Background: Anatomical and histological studies of the spinal cord have always garnered anatomists’ attention because of their high importance in various fields of veterinary medicine, zoology and behavioral science. OBJECTIVES: This work was conducted to understand the detailed histomorphometric aspects of the spinal cord of Indian gray mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii). METHODS: Six adult Indian grey mongooses in the terminal stages of disease and the status of approaching death were used in the present study. The spinal cords were dissected and fixed in 10% buffer formalin then paraffinized and sections of 6 μm thick were cut and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. In this study, the vertical and transverse diameters of the spinal cord, central canal, the length of the ependymal cells and the ratio of gray matter to white matter in the selected spinal cord segments, were measured with standard micrometric method using light microscope. RESULTS: In male and female mongooses, the longest transverse and vertical diameters of spinal cord segments were observed in the lumbar region. Although this stability and readability of the data were not seen in the transverse and vertical diameters of the central channel. Also, the highest ependymal cells in both sexes were observed in the lumbar region. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the transverse diameter of spinal cord is larger than the vertical one and the largest measured diameter and ratio of gray matter to white matter were identified in lumbosacral area.

Background: Mycoplasma is one of the most important pathogens of respiratory system in poultry. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to identify Mycoplasma spp. isolated from pigeons. METHODS: Sixteen pooled samples were provided and cultured on PPLO medium and finally the DNA was extracted from the resulting single colonies. RESULTS: Through 16S rRNA gene amplification Mycoplasma genus has been detected. Overall, 31% (5 out of 16) of pooled samples were positive which were identified as Mycoplasma cloumborale and Mycoplasma gallinaceum. CONCLUSIONS: Screening of large numbers of pigeons for known poultry pathogenic mycoplasmas will be required to establish the role of pigeons in the spread and maintenance of these organisms in the environment.

Backgrounds: Chlorella is used popularly as dietary supplements. Various studies and researches have been done regarding the intervention of microalgae as foods since a long time ago. And, it is found that Chlorella have potential health benefits, in terms of their protein and antioxidant content. Thus, with an objective of formulating nutritional supplements, this algae are being harvested in artificial ponds on a large scale and could be used in different way such as feed supplemet or a replacement with a source of protein. Objectives: evaluate the effect of feed containing various ratios of Chlorella on some biological parameters in common carp. Methods: The experiment was conducted for 105 days and for these purpose 200 fingerlings common carp C. carpio L. were brought from a local aquarium fish in Iraq. Mean initial weight was 35.7g. The fish were acclimated to laboratory conditions and fed with control pellets (29% protein) prior to the feeding trials for 21 days in fish laboratory/ Dept. of Animal Sciences/ College of Agricultural Sciences/ University of Sulaimani. In T1 fish were fed a diet with 0 Chlorella gm/kg diet,while in T2, fish were fed a diet with 2.5 Chlorella gm/kg diet, T3 represents the third treatment, in which fish were fed on a diet with 5 Chlorella gm/kg diet, and in T4 fish were fed a diet with 7.5 Chlorella gm/kg diet. Results: The present study clearly showed that feeding algae as a feed additive to fish remarkably change the studied biological parameters, in Hepatosomatic index all treatments were significantly differ than the control, Spleenosomatic index the control and T4 were higher significantly than others, in Gonadosomatic index the T2 and T4 were differ significantly while T4 was significantly higher than other treatments in Kidneysomatic index. Fish weight without viscera and weight without viscera & head differ significantly among treatments with the addition of Chlorella the diet. Conclusion: Chlorella can be used as protein rich sources to replace fishmeal or as feeding additives in the diets of common carp fingerlings with different levels. Products that are safe and of good quality.

Background: The application of probiotics to aquaculture is rather new. Probiotics affect the intestinal microbial flora of fish and subsequently modulate its immune response and growth performance. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of food supplementation with L.plantarum and L.bulgaricus on growth performance and gut microbiota of Cyprinus carpio. METHODS: For this purpose, 480 juveniles of C. carpio (40.2 ±6.3 gr Mean ±SD) were randomly divided into three equal groups (each group in three replicates) and fed with diet containing 5×107 cfu g_1 of Lactobacillus plantarum (group A), Lactobacillus bulgaricus (group B) and control diet (group C) for 60 days. To evaluate the persistent presence of the bacteria and their effects on the microbiota of the digestive system, remained fish of each group were fed with free probiotic diet from day 60 to 75. RESULTS: Results showed that most growth indices of probiotic treated groups were increased compared to control group in all sampling points. Although FCR decreased significantly in Groups A (2.9±0.43) and B (2.75±0.37) compared to control (3.88±0.52), SGR, WGP and DWG increased only in Group B compared to control group (P<0.05). Two probiotics did not influence fish survival rate compared to control group (P>0.05). Intestinal lactobacillus ratio at days 30 and 60 was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Group B showed the highest lactobacillus rate among the groups at day 30. Total intestinal bacteria count on day 30 and 60 were significantly higher in probiotic-treated fish compared to the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that L.bulgaricus can promote growth indices and intestinal Lactic acid bacterial proportion in common carp. Then it can be a proper candidate for a probiotic in common carp after more trials in farm scale.

Background: While many dental procedures induce pulpal damage by increase the temperature, this study was established to evaluate the thermally effect of different laser methods on pulp, oral soft and hard tissues. Objectives: In this study, laser irradiation applied to measure how increased in power output can influence on dental pulp by using CT images. Methods: Ten adult New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 2 groups receiving 3 and 5 watt for 15 second respectively on left side cheek teeth after shortening of third  upper and first lower premolars. Right cheek teeth trimmed as well and served as control. CT scans were taken immediately after lasing and repeated every week for one month. Results: The statistical analysis of dental measurements shows that teeth length of right and left third upper premolar was significantly different during time (P<0.012). While in first lower premolar there was no significant differences between right and left sides (P=0.338). In every week CT, group one showed no differences in right and left side in comparison to group two (P>0.05). Only third upper premolar in fourth week showed a significant difference between two groups (P=0.047). Conclusions: laser radiation could influence on tooth growth in both groups. This study revealed that the higher laser power would have been more effective on reduction of growth rate of teeth. In addition, 3D CT scans could be an appropriate tools for dental growth investigation.

Background: Respiratory tract infections caused by some viruses with cattle origin have been demonstrated in sheep and goats. OBJECTIVES: The main goal of this study was to determine Bovine Herpes virus type 1 BHV1antigen in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung tissue of pneumonic sheep, using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining method. METHODS: For this purpose, the lungs of 4079 sheep, which were raised in various farms in the Garmsar district and surrounding areas and were brought to the local abattoir for slaughtering between April and September 2016, were examined. RESULTS: Macroscopic pneumonia findings were detected in different lobes particularly in the apical and cardiac lobes of the lungs of259 sheep (6.35%). The rates of mild, moderate and severe consolidations observed in the pneumonic lungs were 59.8%, 26.3 % and 11.6 %, respectively. Pneumonias were microscopically classified in sheep as interstitial pneumonia (49.8%), suppurative bronchopneumonia (15.7%), bronchointerstitial pneumonia (11.1 %), and parasitic pneumonia (14.3%). A total of 220 pneumonic lungs, excluding parasitic pneumonia, examination with immunohistochemistry (IH) in terms of BHV1 antigen, were considered. BHV1 antigen was determined to be 8.63 % by the immunohistochemistry (IHC) method. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the presence of viral antigen in lung tissues of sheep may indicate that natural pneumonia may be induced by BHV1 or possibly other species-specific herpesviruses. Moreover, it is suggested that sheep might have a role in the transmission of this virus to cattle.

Abstract BACKGROUND: SP-A and SP-D are hydrophilic proteins which regulate the inflammatory response of the lung. Pasteurella multocida is one of the most common bacteria isolated from calves suffering from shipping fever pneumonia, one of the most problems in dairy herds. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of surfactant content may provide a valuable diagnostic tool for detection of calf pneumonia due to Pasteurella multocida and also state of treatment. METHODS: Ten Holstein-Frisian bull calves aged 4 months with body weight of 120 ± 5 kg were selected for study in two groups. The Pasteurella multocida (PMC66 Razi) was used in the present study for inducing pneumonia. The Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) process was done in selected calves. BAL fluid was collected and centrifuged and finally the sediment (crude surfactant) was reserved at -20˚C.The cytological evaluation and surfactant content was assayed by ELISA, TPL kit assay and HPLC. RESULTS: The serum levels of SP-A and SP-D in pneumonic group were significantly elevated. Although the increased Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) level of SP-A in pneumonic cases was found as compared with the control animals, but the statistical analysis didn't show any significant differences between two groups. The level of SP-D in BALF of pneumonic group significantly elevated. The amount of Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in pneumonic group decreased significantly in comparison control group. CONCLUSION: Pasteurella inducing pulmonary can changed the major component of lung surfactant which evaluation of these markers can be helpful as an appropriate tool in diagnostic state of pneumonia and healing.

BACKGROUND: The development of injectable sustained-release products are of great interest to veterinary pharmaceuticals and animal health business. Recently, great attention has been paid to in situ gel-forming chitosan/beta-glycerophosphate (chitosan/β-GP) solutions due to their good biodegradability and thermosensitivity. OBJECTIVES: The general aim of this study was to prepare a novel in situ gel-forming drug delivery system with a sustained release profile for enrofloxacin. METHODS: Chitosan, β-GP and enrofloxacin were used in different concentrations and six formulations of chitosan/β-GP were prepared. The properties of the hydrogels including the pattern of drug release, gelation time, syringeability, morphology, FTIR spectra, and in vitro antimicrobial activity were evaluated. RESULTS: The release rate of enrofloxacin from the hydrogels and syringeability of the final solutions were decreased by increasing in β-GP and chitosan concentrations. All formulations could release the drug up to 120 hours but formulation 1 (chitosan-2%, β-GP-5% and enrofloxacin-1%) gave the best results based on its optimal drug release profile and viscosity. The FTIR studies showed that there were no interactions between enrofloxacin and hydrogel excipients. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the formed gel had a continuous texture, while the swelled gel in phosphate buffer had a porous structure. Microbiological tests revealed high bactericidal activities for this enrofloxacin- loaded hydrogel which were comparable to those of positive control (enrofloxacin suspension) in terms of inhibition zone, MIC and MBC values. CONCLUSION: Because of simple preparation and sustained release profile of the drug, this hydrogel could be a promising delivery system for enrofloxacin in animals.

BACKGROUND: Clinical prostatic diseases occur in 80% of dogs over 5 and 95% over 9 years of age. . It seems that benign prostatic hyperplasia) BPH) affect Scottish terriers more severely than the other breeds. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the changes of biochemical and hematological parameters in BPH dogs. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 10 male dogs older than five years suffering from BPH which referred to Small Animal Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty of Tehran University. The diagnosis of BPH was based on clinical, laboratory surveys and ultrasonography. 10 normal male dogs with same age, breed and weight were selected as control group. Then serum acid phosphatase (TAP and PAP), CRP, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulins and hematological parameters were assayed and the results were analyzed by Independent student T-test. Also Pearson’s linear correlation test was used to determine the correlation between TAP, PAP, CRP and ESR with length and width of prostate. RESULTS: The length(p=0.008 (, width (p= 0.01)of prostates were significantly higher in dogs suffering from BPH compared to the healthy dogs .TAP and PAP levels significantly elevated in all dogs in BPH group (approximately 6 times) compared to the controls (P=0.001). Moreover, serumic CRP concentration was elevated in some of BPH dogs (approximately 6 times) (p=0.001). While there were significant ESR elevation in some of dogs in disease group compared to the normal dogs, no significant difference was observed in other biochemical and hematological parameters between two groups (p>0.05). There were a highly significant correlation btween serum TAP and PAP (p≤ 0.01) with prostate’s length and width which was more than CRP. CONCLUSIONS: The serum acid phosphatase, CRP and ESR were elevated in BPH dogs but the increase in serum acid phosphatase was more important than the others. It is recommended that each laboratory should use its own values of acid phosphatase in dogs.

Backgrounds: Neospora caninum is an Apicomplexan parasite. It causes paralysis and neuromuscular disorders in dogs and abortion in cattle. Although contamination with N. caninum is common in stray dogs, most of the dogs are infected with subclinical neosporosis. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of N. caninum in multiple tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using Nested-PCR technique. Furthermore, the N. caninum specific antibody was detected in serum of examined dogs by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Methods: Forty two stray dogs of mixed breeds captured from districts of Tehran, Iran, were examined physically and euthanized. A commercially indirect ELISA kit was used to detect the anti-N. caninum antibodies in serum. Nested PCR was applied to analyze the extracted DNA from brain, skeletal muscle, CSF, liver, spleen and mandibular lymph nodes for Nc5 gene. Results: Indirect ELISA assay for N. caninum antibody was positive in a seven years old male dog (2.22%). Out of 42 stray dogs whose multiple organs were examined using Nested PCR, 15 samples (35%) were positive. The highest presence of N. caninum was found in skeletal muscle with 30% (13/42) frequency, followed by CSF (26.2%) (11/42), brain (19%) (8/42), liver (7.14%) (3/42), lymph node (4.62%) (2/42) and spleen samples (0/42). Conclusions: These results suggest that serology tests can underestimate the carrier of N. caninum in dogs compared to PCR test which directly detect the presence of the parasite. Nested-PCR might be a potential alternative for the histological methods to detect N. caninum in dog’s tissues.