Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences - 2011; 27(2)

Antiprogestins; high potential compounds for use in veterinary research and therapy: A review

Bernd Hoffmann, Sandra Goericke-Pesch, Gerhard Schuler — 2011-06-01

Progesterone binding to its nuclear receptor leads to the initiation of transcription. Antagonists show a high binding affinity to the receptor, the resulting signaling cascade, however, is incomplete with transcription not or partially induced. Specificity of a full/partial antagonist may vary, depending on the species and tissue targeted. For the antiprogestins mifepristone and aglepristone full antagonistic activity has been demonstrated in the dog and other species. Progesterone exhibits well defined biological activities. However, its participation as a regulatory factor in many biological processes is still unknown. We have assessed the role of progesterone in overt pseudopregnany and control of luteal function in the bitch. Its involvement could be clearly demonstrated while interaction with caruncular progesterone receptors in the cow seems not to affect prepartal maturation and retention of foetal membranes. Aglepristone has been licensed for termination of pregnancy in the dog. However, depending on the stage of pregnancy, it interferes with different regulatory mechanisms, making induction of late abortion a critical issue. Off-label use in the dog is for conservative treatment of pyometra and induction of parturition. To be successful, again a critical approach is necessary and recent data on the expression of Cox2 in the canine trophoblast must be considered. Off-label use with similar indications is in the cat, rabbit and other species. In the cat treatment of fibroadenomatosis with antiprogestins is highly promising; however, in case of a pregnancy abortion must be expected. An individual dose regimen must be applied when fibroadenomatosis was induced by exogenous progesterone treatment.

Effect of lipoic acid on spermatological and biochemical parameters following equilibration and freeze-thawing of ram semen

2011-06-01

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different doses of lipoic acid added into dilution extender, following equilibration and freeze-thawing of ram semen on spermatologic and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: The ejaculates collected from 6 mature Konya Merino rams were used in the research. Ejaculates containing approximately 400x106 spermatozoa were diluted at 37 ºC with the Tris-based extender containing lipoic acid at the doses of 1, 2, 4 mM and no additive (control), and then, they were frozen. Results: After equilibration, all doses of lipoic acid did not affect the sperm parameters whereas lipoic acid 1 mM (74.3%) ameliorated motility compared to both control (62.5%) and lipoic acid 4 mM (65.0%) (p<0.001) groups after freeze-thawing. Lipoic acid did not affect HOS test and acrosome integrity of spermatozoa following freeze-thaw-ing. Also, the supplementation of lipoic acid at 1, 2 and 4 mM doses did not provide any significant effect on the levels ofbiochemical parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion: Addition of 1 mM lipoic acid to ram semen increases the motility after freeze-thawing process. However, dose treatments of lipoic acid in different extenders and animal species-breeds are required to be performed.

The infection of Salmonella Dublin in calves and control of infection by autogenous vaccine

Hasan Hüseyin Hadimli, Zafer Sayın, Osman Erganiş — 2011-06-01

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to diagnose microbiologi-cally and serologically of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Dublin (S. Dublin) infection in calves of a dairy cow operation, and to control of infection with autogenous S. Dublin vaccine prepared from isolate of field. Materials and Methods: The microbiological examinations obtained samples of internal organs and fecal of dead or diarrhea calves were done to isolation of salmonella. Four-hundred forty seven sera samples were serologically tested in different aged groups. The autogenous bacterin S. Dublin vaccine was prepared from field strain. Vaccine was administered to calves and dairy cows at intervals 6 months for 2 years. Blood and fecal samples were collected 4 times from 20 vaccinated animals at 1.5-2 month after vaccination. Serological examinations were done by Plate (LAT) and Serum Agglutination (SAT) tests. Results: The strains of Salmonella ssp. isolated from calves were identified as S. Dublin (1, 9,12: g, p: -). 92 of 447 sera samples were found serologically positive. Higher antibodies titter in blood samples were detected by LAT and SAT. After the first vaccination, any problem and death related to Salmonella infection has not been reported in farm. Conclusion: The study showed that the autogenous S. Dublin vaccine could be help for control of S. Dublin infection in calves.

The production and development of vaccines for Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale infection in commercial broilers

Osman Erganiş, Hasan Hüseyin Hadimli, Kursat Kav, Zafer Sayin — 2011-06-01

Aim: The purpose of this study was to prepare bivalent inactive Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale [O. rhinotarcheale) bacterin vaccines, to measure the levels of antibodies against antigens in blood sera and to determine the efficacies of different O. rhinotracheale vaccines in broilers. Materials and Methods: The bivalent inactivated O. rhinotracheale bacterin vaccines were prepared from O. rhinotracheale serotype A and B strains using aluminium hydroxide (Al[OH]₃ ), mineral oil (MO), aluminium hydroxide + ginseng (Al[OH]₃ + G) and mineral oil + ginseng (MO + G). After the sterility and the safety tests, laboratory efficiencies of vaccines (challange/protection and serological potency) were controlled on the broilers (vaccinated at first day with a dose of 0.1 mL). Results: According to the challenge results, all the vaccines were found to be effective as 100% for broilers. The vaccine containing mineral oil and ginseng (MO + G) as adjuvant induced significantly greater humoral immune response to the antigens than others. Conclusion: The study showed that vaccination of broilers chicken at the first day age may effectively protect against O. rhinotracheale infections.

Detected helminth species in starlings [Sturnus vulgaris, L.)

Özlem Derinbay Ekici, Nermin Işık, Feyzullah Güçlü, Bilal Dik — 2011-06-01

Aim: This study was designed to determine the helminths of starlings [Sturnus vulgaris, L.J. For this purpose, 27 starlings which were shot by hunters in 2007-2009 hunting seasons were sent to parasitology laboratory and they were examined. Materials and Methods: The autopsies of 27 starlings [Sturnus vulgaris, L.J were performed and the helminths were collected from the chest cavity and intestines. After cleaning thoroughly with the physiological saline solution, they were cleared in lactophenol and were examined under the light microscope. The parts which were important to identify were measured. Results: Helminths were found in 5 (18.52%) of 27 starlings. Five nematodes were collected from the chest cavity of one starling. These helminths which were found in Filari-dae family were determined. Male parasite was found only one. Genus and species could not be identified due to one of the spiculums was broken. One Mediorhynchus spp. was identified from Acanthocephalans from the intestine of the different starling. In three different starlings, Hymenolepis spp. eggs were found in their fecal samples. Conclusion: These findings have been determined for the first time in starlings in Turkey. Different studies are needed to helminths which were paratisited in starlings.

PCR assay and microscopy for examination of mixed Ehrlichia canis and Babesia spp. infection in Bomb-sniffing dogs and other canines in National Capital Region, Philippines

2011-06-01

Aim: There are yet no published records detailing molecular identification of Babesia and Ehrlichia species in dogs in the Philippines. The detection of mixed Ehrlichia canis and Babesia spp. infection in canines of selected municipalities of the National Capital Region (Metropolitan Manila) using PCR was therefore endeavored. In addition, the research further intended to detect the individual organisms in different municipalities, age and sex categories as well as between groups of mixed and pure breed dogs. Materials and Methods: A total of 168 canine blood samples from selected municipalities of Metropolitan Manila were examined for E. canis and Babesia spp. infection using blood parasite examination (BPE) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay methods. Results: All the blood samples subjected to BPE and PCR assay were found negative for E. canis and Babesia spp. The data showed that in terms of the different parameters there were more females (60.11%); purebred (88.10%) and dogs aged <1-2 years (32.94%). Conclusion: Negative results do not automatically dictate the absence of the pathogens. This is because false-negative results may occur in the following conditions; during sub-detectable quantities of pathogens in the blood due to localization of the pathogen in other organs of the body, stages of chronic and asymptomatic carriers of infection; timing of collection; ongoing or past treatments administered and presence of other diseases.

Serum lipid and protein profiles of Theileria equi seropositive and seronegative horses

İbrahim Balkaya, Özgür Kaynar, Armağan Erdem Ütük, Fatma Çiğdem Pişkin — 2011-06-01

Aim: This study aims at determining serum protein and lipid profiles in Theileria equi seropositive and seronegative horses. Materials and Methods: Theileria equi seropositivity and seronegativity at horses were tested by IFAT. Having analyzed the blood sera of horses by SDS-PAGE and HPTLC, serum protein and lipid profiles were detected respectively. Differences between seropositive and seronegative horses were tried to be determined based on the results obtained by said analysis. Results: It was detected that there was a significant increase in 23, 52, 103, 176, 200 and 240 kDa protein levels of seropositive horses. Additionally, globulin levels of T. equi seropositive animals were observed to have increased, although albumin levels of both healthy and T. equi seropositive horses were similar. At serum lipid profile, seropositive horses were observed to be at overall lipolysis; among the total amount of lipid, particularly reduced hydrocarbon rates as well as increased diacylglycerol levels were detected. A slight increase in phospholipids and a slight decrease in cholesterol levels were found in seropositive horses. Conclusion: Mentioned changes at both protein and lipid profiles suggest that these horses have not fully recovered despite the fact that they survived acute infection.

Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in calves with diarrhea

Özlem Derinbay Ekici, Ferda Sevinç, Alparslan Coşkun, Nermin Işık, Mutlu Sevinç — 2011-06-01

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. in calves with diarrhea in University of Selcuk, Department of Parasitology between 2005 and 2009. Materials and Methods: Faecal samples were collected from 1-35 days old 368 calves. Faecal samples were stained with Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique, they were examined under light microscope for the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. Results: Out of 368 faecal samples, 145 (39.4%) were found to be infected with Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were seen in 1-10 days age calves at the highest level (46%) and 11-20 days age at the lowestlevel (31%). Conclusion: C. parvum should be considered in the treatment of diarrhea in neonatal calves.

Seasonal distribution of immature stages of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) species

Uğur Uslu, Bilal Dik — 2011-06-01

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the seasonal distribution oflarvae and pupae of Culicoides species. Materials and Methods: Mud samples (9420 cm3) were collected at regular intervals from three regions of Konya province at January - December 2004. Larvae and pupae were obtained with saturated sugar flotation technique. The larvae and pupae of Culicoides species were transferred into 30 cm length and 1 cm diameter tubes. To become adult, 5 mm width white filter paper was placed into the tubes, 1 cm space at the top of the tubes, and closed with cotton. Culicoides samples were collected gently using a special rechargeable small vacuum cleaner and after were preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol. Results: Adults 193 and 146 Culicoides were obtained from 258 larvae and 192 pupae, respectively. The highest number oflarvae and pupae was determined in August (59 larvae and 35 pupae) and July (41 larvae and 32 pupae). Four larvae and nine pupae, 22 larvae and 16 pupae, 24 larvae and 29 pupae, 29 larvae and 17 pupae and 14 larvae and 8 pupae were determined in April, May, June, September and October, respectively. Conclusions: The highest number of larvae and pupae of Culicoides was determined in August and July, and the lowest number oflarvae and pupae were collected in April. Larvae and pupae were not seen during winter.

Gastrointestinal parasites found in a green iguana (Iguana iguana)

Özlem Derinbay Ekici, Nermin Isik, Feyzullah Guclu — 2011-06-01

This case report reported that nematode and cestod eggs found in the digestive system of a green iguana (iguana iguana). A 9 month-old green iguana (iguana iguana) weighing 95 g was presented by its owner for physical examination to parasitology laboratory. The owner said that nutritional condition was poor. The nematode [Oxyuris spp.) and ces-tode [Mesocestoides spp.) eggs were diagnosed by fecal flotation and the animal was treated with ivermectin [0.2 mg/kg, PO) plus praziquantel [10 mg/kg, SC) in two weeks apart. The last fecal examination was negative. After treatment, owner of the iguana said that iguana had a normal appetite and well appearance.

Incisor malocclusions in a rabbit

Semih Altan, Ebru Goksahin — 2011-06-01

Rabbits are the most popular pet animal, but rabbits are generally be fed with inappropriate diet. This may cause especially dental disease because all teeth are consistently growing. Anorexic adult male New Zealand white rabbit was presented to surgery clinic. Oral examination and lateral and dorsoventral radiography were made. Blood cell counts, blood gas and some serum biochemical values were determined. Upper and lower incisor malocclusions were observed. Blood cell counts, blood gas and some serum biochemical parameteres were generally within reference range or values of healthy rabbits except low paced cell volume, haemoglobin and calcium level. As a result, rabbits should be routinely examined for dental diseases by veterinarians.