Hibiscus (H.) sabdariffa (commonly known as “Karkadeh” in Arabic) is widely used in various pharmacological applications in Sudan. The present study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of H. sabdariffa seed extracts using rat models. In acute anti-inflammatory models, oral administration of petroleum ether extract of H. sabdariffa seeds inhibited the hind paw edema (p<0.01) which was induced by carrageenan. The petroleum ether extract exhibited significant (p<0.01) inhibition of vascular permeability in rats induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid (0.6%). In cotton pellet granuloma method, the petroleum ether extract of H. sabdariffa seed showed significant inhibition of granuloma. The extract reduced (p<0.001) abdominal constrictions which was induced by injection of acetic acid (0.7%). Analysis of seed oil of H. sabdariffa using Gas Chromatography revealed the presence of three fatty acids; these were linolelaidic acid, arachidic acid, and palmitic acid. In conclusion, H. sabdariffa seeds possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in rat model.

In this study, milk samples were collected from 109 dairy cows to detect antibodies against Brucella (B.) using Milk Ring Test (MRT). Overall, 18.35% (n=20/109) of the milk samples were positive by MRT. The cows were divided into three groups based on lactation number viz., 1st, 2nd to 4th and ≥5th lactations; the prevalence of brucellosis in the groups were found to be 0.92% (n=1/109), 15.60% (n=17/109) and 1.83% (n=2/109), respectively. Considering simplicity and cost effectiveness, the MRT can be used for the preliminary screening of B. abortus infection especially in single cow herds.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of parenteral gibberellic acid (GA3) and/or vitamin D3 supplementation in diet on egg quality and blood physiological characteristics in aged laying hens. A total of 270 Lohmann Brown Classic laying hens aging 73-week were randomly assigned to equal three treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) with equal 3 replicas in each group. The birds of group T1 (control group) were injected subcutaneously (SC) with sesame oil at 0.2 mL/kg body weight. The birds of group T2 were given with GA3 at 400 µg/kg b.wt., SC, whereas group T3 had diet containing vitamin D3 at 500 IU/kg feed. Relative weight of albumen and egg shell, Haugh unit, shell thickness, serum glucose, serum calcium, serum phosphorous, serum estradiol, and bone calcium absorption were significantly increased in the birds of group T2 and T3. On the other hand, relative weight of yolk, yolk cholesterol, and serum cholesterol were significantly decreased in group T2 and T3 as compared to group T1. However, serum protein and albumen were unaffected in the treatments. In conclusion, the parenteral GA3 and vitamin D3 supplementation in diet could improve egg quality traits and serum blood biochemical perperties in agend laying hens.

The aim of current study was to assess the seroprevalence of Neospora (N.) caninum and Toxoplasma (T.) gondii infections in aborted cattle and subsequent estimation of role of these parasites in cattle abortion in Hamedan province, Iran. Blood samples (n=85) of aborted cattle were collected from different locations of Hamedan province for a period of two years from January, 2010 to December, 2012. All the samples were evaluated for the presence of IgG-antibodies against N. caninum and T. gondii using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The results showed that 61.2% (n=52/85), 5.9% (n=5/85) and 3.5% (n=3/85) animals were positive for N. caninum, T. gondii and co-infection of these two, respectively. There was no significant correlation between seroprevalence rates, age groups and breeding (p>0.05). However, a significant difference was found between T. gondii infection and the type of cattle (p=0.05), unlike to N. caninum (p=0.52). This is the first report of N. caninum and T. gondii co-infection in cattle in Iran. Although the rate of T. gondii infection was lower but this parasite might partly be responsible to be transmitted to humans. Further investigations and appropriate control strategies in management of cattle farms are highly recommended.

The present study was conducted to investigate the bony structure (i.e., os cordis) in the heart of mature Dromedary camel. Ten hearts were collected from healthy mature camels of both sexes aging between 7-9 years. Grossly, the heart contained one large, elongated bone that was embedded inside the heart wall where the cardiac muscles were inserted and fixed. The bony structure was located at the adjacent areas between aorta and atria. Also, it was lying in the atrioventricular plane near the junction of the interatrial and interventricular septa, and was extended anteriorly into the atrioventricular valve rings. Histologically, the os cordis was composed of fibrous connective tissue, small foci and pieces of hyaline cartilage, calcified cartilage, and a large piece of spongy bone. The spongy bone contained red and white bone marrows with numerous red blood cells, adipocytes and osteocytes. This is the first detail study on os cordis of Dromedary camel heart with special reference to cartilago cordis.

A case of Trypanosoma congolense savannah type infection in a 4-year old German shepherd dog weighing 26-kg was presented to the Small Animal Clinic, University of Nairobi, Kenya, with the history of anorexia and difficulty in breathing. The clinical manifestations were fever, pale mucous membrane, dyspnea and wasting. Blood examination revealed the existence of trypanosome parasites, and showed mild anemia. Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) based polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of Trypanosoma congolense savannah type. Along with supporting therapy, the case was successfully managed using diminazene aceturate injection (dosed at 3.5 mg/kg body weight) through intramuscular route. Complete recovery of the case was observed on day 6 of post-treatment.

This study was conducted for the detection of Cryptosporidium (C.) parvum infection in neonatal calves. A total of 220 fecal samples (diarrheic 110 and nondiarrheic 110) of neonatal calves were collected from Mosul city, Iraq over a period of 16 months from November 2010 to March 2012. The age of the calves ranged from 1 to 30 days. All the fecal samples were analyzed by capture direct ELISA. The infection was found in 29.0% (n=32/110) of the diarrheic calves. The infection was mostly prevalent (p<0.001) in the calves of three weeks of age. No C. parvum infection could be detected in the nondiarrheic animals.

A female Labrador dog presented with a history of distended abdomen was subjected for clinical, physical, hemato-biochemical, eletrocardiographic, and ultrasonographic evaluations. Respiratory distress, weakness, fluid thrill on palpation of abdomen, cough, cyanotic tongue, and syncope were the significant manifestations. Elevated levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine amino transferase, and alkaline phosphatase with normal blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were the common serum chemistry findings. Low voltage QRS complexes were the electrocardiographic abnormalities. Classical ground glass appearance of abdomen, and enlarged heart with increased sternal contact were the radiographic findings of abdomen and thorax. Ultrasonography of abdomen revealed floating viscera in the anechoic effusion with engorged and distended hepatic vasculature. 2-dimensional echocardiography revealed dilated right ventricle both on B- and M-mode. Further, insufficiency in mitral and tricuspid valves were recorded on pulsed and color flow Doppler. Hence, right heart failure due to ascites was confirmed, and the condition was successfully managed with losartas, spiranolactone, co-enzyme Q10 and tricholine citrate, and sorbitol.