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The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats in different countries worldwide raises concerns that pets are at a higher risk for spreading or transmitting of SARS-CoV-2 to humans and other pets and increased the research works about the zoonotic aspects and natural routes of infection in companion animals. The current study aimed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 in household dogs and cats living with COVID-19 positive owners.Deep oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from 30 household pets (20 cats and 10 dogs) living with COVID-19 positive owners from April 2021 to 2022 in Kerman, Iran. All dogs' and cats' samples were tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for detection of SARS-CoV-2.Two household cats out of 20 examined (10%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2, whereas none of the examined dogs were positive for SARS-CoV-2. The two cats positive for SARS-CoV-2 were symptomatic and suffered from severe anorexia with maximum contact with their infected owners.This study reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in household cats in close contact with COVID-19 positive owners during the circulation of new SARS-CoV-2 variants (Delta and Omicron) in Iran and suggested that the transmission may have occurred from owners to their cats. Therefore, infected owners should eagerly limit close contact with their pets during COVID-19 illness.

Objective: To investigate the hormonal, histopathological toxicity and sperm quality of ciprofloxacin in male genital system in the rabbit model. Methods: Twenty adult New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into the treatment and control groups, and respectively received 30 mg/kg/day ciprofloxacin and normal saline intraperitoneally for 14 days. Blood samples and testicular tissues were taken for testosterone by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method, and measurement of histopathologic and histomorphometric investigations was made on the 14th day of the experiment and 56 days after the last dose of ciprofloxacin. Additionally, epididymis sperm sample was collected for quality analysis. Results: On day 14 of the experiment, histopathologic examination revealed severe degenerative changes in the epithelium of seminiferous tubules and loss of all germ cells in most tubes in the treatment group. In the histomorphometric study, significant reductions in the seminiferous tubules diameter, epithelium height, and Johnsen’ score were observed. On day 56 after the last dose of ciprofloxacin, the seminiferous tubules revealed regeneration in the treatment group and no significant difference was observed in the spermatogenesis parameters except epithelial height parameter between the control group and the treatment group. All sperm quality parameters were significantly decreased on day 56 after the last dose of ciprofloxacin. Testosterone levels did not significantly change during the follow-ups period. Conclusions: There is potential reversible testicular toxicity for ciprofloxacin in the rabbit model in according to relative regeneration of spermatogenic epithelium after 56 days of last dose of ciprofloxacin. Sperm quality will be improved with a delay after complete regeneration of seminiferous tubules.

Rickettsial diseases are recognized as one of the most important vector-borne infectious diseases for humans all over the world. Dogs and their ticks are considered the most important reservoirs for Rickettsia spp., especially in spotted fever group rickettsioses. The aim of the study was to investigate Rickettsia infections in ticks collected from stray dogs in southeastern Iran. In this study, 50 stray dogs in Kerman city were randomly selected, of 68% and 52% of which were above 8 months age and male, respectively. Ticks were collected from the dog skins. After identification of collected ticks, genomic DNA of all ticks was extracted. DNA samples were tested using real-time PCR for Rickettsia spp. infections. The species of Rickettsia in positive samples were determined using gltA gene amplification and sequencing. A total of 250 ticks were collected from 50 stray dogs and all of them belonged to Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Totally, 10 pooled of 50 pooled ticks were positive for Rickettsia spp. in real-time PCR and the minimal Rickettsial infection rate was 4% in this study. The identified Rickettsia spp. included R. massiliae (n = 5), R. rhipicephali (n = 1), and R. sibirica (n = 1). In this study, molecular evidence of Rickettsia spp. infection was observed in collected ticks from stray dogs in southeast Iran. More sensitivity to human and animal health care systems in southeastern Iran is essential to the diagnosis of suspected clinical cases that are related to rickettsiosis.

Background and Objectives: Intestinal pathotypes of Escherichia coli belong to the companion animals may poses po- tential risk to public health following zoonotic transmission. Therefore, this study was proposed to determine the virulence genes associated to diarrheagenic E. coli strains isolated from healthy pet dogs and their owners in the southeast of Iran, Kerman province. Materials and Methods: Totally 168 E. coli isolates were collected from 49 healthy household dogs and their owners. Sev- enty isolates were obtained from non-pet owners as control group. Presence or absence of the virulence genes including eae, stx1, stx2, st1, lt1, ipaH, cnf1 and cnf2 were screened by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and dissemination pattern of the genes were studied among the various hosts. Results: PCR examinations showed that the most frequent virulence gene was ipaH (6.1%) in dogs followed by eae in dog owners (6.1%) and in controls (8.6%). The most frequent pathotypes in dogs, their owners and controls were EIEC (6.1%), EHEC (4.08%) and EPEC (8.5%), respectively. In one of studied houses, both of dog and its owner harbored E. coli strains with same virulence profile (stx1/eae) and pathotype (EHEC). Conclusion: These results collectively indicate that healthy household dogs probably are the mild reservoir of potential virulent E. coli strains with possible active transmission to their contact owner. However, even non-pet owners seemed to be a notable source of intestinal pathotypes, especially EPEC, for their environment. Transmission of E. coli pathotypes may occurs by direct contact with the reservoirs or ingestion of contaminated food. These pathotypes are potentially virulent and creates public health hazards. Further studies are needed for better understanding of dissemination mechanisms of E. coli pathotypes among humans and their pets.

Kobuviruses are viral pathogens with broad host range presented in human gastroenteritis cases; but, the pathogenesis of these viruses in companion animals is not well described. In the present study, the presence of canine (CaKVs) and feline kobuviruses (FeKVs) was detected in the 100 fecal samples of diarrhoeic and healthy companion dogs and cats by polymerase chain reaction in Tehran, Iran. The prevalence of infection was estimated as 8.00% and 4.00% in dogs and cats, respectively. All positive samples were belonged to non-diarrhoeic animals except for a feline sample being co-infected with panleukopenia. Sequence analysis showed multiple point mutations in canine and feline Iranian strains and new feline strain was detected in the present study. This is the first detection of CaKVs and FeKVs in Iran; but, the exact role of these enteric viral pathogens and their zoonotic risks are better to be clarified in all endemic regions.

Background Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar is an endemic zoonotic disease in Iran. Domestic dogs are the primary reservoir host and source of VL infection. The high-risk populations are children and immune-deficient adults. Objective Based on the lack of published reports about the VL in Sistan and Baluchestan province in the southeast of Iran, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of diseae in free-roaming dogs and children under 12 years old using indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed between 2018 and 2020 in Zahedan city, Sistan, and Baluchestan province. Blood samples were taken from 400 children under 12 years old with a fever history accompanied by at least another specific clinical presentation. In the same period, blood samples were collected from 150 stray dogs. Demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations in both humans and dogs were recorded. The IFA test examined all blood samples for the detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. Results Overall, the IFA test results were positive in 8 dogs (5.33%). Only two seropositive dogs (25%) showed obvious clinical symptoms. There was a significant correlation between the positive cases, clinical signs (P = 0.046), and age (P = 0.037) in infected dogs. None of the collected sera from 400 febrile children were positive. Conclusion According to the present finding, it seems that VL is not endemic in Zahedan city, Sistan, and Baluchestan province, but the domestic cycle of L. infantum has been established in this area. Further investigations would be needed to estimate the status of VL infection in wild canines as a secondary potential reservoir host. Furthermore, periodic monitoring of disease must not be neglected.

The dogs are considered the main reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), but lately the disease incidence has been reported in cats also. In this study, the susceptibility of domestic cats to experimental Leishmania infantum infection was assessed by different diagnostic methods.: A total of 12 healthy adult male cats were captured by double door live trap cages containing baits. Of them eight cats were intraperitoneally inoculated with 10: The feline model described in this work would be useful in further understanding of L. infantum immunopathogenensis in cats. The results of this preliminary study suggest that cats might be resistant to VL as the inoculation dose which induces pathognomonic clinical features in dogs, just creates asymptomatic parasitaemia in cats. Though, due to long-lasting parasitaemia, cats may act as appropriate reservoir for transmission of VL to human population. Further studies are needed to describe the possible role of cats in the epidemiology of VL in endemic areas.

Intestinal protozoan parasites constitute a major source of diseases for stray cats and have been recognized as important public health problems in several parts of the world. Considering the potential risk of stray cats for public health, present cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the type and frequency of protozoan parasites by faecal examination. A total of 100 stray cats were examined in Kerman city, Iran, Overall 67 cats ( 67 %) were infected with at least one protozoan parasite. The following parasites, with their respective prevalence, were found; Isospora felis 38%, Isospora rivolta 25% , Toxoplasma gondii 16%, Sarcocystis spp. 8%, Cryptosporidium spp. 7%, and Giardia sp. 5%. Based on our data, the sex of stray cats was not significantly associated with the prevalence of gastrointestinal protozoan parasites. The high infection rate of zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites in stray cats is considered to be critical from the viewpoint of public health importance.

Pyothorax associated with Salmonella and Pseudomonas spp. infection in a 2-year-old female domestic shorthair cat is described in this clinical report. The cat had cachexia with a past history of diarrhea and severe dyspnea. Retrovirus testing by using rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that the animal was infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Radiography showed severe pleural effusion. On postmortem examination, pyothorax with extensive deposition of fibrin on pleural membranes and tracheobronchial tree and pulmonary congestion were seen. Salmonella and Pseudomonas spp. was isolated from drained effusion. It seems that immunodeficiency caused by FIV infection was the main predisposing factor for spreading of Salmonella and Pseudomonas spp. from gastrointestinal tract to thoracic cavity by hematogenous route in this case.

A 9-year-old, male, mixed-breed dog was presented with severe lethargy, pale and icterus mucous membranes, gingival hemorrhage, and hematochezia. On physical examination, petechiae and echimosis on the penis were observed. The complete blood count revealed severe regenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia. Urinalysis indicated hemoglobinuria and bilirobinuria, and abdominal sonography showed splenomegaly. A series of diagnostic tests was performed based on the suspicion of Evan’s syndrome (concurrent immune-mediated anemia and thrombocytopenia). The therapeutic program was started with prednisolone combined with leflunomide followed by desmopressin and erythropoietin, lasted 1 month, and the animal showed progressive recovery. During 6 months follow-up, no complications were detected in the mentioned case.

Objective To detect the evidences of significant exposure of dogs with Brucella canis ( B. canis ) and other Brucella species in southeast of Iran by serological assays. Methods Blood samples were prepared from 62 privately owned and 33 kenneled dogs and screened by indirect immunoflorescence assay for B. canis . Rose Bengal test (RBT) and standard tube test (SAT) or wright test were used for screening the other Brucella species. Results Serological evidences of exposure to B. canis were found in 15.8% of the studied dogs, whereas RBT and SAT showed 29.5% and 12.6% seropositivity, respectively. Conclusions This study shows that B. canis is endemic in southeastern of Iran and canine brucellosis can be considered as a new emerging disease. Moreover, our results demonstrate that dogs will be at high risk in brucellosis-infected farms. Therefore, further investigations must be performed to evaluate the seroprevalence and zoonotic potential of this disease in different geographical parts of Iran.

Summary Objective: Prednisolone and antihistamines are highly potent drugs in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and widely used in humans and dogs. In some atopic patients in which antihistamines, corticosteroids or other drugs have already been administered intradermal testing (IDT) may be necessary. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of cetirizine and prednisolone on IDT results. Material and methods: Thirty healthy dogs (average age 5.9 ± 0.6 years) were randomly assigned to three groups. Treatment groups were administered prednisolone (1 mg/kg BW daily, tapering dosage; group I), cetirizine (1 mg/kg BW daily; group II) and placebo (group III) respectively for one week. In the second week, none of the dogs received any medications. IDT was performed prior to drug administration and results obtained were considered as the baseline response. Second and third IDTs were performed at the end of the first and second week, respectively. Results: In groups I and II IDT reactivity was reduced at the end of first week (p < 0.05). After drug discontinuation the reactivity almost returned to baseline at the end of the 2-week period, with the exception of the prednisolone group for D. farinae. Conclusion: Prednisolone and cetirizine have significant effects on IDT reactions and must be withdrawn by veterinary practitioners up to 2 weeks prior to IDT.

Neoplasia of the gastrointestinal system is uncommon in cats, whereas gastric tumors are exceedingly rare. This article describes the occurrence of gastric leiomyoma in a 3-year-old feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-positive cat. The tumor was accidentally diagnosed in a retrospective postmortem histopathological study in feline immunodeficiency virus- and FeLV-infected euthanized cats. At necropsy, a firm, muscular mass measuring 1.5 × 2.5 cm arising from the cardia extending to the fundus part of the stomach was seen. In histopathological examination, the nonencapsulated tumor mass consisted of spindle cells with large nuclei. No abnormal mitotic division, metastasis, or local invasion was seen resembling the diagnosis of leiomyoma. Helicobacter spp. infection was noted in cytological examination, and mixed infection with Helicobacter heilmannii and Helicobacter felis was confirmed in species-specific polymerase change reaction. To our knowledge, gastric leiomyoma has not been reported previously in cats. The association of Helicobacter spp. and FeLV infection with tumor occurrence is uncertain, but chronic antigenic stimulations could be considered as potential predisposing factors for gastric tumors.

Eighty-four Escherichia coli isolates from canine pyometra were examined to detect the antibiotic resistance profiles, phylogroup/subgroups and virulence genes. Twenty-seven (32.14%) antibiotic-resistant isolates were recovered, which were classified into 19 different antibiotic resistance patterns. The maximum resistance was against sulfadiazine and tetracycline. The antibiotic resistant isolates mostly belonged to A (40.74%) and D (29.62%) phylogroups. Among other examined isolates, 19.04% belonged to B1 phylogroup and remaining fell into six phylogenetic subgroups: A0 (25.00%), A1 (16.66%), B22 (10.77%), B23 (5.95%), D1 (14.28%), and D2 (8.33%). All isolates possessed at least one virulence gene and fimH was the most common gene. Frequency of other virulence genes were estimated as sfa/focD-E (58.33%), papE-F (44.04%), hlyA (34.52%), cnf1 (28.57%), iutA (17.85%), and afaIB-C and cdt genes (2.38%). Sixteen combinations of virulence genes were detected, with the combination cnf1, fimH, hlyA, papE-F, sfa/focD-E being the most prevalent pattern. None of the isolates contained the cnf2 and ipaH genes.

This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection among stray and owned cats in southeastern Iran and to identify the influence of age, sex, lifestyle, health status, and laboratory findings on seropositivity. The overall infection rate for FIV, FeLV, and T. gondii was 19.2%, 14.2%, and 32.1% respectively. Results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that old adults more likely to be seropositive than juveniles for FIV, FeLV, and T. gondii (adjusted odds ratios [ORs], 1.84, 1.56, and 2.57 respectively). Anemic and diseased cats ([ORs], 6.62 and 0.9) were at a greater risk of testing positive for FeLV. Male cats were 4.91 times as likely to have FIV as were female and hyperglobulinemia was significantly more prevalent in FIV-infected cats ([ORs], 3.4). In conclusion, FIV and FeLV seem to be endemic in Iran and retroviral-associated immunosuppression may be a risk factor for active toxoplasmosis in infected cats.

Summary Canine herpes virus-1 (CHV-1) is an alphaherpesvirus, which causes foetal and neonatal death as well as fertility problems in dogs. The virus is presumed to be enzootic in dogs all over the world, but no information was found about the seroprevalence of CHV-1 from middle-east countries. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CHV-1 among dogs in Kerman (south-east of Iran). Blood samples were taken from 47 privately owned and 35 kennelled dogs, respectively. The entire sampled dogs were apparently healthy. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay was used to detect antibodies against CHV-1 in all sera. The overall CHV-1 seroprevalence was estimated 20.7%, which was 22.9% and 19.1% for kennelled and owned dogs, respectively. Sex, parity and raising status (owned or kennels) did not differ significantly between seropositive and seronegative dogs. However, the infection rate was significantly higher in dogs older than 3 in comparison with younger groups (15.9% vs. 4.8%, P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed that CHV-1 could be considered endemic in Iran, and more epidemiological researches are needed to identify the geographical distribution of diseases in Iran.

Canine dirofilariosis is presumed to be enzootic in different parts of Iran but no study has been done regarding the prevalence of canine dirofilariosis in southeastern Iran. In this study, the presence of Dirofilaria immitis circulating antigen was detected using a commercial immunochromatogeraphy kit in the sera of 100 owned dogs, which were referred to Kerman Veterinary Hospital during a 6-month period. Modified knott test and follow-up radiography and electrocardiography were performed to support the heartworm diagnosis in seropositive dogs. At the same period, 98 stray dogs were subjected to post-mortem examination of the heart, pulmonary arteries, thoracic venae cavae, and lungs for detection of adult heartworm infection. The overall seroprevalence of heartworm was estimated at 5% but only two seropositive dogs showed microfilaremia. No stray dog was infected at necropsy and all seropositive dogs were owned. The prevalence of heartworm disease showed an initial increase with age fallowed by a decline in dogs older than 6 years. There were no significant differences among the dogs regarding sex and breed. Seven infected dogs (70%) were symptomatic in physical examination, and a broad spectrum of specific clinical signs of cardiovascular involvement was noticed. Distinctive radiographic signs with varied degrees of severity were seen in 50% of cases. Electrocardiography of seropositive cases revealed specific signs of right-sided cardiomegaly in 30% of cases. In conclusion, Kerman is a low endemic area for canine dirofilariosis but further epidemiological researches are needed to identify the disease distribution and human cases in southeastern Iran.

A double-blind randomized controlled trial was designed for a 6-month period to compare the efficacy of rifampin versus doxycycline during the subclinical phase of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Ten naturally Ehrlichia canis-infected dogs with anti-E. canis immunofluorescent antibodies ranging 1/80 to 1/1,280 were divided in two therapeutic groups. The first treatment group was scheduled by prescription of 10 mg/kg/d doxycycline for 28 days. The second group treated with rifampin 15 mg/kg every 12 h for 1 week. All treated dogs were examined periodically during the 6-month period posttreatment. Alterations in anti-E. canis immunofluorescent antibodies and clinicopathologic parameters were compared before and after treatment to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic regimens. According to the initial antibody titer, no significant difference was observed in any of the five cases in each group. A substantial main effect of time on mean PCV, thrombocyte and erythrocyte count, and gradual resolution of hyperglobulinemia was significantly observed in all treated animals (p 0.05). Similar clinicopathologic response was observed in both treated groups; thus, it was concluded that rifampin and doxycycline are equally effective for treatment of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis.

A 10-year-old intact female German shepherd dog was presented with a chief compliant of vaginal bleeding that had become progressively heavier over a 2-week period. On clinical examination, the abdominal cavity was distended, and no wounds or masses were observed in vulva and caudal vaginal regions. Digital vaginal examination and vaginoscopy had no specific findings. Abdominal ultrasonography and radiography revealed a giant soft tissue mass in caudal part of the abdomen that extended in to the pelvic cavity. A midline exploratory laparotomy was performed. On gross examination, a very huge tumor was noticed in the caudal part of the abdomen, which extended to the pelvic cavity, right behind the cervix. On the other hand, uterine vessels were engorged obviously, and both ovaries had a multicystic appearance. Surgical excision of the mass, cystic ovaries, and uterus was performed. Histopathological studies revealed the complex of vaginal hemangioma with luteal ovarian cysts and cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH). Vaginal hemangioma is extremely rare in dogs, and to the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a synchronous vaginal hemangioma with ovarian cyst and CEH in dogs.

Background and objectives : The dogs are considered the main reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), but lately the disease incidence has been reported in cats also. In this study, the susceptibility of domestic cats to experimental Leishmania infantum infection was assessed by different diagnostic methods. Methods : A total of 12 healthy adult male cats were captured by double door live trap cages containing baits. Of them eight cats were intraperitoneally inoculated with 107 L. infantum promastigotes (stationary phase), and four cats were used as controls. Whole blood and serum samples were collected at weekly intervals for 16 wk after inoculation for testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Aspirates of prescapular lymph nodes and bone marrow were obtained at monthly intervals. Clinical examination was performed twice weekly and histopathological evaluation was done on necropsy samples at the termination of the study. Results: One week after inoculation, blood nested PCR was able to detect the L. infantum infection and it remained positive until 16 wk. ELISA test remained negative during the study. Amastigote phase of parasite was not observed in bone marrow aspiration and necropsy samples. Interpretation and conclusion : The feline model described in this work would be useful in further understanding of L. infantum immunopathogenensis in cats. The results of this preliminary study suggest that cats might be resistant to VL as the inoculation dose which induces pathognomonic clinical features in dogs, just creates asymptomatic parasitaemia in cats. Though, due to long-lasting parasitaemia, cats may act as appropriate reservoir for transmission of VL to human population. Further studies are needed to describe the possible role of cats in the epidemiology of VL in endemic areas.

Ehrlichia canis has a worldwide geographic distribution, but little is known about the occurrence of Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) in Iran. The current study was carried out to evaluate the seroprevalence and factors associated with a positive antibody response to E. canis in dogs from Kerman city, southeast of Iran. One hundred and twenty-three privately owned dogs were chosen from apparently healthy animals referred to veterinary hospital for health check or vaccination. All dogs were subjected to physical, hematological, and biochemical examinations and serological tests. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) and rapid immunochromatography assay (ICA) used to detect antibodies against E. canis in all sera. The overall seroprevalence of CME was 14.63% which was determined as 13.8% and 10.6% using IFA and ICA, respectively. Hyperglobulinemia (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.005), and elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level (p = 0.02) showed a statistical relationship with seropositivity. Hematological abnormalities did not differ significantly between seronegative and seropositive dogs except for the group with high IFA titer. In blood smears from three infected dogs (16.66%), typical morulae of E. canis were observed in monocytes. All three cases were seropositive for E. canis and displayed obvious hyperglobulinemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia, and high ALP level. There was no sex and breed predilection among seropositive dogs. This is the first report that describes serological evidences of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in southeast of Iran. Additional molecular studies are necessary to confirm E. canis infection and to identify the local strains of the organism.

The aim of this study was to determine antibiotic resistance genes, phylogenetic groups and anti-microbial resistance patterns of Escherichia coli isolates from fecal samples of healthy pet cats in Kerman city. Ninety E. coli isolates were recovered from obtained rectal swabs. Antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates against seven selected antibiotic was determined using disc diffusion method. Phylogenetic background of the isolates was determined according to the presence of the chuA, yjaA and TspE4C2 markers. Theisolates were examined to determine a selection of antibiotic resistance genes including tetA, tetB, aadA, sulI and dhfrV by polymerase chain reaction. Forty two isolates (46.6%) were positive at least for one of the examined genes. Phylotyping revealed that the isolates are segregated in phylogenetic groups A (66.7%), B1 (1.2%), B2 (13.4%) and D (18.9%). Among 90 isolates, 26.6% were positive for tetB gene, 10.0% for cqnrS gene, 12.3% for sulI and aadA genes, 8.9% for tetA and 2.2% for dhfrVgene. None of the E. coli isolates were positive for qnrA and qnrB genes. Sixteen combination patterns of antibiotic resistance genes were identified which belonged to four phylogroups. Maximum and minimum resistant isolates were recorded against to tetracycline (82.3%) and gentamycin (1.2%), respectively. Fifteen antibiotic resistance patterns were determined in different phylo-genetic groups. In conclusion, feces of healthy pet cat in Kerman could be a source of antibiotic resistant E. coli isolates, whereas these isolates were distributed all over the main phylogroups.

A 3-year-old Persian queen was referred to Teaching Veterinary Hospital while 3 neonates' umbilical cords were entangled with the queen's tail hair. Close inspection of the cat showed that the umbilical cords of 3 kittens had twisted around together and entangled with the moms' hairs in the base of tail region. Also this complex has been warped around the left tarsus of one of the involved kittens and caused swelling and skin darkness in the involved limb. Operation was carried out urgently. After cutting the queen's involved hairs the kittens were released. Then the twisted umbilical cords and the hairs were isolated from the umbilical cord and the involved leg was released from the umbilical cords and the twisted umbilical cords were separated from each other. During one week follow up, dry gangrene occurred in the distal extremity of the injured limb and consequently, amputation was performed on the distal part of tibia. Our clinical findings suggest that long hair coats of queens could be a maternal life threatening factor for neonates' life.

The present study aimed to investigate the intensity and distribution of natural infestation of ectoparasites in owned dogs during June to November 2011 in Kerman city, southeast of Iran. One hundred two domestic dogs (63 males, 39 females) with age ranged between 45 days to 13 years were examined for ectoparasites infestation including (tick, lice, flea and mite) in Kerman city. Detailed questionnaire about grooming and bathing interval, keeping place (outdoor, indoor) and purpose of keeping were obtained from owners. After complete skin examination, animals hairs were combed and their skin rubbed with a piece of cotton soaked in alcohol to remove the ectoparasites in apparently normal cases, and deep skin scratching were prepared from all type of lesions in symptomatic dogs. A total number of 149 ectoparasites were collected. The most common ectoparasite was Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which infested 27 of the 102 dogs (26.47 %). Ctenocephalides canis was identified on two dogs (1.96 %) and 5 dogs infested with Hippobosca spp (4.9 %) that the highest infestation rate was seen in September (14.2 %). Studied samples were routinely checked for clinical symptoms. Itching and scratching lesions were the only reported signs which seen in flea infested dogs (6.4 %) and other infested dogs (93.5 %) had no clinical symptoms. Ectoparasites were significantly higher in outdoor dogs in compare with indoor group and the most tick infested location was ear (61.3 %) (P

Background: Ehrlichiosis is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by the family of Anaplasmatacea. Recently, outbreak of human monocytic ehrlichiosis was reported in northern part of Iran. Besides, serological evidence of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis was reported from southeastern of Iran but the epidemiology of this disease is almost undetermined in Iran. The present study was designed to use PCR for detection of Ehrlichia spp. in tick infested household dogs and determination of risks of disease transmission to dog’s owners. Method: Blood samples were prepared from 100 tick infested household dogs after complete clinical examination. Complete cell blood count was done for each sample. DNA extraction was done and PCR was carried out by a commercial kit afterwards. Regarding to PCR results, blood samples were collected from owners and family members who were exposed to infected and non-infected dogs. A similar method was utilized for DNA extraction and PCR in human samples. Result: Ehrlichial DNA was detected by PCR in six percent of Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick pools and 9% of the examined dogs. No positive sample was detected among the 67 examined human bloods. Conclusion: Ehrlichiosis could be considered as an emerging canine disease but owning a dog should not be considered a major risk factor for ehrlichiosis in humans. Further serological and molecular studies in different parts of Iran are required to clarify the epidemiology of ehrlichiosis in canine, ticks, and human population.

A 5-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for examination of a subcutaneous mass in his tail. The mass was firm, non-painful, oval, and approximately 2.5 × 3.5 cm. Surgical exploration revealed a well-circumscribed, encapsulated mass. The mass was removed and sectioned for histopathological examination. In gross section, it was filled with numerous dark hairs. Histologically the mass was consisted of haired skin with dermal cystic structures lined by stratified squamous epithelium. The cyst lumen contained squamous debris and filled with keratinous material. Numerous hair shafts were extended from the wall of the cyst. The sebaceous and apocrine gland adnexal structures were also observed which confirmed the diagnosis of dermoid cyst. No tumor recurrence was observed after surgery in fallowing checkups. Cutaneous or subcutaneous cysts of all types are considered rare in cats and to our knowledge this is the third reported case of cutaneous dermoid cyst of cats in veterinary literature which is different from the other cases because it occurred in dorsal midline in tail area whereas others occurred in flank area.

Gastritis is a common finding in dogs with 35% of the dogs investigated for chronic vomiting and 26% to 48% of asymptomatic dogs affected. However, the true prevalence in cats is yet to be determined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic gastritis in domestic and stray cats. The total rate was an estimated as 66.6%. Thorough histopathological studies revealed no significant association between the occurrence of chronic gastritis and age and sex in either stray or domestic cats. Gastritis was significantly more prevalent in the antrum than the gastric body and only chronic non-specific gastritis was diagnosed. The most common types of chronic non-specific gastritis were atrophic (26.3%), lympho-plasmacytic (24.6%) and hypertrophic (15.8%), respectively. In chronic gastritis cases, fibrosis and lymphoid follicles were seen in 42.1% and 31.6% of the subjects respectively, but no significant associations were observed between the type of non-specific chronic gastritis, fibrosis and occurrence of lymphoid follicles. The prevalence of gastric erosion and ulcers in cats was 19.2% and 3.5%, respectively, and there was no significant association between chronic gastritis occurrence and gastric ulceration or erosions. Cytological examination revealed GHLO colonization in 63.15% of the antrum and 77.19% of the gastric body, with no correlation with non-specific chronic gastritis in the studied subjects., Gastritis je čest nalaz u pasa sa stopom od 35% u onih s kroničnim povraćanjem i 26% do 48% pasa bez znakova bolesti. Taj nalaz upućuju na zaključak da treba istražiti prevalenciju gastritisa u mačaka. Ovo istraživanje poduzeto je radi određivanja prevalencije kroničnog gastritisa u domaćih mačaka i mačaka lutalica. Procjenjuje se da se javlja u 66,6% mačaka. Patohistološke pretrage pokazale su da ne postoji značajna povezanost između pojave kroničnog gastritisa te dobi i spola u domaćih mačaka i lutalica. Gastritis se značajno češće javljao u antrumu nego u trupu želuca. Dijagnosticiran je bio samo kronični nespecifični gastritis. Najčešće se javljao atrofični gastritis (26,3%), limfo-plazmatski (24,6%) i hipertrofični (15,8%). U 42,1% kroničnih gastritisa ustanovljena je fibroza, a u 31,6% limfoidni folikuli. Nije uočena znatna povezanost između tipa nespecifičnoga kroničnoga gastritisa i fibroze te pojave limfoidnih folikula. Prevalencija želučanih erozija iznosila je 19,2%, a čireva 3,5%. Nije ustanovljena značajna povezanost između pojave kroničnog gastritisa i ulceracija ili erozija. Citološkim pretragama ustanovljena je kolonizacija antruma organizmima sličnima helikobakteru u 63,15% pretraženih mačaka, a želučanog trupa u 77,19% pretraženih mačaka. Nije ustanovljena korelacija s nespecifičnim kroničnim gastritisom.