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The urial (OOR‐ee‐əl; Ovis vignei), also known as the arkars or shapo, is a wild sheep native to Central and South Asia. It is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Considering the importance of this breed in the world and its extinction, there is a need to determine the anatomy of the head area or any other disease such as fractures, dental, and infectious diseases. Five adult healthy male urial sheep were used, which were mature in terms of age. After preparation, the fresh alive sheep were immediately examined using a helical computed tomography scanner. The morphometry of the skull of this sheep was studied using RadiAnt application. The volume calculation was performed automatically using the software available on the CT scan system (Syngo MMWP VE40A software). The sinuses observed in the skull of this breed included frontal, maxillary, lacrimal, palatine, and sphenoidal sinuses. The height, length, and width of the skull were measured as 15.32 ± 0.05, 23.89 ± 0.08, and 12.57 ± 0.05 cm, respectively. According to the results obtained from the volume of different parts of the head in urial sheep, the nasal cavity and the oral cavity constitute 7% and 6% of the head volume, respectively. This ratio was calculated as 0.5% in the case of the inner and middle ears. Determining the anatomical structures and morphometric and volumetric characteristics of Urial sheep, which is one of the endangered Asian breeds, was of particular importance in order to prepare the head and skull atlas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the special anatomical structures in sturgeons is the pericardioperitoneal canal (PPC), which has not been studied much. Considering that the presence and absence of this channel and its morphometry have not been investigated in this type of fish, this study was conducted. Objective: The purpose of present study was to obtain a complete understanding about anatomical features and ultrasonography of PPC in the heart of immature beluga species in order to provide standard approaches for performing sonography and echocardiography on this sturgeon species. Methods: Ten immature belugas (Huso huso) were used to perform ultrasonography with Sonosite MicroMaxx ultrasonography machine of ventral approach between two pectoral fins. After performing the steps of ultrasonographic study, gross anatomical studies were also performed, and the morphometric measurement of the canal was also performed. Results: A small PPC was observed, which communicated between the pericardial cavity, and the peritoneal (coelomic) cavity. The cranial part of this channel, which was located immediately after the transverse septum, was on the midline of the body and was seen in midsagittal ultrasonograms. On average, the length of this canal was 3.23 ± 0.05 cm, and its diameter (cranial part) was 0.24 ± 0.04 cm. Conclusions: In the present study on immature beluga, it was observed that the canal is located behind the sinus venosus and is caudoventral to it, though behind the transverse septum. It has been mentioned that this PPC establishes a connection between the pericardial cavity and the peritoneal cavity, so this connection is between the peritoneal cavity and the space between the two layers of the pericardium and has no connection with the pericardial sac (the space where the heart is located). In this study, the anatomical structure and morphometry of the PPC in immature beluga were investigated, and some approaches were presented to observe the canal in ultrasonography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6-month-old intact male domestic shorthair cat presented with a history of aphonia, vomiting, regurgitation, chronic purulent nasal discharge, and recurrent signs of respiratory infection. Radiographic examination revealed alveolar lung pattern and generalized megaesophagus at the thoracic and caudal cervical region. Additional examinations by computed tomography and virtual tracheoscopy revealed a large mass on the nasopharyngeal area that occupied about 90% of the tracheal lumen. With the aid of tracheostomy, the mass was removed with traction and sharp excision. According to histopathological findings the mass was diagnosed as nasopharyngeal polyp. A recheck examination performed a week later and the clinical manifestations of the megaesophagus were resolved and also three years later during a phone call, his owner reported he was doing well. To the best of the knowledge of the authors, megaesophagus following nasopharyngeal polyp is only reported in three other cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the main pathogens involved in the pulmonary disorders, clinical signs, radiography, and pathological findings of imported sheep and goats. In the summer of 2019 during repeated visits to the livestock farms, digital radiographs were taken from the thoracic region of the animals that were clinically suspected of pneumonia complications. Afterward, samples were taken following necropsy from 40 cases that died owing to pneumonia, and eventually, lung samples were examined for microbiology and histopathology to isolate causative pathogens and diagnose the type of complication. Radiographically, increased thoracic opacity was evident in all studied animals. The visible pulmonary patterns were mainly the interstitial pattern and to a lesser extent the alveolar and bronchial patterns. The isolated bacteria in sheep were Pasteurella multocida (28.57%), Mannheimia haemolytica (21.43%), Mycoplasma genus (17.86%), Escherichia coli (14.29%), Corynebacterium ovis (7.14%), Arcanobacterium (7.14%), and Bacillus licheniformis (3.57%), and in goats were Mycoplasma genus (42.31%), Pasteurella multocida (19.23%), Mannheimia haemolytica (11.54%), Corynebacterium ovis (11.54%), Escherichia coli (7.70%), Arcanobacterium (3.84%), and Bacillus licheniformis (3.84%), respectively. Based on the histopathologic findings, pulmonary lesions of sheep and goats consisted of 37.5% fibrinosuppurative bronchopneumonia, 27.5% fibrinous bronchopneumonia, 25.0% purulent bronchopneumonia, and 10.0% interstitial pneumonia. Based on the evaluated parameters, in thoracic radiographs, the interstitial pattern was the dominant pulmonary pattern. Also, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma genus were the most common pathogens isolated in the sheep and goats respectively and fibrinosuppurative bronchopneumonia was the most prevalent pulmonary complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zooarchaeology shares close ties with Comparative Anatomy of Veterinary Medicine. This scientific discipline involves the study of the bones of various animals, using anatomical information to explore the place and role of these animal species in life and human survival, thereby enriching our knowledge about the interaction of humans and their ecosystems. Objectives: Using available anatomical information, this study investigated the typology of bone remains and animal teeth in the area of Qareh Tepe, Segzabad (Qazvin Province, Iran). Another goal was to detect the abnormal effects created by humans or animals in bones, such as cuts, burns, or chewing effects by carnivorous animals. By extracting this information, it is possible to analyze the livelihood economy of that historical site correctly. Methods: A total of 1110 bone and teeth samples excavated in 2017 were analyzed. The samples were transferred to the Osteology Lab of the Anatomy Department of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran City, Iran. Anatomical studies were conducted in several stages based on the excavated samples. Results: Among the detected animal samples, the highest percentage (30.09%) was related to sheep samples, and then the samples of small ruminants (26.94%) (which could not be separated). The percentages of gazelle, Asian water buffalo, wild boar, and chicken were trivial and less than 1%. In this study, abnormal symptoms were detected in the phalanges of the Caspian horse. Conclusion: One of the remarkable points about the small ruminant samples separated at the species level in this study is that the number of sheep samples detected surpassed that of goats. It seems that the conditions for keeping sheep were more suitable. The number of Perissodactyla, especially horses, shows a significant increase compared to the Neolithic periods and the beginning of the complexity of Iron Age I technology. This finding indicates the use of horses and donkeys in agriculture and transportation activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) plays an important role in the locomotion of the horses with flexion of the limbs. In the hind limb, it passes over the calcaneal bone and attaches to medial and lateral surfaces of calcaneous by two bands of connective tissue; while, the medial band is weaker than the lateral one. Occasionally, severe trauma, over-extension or fracture of the calcaneous may cause rupture of the supportive bands leading to tendon luxation. An 11-year-old Thoroughbred jumping gelding with symptoms of lameness in both legs, after examination by an internal specialist veterinarian in equine practice field was referred to the Teaching and Research Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Clinical examination showed lateral luxation of SDFT in the right and left tarsal joints. Radiography revealed no sign of calcaneal involvement, except soft tissue swelling. In the radiography of the tarsal joints, the calcaneus bones did not show significant changes, but among the bones of the central and 3rd tarsal bone (distal intertarsal joint) of the tarsus, osteophyte formation was observed to a mild extent, indicating mild bone spavin in both tarsal joints. In ultrasonography, SDFT thickenings accompanied by hypoechoic regions in tendons were seen, confirming the signs of tendonitis. Moreover, fibrous tissue formation was diagnosed. In the left leg, anechoic fluid in the calcaneous bursa was seen. Evaluation of diagnostic imaging findings enables veterinarians to diagnose the site and extent of the lesions, choosing the appropriate therapeutic approach in addition to clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Computed Tomography (CT) scan imaging technique provides a situation for Clinicians to give the fastest and best diagnosis of many diseases of the skull and body without causing changes in the body. The Ile de France has been bred in France since 1822. The first Ile de France sheep arrived in South Africa in 1903. Ile de France sheep is one of the meat-producing breeds and is especially popular among farmers due to its high twinning. As far as we know morphometric information in the Ile de France sheep has not been previously reported. These data are very important to meet the demands of many surgeons and internal medicine veterinarians about the anatomy of the head in Ile de France sheep. Materials and Methods: The total skull length, height and width were 25.3 ± 1.02, 9.8 ± 0.93, and 12.3 ± 0.91 cm, respectively. Incisor's teeth in this breed were only in the mandible and there were 4 in each half of the jaw and the average measured length was 0.58 ± 0.01cm. The distance between auditory ossicles to external acoustic meatus was 2.16 ± 0.05 cm. Also, the distance between Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) and auditory ossicles was 2.1 ± 0.12 cm. There were molar and premolars in the upper and lower jaws and 3 premolars and 3 molar teeth were observed in each half of the jaw. However, in one of the male samples, the last molar tooth was not observed. The mandible in the ruminants has the space between the last incisor and the first pre-molar tooth, called interalveolar space or diastema. The average length of the interalveolar space was 3.8 ± 0.32 cm. The mean total skull length of the Ile de France sheep was found to be 25.3 ± 1.02 cm. Results: The total skull length, height and width were 25.3 ± 1.02, 9.8 ± 0.93, and 12.3 ± 0.91 cm, respectively. Incisor's teeth in this breed were only in the mandible and there were 4 in each half of the jaw and the average measured length was 0.58 ± 0.01cm. The distance between auditory ossicles to external acoustic meatus was 2.16 ± 0.05 cm. Also, the distance between TMJ and auditory ossicles was 2.1 ± 0.12 cm. There were molar and premolars in the upper and lower jaws and 3 premolars and 3 molar teeth were observed in each half of the jaw. However, in one of the male samples, the last molar tooth was not observed. The mandible in the ruminants has the space between the last incisor and the first pre-molar tooth, called interalveolar space or diastema. The average length of the interalveolar space was 3.8 ± 0.32 cm. The mean total skull length of the Ile de France sheep was found to be 25.3 ± 1.02 cm. Conclusion: The skull length of Saanen goat reported 22.67±0.93 cm, West African Dwarf goat 6.99 ± 1.59 cm, Markhor goat 18.67 ± 0.66 cm, and Alborz wild sheep 25.28 ± 0.99 cm. Also morphometric results shows that all bones of hyoid apparatus in Ile de France sheep are smaller than Alborz wild sheep. Considering the prominent role and high production capacity of this breed in the meat production industry, knowing the anatomical structures of the head area is of particular importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover caption: The cover image is based on the Article Anatomical study of pericardioperitoneal canal in immature beluga (Huso huso) with ultrasonography by Omid Zehtabvar et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1563 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echocardiography illustrates a convenient and noninvasive tool for measuring cardiac output (CO) changes after administration of sedative drugs, but it is unknown in camelids practice. The aim of present study was to investigate echocardiographic effects of intravenous (IV) injection of medetomidine and xylazine in camel calves. Twenty apparently healthy immature male one-humped camel calves (Camelus dromedarious) were divided into four groups (five animals in each treatment). Medetomidine and xylazine were injected into the left jugular vein at two different doses of 10.00 and 20.00 µg kg-1 and 0.20 and 0.40 mg kg-1, respectively. Effects on some selected echocardiographic parameters were recorded at different intervals, before drug administrations (baseline) and after 3, 60 and 120 min. Data were analyzed by repeated measure, ANOVA test, then relevance and significance were taken as p ≤ 0.05. Significant decrease in fractional shortening percentage (FS%), ejection fraction percentage (EF%), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR) and subsequent CO were noticeable 3 min after drug administration in medetomidine high dose (MH), medetomidine low dose (ML) and xylazine high dose (XH) groups (p = 0.05), furthermore at this time significant decrease in left ventricular mass (LVmass) and left ventricular systolic time intervals were seen in these groups, however, in xylazine low dose (XL) group, the lowest level of most echocardiographic parameters were detectable after 60 min. High dose IV injection of medetomidine was associated with significant decrease in most echocardiographic parameters without echocardiographic arrhythmia. Although, ML and XH groups had the same effects on echocardiographic indices but the intensity and duration were less than MH group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Evaluation of pelvic diaphragm muscles in dogs merits clinical attention because of the anatomical importance and their involvement in perineal hernia. This study aimed to evaluate the normal pelvic diaphragm muscles (levator ani and coccygeus muscles) using the computed tomography (CT) scan. For this purpose, 10 male and 10 female clinically normal, adult intact mixed-breed dogs weighing 15.00 to 20.00 kg were selected randomly. All animals underwent CT examination under general anesthesia and positioned in sternal recumbency. All the CT images were taken and reconstructed with a same protocol. The measurements of the pelvic diaphragm muscles were performed based on the presented guideline to the observer. The results were presented descriptively. The mean lengths of the coccygeus muscle in CT images were evaluated 4.60 cm for males and 4.30 cm for females. The mean lengths of levator ani muscle in CT images were measured 4.90 cm in males and 4.50 cm in females. In conclusion, the results of the present study can be beneficial to clinicians and researchers for further evaluation of the supporting muscles in pelvic cavity and underlying anatomical changes in perineal hernia in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echocardiography is a non-invasive method of cardiac evaluation in most species. Echocardiographic reference parameters are poorly documented in sheep and not documented in Ghezel sheep. The purpose of this study was to determine reference ranges of normal echocardiographic parameters using two-dimensional and M-mode techniques in Ghezel sheep. In 15 healthy female Ghezel sheep aged between 15 and 18 months, echocardiography was performed in standing position from left and right parasternal approach focused at 3rd - 5th intercostal spaces using a 2.50 - 5.00 MHz phased array transducer. The following parameters were measured in two-dimensional echocardiography: left atrial diameter (LAD), mitral valve annulus (MVA), aortic sinus (AoS), aortic valve (AoV), pulmonary sinus (PuS), and pulmonary valve (PuV); and in Mmode echocardiography: interventricular septum (IVS), left ventricular internal diameter (LVID), left ventricular free wall (LVFW), right ventricle free wall (RVFW), right ventricle internal diameter (RVID). Calculated variables included the ratios LAD/Ao and Pu/AoS, and the fractional shortening (FS), end diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) of the left ventricle. In conclusion, echocardiographic parameters could be reliably assessed in Ghezel sheep and our study provided some normal echocardiographic reference ranges that might be useful in proper identification, visualization, and measurements of cardiac structures. Such findings could be useful to assess and to diagnose the specific heart diseases in sheep practice and also for experimental studies in sheep as an animal model used for research purposes in cardiovascular studies of human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis is a very common cause of lameness in athletic horses inducing long lameness and prolonged recovery. Multiple treatment protocols have been proposed for this injury none of which have been able to solve the problem completely. Therefore, an affordable, widely available, and non-invasive therapeutic protocol is sought in the horse industry. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the use of topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with a combination of topical DMSO and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF). METHODS: The subjects were divided into two groups of five polo ponies. The animals in the control group were treated by topical DMSO and controlled exercise, while the ponies in the experiment group received the same protocol plus PEMF on the injured tendon. RESULTS: The ultrasonographic factors evaluated in the current study were mostly similar between the two groups except for fiber alignment and echogenicity. The latter variables were shown to have a slightly better improvement in the test group indicating the minimal positive effects of PEMF. In clinical evaluation, both groups were almost identical suggesting no impacts for PEMF. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, applying PEMF using different protocols, such as more extended application at different frequencies is deemed necessary to elicit a favorable outcome of PEMF for the treatment of SDF tendonitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, due to widespread usage of anti-pain drugs, more attention is being paid to tramadol, although it has only been recognized rather recently in veterinary medicine. Therefore, evaluation of its effects on various organs is a principal issue. OBJECTIVES: The aim of present study was to investigate cardiac function change following administration of tramadol using electrocardiography and echocardiography. METHODS: Five healthy dogs aged 3-5 years and weighting 20-26 kg were selected for study. To check the health of animals, clinical and laboratory examinations were performed. Then animals were kept for 2 weeks and vaccination and anti parasite therapy were prescribed for them. This study was conducted in 3 stages and ECG and echocardiography were recorded: before tramadol injection, immediately after injection and one hour after that. Parametric data analysis of variance with repeated measure was conducted using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Along evaluated parameters, only left ventricular volume in end-diastole and end-systole, time interval between the Q wave to aortic valve closure, stroke volume and ejection fraction showed significant difference between the three stages. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, tramadol shows remarkable anti-pain effects with low cardiac side-effects in comparison to other opioid drugs. However, more studies are needed due to the importance of this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of xylazine and acepromazine on the Doppler and M-mode echocardiography measurements in horses. Ten healthy crossbred horses were included in this study. Baseline echocardiography was performed in all horses. Xylazine (0.5 mg/kg IV) or acepromazine (0.01 mg/kg IV) was injected intravenously with a 4 week wash out period between drugs. Electrocardiogram was recorded simultaneously in the base-apex lead. The results showed that the heart rate in the xylazine group was significantly lower than in the control measurements (p = 0.021). In the xylazine group, there were 2nd degree atrioventricular blocks in two horses. The diameter of the left ventricle at the end of diastole (LVIDd) was decreased (p = 0.029) and the interventricular septum thickness at the end of diastole (IVSd) (p = 0.008) were increased in the xylazine group. Right ventricle internal diameter at the end of systole (RVIDs) were increased in both treatment groups. Our results showed that acepromazine and xylazine have some detectable effects on echocardiographic measurements, but both the nature and the degree of these differences mean that they are unlikely to affect the diagnostic quality of the scan. Acepromazine at a dose of 0.01 mg/kg, used in horses undergoing echocardiographic examination, results in negligible changes in spectral and M-mode measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: One of the important parts of the cardiovascular system is the cardiac vessels. Ultrasonography which is the method of choice for evaluating the heart and vessels in all living animals can also be used in this fish. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to make a full understanding of the anatomic and echocardiographic characteristics of these vessels in beluga and suggest standard methods of ultrasonography for this species. METHODS: In this study, a total of 10 immature belugas were selected. The transducer was placed on the ventral surface of the body, between pectoral fins and transverse and sagittal images were obtained. By moving the anterior and posterior regions the vessels were investigated. After the ultrasound examination, anatomic studies were performed. Length and diameter of the vascular compartment were measured and analyzed by SPSS 16 software and Paired Sample T - method (P>0.05). RESULTS: In ultrasonography, blood flow was visible because of the movement of echoic particles. Two precardiac vessels joining between the liver lobes constituted and common vascular compartment before entering the sinus venosus. In the anatomical study, the ventral aorta was bifurcate near the gills. The right liver adjacent to the vessel was shorter and wider than the left one. Moreover, the common vascular compartment was shorter and wider than the liver adjacent to the vessels. The ventral aorta was longer and wider than the right precardiac vessel and common vascular compartment but was shorter than the left precardiac vessel (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Due to lacing thorough anatomic and ultrasonographic studies concerning the cardiac vessels in this species, this study can be a cornerstone for further researches of this kind. In this study the long left precardiac vessel is named Common cardinal vein and wide right vessel is named Hepatic vein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicity and drug resistance against pentavalent antimonials, medications of choice in treatment of leishmaniasis for more than 5 decades, have become important subjects globally. This study was a randomized, open labeled trial that was designed to determine efficacy and safety of IMOD as a novel herbal immunomodulator drug for treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Twenty healthy mongrel dogs were infected with Iranian strain of L. Infantum amastigotes and randomly divided to 5 groups with four animals for each included on: I: negative control (non-infected) II: Glucantime® III: Glucantime® plus IMOD (immune-chemotherapy) IV: IMOD and V: positive control (non-treated). Physical examination, hematological, biochemical, serological, parasitological, pathological and imaging evaluations were performed pre-/postinterventions every month for 3 months. Comparing with control groups (I&V), immune-chemotherapy group (Glucantime® plus IMOD) showed significantly higher efficacy in resolving the clinical signs and hematobiochemistry factors. Based on our results, using IMOD in combination with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®) has significantly improved CVL than the latter drug alone. So, it seems this new herbal medicine is useful as adjuvant therapy for canine visceral leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]