Search

Shaymaa Fadhel Abbas Albaayit,1,2 Yusuf Abba,3 Rasedee Abdullah,4 Noorlidah Abdullah1 1Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2Department of Biology, Collegeof Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq; 3Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, 4Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Abstract: Clausena excavata is a natural herb with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for decades in folkloric practice for the amelioration of various ailments. In this study, the gastroprotective activity of methanolic extract of C. excavata leaves (MECE) was determined in the Sprague Dawley rat ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Rats were pretreated with a single dose of vehicle (5% Tween 20), 20 mg/mL omeprazole, 400 and 200 mg/mL of MECE dissolved in 5% Tween 20. Ulcer was induced with 5 mL/kg of ethanol and stomach tissue was obtained after 1 hour. Histological examination was done on hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and immunochemically stained gastric mucosal tissues. Prostaglandin E2, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation levels of the gastric tissue homogenates were also determined. Significantly (P

Background Hemorrhagic septicemia is a fatal disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by P. multocida. Although the pathogenesis of the bacteria has been well established in literature, there is a paucity of information on the possible role of the bacteria and its immunogens; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane proteins (OMPs) on the reproductive capacity of buffalo heifers. Methods In this study, twenty one healthy prepubertal female buffaloes aged 8 months were divided into seven groups of 3 buffaloes each (G1-G7). Group 1 (G1) served as the negative control group and were inoculated orally with 10 mL sterile Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS), groups 2 (G2) and 3 (G3) were inoculated orally and subcutaneously with 10 mL of 1012 colony forming unit (cfu) of P.multocida type B: 2, while groups 4 (G4) and 5 (G5) received 10 mL of bacterial LPS orally and intravenously, respectively. Lastly, groups 6 (G6) and 7 (G7) were orally and subcutaneously inoculated with 10 mL of bacterial OMPs. Whole blood was collected in EDTA vials at stipulated time points (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168, 216, 264, 312, 360, 408, 456 and 504 h), while tissue sections of the pituitary glands were collected and transported to the histopathology laboratory in 10% buffered formalin for processing and Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (PG), estradiol (EST) and gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) were determined. Results The histopathological lesions observed in the pituitary gland included hemorrhage, congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, hydropic degeneration, necrosis and edema. These changes were higher (p

Testicular sizes of animals are important for identification of those with adequate sperm production. The aim of this study was to define the testicular and related size estimates that would be associated with optimal cauda epididymal sperm counts (ESC) in Sahel goats based on postmortem evaluations. A stratified quota sample population of 125 male goats inclusive of all testicular sizes was taken at a slaughterhouse in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The bucks were aged 18-30 months and weighed 17.04 ± 2.99 (12-25) kg. Body, testicular and epididymal weights of each goat with other related size measurements were estimated. ESC was determined from homogenized tissue using a manual cytometer. At the cut-off ESC of >1.1 × 109 sperm heads, 66 (52.5%) of the goats had optimal ESC which was associated with testicular weight of 59.90 ± 16.10 (31.4-86.2) kg, gonado somatic index of 3.51 ± 0.69 (2.0-4.5) g/kg and scrotal circumference of 19.07 ± 1.29 (17.0-21.8) cm. The ESC correlated better with age than body weight of the animals and correlated also with testicular and scrotal size variables and epididymal weights. The size variables of the scrotum and testis correlated with one another. These findings provide data that may be used to anticipate adequate antemortem sperm reserve based on testicular size during preliminary selection of sires for breeding from a sexually mature Sahel buck population.Keywords: Optimal sperm output, testicular size, scrotal size, Sahel goat, Nigeria

Boid inclusion body disease (BIBD) is a viral disease of boids caused by reptarenavirus. In this study, tissue from naturally infected boid snakes were homogenized and propagated in African Monkey kidney (Vero) and rat embryonic fibroblast (REF) cells. Virus replication was determined by the presence of cytopathic effect, while viral morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Viral RNA was amplified using RT-PCR with primers specific for the L-segment of reptarenavirus; similarly, quantification of viral replication was done using qPCR at 24–144 h postinfection. Viral cytopathology was characterized by cell rounding and detachment in both Vero and REF cells. The viral morphology showed round-to-pleomorphic particles ranging from 105 to 150 nm which had sand-like granules. Sanger sequencing identified four closely associated reptarenavirus species from 15 (37.5 %) of the total samples tested, and these were named as follows: reptarenavirus UPM-MY 01, 02, 03, and 04. These isolates were phylogenetically closely related to the University Helsinki virus (UHV), Boa Arenavirus NL (ROUTV; BAV), and unidentified reptarenavirus L20 (URAV-L20). Comparison of deduced amino acid sequences further confirmed identities to L-protein of UHV, L-polymerase of BAV and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of URAV-L20. Viral replication in Vero cells increased steadily from 24 to 72 h and peaked at 144 h. This is the first study in South East Asia to isolate and characterize reptarenavirus in boid snakes with BIBD.

This study was designed to evaluate the uteri of camels and cows slaughtered in north-eastern Nigeria with the aim of determining the reproductive efficiency of these species. Three hundred and twenty-two (322) camelids and 180 bovine uteri were examined bacteriologically and pathologically using standard protocols. The result showed that there were 86 bacteria isolated from camels with Staphylococcus aureus (46.5 %), Escherichia coli (33.8 %), and other coliform species (18.6 %) being the most prominent isolates; while in the cow, there were 92 isolates, with E. coli (57.6 %), S. aureus (15.2 %), and Streptococcus pyogenes (12.0 %) being the most frequently isolated. The major isolates from both species were similar, but higher isolation rate (p

Concurrent outbreak of staphylococcal pneumonia with infectious bursal disease (IBD) occurred in 29-day-old broiler chickens. The outbreak started after a flock of 279 birds was decongested by moving 121 birds to another pen. The birds were depressed and weak before death and carcasses were cyanotic. At necropsy, the lungs were dark red, congested and consolidated; the bursa of Fabricius (BF) was enlarged; the liver was pale and the intestinal mucosa was hyperaemic. Histopathological examination of the lungs, BF and liver revealed fibrinopurulent pneumonia, purulent inflammation of the BF and hepatic lipidosis, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the teased tissue of the lungs. The mortality was 35.8% within 5 days of the outbreak. The circumstances of the outbreak suggested that immunosuppression due to stress associated with crowding and transferring of the birds from one pen to another and poor seroconversion to previous infectious bursal disease virus vaccination, favoured the clinical establishment of the bacterial and IBD viral infections.

The exfoliative cytology of the uterus and vagina area was evaluated in one-humped camel during the follicular and luteal phases. This was carried out using intact genitalia collected from camels immediately after slaughter. A total of 86 genitalia and blood samples were collected and processed. The mean serum progesterone (P4) profile was determined and used to categorize the animals into the follicular (n=51) and luteal phases (n=35). The result of the differential cell counts of the exfoliated vaginal epithelial cells showed mean basal, superficial cells and leucocytes of 27.0%, 25.4% and 14%, respectively being the most prominent during the follicular phase, while the uterine smears were characterized by mean basal (25.6%) , intermediate cells (24.6%) and leucocytes (9.6%) respectively. During the luteal phase, the vaginal smears were characterized majorly by the intermediate (27.4%), parabasal cells (26.6%) and leucocytes (11.6%, while the uterine smears were predominantly characterized by intermediate (22.8%), superficial cells (22.6%) and leucocytes (17.8%) respectively. The result showed that the exfoliative cytology of the uterus and vagina are similar during both the follicular and luteal phases in camels, and so cannot be used alone to characterize these reproductive period. However, this finding has a significant potential application in the use of vaginal cytology alone to assess uterine cellular changes without necessarily invading the uterus under field conditions in camel. Keywords: Camels, Exfoliative cytology, Follicular, Utero-vagina, Luteal, Progesterone

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosiscauses caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), which is a contagious and chronic disease in sheep and goats. In order to assess the histopathological changes observed in the reproductive organs of nonpregnant does infected with the bacteria, 20 apparently healthy adult Boer does were divided into four inoculation groups, intradermal, intranasal, oral, and control, consisting of five goats each. Excluding the control group, which was unexposed, other does were inoculated with 107 CFU/1 mL of liveC. pseudotuberculosisthrough the various routes stated above.Thirty days after infection, the ovaries, uterus, and iliac lymph nodes were collected for bacterial recovery and molecular detection, as well as histopathological examination. The mean changes in necrosis, congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, and oedema varied in severity among the ovaries, uterus, and iliac lymph nodes following different inoculation routes. Overall, the intranasal route of inoculation showed more severe (p<0.05) lesions in all the organs examined. The findings of this study have shown thatC. pseudotuberculosiscould predispose to infertility resulting from pathological lesions in the uterus and ovaries of does.

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is one of the major economically important poultry diseases distributed worldwide. It is caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and affects both galliform and nongalliform birds. Its economic impact includes decreased egg production and poor egg quality in layers, stunted growth, poor carcass weight, and mortality in broiler chickens. Although primarily affecting the respiratory tract, IBV demonstrates a wide range of tissues tropism, including the renal and reproductive systems. Thus, disease outcome may be influenced by the organ or tissue involved as well as pathotypes or strain of the infecting virus. Knowledge on the epidemiology of the prevalent IBV strains in a particular region is therefore important to guide control and preventions. Meanwhile previous diagnostic methods such as serology and virus isolations are less sensitive and time consuming, respectively; current methods, such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and sequencing, offer highly sensitive, rapid, and accurate diagnostic results, thus enabling the genotyping of new viral strains within the shortest possible time. This review discusses aspects on pathogenesis and diagnostic methods for IBV infection.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes and total worm burden of Damara and Barbados Blackbelly cross sheep was investigated among smallholder farms in Salak Tinggi district of Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 50 sheep raised in smallholder farms comprising of 27 Damara cross and 23 Barbados Blackbelly cross were categorized based on their age into young and adults. Fecal samples were collected and examined for strongyle egg count by using modified McMaster technique. Severity of infection was categorized into mild, moderate, and heavy, based on egg per gram (EPG). Five sheep were randomly selected and slaughtered to examine the presence of adult gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes through total worm count (TWC). Faffa Malan Chart (FAMACHA) score was used for investigation of worm load based on the degree of anemia. The study revealed an overall EPG prevalence of 88 %, of which 84.1 % had mild infection. There was a significant difference (p = 0.002) in EPG among the two breeds. Based on age, significant difference (p = 0. 004) in EPG was observed among Barbados Blackbelly cross, but not for Damara cross (p = 0.941). The correlation between severity of infection and the FAMACHA score was significant (r = 0.289; p = 0.042). Haemonchus spp. were the most predominant nematode found in the gastrointestinal tract, followed by Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum spps. EPG and TWC for Haemonchus were positively correlated, but not significant (r = 0.85, p = 0.066). From regression analysis, 73 % of the variability in TWC for Haemonchus could be explained by EPG. Thus, it can be concluded that FAMACHA score correlates well with severity of infection of a nematode and can be used to assess the strongyle nematode burden in the different sheep crosses.

Shaymaa Fadhel Abbas Albaayit,1,2 Yusuf Abba,3 Rasedee Abdullah,3 Noorlidah Abdullah1 1Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University ofMalaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq; 3Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty ofVeterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Abstract: Clausena excavata is a well-known plant used in folkloric medicine for the treatment of different ailments. This study aimed to determine the in vitro cytoxicity of its leaf solvent extracts as well as the in vivo wound healing and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extracts of C. excavata (MECE). HaCaT (keratocyte) and Vero cell lines were used for evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxic effects, while the in vivo wound healing and antioxidant activities were determined in skin wounds inflicted on rats. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups of four animals each. Approximately 3.14 cm2 excisional wound was inflicted on the nape of each rat following anesthesia. The treatment groups received topical application of MECE at 50 mg/mL (MECE-LD [low dose]), 100 mg/mL (MECE-MD [medium dose]), and 200 mg/mL (MECE-HD [high dose]), while the negative control group was treated with gum acacia in normal saline and the positive control group with intrasite gel. Wound contraction was evaluated on days 5, 10, and 15 after wound infliction, and tissue from wound area was collected at day 15 post-wound infliction for antioxidant enzyme evaluation and histopathological analyses. Generally, Vero cells were more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the solvent extracts as compared with HaCaT cells. Chloroform (CH) and ethyl acetate (EA) extracts of C. excavata were toxic to HaCaT cells at 200 and 400 µg/mL, but the same concentrations showed higher (P

The complete genome sequence of the ALL-03 strain of rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) has been determined. The RCMV genome has a length of 197,958 bp and is arranged as a single unique sequence flanked by 504-bp terminal direct repeats. This strain is closely related to the English strain of RCMV in terms of genetic arrangement but differs slightly in size.

A two year old Australian Feral male goat weighing 30 kg was presented to the large animal unit of Universiti Putra Malaysia Veterinary Hospital with the clinical signs of conjunctivitis and corneal ulceration with purulent ocular discharge. A sterile swab was taken from the eyefor bacteriological culture and the culture yielded a mixed growth of Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Moraxella caprae.The conditionwas diagnosed as pink eye disease. The goat was administered 3ml of 20mg/kgoxytetracyclinesubconjunctival injection of 0.4ml, intravenous injection of 2.2mg/kg Flunixin meglumine (antipyretic) agent, topical application of terramycine eye ointment and infusion of 2L of 0.6% Nacl solution. The signs of conjunctivitis and corneal ulcersof the eye had substantially reduced five days post treatment. Quarantine of infected animals, good quality feeding and fly control wasrecommendedas preventive measures. Keywords: Pink eye, goat, Moraxella caprae, bacteriology

A five years old Sambar deer was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital of Universiti Putra Malaysia. The deer was physically diagnosed with clinical signs of depression, lethargy, teeth grinding, pallor of mucous membranes, the vital parameters showed pyrexia (40.90C), increase in pulse (197beats/min.) and respiratory rates (42 circles/min.). Laboratory examination of the Buffy coat by micro haematocrit centrifugation technique revealed the presence of motile flagellates. Buffy coat smear examination confirmed the presence of Trypanosome spp. The disease was diagnosed based on clinical signs and laboratory finding. Diminazene Aceturate at a dose rate of 3.5mg/kg bodyweight was administered intramuscularly, coupled with multivitamin and fluid therapy proves effective in treating the condition. This report shows the significance of wild ruminants in maintaining the transmission cycle of this parasite and timely treatment could resolve the disease condition.

The biological cycles of milk production and reproduction determine dairy profitability thus making management decisions dynamic and time-dependent. Metabolic diseases pose significant risk on net earnings of a dairy enterprise. We report a case of clinical hypocalcaemia (milk fever). A 7-year-old Jersey cross cow weighing 500 kg was presented with left lateral recumbency with the neck curved towards the flank. The case history indicated that the animal had calved two months ago and was semi-intensively managed. There was no history of vaccination and deworming. The daily production of milk was about 13 liters.

Clausena excavata(Lour.), locally known as “Kemantu hitam,” is a common plant in Malaysian folklore medicine. This study evaluated the antioxidant properties of the solvent extracts ofC. excavataleaves and determined the acute toxicity of methanolic extractC. excavata(MECE) leaves in Sprague-Dawley rats. Harvested leaves were dried and subjected to solvent extraction using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol in succession. The antioxidant activity of each extract was determined using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl dihydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu and ethanolic aluminium chloride method, respectively. The chloroform extract was found to be highest in flavonoid content, while the methanolic extract showed the highest TPC and antioxidant activity. There was no mortality in rats treated with MECE leaves even at a high dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. However, the MECE leaves produced mild to moderate pathological changes in the liver and kidneys, shown by mild degenerative changes and leucocyte infiltration. The extract did not affect the haematological parameters or relative weights of the liver or kidneys. Overall, the MECE leaves have potent antioxidant activity and are presumed safe to be used orally as health-promoting product at low to moderate doses.

Pasteurella multocida type B: 2 is responsible for major animal diseases of economic importance in both developed and developing countries. Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) could inflict devastating effects on blood tissues and organs in the host animal. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the haematological and clinico- pathological responses in mice following oral inoculation of graded doses of Pasteurella multocida type B: 2 and its lipopolysaccharide. Sixty healthy Balb c mice were placed in twelve plastic cages each one containing five mice. The mice were divided into three major groups (A, B and C). Group A is the control group (n=10) and these were inoculated with 0.4 ml of PBS pH 7.4 orally. The treatment groups (B; n=25 and C; n=25) were inoculated with P. multocida type B: 2 and its lipopolysaccharide respectively. The mice in group B and C were further divided into five subgroups. The subgroups were designated based on the graded doses as B101, B103, B105, B107 and B109 for Pasteurella multocida and C101, C103, C105, C107 and C109 for LPS respectively. The mice were observed for 120 hours post- inoculation. The clinical signs (Ruffled fur, Ocular discharges, Level of alertness and Laboured breathing) were significantly different (p

Objective: Gastro-enteritis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode species which is considered as an important parasite in Malaysia. This case report described the management of Parasitic Gastro-enteritis concurrent with pneumonia in goat. Materials and methods: The Jamnapari cross goat aged two years and weighing 40 Kg was presented to the Universiti Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia with the history of diarrhea and depression. The goat was examined physically. Blood and fecal samples were collected for complete blood count, serum biochemistry analysis and parasitological examination. Standard treatment plan was applied for the correction of the the problem. Results: Physical examination findings revealed the goat was in poor body condition, dull and depressed. Wet and dry fecal traces were observed around the groin region. The temperature was slightly elevated (39.5°C), the heart rate was increased (160 b/min) while other parameters were within normal range. Upon auscultation of the thoracic region, moderate crackle lung sound was determined. Visual observation of the nasal cavity indicated a bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. The hemogram result revealed evidence of a normocytic normochromic anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia with left shift and monocytosis. Serum biochemistry revealed increases in gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), sodium, chloride, creatine kinase (CK), and hyperglobulinemia. Fecal examination revealed increased in Strongyle egg count of about 2,700 eggs per gram of feces using the Modified Mcmaster technique. From the history, physical examination and laboratory findings the goat was diagnosed with clinical parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) concurrent with moderate pneumonia infection. The therapeutic plan for this case were 45 mL of kaolin-pectin (30 mL/Kg body weight) orally SID for 3 days as anti-diarrhea, 12 mL Levamisole (12 mg/Kg bwt) was administered orally once as anthelminthic, fluid therapy was instituted using 1.5 L of Lactated Ringers’ solution once via intravenously. Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (1 mL/16 Kg bwt) was administered intramuscularly SID for 3 days. Conclusion: Follow up examination of the goat a week post treatment indicated a good prognosis as the nasal discharges were cleared, diarrhea stopped and the goat was active. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(3.000): 307-310]

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.

This case reports bacterial co-infection in a dead albino python ( Python bivittatus ). The snake was brought in dead to the Universiti Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Necropsy was conducted and organ samples were sent for virus and bacterial isolation, as well as histopathology. Gross pathological lesions include congestion of the heart, spleen and liver and presence of superficial whitish circumscribed spots in the lungs. Bacterial culture showed the presence of Salmonella enterica ssp arizona, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Enterobacter cloacae . Histopathological evaluation showed evidence of necrosis, degeneration and heterophil infiltration in the liver, kidney, heart and lungs. The snake was diagnosed to have died of bacterial septicemia. Keywords : Bacterial isolation, Captive snake, Histopathology, Python bivittatus, Septicemia

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 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.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), a common disease in small ruminant populations across the globe. The following report describes two cases of a 3 year old Boer cross does showing large mass beneath the jaw, on the ventral side of the mandible with strong pain reaction to touch of the affected region. The consistency of the mass was non–movable, solid and hard on deep palpation. The mass was lanced and purulent discharges were evacuated. Phenotypic and biochemical identification methods allocated the isolates in C. pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis. The vast majority of the isolates was able to produce phospholipase D and was susceptible to most of the antimicrobial compounds tested. Furthermore, the isolates were compared with C. pseudotuberculosis isolated from other states with different geographical locations and showed high similarity index, suggesting the prevalence of dominant clones and a potential dissemination across the country.

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.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 selected cattle farms in Selangor, Malaysia to determine the occurrence of Theileria spp., and to assess the relationship between the rate of parasitemia and hematological profiles of infected cattle. A total of 50 young and adult cattle (male and female) were randomly selected for the study. Blood was collected aseptically from the jugular veins in EDTA vacutainers and thin blood smears was made on glass slides which were stained with Giemsa-stain for examination of Theileria spp and its piroplasms. The occurrence of Theileria spp. infection within the population was 68% and 72% for both young and adult cattle respectively. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the presence of the parasite andage groups of affected cattle. The hematological profiles of 35 cattle with Theileriosis was divided into 2 subgroups based on different parasitemia levels (

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

The effect of clinical mastitis (unilateral, n=10 and bilateral, n=90) on the morphometry of mammary glands of Sahel goats was evaluated in comparison with those of apparently normal glands (n=20). The mammary glands were examined at slaughter and glandular measurements such as; glandular weight (GW), glandular mid circumference (GMC), glandular longitudinal length (GLL) and glandular teat lengths (GTL) were measured using a measuring tape. Tissue samples of the mammary gland were collected preserved in 10% buffered formalin, processed, embedded, section and stained with H&E and observed under light microscope at various magnifications for presence of pathological lesions. The mean GW was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in normal glands relative to the unilateral and bilateral mastitis. Mean GLL was significantly higher (p

A three year old cross breed Brahman bull weighing 450kg was presented to the large animal unit of Universiti Putra Malaysia Veterinary Hospital with swollen and protruding penis. Physical examination of the penis revealed an inflamed glans penis (balanitis). The condition was effectively managed with the administration of anti-inflammatory agent and antibiotic until complete healing ensured. Therefore, it is pertinent that prompt and timely intervention of such condition is important in order to avoid prolonged prolapse of the glans penis, which will result in excessive swelling, ischemia, necrosis and permanent fibrous adhesions of the penis to the prepuce.