Background: All organisms need iron for their survival and metabolic activity, and the healing process of patients depends on this element. Hence, its deficiency can negatively affect patients’ quality of life and cause disorders. Although iron deficiency is proven an important comorbidity in human and canine patients with heart failure, no research has been published on the role of iron in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Objectives: This research aimed to determine and compare the iron status of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with and without congestive heart failure.Methods: Based on laboratory, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings, 45 client-owned cats were studied and divided into three groups: control, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) without congestive heart failure, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure. Iron and ferritin concentrations, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum transferrin saturation (TSAT) percentage were measured and compared in all cats. Statistical nonparametric testing was used to analyze the data.Results: No groups illustrate any statistically significant difference for iron concentration (P=0.3), ferritin concentration (P=0.853), TIBC (P=0.1), and TSAT (P=0.639). The highest iron concentration and the lowest transferrin level and the transferrin saturation percentage were observed in the HCM group with congestive heart failure. Also, cats without congestive heart failure had the lowest TIBC compared to other groups.Conclusion: Unlike previous studies in dogs and humans, our study did not show a significant difference between cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy regarding iron status.

Background: Mammary tumors are common in dogs and cats. They are models for investigating carcinogenesis and designing treatment protocols that benefit human beings. Senescence, sex, and reproductive status affect the development of such neoplasms. Objectives: In Iran’s absence of a national animal tumor registry, the present study determined clinicopathological and epidemiological aspects of canine and feline mammary tumors in referral cases of four veterinary practices across Tehran from 2020 to 2022. Here, the incidence and types of canine and feline mammary tumors are described, in addition to sex, reproductive status, age, breed, the affected mammary gland(s), grades, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastases.Methods: All canine and feline patients with masses in the mammary gland region were considered in this study. The resected tumors and occasional lymph nodes were macroscopically scrutinized. Hematoxylin-Eosin slides were reviewed by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry was utilized when necessary. Results: Of the 76 dogs and eight cats, 100% were females, and the majority were intact. Most patients were 10-11 years old. Purebreds were the most frequent referrals. In some patients, more than one mammary gland had developed neoplasm, i.e. 141 affected glands in 76 bitches and nine affected glands in eight queens. Tumors were presented in both chains and even on the ventral midline, with an increased preponderance of caudally located glands. Thus, the caudal-most glands, i.e. inguinal and caudal abdominal glands, constituted 31.2% and 66.7% of the affected glands in bitches and queens, respectively. Intraductal papillary carcinoma (17%) and complex carcinoma (16.3%) had the highest incidence in dogs. The most commonly observed lesions in cats were lobular hyperplasia with atypia, and duct ectasia, each encompassing 22.3% of the affected glands. Most canine neoplasms were grade I (90.3%), while grade II neoplasms had the highest incidence in cats (50%). Lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastases were seen in canine anaplastic carcinoma, solid carcinoma, and complex carcinoma, as well as feline comedocarcinoma and tubular carcinoma. Conclusion: The risk of developing malignant tumors increases as the individual ages, and generally, caudally located mammary glands in intact purebred females are at increased risk. Moreover, anaplastic carcinomas must be precisely examined, both clinically and histopathologically, for lymph node metastases.

Background: Parturition depression is an important physiological problem, and several attempts have been made to ascertain this physiological phenomenon. Natural monoterpenes like α-pinene have numerous beneficial properties, but no studies have been done on their antidepressant potential in postpartum animals.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of prenatal administration of α-pinene on the antidepressant-like behavior of mice following delivery. Methods: Pregnant female mice were randomly assigned into four groups. In the control group, the animals were injected with saline on their 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 gestation days (GD). In groups 2 to 4, pregnant female mice were injected with α-pinene (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg, respectively) at GD 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17. On day 2 postpartum, open field test (OFT), rotarod, forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) were used to evaluate the antidepressant activity of α-pinene in mice. Also, serum samples were taken to determine the antioxidant activity.Results: According to the results, α-pinene (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) significantly increased activity in OFT and staying on the rotarod (P≤0.05). Also, α-pinene (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) diminished immobility time (s) in TST and FST on postpartum mice (P≤0.05). α-pinene (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) decreased malondialdehyde while increased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant status levels in postpartum mice as compared with the control group (P≤0.05).Conclusion: It seems that prenatal administration of the α-pinene can alleviate postpartum depression via its antioxidant property in mice.

Background: The pure-bred Barb horse is a beloved breed from the Great Maghreb. Despite the breed’s prominence in Algeria, no gestational hematological or biochemical research has been done on this breed.Objectives: This study aimed to compare the hematological and biochemical parameters of pregnant and non-pregnant Barb mares in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy.Methods: From 12 pregnant and 6 non-pregnant mares, 102 venous blood samples were taken, and their glucose (Glu), cholesterol (Cho), triglycerides (TG), total protein (TP), urea (Urea), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), iron (Fer), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were assessed as biochemical variables. Also, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cells, and platelets were all measured as hematological variables.Results: The levels of ALP, ALT, GGT, and P decreased significantly throughout gestation, while Ca, TG, Fe, and Glu levels increased. AST concentrations decreased in the second and third trimesters, whereas Cho levels increased in the first and second trimesters. Urea levels increased significantly in the third trimester, and FRAP showed significant differences at different stages of pregnancy. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was significantly lower in the first and second trimesters, and hemoglobin values were significantly lower in the second trimester. The mean value of white blood cell count was slightly higher in late pregnancy, while platelet values significantly increased throughout all trimesters.Conclusion: The study provides valuable information on the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters during pregnancy in Barb mares. These findings can be used as a reference for future studies on the reproductive physiology of this breed.

Background: Cell therapy is applied in tendonitis to speed the healing process of tendon tissue and restore its functional properties. Almost all types of stem cells can differentiate from the recipient cells after transplantation.Objectives: The main goal of this study is to compare the effects of two sources of mesenchymal stem cells on tendon regeneration.Methods: This study randomly divided 32 New Zealand rabbits into 4 groups. The bacterial collagenase was induced at the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of all rabbits, and the treatment was performed 48 hours after collagenase induction. Group 1 was treated with allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Group 2 was treated with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from the patellar ligament fat pad. Group 3 (sham group) was treated with 0.9% normal saline, and group 4 (control group) was left with no treatment. All rabbits were euthanized 2 and 4 weeks after surgery, and tendon samples were harvested. The histopathology was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Vangieson’s dye, and tendon structure, fiber arrangement, cell nuclei, tissue inflammation, vascularity (angiogenesis), and density were surveyed.Results: The tendon healing process in the BMMSC and ADSC groups revealed better regeneration than the control and sham groups (P≤0.05). Significant changes (P≤0.05) in some microscopic parameters were seen by comparing the BMMSC and ADSC groups.Conclusion: According to the present study, the injection of mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs or ADSCs) showed beneficial results in tendon tissue healing. Furthermore, ADSCs showed better regeneration of the injured tendon tissue than BMMSCs.

BACKGROUND: The predisposition of ruminants to indigestible foreign materials is becoming a major global concern in livestock systems in developing countries making gastrointestinal tract impactions severe veterinary emergencies. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and types of indigestible foreign material impactions in small ruminants in Gombe state, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 940 goats and 790 sheep were selected through a systematic random sampling technique and antemortem examinations were completed before slaughter at major abattoirs in Gombe state. The gender, age, and body condition score (BCS) of animals were recorded. Post-mortem examination of the rumen and reticulum was performed and foreign materials in the abdominal cavity were removed, identified, and recorded. RESULTS: Out of 1730 examined small ruminants, 1167 (67.46%) were found to have various types of indigestible foreign materials in their gastrointestinal tracts. The frequency was significantly (χ2=58.047, P<0.0001) higher in goats (38%) than sheep (23.7%). Prevalence rates of 13.6%, 12.9%, 12.1%, 11.8%, and 11.4% were recorded in Gombe, Yamaltu Deba, Akko, Funakaye, and Kwami Local Government Areas, respectively. Prevalence was found to be significantly (P<0.0001; χ2=732.87; OR=47.009) higher in adult (59.6%) than young (2.1%) cases, significantly (P<0.0001; χ2=637.61; OR=31.145) higher in females (42.5%) than males (19.2%), higher in goats (χ2=177.03, P<0.0001) and sheep (χ2=191.39, P<0.0001) with poor BCS than those with medium and good BCS. Significantly higher proportions of indigestible foreign materials were recovered in the rumen of goats and sheep, compared to the reticulum. Plastic was the most commonly encountered indigestible foreign material in goats and sheep, followed by seed/nuts, ropes, and clothes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study revealed a prevalence of 67.46% for indigestible foreign materials in goats and sheep. Predisposing factors to indigestible foreign materials in ruminants in the study area included the lack of adequate plastic waste disposal system and management system, as well as the free grazing of livestock. Therefore, it was recommended that collaborative intervention schemes involving governmental agencies and livestock farmers be incorporated to increase public awareness about the proper disposal of domestic waste.

BACKGROUND: Skin is the largest organ of the body and is of particular importance in the beauty as well as economic value of the horse. Equine sarcoid disease (ESD) is the most common skin tumor in horses. So far, various methods have been used to treat equine sarcoidosis though no fully effective treatment has been proposed till now. Larval therapy has been used for the treatment of human diabetic ulcers as well as horse hoof lesions. Reports on the use of larval therapy to treat the complications of tumor lesions have been promising. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of larval therapy on equine sarcoid lesions. METHODS: In this study, 4 horses were diagnosed with equine sarcoid through the clinical examinations and pathological tests, and larval therapy was used to treat the sarcoid lesions. To place the larvae on the lesion, the method of implantation in an artificial nest was used. The number of larvae used per square centimeter was about 10 larvae. RESULTS: The result of treatment was satisfactory in 2 cases of horses and even in one case, the lesion was largely limited but the skin began to renew. By the way, in general no positive result was seen in the other two cases, which was probably due to the extent of the lesion and the instability of the larvae on it. CONCLUSIONS: According to the obtained results, it seems that larval therapy is effective for the treatment of sarcoid necrotic lesions, however more studies are needed.

BACKGROUND: Rabbits are induced ovulators with the ovulatory process being triggered by neuro-hormonal impulses gen-erated during natural mating. When applying artificial insemination (AI), an array of biostimulation techniques and/or exogenous hormones, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or its analogues must be used to induce ovulation. However, the effect of biostimulation techniques and exogenous hormones is not always satisfactory and the use of GnRH analogues is asso-ciated with high production costs. Therefore, the development of an alternative inexpensive, efficient, and safe treatment for ovulation induction in artificially inseminated does is urgently needed. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we examined and compared the effects of mated doe serum (MDS) and GnRH analogue (Gonadorelin) administered immediately after AI on the circulating concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and fertility in New Zealand does. METHODS: Forty artificially inseminated does were allocated to four equinumerous groups. The Control G, Treatment G, Control M, and Treatment M groups received 0.2 mL of saline intramuscular (IM), 0.8 μg of Gonadorelin dissolved in 0.2 mL of saline IM, 2.5 mL of mixed-sex normal rabbit serum intravenous (IV),and 2.5 mL of MDS/doe IV, respectively. RESULTS: A peak in systemic LH concentrations occurred earlier in Treatment M, compared to Treatment G does (71 vs. 107 min post-AI, respectively; P≤0.05). Mean LH concentrations did not vary (P≤0.05) from the pre-AI values in neither of the control groups. Serum LH concentrations remained higher (P≤0.05) in the Treatment M group, in comparison with Treatment G does during30-90 min post-AI. However, LH was higher (P≤0.05) in the Treatment G group than the Treatment M group 120 and 160 min post-AI. Gonadorelin and MDS injections both resulted in the same kindling rate of 80% at each of the four con-secutive AIs (initiated 30 days postpartum) and were significantly greater than that recorded in the control animals (20%). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that MDS administration is an effective treatment for inducing ovulation in rabbits with repeatability similar to that achieved with a GnRH analogue

BACKGROUND: The ossicles comprise three small bones (malleus, incus, and stapes) known as the smallest bones in the body that play an essential role in transmitting sound to the inner ear. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to compare the structure of the middle ear in native sheep and cattle. METHODS: To study the details of middle ear ossicles in Lori sheep (n=5) and native cattle (n=5), bio-anatomical parameters of the malleus, incus, and stapes ossicles were measured. Animals were male and adult. In this study, the ossicles were carefully described by the appropriate devices, and after separation, the ossicles were measured using a caliper and digital scales. Bio-anatomical changes were evaluated under magnification provided by stere-omicroscope. RESULTS: The cow's middle-ear ossicles differed from those of sheep in some details. The results revealed obvi-ous differences in length, width, and thickness of malleus, incus, and stapes in cows compared to sheep. However, further differences were observed in the malleus compared to the other two ossicles when the ossicles of the two species were evaluated. After examining the two studied species, the least difference was observed between the ossicles of the two animals in the stapes. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, this study could compare middle ear ossicles between sheep and native cattle in the Shahrekord province. Anyway, it is conceivable that the biometric sizes of the middle ear ossicles may be af-fected by animal species

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D3 is one of the most important vitamins that can be used either as an injection or as an oral supplement, alone or in combination with other vitamins in cows. Vitamin D3 has known effects on calcium regulation and bone health, and also has several non-calcium effects, including improving immune function and therapeutic and preventive effects on many chronic diseases. OBJECTIVES: Many of these non-classical effects of vitamin D appear to be due to the effect of vitamin D on improving the body's antioxidant system. This positive effect on the antioxidant status can be due to the effect of vitamin D on the expression of many genes, including genes related to proteins involved in the antioxidant system such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase. METHODS: In the present study, 15 bulls were divided into 3 groups and by intramuscular injection of 3 doses of vitamin D3, their serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were calculated before injection and in two, four and six days after injection. The amounts of vitamins used in groups A, B and C were 3300000, 6600000 and 9900000 units, respectively. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that TAC levels increase in groups depending on the dose. Total anti-oxidant capacity levels will also increase in the following days. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it can be concluded that TAC in cattle is time-dependent and dose-dependent, and regardless of the therapeutic dose of vitamin D3 the use of higher doses of vitamin D3 can improve the antioxidant status.