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The stainless-steel orthopaedic implants used for the management of various types of fracture internal fixations are very expensive; this makes their utilization in food animals relatively noneconomical. There is a need to have an improvised implant that is cheaper and available for use in food animals to manage complicated fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the haematological and biochemical changes following the reduction of stable femoral fractures in goats using conventional (Kirschner pin) and improvised chrome vanadium-coated long crews. Twelve apparently healthy Red Sokoto bucks were randomly divided into two groups of six (n=6) were used for this study. A transverse femoral diaphyseal fracture was created using orthopaedic wire in both groups. In group A, a conventional Kirschner pin size 4.0x125 mm2, single trocar, non-threaded, was used to immobilize the fracture, while in group B, an improvised test chrome vanadium (long screw) size 2.3 mm was used for the fracture immobilizations. Blood samples were collected before fracture induction at the base line, serving as a control. The haematological and biochemical assessments were performed at 0 weeks (immediate postoperative) and subsequently at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Packed cell volume (PCV%), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell count (RBCs), white blood cell count (WBCs) and differential leukocytic count (neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes) were evaluated. Also, serum activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was detected. Besides, serum calcium, phosphorous and creatinine levels were evaluated. There were no significant differences between the two groups in PCV, haemoglobin, RBCs, WBCs and neutrophils, and the values were within the normal range. However, lymphocytes and monocytes were significantly (p < 0.05) different at weeks 2 and 6, respectively. Biochemical parameters revealed significant (p < 0.05) changes in serum ALT (weeks 0, 2, 4), ALP (week 6), creatinine (weeks 10 and 12), and calcium (week 2) at some postoperative intervals. However, no variations were observed in serum AST and phosphorous, which were within the normal range. The improvised chrome vanadium (Long screw) can be used safely in goats for the management of stable femoral fractures without significant adverse changes to hemato-biochemical profiles within twelve weeks.

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle in Jere local government area (LGA) of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of 279 faecal samples were randomly collected from 12 cattle herds of the six wards of Jere LGA. The samples were screened for Giardia lamblia antigens with Copro-antigen Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Risk factors were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate, and multivariable logistic regression. The overall prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle was 5.7% (95% CI = 3.20, 8.60). Location-specific prevalence of 5.4% (95% CI = 1.1, 9.8), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7), 6.4% (95% CI = 0.0, 14.9) and 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7) for Old Maiduguri, Khaddamari, Bale Galtimari, Mashamari, Maimusari and Dusuman wards were respectively detected among the cattle herds. Multivariable logistic regression model revealed that Giardia lamblia positivity among cattle could be strongly predicted by age (Young cattle ≤ 1 year; OR = 32.0; 95% CI = 8.40, 120.13; p < 0.0001). The even spread of the infection among cattle throughout the wards could be described as endemic in Jere LGA suggesting high risk potential for infection of cattle handlers from calves. Therefore, further studies on genetic characterization to determine the incriminating assemblage as well as public enlightenment of cattle handlers on the public health significance of giardiasis in the study area was recommended.

Ticks transmit a broad spectrum of pathogens, threatening both animal and human health. Tick survival and proliferation are strongly dependent on host selection and suitability. The hard tick Ixodes ricinus, which is widespread throughout most of Europe, is a host generalist capable of feeding on many different vertebrate species. Pasture-kept exotic farm animals may be at a high risk for tick and tick-borne pathogens infestations but research characterizing this is currently lacking. This study focused on the detection of Borrelia spirochetes (including Borrelia miyamotoi) in exotic farm animals. Using nested-PCR with Borrelia-specific primers, 121 serum samples from 54 exotic farm animals of several species bred in four different farms in Bohemia and Moravia (Czechia) were tested. Positive samples were sequenced for the identification of Borrelia species. The prevalence of Borrelia DNA in the samples ranged from 13 to 67%, depending on the sampling site. The sequencing results confirmed the DNA presence of multiple spirochete species from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Only one sample from an ostrich (Struthio camelus) was found to be positive for Borrelia myiamotoi. The results show that exotic farm animals can serve as hosts for hard ticks and can be infected by Borrelia spirochetes, transmitted by hard ticks. Therefore, these animals could play a relevant role in maintaining Borrelia spirochetes in nature.

This study investigated the effects of immunocastration and slaughter age on the carcass yield performance of intensively farmed common eland males. Eighteen male eland (five immunocastrated juveniles, three intact juveniles, five immunocastrated sub-adults, and five intact sub-adults) were finished for four months, after which their carcass, offal, primal cut, and individual muscle yields were determined. Juveniles were ~6 months of age at the start of the experiment, while sub-adults were ~1.5 years old. Primal cuts were dissected to determine the percentage yields of meat, bones (with tendons), separable fat, and trimmings. Immunocastration had no effect on offal or carcass yields. While sub-adults had increased individual muscle yields, juveniles had greater proportionate yields of primal cuts and a greater total high-value: low-value meat ratio. Whilst slaughtering younger male eland could provide additional economic advantages, this should be considered being against changing marketing trends.

Objective- This study aims at validating the use of serum amyloid A (SAA) as biomarkers of surgical stress using Quantitative ELISA in the Sahel goats. The experiment evaluated SAA profiles of Sahel goats post Diazepam-Lidocaine (DLC) and Diazepam-Bupivacaine (DBC) local anaesthesia. Expressions of SAA in the Sahel goat post rumen skin clamp fixation techniques of rumenotomy with Polyglycolic acid sutures (PGA) and chromic catgut sutures were also expounded. Design- Experimental Study. Animals- Fifteen Sahel goats were randomly allocated into three groups A, B and C for quantitative ELISA evaluation of Serum Amyloid A (SAA) profiles post local anaesthesia and laparo-rumenotomy, as biomarkers of surgical stress. Procedures- Diazepam at 0.2mg/kg was administered intravenously to sedate goats in groups A and B with subsequent lidocaine HCl and bupivacaine inverted-L block anaesthesia respectively. Chromic catgut (CCG) and Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) sutures were used for rumen and abdominal muscle closures for groups A and B respectively while nylon for skin apposition. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture to establish baseline data after local anaesthesia (PAI) and at 0, 5, 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours after surgery. Results- Group A peak SAA values was 9.29±0.43 µg/mL at 8hrs post-surgery while goats in group B had a peak of 10.94±1.22 µg/mL SAA at 24hrs post-surgery. SAA responses of group A indicates stress at 0hr steadily throughout the first 72 hours but peaked at 8hrs post-surgery. Similarly, group B showed significant stress at 8 hours onwards with peak values at 24 and 48 hours post-surgery. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- SAA as an acute phase protein could be used to determine early complications following laparo-rumenotomy in the goat and offers good prognosis especially when several APP variables are combined in an index.

Case Description-A four-year old Balami ram weighing 120kg was presented to the University of Maiduguri Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UMVTH) with extensive swelling and ulceration of the nictating membrane of the left eye. Clinical Findings-A dark red hard mass on the third eyelid was covering the entire eyeball. The visible mass measured 5cm vertically and 7cm horizontally. Pus exudate was expressed from the nictating membrane. Full blood count revealed normal blood values. Treatment and Outcome-Treatment involved surgical removal of the hard mass by thermocautery under sedation and general anaesthesia. The ram was premedicated with Xylazine hydrochloride 0.1mg/kg IV. General anaesthesia was induced and maintained with Ketamine hydrochloride 5mg/kg IV. Histopathological examination of samples showed numerous vascular spaces lined by multilayered neoplastic endothelia. Complete surgical excision was not curative due to recurrence. Clinical Relevance- Haemangiosarcoma are common tumors in dogs, cats, horses and swine and only few cases in ovine species were reported for the first time in the last decade. Eyelid tumours cause discomfort, interfere with eyelid function and may cause keratitis and Surgery remains the basic method of treatment in oncology.

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]