Background: In this study, cadavers of 5 adult Aksaray Malakli breed dogs were used to examine the structure of the lumbosacral plexus, which provides innervation of the hindlimb and pelvic region. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the nerve root composition of the lumbosacral plexus, determine the branching patterns, map the nerve directions macro-anatomically, and collect data for future comparisons with similar breeds.Methods: The corpses were kept in a formaldehyde pool (10%) for 14 days. After this period, the anatomical area was dissected using appropriate techniques to identify the lumbosacral plexus nerves and roots. The course and origin of the nerves forming the plexus were identified and photographed. Results: In all 5 cadavers, the lumbosacral plexus originated from the L4-S3 nerves. The plexus comprised n. ischiadicus, n. tibialis, n. obturatorius, n. femoralis, n. saphenous, n. pelvini, n. pudendus, n. cutaneus femoris caudalis, n. peroneus communis, and n. gluteus caudalis. Conclusion: It was determined that n. femoralis was formed from the ventral branches of the L4 and L5 nerves and the cranial branch of the L6 nerve. N. obturatorius originated from the caudal branch of L5 and the ventral branch of L6. It was determined that n. ischiadicus originated from the L6 caudal, L7 and ventral branch of S1 nerves. The femur branched into n. tibialis and n. peroneus communis (n. fibularis) at the level of extremitas distalis.

Background: Dicrocoeliosis is a parasite disease that affects the liver of domestic and wild ruminants. It is one of the challenges in the livestock industry that causes significant diseases and economic losses.Objectives: This study aimed to identify Dicrocoelium dendriticum in sheep and cattle using their morphological and molecular characteristics. Methods: The current study examined 122 sheep and cattle livers from both sexes slaughtered in butcher shops. Found worms were selected randomly from the livers of sheep and cattle. They were stained for parasite morphometric measurements studies and macroscopic examination of the liver considering the color, consistency, and size. Molecular methods confirm the diagnosis of D. dendriticum in cattle and sheep.Results: The infection rates of D. dendriticum parasite in sheep and cattle were 34.4% and 10.7% respectively. The results showed a significant difference in the infection rate between sheep and cattle, while there is no significant difference between females and males in both sheep and cattle. Macroscopic diagnosis of the infected livers showed discoloration, swelling, wrinkled needle-spot shape and hyaline, the sharpness of liver margins loss, and biliary fibrosis. D. dendriticum was morphologically identified in all specimens collected from the sheep and cattle. The molecular examination confirmed the diagnosis of these parasites, which belonged to the species D. dendriticum, with a product reaction of 900 base pairs.Conclusion: This study is the first to isolate and detect D. dendriticum in sheep and cattle and to overview the genotype compositions of D. dendriticum.

Background: Sperm preservation at a cool temperature reduces sperm metabolism while preserving its viability and reproductive ability. Researchers have sought to extend semen preservation effectiveness for more than 24 hours. Due to the particular physiological characteristics of small ruminant spermatozoa, the cooling procedure decreases its reproductive ability. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of adding L-carnitine (LC) to the cooling extender on the quality of the ram’s sperm following cooling preservation at 4°C.Methods: The collected sperm samples were diluted and divided into 4 groups with varying doses of LC supplementation (0, 1, 5, and 10 mM). The samples were kept at 4°C for up to 48 hours. At 0, 24, and 48 hours of cooling, the sperms’ total motility, progressive motility, viability, lipid peroxidation, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity were assessed. Results: The results showed that different treatments did not affect the quality of semen samples at time 0 of cooling storage (P>0.05). Cooling medium supplemented with 5 mM LC demonstrated improved total motility, progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity compared to the other groups after 24 and 48 hours of cooling (P≤0.05). Furthermore, after 24 and 48 hours of storage, 5 mM LC produced less lipid peroxidation (P≤0.05) than the other treatments.Conclusion: In conclusion, reinforcing ram’s cooling storage medium with 5 mM LC protects ram semen samples against cold-induced structural and functional impairment throughout 24- and 48-h storage.

Background: Respiratory viral diseases, including the bovine parainfluenza 3 virus, cause significant economic losses in ruminants. There is no available data regarding the epidemiological situation of this virus in Algeria. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the seroprevalence and the associated risk factors of bovine parainfluenza 3 virus (BPI3V) in sheep in two different climatic regions of Algeria. Methods: A total of 108 serum samples were collected from sheep at different ages and tested for antibodies against BPI3V using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was also performed on nasal swabs to detect the viral genome. Results: At the animal level, out of 108 sera tested, 82 (75.93%, 95% CI, 66.75%, 83.63%) showed antibodies against BPI3V. At the herd level, all 23 herds tested (100%) had at least one animal with BPI3V antibodies. Our results showed no association between the presence of BPI3V antibodies and the region (P=0.72). However, at the herd level, risk factors such as flock size and predisposing factors like climate change, feed deficit, postpartum stress, and dust were identified. At the animal level, a highly significant association was found between BPI3V seroprevalence and the age of the animals (P<0.0001). Notably, the sheep group over 3 years was more susceptible than other age groups. Furthermore, a significant difference in BPI3V seroprevalence based on sex was observed (P<0.003). All collected nasal swabs were negative for BPI3V genome detection using real-time PCR. Conclusion: This study is the first serological survey on BPI3V in Algeria, confirming its presence in sheep from two regions. The high serum prevalence of BPI3V observed in the study population highlights addressing this viral disease to mitigate economic losses in ruminants.

Background: Farmers raise rabbits in abundance in Iraq. Scabies infestation is one of the most prevalent diseases in rabbits. The current study investigates the rabbits’ infestation with scabies that cause severe complications such as itchy alopecia, hyperkeratosis, anorexia, self-trauma, and weight loss. In short, the disease has high morbidity and mortality and creates heavy economic losses for farmers.Objectives: This study was designed to detect mange infestation in rabbits using microscopic examination of skin scraping. This study is the first to investigate mange infestation in rabbits in Mosul City, Iraq.Methods: A total of 130 rabbits were examined, and their skin lesions were scraped. Results: Of 130 rabbits, 56(43.1%) were infested with mange, including Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi (n=50, 38.5%), Psoroptes cuniculi (n=32, 25%), Notoedres cati var. cuniculi (n=26, 20%), Demodex cuniculi (n=12, 9%), and Cheyletiella spp. (n=4, 3%), with the high infestation rate for S. scabiei var. cuniculi and the lowest rate for Cheyletiella spp. The significant lesions were hyperkeratosis followed by alopecia, then pruritus on many body areas (head, ears, abdomen, back, legs, tail, and perineal area). The highest infestation rate was found on the abdomen and back, while the lowest was on the tail and perineal area. There are significant differences according to age, while no significant differences between the males and females and among three types of infestation (single, double, and mixed).Conclusion: The rabbits were infested with several species with different percentages. There was no significant difference in infestation rates between males and females, although there was a difference between younger and older animals. Lastly, a significant difference was clear among the three types of infestation, and the double one was the dominant infestation rate with 50%.

Background: Tissue staining is pivotal in histology and histopathology, shouldering a noteworthy role in identifying and classifying tissues and diseases. Due to their non-production of toxic effluents, the utilization of plant-based dyes aligns harmoniously with environmental sustainability and the well-being of laboratory personnel and the general public. Furthermore, this approach is highly cost-effective, further enhancing its appeal.Objectives: This research study explored the feasibility of staining various tissues in mice, such as the liver, kidney, intestine, and cartilage, utilizing a dye extracted from black carrots. Methods: An ethanol extract of 200 g of fresh black carrots (Daucus carota L.) was prepared using 95% ethanol saturated with two different solvents in 200 mL of distilled water. Subsequently, the prepared sections of mice tissue were immersed in the extracted dye solution for 20 minutes, followed by assessment using a light microscope. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used as a control.Results: The dye extracted from the black carrot using alum and acetic acid successfully stained the cartilage, kidney, intestine, and liver tissues, giving them a bluish-gray coloration. Phytochemical screening further confirmed the presence of anthocyanins in the black carrot extract.Conclusion: The dye derived from black carrots exhibits natural tissue staining capabilities, making it an alternative to hematoxylin-eosin in histology and histopathology laboratories.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important healthcare-associated pathogen that is also an emerging zoonosis. Objectives: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of MRSA in dairy cattle farms in Kebbi, North-Western Nigeria.Methods: A total of 200 milk samples, consisting of 50 samples each from lactating cows, were collected and used. The samples were analyzed using bacterial culture and isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Suspected MRSA isolates were identified via PCR detection of the mecA gene, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the isolates were assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.Results: Of the two hundred milk samples examined, the prevalence of MRSA was recorded at 18% (36/200) using phenotypic and genotypic characterization methods. The susceptibility to vancomycin was observed in all isolates, and they had a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of >0.4.Conclusion: This investigation showed the colonization of healthy dairy cows by multidrug-resistant MRSA.

Background: Experiments using animal models have indicated that maternal diet during the perinatal period can drastically impact the life-long susceptibility of offspring to chronic disease.Objectives: This study aims to determine the impact of perinatal consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa to feed restriction on offspring heart development. Methods: In this study, we used 25 pregnant rats. They were grouped as follows: group 1 (normal control), group 2 (70% feed restriction), group 3 (70% feed restriction and 5mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration), group 4 (70% feed restriction, and 10mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration), and group 5 (70% feed restriction and 20mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration). Dams were only allowed to nurse 8 pups. Pups were weaned and observed daily for puberty onset. Blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of creatine kinase, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde. The hearts were excised, weighed, and prepared for histological examination. Results: The result showed a significant increase in absolute and relative weights of the heart with alterations in the histology of the heart. There was a significant change in serum levels of creatine kinase and malondialdehyde.Conclusion: Maternal consumption of H. sabdariffa during pregnancy and lactation may increase the development of cardiovascular diseases in offspring during postnatal growth.

Background: Detecting Döhle body inclusions in cat neutrophils is one of the most relevant toxic changes with clinical significance. It is necessary to study pre-analytical factors such as temperature and blood storage time on the formation of these toxic changes.Objectives: The present study sought to investigate the impact of blood storage time and temperature on Döhle or Döhle-like inclusions in cat neutrophils.Methods: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) blood samples were obtained from 8 cats without evidence of Döhle inclusions on fresh blood smears (T0). Samples were stored at room temperature (RT) and 4°C as routine storage temperatures of samples in the laboratory. Smears were prepared 2 (T2), 4 (T4), 8 (T8), and 24 (T24) hours following the blood draw for each storage condition. Döhle or Döhle-like inclusions were assessed on each smear randomly selected.Results: The percentages of neutrophils with Döhle or Döhle-like inclusions in T8 and T24 increased significantly at RT and 4°C, respectively (P<0.001) compared to T0. The smears prepared from blood samples stored at RT contained more neutrophils with Döhle or Döhle-like inclusions than 4°C. A significant difference was not found in the percentages of neutrophils with these inclusions between the two temperatures at any storage times.Conclusion: The development of Döhle body-like in cat neutrophils occurs when the analysis is delayed, especially at higher storage temperatures. This condition may affect diagnosis and clinical decisions. Therefore, the blood smears should be prepared as soon as the blood is drawn to reduce pre-analytical changes.

Background: European pond turtle is one of the two species of freshwater turtles in Iran. Regarding clinical examinations and diagnostic imaging techniques, it is necessary to have complete anatomical information on this turtle.Objectives: This study provided complete morphometric and normal two-dimensional computerized tomographic scanning information of the vertebrae of European pond turtles.Methods: Ten European pond turtles were used in this study. Computerized tomography (CT) scans were taken from each anesthetized turtle. Then, morphometric parameters were measured in the CT scans of the vertebral column.Results: Atlas was the shortest of the cervical vertebrae, and the eighth cervical vertebra was shorter than the previous vertebrae. The articular surface of the caudal articular processes of the eighth cervical vertebra was bent, and these surfaces were almost vertical. Transverse process width had remained constant in the cervical vertebrae. The transverse process was not observed in the dorsal vertebrae. The first dorsal vertebra had a different shape than others.Conclusion: The particular shape of the last two cervical vertebrae, especially the arched shape of the eight vertebrae. The seventh and eighth cervical vertebrae have the largest transverse distance between caudal articular processes that seem necessary for cervical motion. The limited space of the caudal cervical vertebrae inside the shell chamber can be the reason for the reduction in the length of these vertebrae. The absence of a spinous process in the seventh and eighth cervical vertebrae of the neck may be related to their specific position in the neck retraction.