prevalence of coronavirus in fecal samples of neonatal calf diarrhea using electron microscopic examination

Neonatal calf diarrhea [NCD], also known as calf scours, is caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Coronavirus is one of the important causes of NCD syndrome. Electron microcopy has been used for demonstration of viruses in fecal samples of diarrheic calves since 1969. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of coronavirus in fecal samples of neonatal calf diarrhea using electron microcopy examination of fecal samples. For the purpose of this study, a total of 100 cases [under 2 months of age] of diarrheic calves from 25 commercial farms in four districts of East Azerbaijan province of Iran were used. Fresh Fecal samples using sterile swab were collected from every calf with clinical diarrhea. All samples were transferred into a sterile container and then were sent to the laboratory to be kept in -20oC freezer until examination. Electron microscopic examination was applied to all fecal samples. Chi-square test was used to analyze the data. According to the results of this study, coronavirus was present in 15% of cases and a significant difference was found between the prevalence rate and the seasons [p<0.05]. The highest prevalence was recorded in winter [28%] and the least prevalence was seen in summer [4%]. There was not any significant difference in both age groups and different districts according to the prevalence rate of infection. Neonatal calf diarrhea is a multi-etiological syndrome. Among the viral diarrhea, bovine coronavirus is one of the major causes of this syndrome. For detection of coronavirus in feces, electron microscope examination is a gold standard diagnostic technique. It seems that coronavirus can be considered as one of the important etiologies of neonatal calf diarrhea in east Azerbaijan of Iran

Footpad horn hypertrophy and vertical fissure accompanied by white line disease 2 in case of concurrent deep digital sepsis in a culling cow

A5.2 year-old Holstein cow was presented with lameness and abnormal weight bearing in a slaughterhouse. Widening of the periople and swelling of the heel area in the lateral claw was more permanent than the medial claw. Vertical fissure [VF] involving the coronary band to the middle of the dorsal wall of the medial hind claw was observed. It was also extended to the bearing surface in the inner surface of the claw wall. White line disease 2 [WLD2] was seen in the length of VF on the bearing surface. The horn of the bulb apex of the lateral hind claw was hypertrophic. There was a groove in the footpad between the apex and base of the bulb too. Grosspathologically, the digital bones showed a wide range of bone changes such as new bone formation, pedal osteolysis and bony ankylosis. The hind leg was amputated at the tarsus immediately after slaughter. The lower limbs of lame cows were examined and the type and distribution of digital lesions were tabulated. An x-ray machine was used in this study to take radiographic images. The radiographic images taken from the involved digits of the affected case depicted a quite wide range of radiographic signs. After the first review of the X-ray film, samples were selected for further procedures through putrefaction. Laminitis may have affected this case at some previous time. Routine trimming seems to have prevented the premature culling in the cows with claw lesion

[Abattoir study on morphopathology of claw capsule in culling lame cows]

The majority of bovine lameness involves structures of the digit. A prompt identification of problematic cases is needed to be done for prevention of premature culling decision. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out at an abattoir in the vicinity of Tehran. 41 cases of culled lame cows, with special reference to the claw lesions and their distribution were randomly selected. All amputated limb were referred to Pathology Department for more routine pathological studies by Maceration and Bleaching. In this study, postmortem examination revealed typical changes of chronic laminitis were among the most common pathological features, suggesting that laminitis may have affected virtually all the herd at some previous time. Clinical signs are as follows: the claws were much taller and more boxy than normal and the abascial wall was convex in all directions. A bark-like substance occurred on the wall in some cases. Horn quality was poor in affected claws. Asymmetrical swelling of the heel and also appreciable widening of the periople part on the affected digit were the most common clinical features. Based on the results the following conclusions were reached: 1] chronic laminitis has an important role on the trend of culling in lamecows 2] the characteristic changes in the claw in culling lame cows may provide useful on-farm diagnostic technique for culling decision or attempt for appropriate therapy, particularly in deep sepsis cases

[Epidemiological study on cryptosporidiosis in newborn calves in eastern Azarbaijan province]

Neonatal calf diarrhea due to cryptosporidium is a major health problem. It causes extensive economic losses. This study was carried out on newborn calves in different parts of east Azarbayjan province over November 2001-2002. Five hundred feacal samples were taken from diarrheic calves under the age of 2 months from 25 commercial dairies and referral cases to the private clinics in four districts of Azarbayjan province. Samples were fixed in the formalin and then stained by modified Ziehl-Neelsen procedure in Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. The positive samples for cryptosporidium were confirmed as 41.4% [207 samples out of 500] cases and a significant difference was found between the prevalence rate in relation to the seasons of study [p<0.05]. While the highest prevalency was in summer [49.6%], the least rate was in the winter [30.4%]. Statistical significance was also found between the age groups regarding the prevalence rate in infected calves [p<0.05], mostly at 6 to 8 weeks of age [61.4%] and less on one week of age [25.21%]. There was not any significant difference between different districts according the prevalence rate of infection. The severity of infection was found 30.43% districts according the prevalence rate of infection. The severity of infection was found 30.43% [+], 34.3% [++] and 35.26% [+++] respectively. Meanwhile, positive association between the severity of infection and diarrhea was also shown

Association between digital disorders and reproduction indices in dairycows:study on farm level

This prospective longitudinal study deals with the associations between digital disorders and reproduction indices in dairy cattle on a farm in the vicinity of Tehran. It was carried out on 225 postparturient Holstein heifers. The evaluation of lameness due to digital disorders on postpartum period of heifers were done and after diagnosis of lameness [based on a 5 points lameness scoring system], the digital lesions and reproduction data of lame cows were recorded in a pre-established questionnaire and comparison with reproduction indices of other healthy heifers were made statistically using Chi Square and Student "t" tests and the relative risk "R.R." for each of indices was calculated and 95% confidence interval was made. Seventy-six cows among 225 cows were diagnosed lame in the period of study [30 months]. Digital dermatitis [28.9%] and Sole ulcer [21.2%] were the most prevalent lesions. All reproduction indices in this study including Projected minimum average days open, Days to first service, Projected minimum calving interval, Days in milk, Services per pregnancy for all cows, Services per pregnancy for pregnant cows, Conception rate at first service and Overall conception rate were found significantly different between lame and control groups [p < 0.0005]. 95% confidence interval for R.R. indicated that in lame cows the relative risk of negative rates of reproduction indices are significantly higher than non lame cows. It was concluded that pain and stress due to digital lesions play a key role in suppressing observable behavioral estrus which follows to negative changes of reproduction indices and other undesired consequences. On the other hand, pain may also suppress feeding and ruminating functions, leading to negative energy and protein balances and a low Body Condition Score [BCS] specifically in postpartum period. Thus, in order to mitigate the undesired effects of lameness on reproductive system and reproduction performance, early diagnosis and treatment of digital lesions is needed to be established

Application of scoring systems on monitoring of digital dermatitis in dairy cow at a herd level

To determine the utility of locomotion, lameness, lesion type, pain response, color and size scoring system as the qualitative indices for assessing the severity and prevalence of papillomatous digital dermatitis [PDD] and evaluating the individual therapeutic effect of solka hoofgel The Longitudinal field study was conducted on a 750 cows [230 lactating and 520 no lactating], commercial closed Holstein dairy herd in the vicinity of Tehran, Iran. These cows have had the experience of group treatment with topical spray solution of lincomycin HCL in previous year for control of PDD. Thirty eight lactating cows considered lame on the basis of locomotion scoring [1-5] with a range score of 2-5. Among these cows 17 cows were diagnosed with lesions of PDD in different stage of development on the basis of lameness score [0-3] with an average score of 2.05 +/- 0.68. Each cow was restrained in a chute and lesion [0-4], pain [0-2], color [0-3] and size [0-3] scores were done prior to application of hoofgel and holding in place by bandage. Treatment was repeated every 3 days in three turns. Lesions were re-scored on day 15 and the changes in each score between initial and final scoring were calculated and the comparison was made statistically using Paired [t] test. Significant difference in evaluated scores between initial and final course of PDD lesion showed apparent healing effect of hoofgel with noticeable improvement in lesion score [-1.70 +/- 0.81], pain score [-1.05 +/- 0.63], color score [-1.23 +/- 0.81] and lesion size [1.17 +/- 0.80] respectively. From the results of this study it is concluded that converting the subjects scores to a numerical index provides criteria to assess when to intervene as well as to assess the impact of any intervention designed to monitor alleviate lameness due to digital dermatitis in a cow or in a herd level

immediate enzymatic cocktail effect on the absorptive function of neobladder made by ileocystoplasty

The effectiveness of an enzymatic cocktail, collagenase and trypsin, on the absorptive function of ileal segment was studied to evaluate the changes within groups after performing ileocystoplasty in an animal model. Twenty-one female mixed-bred Persian dogs were randomized into 7 groups. The groups included: 1] negative control group [NCG] in which no ileocystoplasty was performed [n = 3]; 2] positive control group [PCG] in which routine ileocystoplasty was performed [n = 3] and groups 3 to 7] those underwent ileocystoplasty with the ileal segment being treated with collagenase and trypsin for 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 min [groups, 5 minutes enzymatic treatment group [5METG], 10METG, 15METG, 20METG and 25METG; each containing three dogs]. To perform the glucose absorption test, 50% dextrose was instilled into the bladder five weeks after surgery. The blood glucose level [BGL] was measured in each group before the study [T1], two weeks after the surgery in PCG and other treatment groups [T2], before anaesthesia [T3], after anaesthesia at 5-minute intervals up to 25 min [T4 to T9, respectively]. There was no significant difference in BGL in T1 to T3 and T4 to T9 in 25METG and NCG, however, BGL was found significantly higher in T1 to T3 and T4 to T9 in PCG, 5METG, 10METG, 15METG and 20METG. It can be concluded that collagenase and trypsin can affect absorptive function of the neobladder and are able to reduce the absorptive function, particularly in early days after the surgery. Moreover, these results also confirm that 50% dextrose instilled into the neobladder and native urinary bladder will not increase BGL in 25METG and NCG even with increasing the time of exposure of neo- or native urinary bladder to enzymatic cocktail till 25 min

Ileocystoplasty in dogs: Imaging, hematologic, biochemical and histopathologic studies

The radiographic, ultrasonographic, hamatologic, biochemical and histopathologic studies were done the following routine ileocystoplasty in dogs. Experimental study. Twelve female mixed-breed Persian dogs. Persian mixed breed female dogs between 1-2 year-old and 15-24 kg body-weight were divided into control and experiment groups. Routine ileocystoplasty was performed on experimental dogs. Twenty centimeters of ileal segments were detubulized to U-form and were grafted to bladder after performing the partial supratrigonal cystectomy. Radiography, ultrasonography, hematologic and biochemical evaluations were prepared on days 0,14 and 35 from all animals. Experimental group animals also were euthanized on day 35. Neobladders were resected and histopathologic sections were taken. No radiographic changes were detected in plain and contrast radiography indicative of any leakage from anastomotic and suture lines. Vesicoureteral reflux,... was not present. Ultrasonography revealed neobladder walls thickened at the anastomotic site. No significant changes were found in hematologic parameters, glucose, cholestrol, triglyceride, creatinine, total protein, albumine, glutamine, serum electrolytes [calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride and bicarbonate] albumin, pH, venous blood gases [Po2 and Pco2] and anion gap. BUN was found significantly higher in experiment group in comparison to control group.There were not marked morphologic changes in ileal mucosa, uroepithelial migrated from remaining portion of the bladder to cover the ileal segments. Inflammatory cells infiltrations were not significant in neobladders. Based on the study, ileal segment is useful source for graft the bladder in dog

[Clinical evaluation of ileocystoplasty in dogs]

To evaluate the clinical features of ileocystoplasty [bladder augmentation] in dogs.Experimental study. Seven female 1-2 year-old mixed breed dogs between 15- 24 kg body-weight. Routine ileocystoplasty [similar to human ileocystoplasty] was performed on dogs. The clinical parameters [temperature, heart rate per minute, respiratory rate per minute, urine appearance, urinary continence, urethral obstruction following mucosal secretion and bowel obstruction] were evaluated for five weeks. A repeated measures [within-subjects] analysis of variance was done to compare the means of quantitative variables at different times and descriptive study for qualitative variables. Dogs tolerated the operation well and survived for 5 weeks without any postoperative complications. There no significant difference in heart rate per minute and respiratory rate per minute in the study period. A significant increase in temperature was observed at day 28 due to other laboratory examinations, but it was in normal range [P<0.05]. No abnormal findings were found in appetite, defecation and its quality, hydration status, mucosal color, capillary refill time, urine appearance, urine continence, urethral obstruction following mucosal secretion and bowel obstruction during study.With regards to the clinical observations in this study ileocystoplasty could be favorably performed in bladder disorders e.g. cancer, trauma, infection, inflammation, iatrogenic injuries or conditions which may lead to severe dysfunction in dogs

[Experimental vesicouereteral reflux induction in dogs]

Objective: To induce experimental vesicoureteral reflux in dogs

Design: Experimental study

Animals: A total of 16 mixed- breed Persian dogs with diffrent sex

Procedure: All sixteen dogs evaluated for absence of congenital or acquired vesicoureteral reflux before study by cystography. Vesicoureteral reflux induction was attempted in healthy animals by ureteral unroofing [3-5 mm] without suture, unroofing [3-5 mm] with catheter as a cutting guide and suturing by silk, unroofing [3-5 mm] with catheter and suturing by nylon and unroofing [5-7 mm] with catheter and suturing by nylon. After ten days the reflux assessment was confirmed by cystography

Statistical analysis: Descriptive study

Results: Vesico ureteral induced refluxes in all four groups were variable [incision length, catheter as guide, Number and kind of suture material]but refluxes induced with 5-7 mm incision length and nylon suturing was excellent as compared with other three groups

Clinical implications: Cutting method with catheter and nylon suture material used for vesicoureteral reflux induction in dogs, were preferred with special attention to be made to the length of cutting and the number of suture needed

[Determination of nitrite residues in meat products marketed in Iran by spectrophotometric method]

Objective: determination of Nihite residues in different types and brands of meat products in order to assessment for setting up the standards and measures for this preservative in Iran

Design: descriptive, analytical study based on random sampling

Number of samples: a total of 250 meat product samples from [Sausages]

Procedure: meat product samples [Sausages] produced by factories in Iran, selected randomly and the nitrite residues were analyzed in all samples by spectrophotomehic method

Statistical analysis: means and standard errors nitrite residues were determined and then analyzed by one-way analysis of variance method

Results: the results of the experiments on the different types and brands of meat products showed that level of nitrite residues were between 1-108 p.p.m and according to one-way analysis of variance differences between the means of nitrite residues in red meat Sausages were higher than the other meat products [P<0.05], and these residues in red meat garlic sausages were lower than the other meat products [P<0.05], while the lowest values were found in red meat garlic sausages [P<0.05]. There weren't significant differences between the values of poultry sausages and poultry garlic sausages

Conclusion: this survey showed that nitrite residues on the different types and brands of meat products is up to 60 p.p.m in some cases which indicate the high level of nitrite residues. Concerning this result, the need for setting up the standards and measures for this preservative and regular control of the meat products is emphasized

Clinical evaluation of bone cement and autogenous bone graft in dogs

Various biological bone grafts have been used for osteogenesis, osteoconduction and even osteoinduction, but due to systemic influences and local factors, the outcome of successful incorporation of a bone graft has not been satisfactory. This study was therefore conducted on 15 clinically healthy adult dogs between 1 to 3 years of age weighing 20 to 30 kg to evaluate the effect of bone cement and autogenous bone grafts. A piece of 3 cm complete mid-shaft right tibial cortical bone was removed in all animals. Then they were subsequently divided into three groups of 5 animals each. In group I the bone was fixed with a suitable intramedullary pin, whereas the gap was filled with harvested autogenous rib bone graft in group II animals. Bone cement was used to fill the gap in animals of group III for the first 30 days, then it was replaced with iliac bone chips and observation was made accordingly for 60 days in all animals of the three groups. After 60 days, before collection of callus samples, there was granulation and fibrocartilage tissue in groups I and II respectively, whereas a thick fibrous capsule or pseudomembrane layer was seen around bone cement on day 30 before removal of cement and on day 60 after replacement by iliac bone graft in group III animals. There were combinations of heavily impacted fibrous and fibrocartilagineous tissues with thick bundles of collagen fibers among hypertrophic chondroblasts in histomorphological cross section in group I animals, whereas active sequestra were present in group II animals. Fibrotic capsule, periosteal layer, lacunae, osteoblasts, osteocytes and well formed bone marrow with RBC and adipose tissue were noted in group III animals. It appears that the local reaction induced by bone cement leading to fibrotic capsule formation was quite helpful in delaying iliac bone graft resorption and enhancing osteogenic stimulation as to fill the gap with impacted callus with normal cortical structure. The application of bone cement in gap nonunion, crushed bone and fragmental fractures is therefore highly recommended

[Seroepidemiological Survery of ovine toxoplasmosis in mazenderan province, Iran]

A survey study has been conducted in three zones of Mazenderan province for eighteen months in 1992-93 the aim of study was to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis on sheep flocks and to detect the relationship between the toxoplasmosis prevalence and the epidemiological factors. Total 983 sera from sheep in three zones of Mazenderan province were collected and tested for antibody against. Toxoplasma gondii by direct agglutination [DA] test. The results suggested that, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in zone 1.2, and 3 were 64.35, 54.59% and 49.05% respectively. This study showed as animal get older, the rate of infection gradually increases this means that maximum rate of prevalence occurs in age group of more than five year amounted to 68%. Toxoplasmosis prevalence in females was 58.39% whereas in males was 53.24%. This study also revealed that the seasonal prevalence of toxopiasrnosis in winter was higher, neverheless, influence of host breed was not distinct effect on susceptibility of sheep to the parasite

[Effect of footbaths on the control of foot lameness in dairy cattle]

To determine the effect of footbaths in control of foot lameness a follow-up study was carried out in 23 dairies in the vicinity of Tehran during a 4 years period early in 1989. These dairies had had a recognised foot lameness problem and most of them had not used a regular footbaths and had kept records of lameness cases for at least 6 months before the commencement of the study. In all dairies the days of spring and fall seasons were considered in each of the successive years as proper time for footbathing and a walk-through footbaths was sited near the exit to the milking parlour. Formalin and copper sulfate were used at 5 and 3 percent solution as disinfectant/astringent ingredients respectively. The cows were walked through the bath after each of three successive milking per day and the bath solution was refreshed every two to four days interval based on the population size of dairies under study. In 14 dairies which hoof ulcer was more prevalent, recommendation was made as follows: formalin in 3 dairies, copper sulfate in 6 dairies and both ingredients with defined time interval in 5 dairies. In 9 dairies which lameness was confirmed to be associated with digital dermatitis [known as mortellaro disease], 4 dairies were advised to use formalin [test] and copper sulfate was recommended in 3 dairies [Positive control] and in two dairies cold water footbath was suggested as negative control. This procedure was repeated for the entire period of the study [March 1989 through March 1992]. Annual mean prevalence rate of lameness in each year was calculated and compared statistically with that in the year before on each of the group dairies which specific footbath material was advocated, using paired student " t " test. Results of tins field study suggested that spring and fall footbathing containing 5% formalin together with 3% copper sulfate could be beneficial in reducing the prevalence of lameness due to sub-clinical laminitis and related injuries such as white line, hoof ulcer and heel horn erosion. But formalin as well as copper sulfate cannot be expected to be wholly effective in control of digital dermatitis. In this regard the new cases and/or relapsing the case should be anticipated

[Clinical study of post castration complications and their management in horses]

Clinical study of postcastration complications and their management in horses

[Clinical evaluation on antagonistic effects of tolazoline on xylazine Hcl in calves]

To determine the antagonistic effects of tolazoline on xylazine Hcl sedation, 12 male Holstein calves of 8 to 12 months age with an average weight of 210 Kg were considered and arranged in 2 groups of 6 calves as the test and control groups. All calves were received an initial IM injection of xylazine Hcl [0.4 mg/Kg of 2% solution] followed in 15 minutes by IV injection of Tolazoline [2 mg/Kg of 10% solution] in test group and IV injection of the same volume of 0.9% normal saline in control calves. The significance reversal effects of tolazoline for xylazine Hcl on rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates and recovery time [9.67 +/- 0.7 minutes] [P<0.05] indicated that, tolazoline is potentially enable to diminish the undesirable effects of xylazine Hcl such as prolonged sternal recumbancy with minimal complications

[Clinical evaluation of the anaesthetic properties of ketamine and a ketamine/Xylazine/Atropine combination in Horse]

In an 4 by 4 latin square design the anaesthetic properties of ketamine HCL in horse were evaluated and compared with the results of a combination of ketamine/Xylaxine/atropine. Premedication of atropin sulfate [0.011 mg/kg bwt, IM], xylazine HCL [1 mg/kg bwt, IV] followed by intravenous injection of ketamine HCL [4 mg/kg bwt, IV] appeared to result in satisfactory immobilization and anaesthesia for surgical operations fro short duration. This combination effectively reduced or omitted some of the undesirable effectds of ketamine alone such as muscle hypertonicity, insufficient suppression of reflexesd mainly corneal, tachycarddia and tachypnea. In addition to these positive responses the value for duration of maximal depth of anaesthesia was calculated 25.25 +/- 3.89 minutes. Results of studies regarding hematological changes after administration of ketamine/xylazine/atropine combination demonstrated significant changes of haemoglobin, PCV during depth of anesthesia and recovery period, and there was also a significant [P < 0.05] increase in the mean value for glucose during maximal anaesthesia detected