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The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary nutrients on oral stereotypies and redirected behaviors among horse working groups. A cross-sectional study was designed with a total of 207 horses from 7 established equestrian facilities consisting of leisure, equestrian, patrolling, and endurance working groups to determine the proportion of oral abnormal behaviors within the same horse working group. The abnormal behaviors were either categorized as stereotypic: sham chewing, licking, lip-smacking, tongue-rolling, and crib-biting, or redirected behaviors: bedding eating, and coprophagy. Information on feeding practices and feedstuffs were collected to determine the nutritional composition and the total daily dietary intake of horses from each working group. Binary logistic regression models were built to predict the likelihood of oral stereotypy and redirected behaviors based on the daily dry matter (DM) intake, macronutrient intake, and digestible energy (DE). Endurance horses demonstrated the highest number of abnormal behaviors, followed by patrolling, leisure, polo, and equestrian working groups. Sham chewing and bedding eating were the most common oral stereotypy and redirected behaviors, respectively. Although meeting their standard energy requirements, the total dietary intakes varied significantly among working groups. The total daily dietary intake of endurance and polo horses contained the highest amount of DM, crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen-free extract, ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and DE compared to other horse working groups. Furthermore, CP and EE intakes were negatively associated with the likelihood of sham chewing. DM, CP, CF, EE, and DE were the significant predictors of bedding eating and coprophagy. These findings revealed that total daily dietary intake plays a vital role in the development of abnormal oral behavior in horses from different working groups.

Aspergillosis is an infectious mycotic disease which mainly affects chicks at 1 to 3 weeks of age. This report describes an outbreak of aspergillosis in 13-day-old broiler chicks reared in an open-sided poultry house on deep litter system. The total number of birds kept in the affected house was 4000 with the mortality rate of 5%. The farmer noticed signs of weakness since the arrival of day-old chicks, and eventually, 200 chicks died within 13 days. Clinical signs observed were stunted growth, dyspnoea, torticollis, incoordination, swollen hock joint, and crooked toes. Postmortem findings revealed yellow to white caseous nodular lesion at the air sacs and lung with granular appearance upon cross section. The feed and organs samples were collected for microbiological and histopathological evaluation. Aspergillus spp. were isolated on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with whitish to grey-green appearance and stained using lactophenol cotton blue. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining in the brain tissue revealed the presence of fungal hyphae and vesicle. Histopathological findings revealed alveolar emphysema, atelectasis, thrombosis, and pneumonic lung with granulomatous tissue and granulomatous encephalitis. Culling of the affected birds and removal of the contaminated bedding and feed in the house are essential measures to control and prevent the disease occurrence. Treatment using fungicide such as copper sulphate is recommended to prevent further spread of the disease in the flock.

This review focuses on associations of cortisol and the hormone ghrelin on abnormal oral behaviors, predominantly stereotypic behavior, in horses. Abnormal oral behaviors are prevalent in the stabled horse population. Feeding practice and satiety seem to play a significant role in the development of the behaviors. The effect of macronutrients on the occurrence of abnormal oral behaviors and satiety remains to be elucidated in horses. Ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone, is produced by the ghrelinergic cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Ghrelin is found to be involved in various physiological processes such as stress, eating disorders, and food selection. Feed preference in horses is chiefly controlled by their ability to distinguish macronutrients in the food, so the novel approach of the use of ghrelin to tackle the problem in the abnormal oral behaviors may provide promising findings in future research of the occurrence and management of equine stereotypies.

Fast-growing broilers faced with various leg health problems are in crucial need of an adequate nutritional supply of both calcium and phosphorus. The aim of the current work was to study the effect of different level of monocalcium phosphate supplementation on the health performance, haematology, and biochemistry changes of commercial broiler chickens. A total of 108 broiler birds (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into three treatment groups with six replicates consisting of six birds per replicates. Treatment 1 (control) was fed with available commercial starter and finisher diets containing dicalcium phosphate. Treatments 2 and 3 were fed with the same commercial diets but supplemented with 0.5% and 1.0% of monocalcium phosphate respectively. Throughout the 42 days of feeding trial, broilers from each treatment group were observed and recorded daily for any abnormal signs of leg disorders. Six broilers were randomly selected on days 21 and 42 from each treatment group where blood samples were collected via the brachial vein into anticoagulant (EDTA) and plain blood tubes for haematology and biochemistry analysis. Leg weakness, lameness, recumbency, and splay legs were the main findings observed in broiler demonstrating leg problems. The total broiler culled because of leg problem was relatively highest in T3 (4 broilers), followed by T1 (2 broilers), and T2 (none). There were significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) in the WBC, total protein, albumin, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase on day 21. Only WBC and alkaline phosphatase exhibited significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) between groups on day 42. Broilers supplemented with 0.5% MCP (T2) revealed the highest significant values compared to the other treatment groups for both starter and finisher phases. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the other parameters. In summary, 0.5% monocalcium phosphate was recommended as supplementation through this study; as it improves the overall health performances of the commercial broiler chickens.

Sudden death is usually the main finding in field animals during haemorrhagic septicaemia outbreaks caused by Pasteurella multocida type B:2 that causes acute, fatal and septicaemic disease in cattle and buffaloes. This situation may be due to failure in early detection of the disease where early treatment of antibiotics may improve the prognosis of the animal and other surviving animals. Thus, there is a grey area on the knowledge on the potential usage of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins as early biomarkers in the diagnosis of haemorrhagic septicaemia. In addition, exploration of the cerebrospinal fluid during infection has never been studied before. Therefore, this study was designed to fill up the grey areas in haemorrhagic septicaemia research. Twenty-one buffalo calves were divided into seven treatment groups where group 1 was inoculated orally with 10 mL of sterile phosphate-buffered saline pH 7 which act as a negative control group. Groups 2 and 3 were inoculated orally and subcutaneously with 10 mL of 1012 colony-forming unit of P. multocida type B:2. Group 4 and 5 buffaloes were inoculated orally and intravenously with 10 mL of lipopolysaccharide broth. Groups 6 and 7 were administered orally and subcutaneously with 10 mL of outer membrane protein broth. During the post-infection period of 21 days, blood and cerebrospinal fluid were sampled for the analyses of pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins and cytological examination. Buffalo calves infected with P. multocida and its immunogens via different routes of inoculation showed significant changes (p

Previous studies have shown that Mannheimia haemolytica A2 is the principal microorganism causing pneumonic mannheimiosis, a major bacterial respiratory disease among sheep and goats. The effect of this bacteria on the respiratory system is well-established. However, its effect on the reproductive physiology remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the alterations in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and testosterone hormone post-inoculation with M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin which were hypothesized to affect the reproductive functions of bucks. Twelve clinically healthy adult male goats were divided equally into three groups. Goats in group 1 were treated with 2 ml of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.0 intranasally (negative control), group 2 with 2 ml of 109 colony-forming unit (CFU) of M. haemolytica serotype A2 intranasally (positive control), and group 3 were treated with 2 ml of lipopolysaccharide extracted from 109 CFU of M. haemolytica serotype A2 intravenously. Following inoculation, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture into plain tubes at pre-determined intervals for serum collection to determine the concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and testosterone hormone by using commercial ELISA test kits. Results from this study demonstrated that the inoculation of M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS increases the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines but decreases the concentration of testosterone hormone in challenged animals at most time points throughout the 56 days experimental period (p < 0.05). This study suggests that the M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS could alter the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and testosterone hormone, which in turn, may negatively affect the reproductive functions of bucks.

Oil palm frond (OPF) is a biomass residue from oil palm plantations that has received increasing interest for its promise as roughage resources to overcome limitations of ruminant feeding. However, the use of OPF as a feedstuff for optimal livestock productivity is limited by its high lignocellulosic content and low nutritional value. Chemical composition revealed that OPF was composed of 70% fibre and 22% soluble carbohydrates on a dry matter (DM) basis. Various physical, chemical, biological and physico-chemical treatments have been used to improve the digestibility of nutrients and the nutritional value of OPF. This review was conducted to study the treatment methods of OPF as a value-added feedstuff, and, to emphasize on the effects of treated OPF on in vitro ruminal fermentation and in vivo ruminant digestibility coefficients and growth performance. Biological treatment produced favourable outcomes in improving the nutritional value of OPF, and was more cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly as compared to chemical and physical treatments. In vitro rumen fermentation studies on the digestibility and potential use of treated OPF as quality feedstuffs for ruminants have been widely reported. Several in vivo studies have found that small ruminants performed satisfactorily when fed diets with treated or pre-digested OPF at appropriate ratios. Nevertheless, chemically treated OPF has been found to be successfully used in both beef and dairy cattle feeding trials as it is a good source of protein and energy that can increase digestibility coefficients and have positive impacts on ruminal fermentation profiles and animal production.

Horses typically spend between from 4 to 15 hours a day in standing rest and anywhere from minutes to several hours lying down. Horses that have less sleep due to prolonged activities will result in health deterioration and poor welfare. From the literature search and from the authors' knowledge, the study on the sleeping patterns of domesticated horses in stable management in the tropics has not yet been explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand the sleeping patterns of selected local stabled horses in Malaysia. This study was conducted in 3 different stables around Klang Valley, Malaysia. Five healthy adult gelding Thoroughbred horses with body condition score of 3 out of 5 were selected randomly from each stable. The horses experienced the same daily activities and exercised for approximately 4 hours every day where they were used for riding activity. An observational cohort study method was used in this study. Each horse's sleeping patterns were observed for 72 hours. The time frame was divided into 12 hours a day for 6 days, continuously. In the present study, horses tended to sleep only during the night. The stable horses spent about 57.00 ± 25.00 min/24 h in sternal recumbency; 8.00 ± 6.00 min/24 hours in lateral recumbency; and 3.40 ± 0.70 minutes in each stay apparatus position before shifting weight to the other hindlimb. The implication of these findings will allow equine practitioners to understand the different sleeping patterns of horses to maintain the horses' welfare and performance.

Contagious ecthyma (Orf) is a viral skin condition caused by a parapoxvirus. It results in cutaneous lesions that destroy the hides and skin of the infected host. In this study, the pathogenicity of Malaysian isolates of Orf virus (UPM 1/14 and UPM 2/14) was evaluated in a rat model using different inoculation sites with/without dexamethasone administration. A total of 50 rats were used in this study. For the first part of the study, 35 rats were divided into three groups; group 1 (n = 15) was inoculated with 0.5 mL of UPM 1/14 (tissue culture infective dose 50% (TCID50) 108.1/mL) while group 2 (n = 15) was inoculated with 0.5 mL of UPM 2/14 (TCID50 107.2/mL) each at the dorsum (n = 5), ear pinna (n = 5), and labial commissure (n = 5). Group 3 (n = 5) served as the control and was administered 0.5 mL of phosphate-buffered saline in all the sites mentioned above. In the second study, 15 rats were divided into three groups: a dexamethasone group (n = 5) which was given 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone once daily for 3 days, a non-dexamethasone group (n = 5), and a control (n = 5). Intradermal inoculation of 0.5 mL of UPM 1/14 was administered to each rat in the dexamethasone and non-dexamethasone groups at the dorsum, ear pinna, and labial commissure, respectively. Clinical signs and histopathological changes were evaluated for 14 days post inoculation for the first experiment and 7 days for the second experiment. Mild hyperemia was observed in the dorsum, ear pinna, and labial commissures of all inoculation groups. Group 1 (ORFV UPM 1/14) had a higher (P 0.05) in the mean thickness of the stratum basale of the ear pinna and labial commissure between the dexamethasone and non-dexamethasone groups. Orf virus was detected by PCR from the skin tissues of rats with lesions using F1L and B2L viral genes. In conclusion, Malaysian isolates of Orf virus were seen to be mildly pathogenic to rats. The difference in inoculation sites and the induction of immune suppression were observed to present varying pathological responses in rats.

Objective: Foot rot is one of the most important causes of lameness and economic losses in sheep and goats world-wide. This case report described the clinical management of lameness due to foot rot in two female Boer goats aging 4-year both from two different farms in Selangor, Malaysia. Materials and methods: The goats were presented with the complaint of non-weight bearing lameness of the right forelimbs. The hoof was broken and the interdigital space was filled with dirt and exuding a foul smelling odor. Results: On clinical examination, the goats were looking as dull and isolated with body condition scores of 2.5/5 (case 1) and 3/5 (case 2), respectively. The goats had a rectal temperature of 38.8°C and 40.4°C, pulse rate of 80 and 100 beats per minutes, and respiratory rate of 44 and 24 cycles per minute, respectively. Blood sample was collected for complete blood count and serum biochemistry from case 1 only. The hoof was thoroughly washed and disinfected. Parenteral administrations of Flunixin meglumine (dosed at 2.2 mg/kg bwt, IM) thrice daily and Oxytetracycline (dosed at 20 mg/kg bwt, IM case 1) once and Sulfadiazine+trimethoprim (dosed at 1 mL/16 kg bwt, IM case 2) for 3 days. Topical oxytetracycline was applied to the area for 5 days. Conclusion: The prognosis was very good as there was a significant improvement in the hoof injury of both animals. The goats were recovered after 7 days of treatment. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(1.000): 110-116]

Objective: This case report describes the management of a clinical case of trypanosomosis in an adult Friesian Sahiwal cow. Materials and methods: An adult cow aging 3 years was presented with a complain of wound infection, weakness and inappetence. Physical examination was carried out and samples were collected for laboratory investigations. Results: The clinical history revealed generalised enlargements of the pre-scapular and pre-femoral lymph nodes, pale mucous membrane and weight loss. Laboratory investigation showed that the cow had normocytic normochromic anemia with hyperproteinemia. Thin blood smear examination revealed the presence of Trypanosoma evansi . Treatment was instituted with Diminazene aceturate dosed at 3.5 mg/kg bwt through intramuscular (IM) route for 3 days, 20 mL of Fercobsang for 3 days, IM, Flunixin meglumine dosed at 1.1 mg/kg bwt, IM, and Oxytetracycline dosed at 20 mg/kg bwt, IM once. The wounds were cleaned daily for one week. Examination of the blood film after therapy showed no parasite. Conclusion: The findings of this case report demonstrate the importance of an effective treatment regimen in managing bovine trypanosomosis in an endemic farm. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c164

Pneumonic pasteurellosis is an economically important infectious disease in the small ruminant industry which causes sudden death and loss for farmers. Nonetheless, this disease is still a common sight in sheep and goats in Malaysia, probably due to the unpopular usage of pasteurellosis vaccine or inappropriate vaccination practices. The aim of this study was designed to classify the severity of pneumonia via the establishment of auscultation scoring method and to quantify the acute phase proteins and heat shock proteins responses from vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats. Goat farms, consist of vaccinated and non-vaccinated farms, were selected in this study: where 15 clinically normal healthy goats and 9 pneumonic goats were selected from vaccinated farms whereas 15 clinically normal healthy goats and 31 pneumonic goats from non-vaccinated farms were selected for this study. Crackle lung sounds were not detected in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated normal goats. However, vaccinated pneumonic goats showed mild crackle lung sound while non-vaccinated pneumonic goats exhibited moderate crackle lung sound. There were significant increases (p

Brachiaria decumbens is an extremely productive tropical grass due to its aggressive growth habit and its adaptation to a varied range of soil types and environments. As a result of the vast availability, treated B. decumbens demonstrates as a promising local material that could be utilised as an improved diet for sheep and goats. Despite the fact that the grass significantly increases weight gains in grazing farm animals, there were many reports of general ill-thrift and sporadic outbreaks of photosensitivity in livestock due to the toxic compound of steroidal saponin found in B. decumbens. Ensiling and haymaking were found to be effective in removing toxin and undesirable compounds in the grass. Biological treatments using urea, activated charcoal, polyethylene glycol, and effective microorganisms were found to be useful in anti-nutritional factor deactivation and improving the nutritive values of feedstuffs. Besides, oral administration of phenobarbitone showed some degree of protection in sheep that fed on B. decumbens pasture. In this review, we aim to determine the effect of B. decumbens toxicity and possible treatment methods on the grass to be used as an improved diet for small ruminant.

Aim Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiological agent of caseous lymphadenitis that affects sheep and goats. This study was designed to determine the presence of the causative organism in the female reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes in non-pregnant does experimentally inoculated through intradermal route in the chronic form. Materials and methods 18 non-pregnant healthy Katjang does aged 2-year-old were divided randomly into two groups. The first and second group consists of nine non-pregnant does each and the two groups were subdivided into three subgroups. The first group was experimentally inoculated with 1 ml of 10(7)cfu of live C. pseudotuberculosis through intradermal route, whereas the second group was inoculated with 1 ml phosphate buffer saline (pH 7) solution intradermally. The first group were further subdivided into three subgroups where, the first subgroup (B1) were kept for 30 days post-infection, second subgroup (B2) were kept for 60 days post-infection, and third subgroup (B3) were kept for 90 days. The second group was further subdivided into three subgroups (C1, C2, and C3) where they were kept for 39, 60, and 90 days post-infection, respectively. Results From this study, there was successful isolation of C. pseudotuberculosis from the reproductive organs of the treatment group after 60 days post-infection. The subgroups (B1, C1, C2, and C3) did not show any presence of the causative organism in the reproductive organs. The second subgroup B2 and third subgroup B3 showed positive isolation of the causative organisms from the ovary, uterine horns, uterus, cervix, vagina, and inguinal lymph node of the experimental non-pregnant does. Conclusion This study showed that chronic infection of C. pseudotuberculosis via intradermal route may cause effect toward the reproductive organs and may be able to influence the reproductive efficiency of the infected animals.

Dystocia or difficulty in parturition in a ewe may need veterinary assistance for the successful parturition. An adult ewe weighing 30 kg was presented to the Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia with the history of difficulty in giving birth. Physical examination of the ewe revealed that the animal was weak and in recumbent position. Head of a dead fetus was observed as protruding out from the vulva region. Through physical evaluation of the ewe by per vaginal examination, the condition was diagnosed as fetal dystocia. Treatment and management plans given to the ewe were episiotomy and manipulative delivery of the dead fetus via mutation and traction method. Post-operative treatment was given with Flunixin meglumine (dosed at 2.2 mg/kg bwt) for 3 days, and Norodine (dosed at 1 mL/16-kg bwt) once intramuscularly. The case was completely cured after 2 weeks. The risk of losing the lamb as well as the ewe increases with delay in treatment of dystocia.

Forty adult Friesian cows were presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia with primary complain of lameness. Upon physical examination of the cows, open wounds were found at the distal limbs, dorsal hoof, knee joint, metacarpal region, and udder. Based on history, clinical observation and physical examination, the cause of the lameness was diagnosed as of non-infectious origin; the cattle were affected with chemical burn originated from exposure to lime. The affected cattle were treated similarly to that of the line of open wound treatment; the wound was cleaned with topical application of the mixture of dermapred-iodine-benacillin. Flunixin meglumine dosed at 2.2 mg/kg bwt and Oxytetracycline dosed at 20 mg/kg bwt were given intramuscularly as anti-inflammatory and prophylactic antibiotic, respectively. This case report describes diagnosis of the cause of lameness, and its management in cattle herd caused by lime toxicity for the first time in Malaysia.

Colibacillosis is one of the major cause of mortality among young calves due to severe diarrhoea associated with calf scour and septicaemia. A two weeks old male Friesian cross calf weighing about 50 kg was presented to the large animal clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital with complains of yellowish-watery diarrhoea for the past two days, lethergy and recumbency. The calf was dull and depressed, diarrhoeic, dehydrated with bilateral sunken and congested eyes. Three other calves had recently died of recurring similar symptoms in the same herd. Antibiotic and fluid therapy with analgesic as adjunct treatment plan, but the calf died while being treated.The blood biochemical analysis revealed hyperkalaemia, hypocalcaemia, slightly elevated urea, creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Necropsy findings were congestion and haemorrhage in the abomasum, jejunum and colon with sloughing off of the mucosa. The liver was pale, kidneys and heart were congested and haemorrhagic. Bacteriological examination revealed that E. coli was consistently isolated in biopsy samples of the visceral organs. Improved sanitation and provision of adequate colostrum to new-born calves have forestalled the occurrence of the disease in the herd.

Objectives: This case report aimed at diagnosing and instituting timely intervention to avert Neonatal Isoerythrolysis with concurrent infections in foals. Material and Methods: Baby Dokki is a one day old, filly, foal, pony cross, weighing about 20kg. She is managed in a stable with its dam. Baby Dokki was found dead a day after her birth. Post mortem examination revealed a generalized jaundice in the mucous membrane, muscles and aorta. Besides that, the synovial fluids were also thicken and yellowish. As well, the large intestine contains very hard greenish fecal material obstructing the rectum. Softer yellowish fecal material was found to be impacted dorsal to the hard fecal material. Results: Furthermore, the bacteriology result divulged the presence of Actinomyces hyovaginalis. In addition, blood was also collected from the mare and the stallion to check for blood compatibility. Conclusion: Thus, the case was diagnosed as suspected neonatal isoerythrolysis with concurrent Actinomyces hyovaginalis infection. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 233-239]

Foetal membranes are said to be retained when they fail to be expelled within 3-4 hours after parturition. Retained foetal membranes are often complicated by septic metritis and toxaemia within 2-3 days postpartum if not promptly treated. In this case report, a 4 year old female Jamnapuri goat weighing 60kg was presented to the large animal clinic of the Universiti Veterinary hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) with the complaint of difficulty in breathing, coughing, in appetence, dehydration and recumbency a few days after kidding. Following physical examination, haematological and biochemical analysis, a tentative diagnosis of septicemia with concomitant diarrhoea was made. The initial treatment instituted was aimed at stabilizing the patient through intravenous fluid (IVF), non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) and antibiotics therapies. Unfortunately the doe died and necropsy examination revealed a pneumonic lung, mastitis, pin point ecchymotic haemorrhages on the abomasal mucosa with moderately pale and mottled liver and pieces of macerated placenta in an inflamed uterus. The cause of death was fulminant septicemia arising from the retained foetal membranes, with complications of pneumonia, enteritis and mastitis. Prompt implementation of herd health program is paramount in reducing mortalities in goat farms.

A pregnant Jamnapari doe was presented with primary complaint of inappetance and recumbency for a week. The most prominent abnormality during physical examination was weakness in both hind limbs typified by difficulty in standing. Ultrasonography revealed that the doe were carrying three viable foetuses that were about 4-months old. Hemato-biochemistry findings showed hypocalcaemia (1.98mmol/L) and hypoglycaemia (2.2mmol/L). Besides that, ketone bodies were also detected from the urine (3+ or 8mmol/L). The doe was treated vigorously for pregnancy toxaemia with 1L of Glucose 20% (G-20) and 5L of 0.9% NaCl, administered intravenously BID for 3 days as glucose replacement and rehydration respectively. 30mL of propylene glycol was also given orally BID for 7 days as glucose precursor. Flunixin meglumine 2.2mg/kg was administered intramuscularly SID for 3 days as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. In addition, 20mL of theracalcium was given intramuscularly SID for two days and 5mL of Catosal® was given intramuscularly SID for 6 days for calcium supplement and to stimulate body metabolism respectively. One vial (2ml) of methylcobalt was administered intramuscularly SID for 3 days as a nerve supplement and physiotherapy was performed after caesarean section for 10 minutes TID for 6 days in order to increase blood circulation and prevent muscle atrophy. However, the does’ condition started to deteriorate on Day 7 and caesarean was performed on the same day where three foetuses were saved. The doe’s condition improved tremendously and was discharged after a week of caesarean section. This clinical case reports the clinical management of pregnancy toxaemia in a goat, which is a common problem in small holder farms in Malaysia.

Milk fever is a condition where the animal’s body fails to maintain the calcium homeostasis following an upsurge demand of calcium during gestation or lactation. This case reports the clinical management of suspected stage II milk fever with retained placenta in a Friesian cow after parturition of twin calves. A four-year-old Friesian cow weighing 400kg was presented with primary complaint of weakness and inability to stand a day after parturition of two calves. Physical examination revealed that the cow was on sternal recumbency and unable to stand, while the placenta was seen hanging from the vulva region. All vital parameters were normal but the cow was having a weak cardiac rythm. The differential diagnoses at this point of time were milk fever, downers’ cow syndrome and hypophosphatemia. The cow was diagnosed with suspected milk fever based on the history of parturition of two calves and thus leading to hypocalcaemia. The cow was treated with flunixin meglumine 1.1mg/kg once intravenously as anti-inflammatory, anti-pyrexic and analgesic. Then, 500mL of calcium borogluconate (23%) was administered intravenously slowly at the rate of 1drop/second as a source of calcium. The cow responded well to treatment after 10 minutes of administration. In addition, 0.9% normal saline was lavaged into the uterus to irrigate the retained placenta. Subsequently, 20mL of oxytetracycline (20mg/kg) was infused into the uterine body as the final lavage. Finally, broad spectrum long acting oxytetracycline (20mg/kg) antibiotic was given once intramuscularly to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Therapeutic treatment to restore the calcium level in the blood should be the main focus during the management of milk fever.

This case report describes the clinical management of a severe gangrenous mastitis in a 35 kg adult doe. The doe was presented to the Universiti Putra Malaysia Veterinary hospital with a complaint of lack of milk production four days after kidding. Clinical examination revealed anorexia, increased body temperature, pulse rate and response to pain upon palpation of the udder. There was exudation of blood-tinged foul smelling exudates when the mammary gland was expressed. Clinical laboratory findings revealed the presence of anemia, neutrophilia with a left shift and monocytosis. Serum biochemistry showed hypophosphatemia, hypocalcaemia, hypocreatinemia, hyperuricemia and hyperproteinemia. The doe was administered with Benacillin (1 ml/25 kg) intramuscularly 3/7, flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg) intravenously 7/7, 23% calcium borogluconate (15 ml) subcutaneously and oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg) once intramuscularly. Medical management of this case was not successful and bilateral mastectomy was opted and performed. the doe recovered as was discharged. To prevent mastectomy due to gangrenous mastitis, early intervention is critical and paramount.

A pregnant Saanen doe aging 1.5-year and weighing 40 kg was presented to the Large Animal Unit of Universiti Putra Malaysia Veterinary Hospital with history of inability to stand up. Transabdominal ultrasonography of the animal revealed two live fetuses at late pregnancy. Blood examination revealed decreased lymphocyte numbers, and increased monocytes count. Biochemical analyses showed marked decrease in glucose level and elevated level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK). The goat was administered with 200 mL 20% Dextrose (G-20), NaCl solution (at 1.3 mL/animal), Flunixine meglumine (at 2.2 mg/kg bwt), and Vitavet multivitamin (at 1 mL/10 kg bwt). The prognosis of the case was grave, and the goat was sacrificed in order to save the fetuses. However, the fetuses were died within 10 min. Necropsy of the doe showed pale, yellow and friable liver and congested lungs, while histopathological evaluation of the liver showed diffuse hepatic lipidosis. Pregnancy toxemia in doe can be prevented by providing proper nutrition. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b78

This paper reports how a 4-year old Friesien-Sahiwal cross cow weighing 380 kg with horn gore injury on the left labia of the vulva was managed at the Large Animal Clinic, University Putra Malaysia. The lacerated wound measuring about 4-cm long was originated as a result of horn goring from another cow two weeks prior presentation of the cow to the clinic. Physical examination of the cow incidentally revealed urticaria on the left ventro-lateral aspect of the neck suspected to be sequel of hypersensitivity. The wound was treated by topical application of a mixture of Iodine, Benacillin LA, Biomectin 1% and Ilium Dermapred made into cream. While the uticaria was treated by intramuscular injection of Chlorpheniramine maleate at 0.5 mg/kg bwt. Animal management, housing design and presence of sharp horns are some of the factors that can lead to physical traumatic injuries in dairy cows. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 366-368]

A 4 years old Jamnapari cross buck weighing 50 kg was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, with a primary complaint of dry crusty and alopecic skin lesions on the ventral neck, thoracic, abdominal, scrotal, perianal, and interdigital regions. The animal was physically sound with normal appetite and was managed intensively for breeding purposes. Hematological analysis showed a marked leucocytosis characterized by eosinophilia and netrophilia with degenerative left shift. Skin scrappings taken showed no ectoparasites and the vital parameters were within the normal range. Other systems appeared normal except the integumentary system which showed crusty and alopecic skin lesions on different parts of the body. The case was first tentatively diagnosed as dermatitis and effectively managed following a gradual change of feed and the administration of a single intradermal injection of 50 mg (10 mg/kg) chlorpheniramine maleate, 50 mg of long acting oxytetracycline hydroxide (20 mg/kg, I.M) repeated four days later and multivitamin injection, 10 mg/kg for five days. This report highlights the significance of atopic dermatitis among goats and the need for its early and effective management in breeder farms and to provide a simple systematic approach for veterinarians and animal scientists in diagnosing and managing the condition.

Good herd health management is a practice aimed to prevent the development and spread of diseases and reduce economic losses in farms. There is paucity of information with regards to farmers’ compliance on proper Herd Health Program (HHP) practiced by small ruminant farms in Malaysia. This survey was conducted to study farmers’ compliance on HHP practiced using selected goat farms (n=6) under the Ladang Angkat Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM. A structured questionnaire was developed based on the Skim Amalan Ladang Ternakan (SALT) by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) of Malaysia. The scores were given in percentages according to the farmers’ knowledge and practice on every component of the HHP. All the farms surveyed were managed under intensive system mainly for meat production. Most farmers (83.3%) were aware of the existence of the herd health program. Farmers (n=6) scored 56±7% for overall HHP practice with maximum score on waste management (75%), followed by environmental management (73%), parasite control program (70%), biosecurity (67%), feeding management (59%), drug management (59%), disease monitoring program (54%), reproductive management (48%) and the least compliance was for vaccination program (40%). None of the farmers practiced the vaccination program in their farms. However, all farmers were willing to invest money for herd health program that guarantee long term profitability in the future. In conclusion, more attention and exposure need to be given on the HHP components that are less complied with by the farmers without neglecting the other components for future development of improved herd health programs.

An intensively managed five days old female Friesian cross breed calf weighing approximately 30kg was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The complaint was that the calf had swollen navel and joints and had not been able to stand up properly and frequently fell down. But the calf was alert and the appetite was normal at the time of presentation. On physical examination, body condition score was 2.5 out of 5 and and temperature was 39.3 °C (slight pyrexia), pulse and respiratory rates were within the normal range. The navel was swollen with dark necrotic tissues within the navel opening with presence of foul smelling odour. Both the carpal joints of the forelimbs and the hock joints of the hind limbs were swollen. Arthrocentesis and Jugular venipuncture were performed to collect samples for synovial fluid cytology, haematology and blood chemistry. Based on the history, physical examination and laboratory findings, the calf was diagnosed to have navel ill with associated joint ill. Treatment was performed by umbilical debridement and cleaning of necrotic tissues and debris with subsequent application of povidone of iodine. Flunixin meglumine, 1.1 mg/kg, 0.7 mL, was given intramuscularly, twice daily for 3 days as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent. A combination of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin (1.2mL) at a dosage of 1 mL/25 kg body weight was administered intramuscularly, once daily for 5 days. Remarkable progressive improvement was observed 3 days after commencement of treatment. The umbilical care by debridement of necrotic tissues and debris and topical antisepsis, coupled with systemic antibiotic therapy using combination of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin was effective in the treatment of navel ill and/or joint ill.

This case report describes a case of suspected omphalitis in a female two-week-old Katjang cross kid. The kid was weak and on lateral recumbency. It had hypothermia, bradycardia and shallow breathing with thumping sound at the end or expiration. The kid died and post-mortem examination revealed multiple hepatic abscesses, fibrin attachment between the liver and the diaphragm, cloudy yellow fluid in the peritoneal cavity and severe generalized congestion of the small intestine. The findings suggest the kid had died of a septic shock.

This clinical case reports the prompt actions taken to diagnose clinical case of endometritis in a cow where prompt treatments were able to solve the case successfully. A 3 year-old, Friesien-cross cow weighing 400kg with body condition score of 2 out of 5 was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia with primary complain of inappetance. Clinical evaluation revealed that the heifer was pyrexic, dull and depressed with pale mucous membrane. The most prominent abnormality observed was the yellowish mucopurulent discharged from the vulva opening. As for diagnostic work-ups, rectal examination was performed where the uterus was having a doughy consistency during palpation. Mucopurulent discharged from the vulva was collected for bacteria isolation and antibiotic sensitivity test. The bacterial isolated from the pus were Arcanobacterium pyogenes which was resistant to streptomycin and sulfadiazine-trimethoprim and Eschericia coli that was resistant to streptomycin. Blood was also collected through jugular venipuncture for complete hematology and biochemistry analysis where the cow was having monocytosis, slightly elevated AST, hyperglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Based on the history, clinical examination and laboratory findings the cow was diagnosed with clinical endometritis. For the treatment, Flunixin meglumine 1.1mg/kg was administered twice a day intramascularly for 3 days as anti-inflammatory, anti-pyrexic and analgesic. Broad spectrum long acting oxytetracycline 20mg/kg antibiotic was also given once intramascularly to treat current infections and to prevent secondary bacterial infections. In addition, Fercobsang 1ml/10kg was administered intramuscularly once as iron supplement. Furthermore, intrauterine wash was performed with 0.9% NaCL using a modified intravenous line where it was passed through the vulva into the uterine body. All the mucupurulent discharge was then irrigated by continuous flushing of 0.9% NaCL. Finally 20ml of Oxytetracycline 20mg/kg was flushed into the uterine body as the final lavage.

Pneumonic pasteurellosis caused by Mannhaemia haemolytica (M. haemolytica) is a common disease with high prevalence in sheep and goats. This clinical case reports the occurrence of pneumonic pasteurellosis in two of Boer-crossed kids. Two Boer-crossed kids age 1-week old, were presented with complain of in appetence and weakness. The farm had previous history of sudden death among the kids. Clinical examination findings revealed that the kids were having harsh lung sound with present of bilateral serous nasal discharges. Nasal swabs and fecal samples were collected as diagnostic work-ups and both kids were diagnosed with pasteurellosis. The kids were treated with dextrose fluid, penicillin-streptomycin antibiotic and flunixin meglumine non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. After third day of hospitalization, both kids showed positive response to the treatments. The prognosis of this case was good where accurate and prompt treatment were able to resolve the case.

Many researches have suggested a link between antibiotic administration in food animals and increase in bacterial resistance in human populations. In this cross-sectional study, the screening for antibiotic residues in kidneys was done using Microbial Inhibition six (6) plate method to provide baseline data for the prevalence of antibiotic residues in animals slaughtered in Abattoir and non- Abattoir slaughter house in Negeri Sembilan district areas. Basically, the agar diffusion method uses six media which have been separately cultured with different types of bacteria that are relatively susceptible and resistant towards specific antimicrobial at certain pH level. Forty one (41) kidney samples and another fourteen (14) samples were obtained from and non–abattoir and approved (Senawang, Negeri Sembilan Abattoir) slaughter houses respectively. Fourteen (34%) of the 41 kidney samples from non–abattoir slaughter houses and 1 (7%) of the 14 samples from non–abattoir slaughter houses were positive for antibiotic residues. The result of the study revealed significant association (p

Objectives: Bovine anaplasmosis is an arthropod-borne hemolytic disease of cattle which is caused by a rickettsia; Anaplasma marginale . Anaplasmosis is also called "Yellow bag" or yellow fever, where the affected animals usually develop a jaundiced appearance. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical findings, treatment and gross pathology of a severe anaplasmosis in a dairy cow. Materials and methods: In this report, a rare case of fatal anaplasmosis in a 4 year old Jersey-Friesian cow, weighing about 200 kg was reported. Diagnosis was done based on clinical symptoms, blood examination for the presence of A. marginale , and biochemical analyses of blood. Leishman staining was done to check the A. marginale at the margin of erythrocytes. Treatment was instituted with blood transfusion and Oxytetracyline dosed at 20 mg/kg body weight and iron supplement containing 20 mL Cobaphos (containing Phosphorus 125mg + Cyanocobalamine 0.05 mg) and 20 mL Fercobsang containing Iron (as ammonium citrate) 1.75 mg, Cyanocobalamine (Vitamin B12) 0.025 mg, Nicotinamide (vitamin PP) 20 mg, Cobalt (as digluconate) 0.0067 mg, Benzyl Alcohol (E1519) 20.8 mg) were given intramuscularly. Results: The cow did not survive the infection as it eventually died of the disease. Post mortem examination showed gross evidence of splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, distended bile duct and generalized jaundice. Conclusion: Based on the consequence of this case report, preventive vector control, prompt and appropriate treatment and improved management practices are recommended in order to prevent clinical anaplasmosis cases among cattle. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c150