutrophil cell percentage in BALF in winter increased significantly (10.75 ± 1.31) compared to summer (4.60 ± 0.81). The range of eosinophils was in summer (0-13) wider than in winter (0-2). A significant difference was recorded in lymphocytes, eosinophils, and epithelial cells percentage among adult and young camels. There was a high mean value of epithelial cells percentage in adult camels (10.17 ± 1.64) compared to young animals (3.0 ± 0.58). The results of the BALF cytology among males and camels showed no significant difference. Conclusion: The present study revealed significant differences in the BALF cytology regarding age and season, but no impact on gender.

Cytological and microbiological evaluation of conjunctiva in camels with and without conjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the cytological analysis of conjunctiva from normal camels and camels with bacterial conjunctivitis. ANIMALS STUDIED: This study was conducted on 7 normal camels and 15 camels affected with conjunctivitis. The affected camels had a history of conjunctivitis with signs including chemosis, blepharospasm, frequent blinking, and mild-to-moderate serous, mucoid, or purulent ocular discharge. PROCEDURES: Bacterial swabs were collected from the inferior conjunctival sac of the affected eye without topical anesthetics. Conjunctival smears were obtained from the conjunctival surface for cytological analysis. RESULTS: The cellular analysis of ocular smears revealed a higher percentage of basal cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages in camels with conjunctivitis compared with normal camels. In contrast to this, smears from normal camels showed an increased percentage of superficial epithelial cells compared with affected camels. The microbiological assessment of conjunctival swabs collected from affected animals identified a bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus., Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Enterococcus faecium., Staphylococcus sp., Corynebacterium sp., Coryne pseudotuberculosis., Saprophytica, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulagaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that bacterial conjunctivitis in camels was associated with increased percentages of basal epithelial cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages compared with normal camels, while normal camels showed an increased percentage of superficial epithelial cells compared with affected camels.

A retrospective study of choke (oesophageal obstruction) in 64 one-hump Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Choke (oesophageal obstruction) is an important oesophageal disorder in large domestic animals. Published studies on choke in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) are few in number and deal with small number of cases. Methods: Sixty-four camels with choke were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, King Faisal University. History, breed, age, sex, duration of obstruction and clinical signs were recorded. The diagnosis was established using examination with a stomach tube, oesophageal radiography and endoscopy. Choke was managed either by using alligator forceps guided endoscope or by cervical oesophagotomy. Results: Choke was recorded in camels less than 1 year old (84.38%) more than camels more than 1 year of age (15.62%) and complete obstruction more than partial. Most cases had obstruction involving the cervical oesophagus (96.87%). In the majority of obstructive masses, there were pieces of fabric (48.44%) and plastic bags (35.94%). Most obstructive masses were slightly radio-opaque (62.5%). Surgical and non-surgical managements were effective (91.3% and 94.44%, respectively) in resolving the choke. Conclusions: Choke was most likely in animals less than 1 year of age with complete obstruction of the cervical oesophagus. Surgical and non-surgical methods were effective in resolving the choke in the dromedary camels. It was not practical to use forceps extraction in all adult camels due to the limited length of the alligator forceps.

Immune cell composition of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in healthy and respiratory diseased dromedary camels.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory diseases are among the most common and expensive to treat diseases in camels with a great economic impact on camel health, welfare, and production. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) has been proven as a valuable sample for investigating the leukocyte populations in the respiratory tract of several species. In the present study, fluorescent antibody labeling and flow cytometry were used to study the immune cell composition of BALF in dromedary camels. Animals with clinical respiratory diseases (n = seven) were compared with apparently healthy animals (n = 10). In addition, blood leukocytes from the same animals were stained in parallel with the same antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Camel BALF macrophages, granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes were identified based on their forward and side scatter properties. The expression pattern of the cell markers CD172a, CD14, CD163, and MHCII molecules on BALF cells indicates a similar phenotype for camel, bovine, and porcine BALF myeloid cells. The comparison between camels with respiratory disease and healthy camels regarding cellular composition in their BALF revealed a higher total cell count, a higher fraction of granulocytes, and a lower fraction of macrophages in diseased than healthy camels. Within the lymphocyte population, the percentages of helper T cells and B cells were also higher in diseased than healthy camels. The elevated expression of the activation marker CD11a on helper T cells of diseased camels is an indication of the expansion of helper T cells population due to infection and exposure to respiratory pathogens. The higher abundance of MHCII molecules on BALF macrophages from diseased camels indicates a polarization toward an inflammatory macrophage phenotype (M1) in respiratory diseased camels. No significant differences were observed in the systemic leukogram between healthy and diseased animals. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the current study represents the first report on flow cytometric analysis of immune cell composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in dromedary camels.

Novel arthrocentesis approaches to the carpal joint of the Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The knowledge gap regarding the topography and anatomy of the dromedary's carpal joint must be bridged to improve diagnostic and treatment procedures such as ultrasonography, arthrocentesis, and arthroscopy. Thirty-five distal forelimbs were harvested from 21 dromedaries and studied through gross dissection, casting, ultrasonography, and computerized tomography. Representative three-dimensional models of the joint cavities, recesses, and pouches were obtained using various casting agents. The safety and feasibility of different arthrocentesis approaches were evaluated. This study provides a detailed description of dorsally located joint recesses and palmarly located joint pouches. The dorsomedial and dorsolateral approach is recommended for arthroscopy and arthrocentesis of the radiocarpal and intercarpal joint when the carpus is flexed. However, caution must be exercised during these approaches to prevent needle injury to the articulating cartilage. Caution is necessary to prevent the formation of inadvertent communication between the dorsally located tendon sheaths and joint cavities. Arthrocentesis via the lateral approach to the lateropalmar pouch is the most favourable approach for the radiocarpal joint. A subtendinous synovial bursa was found between the lateropalmar pouch of the radiocarpal joint and the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. The subtendinous synovial bursa must be considered during the lateral arthrocentesis approach. The palmar approach is not recommended for arthrocentesis due to the high risk of injury to nerves, veins, and arteries located palmarly.

Comparative Study of the Sedative and Anti-nociceptive Effects of Sacrococcygeal Epidural Administration of Romifidine, Lidocaine, and Romifidine/Lidocaine in the Dromedary Camel.

In a randomized prospective study, comparative sedative and anti-nociceptive effects of epidural administration of romifidine (RO), lidocaine (LD), and a combination of romifidine-lidocaine (ROLD) in camel were evaluated. Eighteen healthy adult dromedary camels were assigned randomly to three treatment groups (n = 6), each receiving 50 µg/kg of RO, 0.30 mg/kg of LD, or a combination of both RO and LD. All treatments were expanded in 0.9% sterile normal saline solution to a final dose volume of 20 ml and administered directly into the sacrococcygeal space. After epidural injection of each treatment, the onset time, duration, anatomical extension of anti-nociception, and sedation were documented. Anti-nociception was tested at different areas using a pinprick test and artery forceps pinching at the perineum and inguinal area. RO and ROLD treatments resulted in mild to severe sedation and complete bilateral analgesia with loss of sensation in the tail, perineum, scrotum in males, vulva in females, the caudal aspect skin of the upper hind limb, and inguinal region (udder in females and the prepuce in males). The anatomic extent of anti-nociception reached the chest cranially and the footpad distally. Camels who received LD showed the shortest duration (P < 0.001) to the onset of perineal anti-nociception (3.67 ± 0.33 min) followed by those who received RO LD (4.00 ± 0.37 min) and RO (6.67 ± 0.33 min), respectively. RO and ROLD resulted in significantly (P < 0.001) longer periods of analgesia (158.33 ± 4.01 min and 165 ± 3.87 min, respectively) than LD (75.83 ± 3.27). An epidural RO and ROLD would appear to produce a very effective and acceptable anti-nociceptive effect in the perineal and inguinal regions of camels.

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Leukocyte Populations in the Lung Tissue of Dromedary Camels.

Respiratory tract infections are among the most common infections in dromedary camels, with a high impact on animal health, production, and welfare. Tissue-specific distribution of immune cells is one of the important factors that influence the nature and outcome of the immune response to pathogens. Several protocols have recently been described for the flow cytometric analysis of immune cells in the lung tissue of several species. However, no such protocol currently exists for dromedary camels. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to establish a flow cytometric protocol for the identification of immune cell populations in the camel lung tissue and the evaluation of some of their phenotypic and functional properties. Combined staining of camel lung leukocytes with monoclonal antibodies to the pan-leukocyte marker CD45 and the myeloid cell marker CD172a allowed the identification of myeloid cells (CD45+CD172a+) and lymphoid cells (CD45+CD172a-) in the lung of healthy camels. The cell adhesion molecules CD11a and CD18 were found in a higher abundance on myeloid cells compared to lymphoid cells. Based on their differential expression of the LPS receptor CD14, macrophages (CD172a+CD14high cells) were identified as the most abundant immune cell population in the camel lung tissue. In contrast to their dominance in camel peripheral blood, granulocytes (CD172a+CD14low) presented only a minor population in the lung tissue. The higher frequency of γδ T cells in the lung tissue than in peripheral blood suggests a role for these cells in the pulmonary immune system. Flow cytometric analysis of bacterial phagocytosis and ROS production upon bacterial stimulation revealed high antimicrobial activity of camel lung phagocytes, which was comparable with the antimicrobial activity of blood granulocytes. Comparative analysis of immune cell distribution between the cranial and caudal lobes of the camel lung revealed a higher frequency of granulocytes and a lower frequency of macrophages in the cranial compared to the caudal lung lobe. In addition, the higher frequency of cells expressing the M2 macrophage marker CD163 in the caudal lung tissue, with a slightly higher fraction of MHCII-positive cells (M1 phenotype) in the cranial lung tissue, may suggest the distribution of different macrophage subtypes in the different lobes of the camel lung. Such differences between lung lobes could influence the effectiveness of the immune response to infection or vaccination with respiratory pathogens. Collectively, the present study identified some similarities and differences between camels and other farm animals regarding the distribution of the main immune cell populations in their lungs. Further studies are required for comprehensive immunophenotyping of the cellular pulmonary immune system in camels.

The Impact of Anticoagulation Agent on the Composition and Phenotype of Blood Leukocytes in Dromedary Camels.

For the analysis of several cellular biomarkers, blood samples are anticoagulated using different agents with different modes of action. However, for the most commonly used anticoagulants, EDTA and heparin, varying effects on blood components have been reported in different species. As little is known about the impact of anticoagulants on the immunological evaluation of camel leukocytes, the present study analyzed the leukogram, the immunophenotype, and the cell vitality of camel leukocytes separated from blood samples anticoagulated with EDTA or lithium heparin. Using flow cytometry and staining with monoclonal antibodies to several cell surface markers, the composition and immunophenotype of camel leukocytes separated from blood anticoagulated with EDTA or heparin were analyzed. In comparison to EDTA-anticoagulated blood, using lithium heparin as an anticoagulant resulted in reduced numbers of total leukocytes and reduced numbers of neutrophils, which led to a reduced neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio. The analysis of cell necrosis and apoptosis after the staining of leukocytes with the DNA-sensitive dye propidium iodide and the mitochondrial membrane potential probe JC1 revealed a higher fraction of necrotic neutrophils and higher fractions of apoptotic neutrophils and monocytes in heparin blood than in EDTA blood. In addition, monocytes from heparin blood showed higher expression levels of the cell surface markers CD14, CD163, and MHCII when compared to cells from EDTA blood. Similarly, in heparin blood, CD44 and CD172a were expressed higher on neutrophils, while CD11a was expressed higher on lymphocytes in comparison to cells from EDTA blood. The results of the current study indicate the importance of considering the type of anticoagulant when investigating the composition, vitality, and immunophenotype of camel leukocytes.

Comparison between a fitness tracker (EquimetreTM) and standard base-apex electrocardiography in dromedary camels.

Background: Personalized healthcare technology has grown explosively through the use of portable and smart monitoring devices for diagnosis. The objective of this study was to determine the practicality and usability of the EquimetreTM fitness tracker on camels in comparison to the standard base-apex system in normal and clinical cases. Methods: Five apparently healthy adult camels, five clinical adult cases and two clinical calves were enrolled in this study. The camels were equipped with two monitoring systems: EquimetreTM and a standard base-apex electrocardiogarphy. Each tracing was evaluated for the normal ECG variable's measure, including heart rate beats per min, P-R, QRS, R-R, Q-T, S-T intervals, and P-R and S-T segments in seconds. The amplitudes for P, Q, R, S, and T-peaks were evaluated in millivolts. Results: EquimetreTM showed stability on ECG tracing with less movement artifacts compared with the standard base-apex system. Different polarities were observed for the P-waves and T-waves between the standard base-apex system and EquimetreTM. Both devices showed perfect agreement for heart rate (ICC = 1.00, P ≥ 0.0001, 95% = 1.00-1.00) in healthy and clinical adults. A good correlation was observed for the R-R interval between the devices in healthy and clinical adults. A moderate correlation was observed between the devices for Q-peak in clinical adults, with no correlation in clinical calves. Conclusions: This study demonstrated acceptable ECG measurements between the standard base-apex and EquimetreTM device. This suggests that EquimetreTM could be a useful device in camels for initial electrocardiographic examinations in remote areas such as deserts.

Esophageal obstruction due to trichobezoar in a she-camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Background: Occurrences of esophageal foreign bodies are common in camels. Esophageal obstruction in camels due to bezoars is rare. Case Description: This report describes esophageal obstruction in camel due to trichobezoar. A 2-year-old she-camel presented with a history of inability to swallow and there was food and water regurgitation for one day before. Radiography and endoscopic examination revealed an oval-shaped foreign body embedded in the esophageal lumen in the level distal third of the neck. The foreign body was successfully removed using cervical esophagotomy under general anesthesia. Successful esophagostomy revealed trichobezoar weighing 45 g and measuring 85 mm × 75 mm × 42 mm. The trichobezoar removed from the esophagus was the cause of esophageal obstruction. Conclusion: Esophageal obstruction in camel could be due to trichobezoar. Radiography and endoscopy are valuable diagnostic methods to determine the position and nature of an obstructive object.

Investigation of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood of emaciated Omani goats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters is widely used in assessing animal health status. Limited information is available on trace element levels and their association with hematological and biochemical parameters in Omani goats suffering from emaciation. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the levels of some trace elements in emaciated Omani goats and their relationship with hematological and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Goats suffering from emaciation and muscular dystrophy (n=18) were compared with healthy goats (n=12). Venous blood samples for the hematological, biochemical, and trace element analysis were collected from the jugular vein. RESULTS: Emaciated goats showed significantly lower white blood cell, lymphocyte, and red blood cell counts than the healthy goats. In contrast, the percentages of monocytes and eosinophils were higher in emaciated goats than in healthy ones. In addition, emaciated goats showed higher levels of biochemical parameters alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and total bilirubin but lower levels of albumin than the healthy goats. The results of trace element analysis revealed lower concentrations of zinc, iron, and selenium in serum from emaciated goats than in serum from healthy goats. CONCLUSION: This study identified significant differences in the serum levels of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters between healthy and emaciated Omani goats. The identified differences represent valuable diagnostic biomarkers for the evaluation of the health status of Omani goats.

Immunomodulatory Effects of the Cyclooxygenase Inhibitor Lornoxicam on Phenotype and Function of Camel Blood Leukocytes.

(1) Background: Lornoxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic, antiphlogistic and antipyretic effects. The improved tolerance of lornoxicam due to the relatively shorter elimination half-life in comparison to other members of the oxicams may favor its application in the management of pain and inflammation in race dromedary camels. There are no studies conducted yet on the immunomodulatory or immunotoxilogic effect of lornoxicam in camels. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor lornoxicam on some phenotypic and functional properties of camel blood leukocytes; (2) Methods: Using flow cytometry, blood leukocyte composition, monocyte phenotype, and antimicrobial functions of neutrophils and monocytes were analyzed ex vivo after a single dose injection with lornoxicam. In addition, the effect of in vitro incubation of camel blood with lornoxicam on leukocyte cell vitality and antimicrobial functions were evaluated; (3) Results: The injection of camels with a single dose of lornoxicam resulted in a significant change in their leukogram with reduced numbers of total leukocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Within the lymphocyte population, the numbers of CD4+ T cells, γδ T cells, and B cells decreased significantly in blood after injection of camels with lornoxicam. In addition, injection of lornoxicam resulted in decreased abundance of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and increased abundance of the scavenger receptor CD163 on blood monocytes, indicating an anti-inflammatory phenotype of monocytes. Functionally, administration of lornoxicam decreased the capacity of camel neutrophils and monocytes to uptake bacteria and to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) after bacterial stimulation. Similarly, the in vitro whole blood incubation with lornoxicam resulted in reduced phagocytosis and ROS production activity of the camel blood phagocytes. Flow cytometric analysis of cell vitality, including cell necrosis and apoptosis, revealed a pro-apoptotic effect of lornoxicam on camel leukocytes; (4) Conclusions: Lornoxicam administration, at the dose and intervals utilized herein, induces significant changes in the phenotype and function of camel blood leukocytes. The reduced cell numbers of all studied leukocyte subpopulations in lornoxicam-treated camels, which seems to be a result of enhanced cell apoptosis, indicates an inhibitory effect rather than a modulatory effect of lornoxicam on the camel immune system, which need to be considered when using lornoxicam in camel medicine.

Clinical observations and molecular detection of Type-A influenza virus in some of the family Equidae in eastern Saudi Arabia winter-2019.

OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we are investigating the viral causes of some respiratory clinical signs in some animals belongs to the family Equidae in eastern Saudi Arabia (ESA) during winter- 2019. We observed the progression of severe respiratory clinical signs among some horses, donkeys, and ponies in the ESA. Animals showed rapid respiration, fever, nasal discharges (started as serous then changed into mucopurulent with the progression of the infection per some animals). We conducted a longitudinal study to monitor the progression of this outbreak. We conducted molecular surveillance for the influenza virus Type-A using real-time PCR and regular RT-PCR. We also conducted a serosurveillance of the virus in sera of the tested animals using the commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The molecular detection of the Influenza virus type-A virus from nasal swabs of the affected animals using the real-time PCR results clearly showing that 35.1% of the tested horses, donkeys, and ponies were positives. Further confirmation was achieved by reporting the seroconversion of some of the affected animals. Several attempts were conducted to isolate the circulating influenza strains using the embryonated chicken eggs were unsuccessful. This was based on the absence of any amplicons in the harvested embryonated egg fluids using some oligonucleotides for the common influenza virus genes (HA, NA, M, and N). Meanwhile, ELISA results revealed the detection of the antibodies in sera of horses and donkeys 72.9%. Seroconversion was reported in many animals several weeks after the onset of the outbreak. Taken together all these pieces of evidence, we confirm an influenza virus type-A outbreak among the tested animals during winter 2019.

Cytological analysis of tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in health and respiratory disease in dromedary camels.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal wash (TW) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) have proven to be useful tools for the identification of disease-associated changes in the respiratory tract in human and different animal species. In the dromedary camel, little is known about cytological analysis of TW and BAL in health and disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytological composition of TW and BAL in health and respiratory disease in dromedary camels. METHODS: TW and BAL samples were collected from dromedary camels and cytological analysis was performed by microscopic examination of prepared smears. Camels with clinical respiratory disease (n = 18) were compared with apparently healthy (control) camels (n = 9). RESULTS: In the apparently healthy camels, differential cytological analysis of TW samples identified macrophages and neutrophils as the main cell populations with lesser proportions of lymphocytes and epithelial cells and very rare abundance of eosinophils and mast cells. In the TW of camels with respiratory disease, neutrophils were the most abundant cells followed by macrophages and lymphocytes. In the BAL of healthy camels, macrophages represented the main cell type followed by lymphocytes and neutrophils. In respiratory-diseased camels, BAL samples contained higher percentages of neutrophils with reduced percentages of macrophages and lymphocytes in comparison to camels from the control group. Collectively, the results of the current study revealed higher abundance of neutrophils in the TW and BAL from dromedary camels than many other veterinary species. The cytological patterns of TW and BAL from camels with respiratory diseases were characterized by increased proportion of neutrophils and decreased proportion of macrophages in comparison to healthy camels. The proportion of lymphocytes was also decreased in TW samples from diseased camels.

Vertebrobasilar Contribution to Cerebral Arterial System of Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius).

It is hypothesized that in the "more highly evolved" mammals, including the domesticated mammals, that the brainstem and the cerebellum receive arterial blood through the vertebrobasilar system whilst the internal carotid arteries primarily supply the forebrain. In camels, the arterial blood supply to the brain differs from that of ruminants since the internal carotid artery and the rostral epidural rete mirabile (RERM) are both present and the basilar artery contributes a significant proportion of cerebral afferent blood. In this study, we described the anatomical distribution of the vertebrobasilar system arterial supply in the dromedary. Secondly, we determined the direction of blood flow within the vertebral and basilar arteries using transcranial color doppler ultrasonography. Thirdly, we quantified the percentage arterial contributions of the carotid and vertebrobasilar systems to the dromedary brain. Fifty-five heads of freshly slaughtered male Omani dromedaries aged 2-6 years were dissected to determine the distribution and topography of the arterial distribution to the brain. Their anatomical orientation was assessed by casting techniques using epoxy resin, polyurethane resin and latex neoprene. The epoxy resin and polyurethane resin casts of the head and neck arteries were used to measure the diameter of vertebrobasilar arterial system and carotid arterial system at pre-determined locations. These arterial diameters were used to calculate the percentage of blood supplied by each arterial system. The vertebrobasilar system in dromedary camels consists of paired vertebral arteries that contribute to the ventral spinal artery and basilar artery at multiple locations. In most specimens the vertebral artery was the primary contributor to the basilar artery compared to that of the ventral spinal artery. In four specimens the ventral spinal arteries appear to be the dominant contributor to the basilar artery. Transcranial color doppler ultrasonography confirmed that the direction of blood flow within the vertebral and basilar arteries was toward the brain in animals examined in ventral recumbency and when standing. The vertebrobasilar system contributes 34% of the blood supply to the brain. The vertebrobasilar system is the exclusive supply to the medulla oblongata, pons and cerebellum.

Leukocyte populations in peripheral blood of dromedary camels with clinical endometritis.

Endometritis represents the main cause of reproductive failure in dromedary camels. In dromedary camels, associations between endometritis-causing pathogen-species, disease severity, and systemic changes in the immune system have not been evaluated. In the current study, there was use of flow cytometry and immunofluorescence of membrane proteins for the evaluation of leukocyte subsets and the cellular phenotype in blood of camels with clinical endometritis and evaluations of associations with disease severity and endometritis-causing pathogens. Animals with endometritis had markedly larger numbers of total leukocytes and neutrophils. Although total lymphocyte and monocyte counts did not differ between camels with and without clinical endometritis, there were lesser numbers of total and effector CD4-positive T cells in camels with endometritis. Among monocytes, number of camel inflammatory monocytes (Mo-II) was markedly greater, whereas Mo-III numbers were less in the blood of camels with clinical endometritis. Number of inflammatory monocytes was also indicative of endometritis severity grade. Among camels with clinical endometritis, E. coli- and S. aureus-infected animals had similar endometritis grades and comparable phenotype and composition patterns of leukocytes. Neutrophils and monocytes of camels with clinical endometritis had fewer cell adhesion molecules (i.e., CD11a and CD18). Collectively, the results from the current study allowed for identification of associations between endometritis severity grade and larger numbers of inflammatory monocytes. The results also indicate there is no association between endometritis pathogen-species and changes in phenotype or composition of blood leukocytes.

Dromedary camel CD14high MHCIIhigh monocytes display inflammatory properties and are reduced in newborn camel calves.

BACKGROUND: In human and different animal species, blood monocytes are classified based on their expression pattern of different monocytic markers into phenotypically and functionally different subsets. In the current study, we used flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies to CD172a, CD14, CD163 and MHCII to identify monocyte subsets in peripheral blood of dromedary camels. RESULTS: Based on CD14, CD163 and MHCII expression, camel CD172a + monocytes were divided into three subsets: The major subpopulation of camel monocytes (mo-I) showed high expression of CD14 and CD163, but low expression of MHCII. A second subset of monocytes (mo-II) expressed highly all three markers, CD14, CD163 and MHCII. A third monocyte subset (mo-III) displayed low expression of CD14 and CD163 with high MHCII expression. While the two MHCIIhigh subsets (mo-II and mo-III) showed higher expression of CD11a in comparison to the MHCIIlow subset (mo-I), CD18 and CD11b were highest expressed on the two CD14high subsets (mo-I and mo-II). Bacterial stimulation of camel leukocytes identified mo-II cells as an antimicrobial monocyte subset with the highest phagocytic and ROS production capacity. The comparison of monocyte counts and phenotype between newborn calves and adult camels revealed significantly reduced numbers of mo-II cells in newborn animals. Monocytes of newborns expressed significantly more CD172a and CD163 molecules but less CD14 and MHCII molecules than monocytes of adult camels. CONCLUSIONS: Camel monocyte subsets, mo-I, mo-II and mo-III are counterparts of bovine classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes respectively. The distribution of camel monocyte subsets is influenced by age.

The Contribution of Specific and Nonspecific Biomarkers in Diagnosis of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) Under Field Condition.

The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic efficiency of gastrin, pepsinogen, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and oxidative stress biomarkers in horses with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Thirty horses diagnosed with gastroscopic EGUS and 15 clinically healthy horses were selected for this study. The serum levels of gastrin, pepsinogen showed nonsignificant changes in horses with EGUS when compared with healthy horses. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 revealed a significant increase in horses with EGUS when compared with healthy ones. Oxidative stress is evident in horses with EGUS in comparison with healthy horses as detected by higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO). MDA and TNF-α showed better sensitivity and specificity than IL-6 in distinguishing horses with EGUS from control horses. Conclusively, examination of serum gastrin and pepsinogen levels had a limited value in diagnosis of EGUS in horses under investigation. Moreover, this study showed that oxidative stress is evident in horses with EGUS. Higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 indicate their role in EGUS pathogenesis in horses. Finally, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 could be used as biological markers for preliminary screening of horses with EGUS. Gastroscopy still accredited as the "gold standard" for diagnosis EGUS.

Season's Effects on Some Clinical, Hematological Parameters and Blood Cortisol Level in Sedated Arabian Horses With Xylazine.

Influence of heat or cold stress in sedated animals is unclear and requires further investigations. The present study aimed to evaluate the season's effects on some clinical, hematological parameters and blood cortisol level in sedated Arabian horses with xylazine. Therefore, seven Arabian horses were used to investigate heart and respiratory rates, and capillary refill time and serum cortisol level were recorded before (0) and at 5, 15, 60, and 180 minutes postsedation. Heparinized venous samples were collected before (0) and 3 hours postsedation for analysis of hematological analysis. Arterial blood samples were collected before and 1 hour postsedation for arterial blood gases and electrolytes analysis. Repeated analysis of variance was performed (P < .05). Significant decreases have been observed in heart and respiratory rates at 5, 15, and 60 minutes postsedation in summer and only at 5 minutes postsedation in winter. Arterial oxygen pressure and arterial carbon dioxide pressure showed a significant decrease and increase, respectively at 1 hour postsedation in summer and winter. The serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in summer than in winter at 5, 15, and 60 minutes postsedation. In summer, the postsedation concentrations of cortisol did not change significantly than its values before sedation. However, in winter, the cortisol concentration decreased significantly at 5, 15, and 60 minutes postsedation compared with their value before sedation. The present study suggests that these season's effects on the sedated Arabian horses could take into consideration in xylazine-sedated Arabian horses.