BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans that is associated with Gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori is transmitted through food and water and fecal-oral and oral-oral routes and colonized in the stomach and intestines of humans and several animal species including dogs and cats, and therefore the possibility of transmission of infection from animals to humans exists. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in humans, related and unrelated to dogs and cats in Ahvaz, as well as its relationship with host and environmental factors. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 356 volunteers, including 147 related and 209 unrelated individuals with  dogs and cats and evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: Apparent and real seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection were 58.4% (95% CI: 53.3 – 63.3 percent) and 44.53% (95% CI: 39.33 – 49.73 percent), respectively. The apparent prevalence in related and unrelated individuals with the dogs and cats were 72.1% (95% CI: 64.8-79.4 percent) and 48.8% (95% CI: 42-55.6 percent), respectively (p<0.001). The risk of infection in related individuals compared with unrelated was 2.71 (95% CI: 1.73 – 4.26) (p<0.001). This study showed that exposure to cats and dogs, education, history of gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders and marital status are significantly correlated with infection. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that contact with dogs and cats can be a risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection in humans and preventive and control measures should be considered by health authorities.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence and side effects of current treatments for urolithiasis confine their application, so other options using traditional herbal therapy are being sought. OBJECTIVES: In this experimental study we have tried to evaluate the antilithiatic effects of herbal extraxt of Tribulus terrestris which is often used to treat different kinds of urinary diseases such as urolithiasis in human on cats. METHODS: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of plant, the hydro alcoholic extract of T.terrestris was assessed for activity against induced urolithiasis in cats. The extract of such herb was administered at daily oral doses of 200 mg/kg for 30 days. RESULTS: Microscopic analysis of urine sediments and ultrasonographic study of kidneys and urinary bladder confirmed inhibition of crystal formation in tested cats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate this herbal extract could be a potential candidate for prevention of urolithiasis in cats. Further studies are needed to clarify the precise anti-crystallization mechanism of T.terrestris in cats.

BACKGROUND: Haemobartonella (also known as Mycoplasma) is a blood organism of cats and can cause many anemia and many clinical signs in the infected cats. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to calculate the incidence rate of haemobartonellosis in pet cats of Tehran and study its relationship with certain factors. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected ones. METHODS: 0.5 ml blood samples from cephalic veins of 120 pet cats in Tehran were prepared and after sending to parasitology laboratory and slide preparing, were stained with Giemsa. Finally, all of the prepared slides were studied with photomicroscope for presence of Haemobartonella. Meanwhile, the relationship between the infection and some factors including age, sex, breed, animal maintenance type, and color of their coats were studied with Chi square method. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected by Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: Results showed that out of 120 pet cats in Tehran, 14(11.67%) were infected to Haemobartonella. Statistical analyses didn't show any significant relationship between the infection and the above-mentioned factors. Also, the results showed significant decrease in number of RBC, MCH, MCHC, NRBC, and number of Band cells compared with non-infected cats. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that haemobartonellosis is one of the probable diagnoses, when we have anaemia in pet cats of Tehran.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is created by the connection between the mandibular condylar process and the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone in all mammalian species. This is a synovial joint and has a fibrocartilage disc. The joint disorders affect mastication, movements of TMJ, and mandibular functions. TMJ imaging can be evaluated by radiography; however, CT imaging is preferred, since the images have no superimposition and present more details of different structures and therefore show a more accurate evaluation of TMJ.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide accurate statistics on TMJ disorders and to evaluate their prevalence based on CT-scan findings in dogs and cats.METHODS: In this study, 265 cases of cats and dogs (102 cats and 163 dogs) were evaluated. A total of 59 cases (38 cats and 21 dogs) had temporomandibular joint disorders. In this study, information on sex, breed, and age regarding TMJ disorders were described in detail.RESULTS: In the evaluated CT images, osteoarthritis, fracture, dislocation (luxation and subluxation), ankylosis, osteochondrosis, dysplasia, and osteomyelitis were observed.CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that although the total number of dogs was larger than that of cats, the incidence of temporomandibular joint disorders was higher in cats than in dogs. The most common disorders in cats and dogs were fractures, followed by dislocations (luxation and subluxation), and then osteoarthritis exhibited the highest frequency. In the next rank of frequency in cats, ankylosis and then osteomyelitis were observed. Additionally, osteochondrosis and dysplasia and then ankylosis were observed in dogs in the next ranks.

BACKGROUND: Stenotic nares and malocclusion are common congenital disorders in the brachycephalic breeds of cats which cause respiratory and oral problems in these breeds, respectively.OBJECTIVES: In this study, the prevalence of two congenital disorders, stenotic nares, and malocclusion, the correlation among them in brachycephalic breeds of cats referred to several private veterinary clinics in Tehran were evaluated.METHODS: 90 brachycephalic cats were evaluated for stenotic nares, and malocclusion and indices was checked, then determined the prevalence percentage and correlation with the statistical data between stenotic nares and malocclusion in brachycephalic breeds of cats were referred to several private veterinary clinics in Tehran.RESULTS: Malocclusion was diagnosed in 35 cats (38.9 %), stenotic nares were detected in 31 cats (34.4 %), and two diseases were diagnosed in 17 cats (18.9 %) concurrently in 90 brachycephalic cats. According to a statistical test, the probabilities of identifying the second disease are 2.7 times higher if one of the two disorders is identified.CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of stenotic nares and malocclusion in brachycephalic cats is very high and there is a significant correlation between two disorders so clinicians should have great attention in their clinical examination of these two disorders in these breeds.

BACKGROUND: Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesion (FORL) is one of the most common diseases in oral cavity of adult domestic cats. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of different types of FORL by radiography and computed tomography in order to accurately and early diagnose of disease. METHODS: In this retrospective study during 1 year, among 68 CT scans and 17 radiographs of the head of referral cats to veterinary hospital, University of Tehran, 18 cases of FORL (10 CT scans and 8 radiographs) having different degrees of teeth involvement in accordance with stages of FORL were described and diagnosed. For this purpose, radiographic images of teeth in lateral, oblique and dorsoventral views were prepared and also CT images of 2D in transverse, sagittal and dorsal views and 3D were constructed for evaluation of dental and bones reactions. RESULTS: In radiography and computed tomography, FORLs lesions are classified into five stages. In Stage 1 there is mild cementum and enamel loss but this stage is usually not noted on dental radiographs but may be felt on clinical exploration. In Stage 2 there is moderate cementum and enamel loss with dentinal loss that does not involve the pulp. In Stage 3 there is severe loss involving the pulp cavity with remaining  tooth integrity. In Stage 4 there are extensive dental hard tissue losses and most of the tooth has lost its integrity. In Stage 5 there are remnants of dental hard tissues as irregular opacities. Furthermore, in this study it was proved that FORL occurs in male more than female cats and mandibular premolar teeth are the most affected ones. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that FORL has different stages and consequently has different severity, accurate diagnosis of this disease by radiography and computed tomography can help prevent progression of disease and results in fast and successful treatment.

BACKGROUND: Ambient temperature has a significant effect on the thyroid gland function. Thyroid gland can be assessed by ultrasonography and measurement of thyroid hormones. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this survey was normal ultrasonographic findings of thyroid gland in cat in warm (July) and cold (February) seasons. METHODS: The study was conducted on 30 native, adult healthy cats. Thyroid hormones including T3 and T4 were measured in each cat before ultrasonography. After finding thyroid gland, echogenesity, length, width and height of each lobe (right and left) were measured. RESULTS: Both thyroid lobes were scanable and symmetrical on each side. In sagittal plane it had a fusiform shape and in transverse plane it appeared as an oval or roughly triangular structure. The thyroid parenchyma was homogenously echogenic. The echogenecity of the gland was more than the neck muscles and no difference was seen between cold and warm seasons. Dimensions of each lobe were slightly larger in cold season than warm season. The differences in width and volume were significant (p<0.05) but the differences were not significant in length and height (p>0.05). The mean of the length, width, height and volume of both lobes were in normal range for cat with the same weight. Total means of length, width, height (mm) and volume (cm3) of both lobes were 17.2, 2.6, 2.7, and 0.07 in two seasons respectively. Also, the difference was significant in concentration of T3 and T4 hormones between cold and warm seasons, so that thyroid hormone concentrations were higher in cold season than warm season (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the reduction in air temperature has an extraordinary effect on increasing thyroid gland size and thyroid hormone concentrations in native adult cats in Ahvaz district. This effect can be due to the influence of cold in the increase of body metabolism and thyroid gland function.

To assess the effect of administration of medetomidine alone or in combination with tramadol on tear secretion (TS) in cats as well as their reversal with atipamezole. For the purpose of the study, a total of 46 cats, representing different breeds and genders, were selected and divided into two groups using a random assignment method. Group M was administered medetomidine at a dose of 80 µg/kg intramuscularly. Group MT was given a combination of medetomidine and tramadol at doses of 80 µg/kg and 2 mg/kg intramuscularly, respectively. Tear secretion was measured using Schirmer tear test I before sedation and at 15 (T15) - 60 (T60) minutes post-sedation with 15 min intervals. At 30 minutes, all cats were given atipamezole (200 µg/kg IM). TS statistically decreased until T30 measurement in both groups (P &lt; 0.05). The TS decreased more in MT group compared to M group at T30 measurements (P &lt; 0.05). TS increased in both groups post-atipamezole but didn't return to initial (T0) levels by study end (T60). Premedication with tear protectors or artificial tears is advised when using MT and M group agents in cats, and atipamezole can reverse their effects post-procedure.

Traumatic vertebral fractures and/or dislocations in cats and dogs can cause severe spinal cord injury, resulting in severe conditions such as pain, urinary incontinence, paresis or paraplegia. This study involved 58 cats and 12 dogs with external spinal trauma, and it was aimed to present the etiology, treatment and results, retrospectively. After the location of the neurological damage was determined, the patients were treated either conservatively or surgically. One of the surgical methods such as polyaxial screw, locking plate application and external fixation application was decided. In the treated animals, complete recovery was seen in 10 cats and functional recovery in 14 cats and 1 dog, but 12 cats and 2 dogs were in poor condition. Loss of deep pain sensation after spinal trauma is important for prognosis. Although there are many different treatment options, the decision should be made according to the patient's condition and the surgeon's preference. In addition, patients with spinal trauma also require serious trauma management and it is very important that the animal's vital values are stable.

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intratesticularly administered lidocaine and bupivacaine in castration in cats. 20 cats were divided into two groups regardless of breed and age. 80 microgram/kg medetomidine injection was administered for sedation. 4 mg/kg lidocaine or 1 mg/kg bupivacaine were injected intratesticularly in lidocaine and bupivacaine groups respectively. Castration was performed with routine methods. The reactions of the animals to the incision and the extraction of the funiculus spermaticus were recorded. After the operation, the animals were awakened by atipamezole. The pulse rate, respiratory rate and pain scores were evaluated for 6 hours at half-hour intervals. UNESP-Botucatu cat pain scale, Grimace cat pain scale and Glasgow cat pain scale were used to evaluate pain scores. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in Grimace and Glasgow pain scores at the 150th min. and 180th min. postoperative evaluations (p&lt;0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in Botucatu pain score at the 60th, 90th, 150th, 180th, 300th and 330th min. (p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the pulse and respiration values ​​(p&gt;0.05). As a result, it was determined that bupivacaine should be preferred to lidocaine for long-lasting surgical procedures and postoperative analgesia due to its long duration of action.