ARSHI Veterinary Letters

Profiling of canine distemper virus infection from Small Animal Veterinary Clinics in Cities of Nueva Ecija, Philippines

2024-09-21T14:07:20+07:00

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious and lethal pathogen that affects domestic and wild mustelids. This retrospective study analyzed 267 CDV cases from veterinary clinics in Nueva Ecija of Philippines over three years (2020-2022). Data including age, sex, breed, vaccination status, and clinical signs were analyzed using the chi-square test. The highest infection rate (38.95%) was observed in dogs aged ≥ 13 months. Females showed higher clinical signs (53.18%) than males (43.82%). Toy breeds were the most affected (38.58%), and 68.54% of the cases were unvaccinated. Nasal discharge was the most common symptom (46.44%). The incidence of CDV peaked during the rainy season, with Cabanatuan City reporting the highest number of cases. A significant association was observed between age (p=0.003), breed (p=0.042), and CDV infection.

Hematologic profile of tick paralysis in a domestic cat

2024-09-21T14:07:17+07:00

Tick paralysis is a toxicosis in animals caused by the infestation of ectoparasites, such as lice or ticks, which secrete neurotoxins that lead to muscle paralysis. This article reports the haematology findings of a 2-year-old male domestic cat diagnosed with tick paralysis at the West Java Provincial Veterinary Hospital. The cat, recently adopted as a stray, presented with hind limb incoordination, Ctenocephalides felis infestation, decreased appetite, constipation, and dehydration. Physical examination revealed the cat was severely underweight (BCS 1/5) with abnormal vital signs, including a rectal temperature of 37°C, respiration rate of 10 bpm, and pulse rate of 260 bpm. Haematological analysis showed granulocytosis, macrocytic anaemia, and thrombocytopenia. The cat was treated with doxycycline, cyproheptadine, vitamin and mineral supplements, iron dextran, NaCl 0.9%, and tick removal. This case underscores the importance of haematological monitoring in managing tick paralysis and ensuring an adequate treatment response.

Amblyomma sp. infestation on a Javan Pangolins (Manis javanica) at the Cikananga Wildlife Center

2024-09-21T14:07:14+07:00

Javan Pangolins in ex-situ conservation are vulnerable to tick infestations. This study aimed to identify the tick species infesting three female Javan Pangolins at the Cikananga Wildlife Center, all confiscated by the Conservation Area Management in Sukabumi, Indonesia, from wildlife trafficking. One pangolin had a documented history of tick infestation. Tick collection involved carefully handling and restraining the pangolins, opening their scales, and applying cotton soaked in 70% alcohol to the infested areas for five minutes. The ticks were removed with anatomical tweezers and preserved in 70% alcohol. Microscopic identification at 100x magnification revealed the ticks to be Amblyomma sp., characterized by a rectangular capitulum base, long slender palpi, an anal ridge and groove, and 13 festoons. This study concludes that the ticks infesting Javan Pangolins at the Cikananga Wildlife Center belong to the Amblyomma species, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and management of ectoparasites in conservation environments.

Pathology of proventricular tetrameriasis in a free-range chicken

2024-09-21T14:07:11+07:00

This case report aimed to investigate the aetiology of proventricular lesions and associated clinical symptoms in local free-range chickens suspected of having proventricular tetrameriasis. Proventricular tetrameriasis is a poultry disease caused by the nematode Tetrameres sp. In this case, 15 local free-range chickens, approximately eight months old, from Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, exhibited symptoms of anorexia and greenish diarrhoea, resulting in the death of three chickens. One of the deceased chickens underwent thorough examinations, including anatomical pathology (PA), histopathology (HP), hemagglutinin (HA), and hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) tests for Newcastle disease virus (NDV). PA examination revealed blackish and reddish nodules on the proventriculus surface, although both HA and HI tests for NDV returned negative results. HP examination of the proventriculus tissue revealed cross-sections of Tetrameres sp. nematodes with pseudo-coeloms filled with bright eosinophilic fluids. Additionally, ectasia of the proventricular glands, with compression atrophy and mild inflammation, was observed.

Clinical diagnosis and therapeutic approach for stomatitis in an albino-reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) at Gembira Loka Zoo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

2024-09-21T14:07:04+07:00

This case report highlights effective treatment strategies for stomatitis in reticulated pythons, providing valuable insights into veterinary care in reptile conservation. Albino-reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance as predators, making their health essential for conservation. At Gembira Loka Zoo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, an albino python was reported by the zoo keeper to have been off feed for approximately 1-2 months. An attending veterinarian from the reptile unit conducted a thorough examination, revealing inflammation in the mouth and mucosal tissue, along with missing teeth. The affected tooth was extracted to prevent further aggravation of the condition. Treatment included the application of an antiseptic spray containing 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate and Oxyfresh Dental Gel to the inflamed areas of the mouth. Additionally, supportive therapy with Hematodin was administered. Python showed significant improvement after nine days of treatment, with reduced inflammation and a gradual return to health.

Toxocariosis accompanied with conjunctivitis, scabies, thrombocytopenia in a domestic cat

2024-09-21T14:07:08+07:00

Toxocariasis, conjunctivitis, and scabies are common health issues in cats and are caused by nematode worms, viral or bacterial infections, and mites, respectively. This article reports a case involving a two-month-old female domestic cat named Jeni, who was brought to the veterinarian due to complaints of diarrhea, eye discharge, itching, skin lesions, and hair loss. Laboratory examinations revealed the presence of Toxocara cati eggs through faecal analysis using native and flotation methods, bacteria from a cytological examination of conjunctival smears later identified as Staphylococcus sp. through bacterial culture, and Sarcoptes scabiei from superficial skin scraping. A complete blood count showed leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, granulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and hypochromic anemia. The patient was diagnosed with toxocariasis, conjunctivitis, scabies, and thrombocytopenia, with a guarded prognosis. Treatment included the administration of pyrantel pamoate, kaolin-pectin, chloramphenicol, dexamethasone eye drops, ivermectin, diphenhydramine HCl, and multivitamin syrup. Despite four days of treatment, the cat did not survive and died, after which an autopsy was performed. Gross pathological changes included intestinal and pulmonary hemorrhage, while histopathological examination revealed congestion and necrosis in the bronchioles, as well as hemorrhage and edema in the lungs. Necrosis was also found in the intestinal villi and crypts of Lieberkühn, supporting the diagnosis of toxocariasis, with suspected Toxocara cati larval migration to the lungs.

Anatomical pathology features in day-old chicks with omphalitis

2024-09-21T14:07:02+07:00

Omphalitis, an infection caused by various bacteria entering the exposed umbilicus or bloodstream, significantly contributes to chick mortality within the first week post-hatch, often due to suboptimal hygiene practices during hatching. This case study aimed to characterise the effects of omphalitis on day-old chicks (DOCs) by examining the anatomical and pathological changes. Necropsies were performed on four DOCs at Poultry Breeding Development Center Jatiwangi, Majalengka, West Java, Indonesia. Observations revealed that the infected chicks had small body sizes, dull feathers, enlarged yolk sacs, and unhealed umbilici. Anatomical pathology revealed abdominal distension, necrotic yolk stalks, and greenish, foul-smelling yolk sacs.

Cytological and complete blood count profile in a dog with suspected skin tumours

2024-09-21T14:06:59+07:00

Skin tumours are among the most prevalent neoplasms in older dogs, and often display diverse clinical signs. This case report outlines the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a suspected skin tumour in a 10-year-old obese female Golden Retriever weighing 46 kg. The owner brought the dog to West Java Provincial Animal Hospital with mandibular swelling, decreased appetite, and tachypnoea. Physical examination revealed a rectal temperature of 40.1°C, painful mandibular swelling, respiratory rate of 236 breaths per minute, and heart rate of 88 beats per minute. Cytology revealed pleomorphism, coarse chromatin, and nuclear moulding, suggesting increased cellular activity. Haematological results showed leukocytosis, granulocytosis, and hyperchromic normocytic anaemia, likely due to the release of proinflammatory cytokines from the tumour and immune cells. Differential diagnosis included sialadenitis, apocrine gland tumours, and salivary gland adenocarcinoma. The final diagnosis was skin tumour with poor prognosis. The treatment involved iron dextran, supplements, dexamethasone, sulfadiazine-trimethoprim, cyproheptadine HCl, and tolfenamic acid

Extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunt in a maltese dog

2024-09-21T14:06:57+07:00

A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal connection between the portal and systemic veins, either congenital or acquired, with extrahepatic types being common in small breeds. This case report describes an 11-month-old intact female Maltese presenting with frequent vomiting, drooling, and disorientation. Physical examination revealed that the dog was underweight, and abdominal radiography revealed microhepatica. Blood tests revealed elevated ammonia levels, confirming the diagnosis of a congenital portosystemic shunt. Surgical ligation of the shunt was performed successfully, leading to recovery of the dog, marked by normalised ammonia levels and weight gain.

Clinical mastitis in an Etawah crossbreed ewe

2024-09-23T12:10:40+07:00

Mastitis in small ruminants presents significant challenges in veterinary medicine owing to its impact on animal welfare and productivity. This case study documents clinical mastitis in a four-year-old postpartum Etawah crossbred ewe. During the physical examination, inflammation was noted in the right mammary gland. The ewe's condition deteriorated due to open sores, which developed because of the friction between the mammary gland skin and the floor while the ewe was recumbent. The lesion expanded, producing purulent exudate that eventually formed scabs. Discontinuing milking in the affected mammary gland adversely affects its health, as milk accumulation in the alveoli facilitates bacterial growth and proliferation. The treatment regimen included penicillin and sulpidon; however, the ewe's condition continued to decline, indicating ineffectiveness of the treatment.

Single supplementation of goat colostrum, probiotics, and prebiotics for diarrhea management in cats

2024-10-04T19:20:12+07:00

Diarrhoea in cats is a change in the condition of faeces from paste to liquid consistency caused by several factors, such as food changes and bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Handling diarrhoea in cats is performed immediately so that the symptoms subside. One effective prevention and control effort is the provision of colostrum-based supplements, probiotics and prebiotics. In a case of diarrhoea at the Depok Pet Center clinic, two cats aged 1.5 years (Ayu) and 5 years (Gentong) were given colostrum-based supplements, probiotics, and prebiotics. The initial symptoms of the Ayu cat were diarrhoea and liquid faeces, while the Gentong cat had decreased appetite, weakness, and paste-shaped faeces. Supplementation was carried out for two days. On day three, the condition of the faeces of both cats were solid and shaped, but some parts of the faeces were still mushy. On day six, the condition of the faeces of both cats was good, marked by being shaped and solid.

Utilizing echocardiography to monitor heartworm treatment with melarsomine: A clinical evaluation in a dog

2024-10-20T12:51:11+07:00

Dirofilariasis is a parasitic disease caused by nematodes in the blood vessels and heart. Echocardiography serves as a diagnostic test to confirm the presence of these worms and assists in staging the disease to determine an appropriate treatment protocol. This case study explored the monitoring of dirofilariasis therapy using cardiac ultrasonography. The results from the case study showed that no adult worms were detectable within the cardiac chambers 19 days after melarsomine treatment, highlighting the efficacy of this therapeutic approach in resolving heartworm infections.

Clinical insights on severe dilated cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation in a young Pomeranian

2024-10-20T22:27:10+07:00

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and atrial fibrillation are severe cardiac conditions in small-breed dogs that are often linked to carnitine and taurine deficiencies. This case study assesses the effectiveness of carnitine supplementation and a cardiac-specific diet in a 4-year-old, 3.8 kg Pomeranian named Boxy, who presented with symptoms including appetite loss, vomiting, exercise intolerance, and dyspnea. Initial diagnosis revealed severe heart enlargement (VHS 16.2V), right auricular bulging, tracheal collapse, and atrial fibrillation. Treatment with Cardi-B, Capritazine syrup, and Royal Canin cardiac diet significantly improved after 30 days, with normalised blood pressure (103/59 mmHg) and a reduced VHS of 13.7V. Echocardiography revealed no tamponade. Boxy remains on daily Cardi-B and Royal Canin Cardiac for ongoing evaluation until the heart size and ECG readings normalise

Impact of sex and age on gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep: Insights from Sugih Mukti Sheep Farm

2024-10-06T05:57:46+07:00

Gastrointestinal nematodes are pervasive parasites encountered globally, including across all regions of Indonesia, where they significantly impair sheep production by causing weight loss, reducing reproductive performance, and increasing mortality rate. This study assessed the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep from the Sugih Mukti Sheep Farm Group in Neglasari Village, Dramaga Sub-District, Bogor Regency, West Java Indonesia. We collected faecal samples from 43 sheep within this group and analysed them for gastrointestinal parasites using the flotation and modified McMaster methods. Our findings revealed the exclusive presence of strongyle eggs, indicative of the order Strongylida, in the faecal samples. The overall prevalence of strongyle infection at the Sugih Mukti farm was 60.5%, with infection rates varying significantly between sexes and age groups: 12.5% in males (n=8), 71.4% in females (n=35), 31.8% in young sheep (n=22), and 90.4% in adult females (n=21). These differences were statistically significant (P≤0.05). However, the average intensity of strongyle infections was categorised as light, with no significant variation observed with sex or age (P≥0.05).

Effect of subacute administration of orange juice (Citrus sinensis) on duodenal structure in paediatric Sprague-Dawley rats (Rattus novergicus)

2024-10-08T11:47:13+07:00

This research investigates the impact of orange juice consumption on the histological structure of the duodenum, a critical site for nutrient absorption and digestion. Focusing on pediatric animals, orange juice (with a pH of 3) was administered to post-weaning rats aged 4 weeks to 6 weeks at dosages ranging from 0g/kg BW to 20g/kg BW over two weeks. Duodenal histopathology was assessed, focusing on parameters such as the quantity of crypts of Lieberkuhn, as well as the length, height, width, and depth of villi (measured in μm). Anatomical pathology examination included measurements of the length and width of the duodenum (also in μm), as well as the color mean (OD). The research findings indicate no significant changes in histo-pathology or anatomy pathology of the duodenum. This suggests that young individuals can adapt to acidic challenges without compromising gastrointestinal health. These findings offer reassurance regarding the short-term consumption of acidic orange juice (with a pH of 3) with minimal risks to intestinal integrity, both during growth and development.