The Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Growth plate injury is one of the most significant sequelae that affect the animal and man ‎life in adulthood. This condition considered as one of the real problem encountered by ‎many orthopedics which can result in the formation of a bony bridge leading ultimately to ‎limb length discrepancy and angular deformity of the long bones in kid animals. The ‎objective of this study was to evaluate the deformities of the tibial length and angle ‎radiographically after experimentally inducing growth plate injury. Five local breed kit ‎rabbits included in this study, had body weight and age ranges of 500 to 1100 g and 6 to12 ‎weeks, respectively. The animals were exposed to approximately 5×5×1 mm injury in the ‎proximal tibial growth plate (type-III to IV classification. A radiological follow up at 1st, ‎‎2nd, 3rd and 4th week post inducing injury was made for possible evaluation of growth ‎plate injury and calculate the length discrepancy of tibial and angular deformity by the ‎end of the study. The radiological results revealed that bony bridge formation was clearly ‎seen by 3rd and 4th weeks post induction. Furthermore, there were significant ‎differences (P<0.05) in the length discrepancy of tibia started by 2nd week (P= 0.0175) ‎and its angular deformity by 3rd week (P=0.0111) of the affected tibia limb and ‎contralateral limb of the same animal up to the end of the study. In conclusion, the current ‎study indicated that the formation of a bony bridge is a radiological sign of the damaged ‎growth plate that ultimately leads to length discrepancy and angular deformity‎‎‎.‎

Our objective in this work was to estimate normal values of biochemical parameters in ‎laboratory animals in Iraq. Values were pooled from studies conducted in Iraqi ‎universities using a meta-analysis approach. Pertinent peer-reviewed published studies ‎were retrieved from the Iraqi Academic Scientific Journals (IASJ) database. Random-‎effects inverse-variance model was used to obtain pooled means of the parameters from ‎the set of studies qualified for the analysis. Among a total of 460 records identified from ‎IASJ, 264 records were eligible for the statistical analysis, which reported 102 values for ‎different biochemical parameters. The mean of the sample size for normal animals that ‎was used in the studies including in the analysis were 8, 8, and 6 for rats, mice, and rabbits ‎respectively. The mean ± standard deviation of ages (months) was 2.8 ± 1.0, 3.14 ± 1.15, ‎and 9.2 ± 3.3 for rats, mice, and rabbits respectively. In this analysis, we estimated 31, 14, ‎and 15 parameters from 121, 41, and 26 studies of rats, mice, and rabbits ‎correspondingly. The proportion of variance in the parameters for the analyzed studies ‎due to heterogeneity was significant. Evidence of bias in the estimated values due to small ‎studies was found in some parameters. In conclusion, we encourage researchers to ‎consider the values we provided in this analysis and report details of the sample size, ‎number of animals in each group, sex, exact age, and the accurate units for the estimated ‎values in their studies to facilitate further analyses for more reference values in further ‎analyses‎‎‎.‎

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in dogs is a complex, multifactorial disease that is ‎characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Current therapeutic ‎options are often limited by side effects and variable efficacy, highlighting the need for ‎more effective and safer treatments. This study assessed the therapeutic potential of ‎ginger ethanolic extract (GEE), GEE-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GEE-CNPs), and ‎chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) against T2DM in dogs. Twenty adult local breed mongrel ‎dogs of both sexes, aged 7 to 13 months, with an average body weight of 10.4±0.76 kg, ‎were included. The dogs were allocated into five groups (n=4 each): a non-diabetic, ‎untreated Negative Control group, and four diabetic treatment groups, following T2DM ‎induction via a single intravenous alloxan-nicotinamide injection. Each treatment group ‎received daily oral administrations of either saline (Positive Control), GEE, GEE-CNPs, or ‎CNPs at a dosage of 81.7 mg/kg BW over 45 days. Serum glycemic status (fasting serum ‎glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance) was ‎recorded at baseline and on days 7, 14, 21, 28, ‎‎35, 42, and 45 post-treatments. ‎Additionally, on day 45, serum lipid profiles, liver ‎function indicators (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], ‎and bilirubin), and ‎markers of antioxidant status (glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde ‎‎[MDA]) were assessed.‎ The results showed that dogs in the diabetic Positive Control ‎group ‎exhibited ‎hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia‎, liver ‎dysfunction, and elevated ‎oxidative ‎stress markers, ‎‎underscoring the severe impact of T2DM. Compared to the diabetic ‎Positive Control, oral GEE, GEE-CNPs, and CNPs ‎treatments significantly (P<0.05) ‎improved ‎fasting glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles (reduced total ‎cholesterol, ‎triglycerides, and LDL-C), liver function markers, and antioxidant status, ‎indicating ‎enhanced metabolic health and reduced oxidative stress. The findings suggest ‎that GEE, GEE-CNPs, and CNPs offer potential as therapeutic agents for T2DM in dogs, ‎demonstrating ‎significant benefits in glycemic control, lipid normalization, liver function, ‎and oxidative ‎stress reduction. Further investigations with larger cohorts and longer ‎durations are ‎recommended to confirm these results and ascertain the clinical ‎applicability and safety of ‎these natural remedies in managing canine diabetes‎‎‎.‎

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a traditional plant that is widely used as a spice or ‎folk medicine. Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is a synthetic pyrethroid that is widely used to ‎control insecticide. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of ‎ginger ethanolic extract (GEE) on liver toxicity experimentally induced by LCT in albino ‎rats. The experiment involved thirty adult male rats (‎Rattus norvegicus)‎, randomly ‎‎allocated to ‎one of three groups (n=10/group: control group, administered distilled ‎water orally for 12 weeks‎; ‎LCT-treated group, received 5.43 mg/kg BW ‎(1/15 LD50‎ dose ‎calculated in this study as 81.5 mg/kg BW) orally, for 12 weeks;‎ LCT-‎GEE-treated group, ‎received the same dose of ‎LCT along with GEE at 100 mg/kg BW orally. Body weights ‎were ‎recorded at the start, and at ‎‎4, 8, and 12 weeks into the treatment. Upon completion ‎of the study, blood ‎samples were collected for liver ‎enzymes alanine aminotransferase ‎‎(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)‎, ‎and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ‎assessment. ‎Additionally, liver samples were collected for histopathological‎ ‎examination‎.‎ The LCT-‎treated group exhibited a significant decrease in BW at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared to the ‎control ‎and LCT-GEE-treated groups. The LCT-treated rats showed increased levels of ‎liver enzymes ALP, AST, and ‎ALT. Histological evaluation revealed signs of liver necrosis, ‎mononuclear cell infiltration, and congestion in ‎LCT-treated rats. These pathological ‎changes were less pronounced in the LCT-GEE-treated group, indicating ‎a mitigating ‎effect. The study demonstrates the detrimental effects of LCT on the health of male rats, ‎‎particularly regarding BW and liver health. Alongside, it highlights Zingiber officinale's ‎potential in reducing ‎these adverse effects, suggesting its efficacy in environments with ‎LCT exposure‎‎‎.‎

Heavy meals are widely known as environmental pollutants due to their toxicity, heat ‎stability, long staying in the atmosphere, and their capability to accumulate in the body. ‎The current experiment investigates the concentration of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), ‎which are considered heavy metals in the liver and meat of fresh and imported frozen ‎chicken, by studying the effect of cooking process using the boiling method. A total of 80 ‎samples were randomly collected and examined: 40 frozen (10 from each of the liver and ‎meat) before and after cooking) and 40 fresh (10 from each the liver and meat) before and ‎after cooking) from different regions in AL-Karkh Province, Baghdad. Atomic Absorption ‎Spectrometry device was used to evaluate the concentration of Pb and Cd. The results ‎revealed that, in the concentration of Pb in the frozen cooked liver was significantly ‎higher 321.8 ppm in comparison to fresh uncooked liver was 84.20 ppm. In contrast, ‎meat samples indicated that neither cooking nor storage significantly affected the ‎concentrations of Pb. The results also indicated that Cd concentration in meat tissue was ‎significantly higher in fresh cooked (133.7 ppm) compared to frozen cooked (24.30 ppm). ‎For correlation, a non-significant correlation between Pb and Cd concentration at the ‎‎0.05 level in liver and meat before and after cooking was recorded. The present study ‎concluded that cooking by boiling method which is a traditional method that is used in ‎Iraqi kitchens, can cause an increase in Pb, and Cd concentration. High concentrations of ‎Pb or Cd in meat and liver may come from the environment, food consumed by chickens, ‎cooking procedures, pans used, and sources of water may affect metal concentrations‎‎‎.‎

Streptococcus pneumoniae are common bacterial pathogens that can cause a range of ‎diseases in humans and animals. This study attempts to clarify the course and ‎consequences of pneumonia caused by this bacterial infection. A total of 6 male un-‎weaned lambs aged between 1 to 2 months and weighing 5 to 7 kg were subjected to S. ‎pneumoniae strain ATCC 6303 serotype 3 at ‎2×106 ‎CFU/mL by inhalation to induce ‎pneumonia. Pneumonic clinical signs were ‎monitored daily throughout the study period. ‎The blood samples were collected from all animal groups at day zero before pneumoniae ‎induction and 3, 6, and 14 days post infection for total and differential white blood cell ‎count ‎(WBCs) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) assessments. Additionally, on ‎days 6 and 14 post-exposure, trachea and lung tissue samples were harvested for ‎macroscopic and microscopic pathological changes evaluation. The results showed that ‎there was a significant increase (P<0.001) in total WBC counts from day 3 post-exposure ‎and maintaining elevated levels on days 6 and 14 compared to day zero. Differential WBC ‎counts showed an early, significant rise in neutrophils, with sustained ‎elevation in ‎lymphocytes and monocytes. TNF-α‎ levels significantly elevated on day 3‎ and gradually ‎declined by day 14‎ post-exposure (P<0.001). On day 6 post-exposure, the gross ‎pathological changes in the lung showed pulmonary edema, and emphysema, with mild to ‎moderate lung congestion and emphysematous changes observed on day 14 post-‎exposure. Histopathologically, severe erosion and necrosis in the trachea and bronchus ‎epithelium, along with inflammation in adjacent mucosa and submucosa, accompanied by ‎focal inflammatory infiltration and emphysema in the lung by day 6 post-exposure, were ‎observed. By day 14, these changes progressed to marked epithelial vacuolation and ‎necrosis in the trachea, with lung sections revealing perivascular cuffing, peri ‎bronchiolitis, mild bronchiectasis, atelectasis, and alveolar collapse. This study is attempt ‎for a better understanding of S. pneumoniae infection in lamb and contributing to the ‎development of preventive and management strategies in Iraq‎‎‎.‎

Early pregnancy detection is an important tool in successful reproductive management in ‎ewes. The objective of this study was to estimate the concentration of serum pregnancy-‎associated glycoprotein (PAG) during gestation using sheep ELISA kit in order to early ‎distinguish between pregnant and non-pregnant ewes and the possible association with ‎litter size, and fetal gender. Estrus was synchronized and blood samples were collected at ‎day 0 (day of mating), 18, 30, 60, and 120 after mating from 18 Iraqi cross breed ‎synchronized ewes. The result of PAG level (ng/ml) during estrus has shown insignificant ‎difference between G1(CIDR group), G2(vaginal sponge group) and G3 (control group), ‎while at day 18, 30, 60 and 120 of pregnancy was significantly (p˂0.05) higher in G1 and ‎G2, in comparison with G3. The discrimination value (cutoff point) for detection of ‎pregnancy by PAG test was ˃ 0.915 ng/ ml (using ROC Curve) and based on breeding data ‎from day 18 PAG values were detectable in all pregnant ewes. It was also proved that ‎mean values were significantly (P˂0.05) higher in twin than single pregnancies and ‎significantly (P˂0.05) higher in male single than female single pregnancy in crossbred ‎Iraqi ewes according to the data collected from day 0 to the end of pregnancy and follow ‎the pregnancy up to the day of birth. Altogether, it is concluded that, ovine pregnancy may ‎be reliably detected with fetal number and gender from day 18 after mating onward by ‎using sheep ELISA kit of pregnancy associated glycoprotein‎‎‎.‎

The poultry industry faces increasing challenges from heat stress caused by global ‎warming, particularly in tropical regions. Heat stress, caused by rising environmental ‎temperatures, undermines the health and productivity of poultry, resulting in significant ‎economic losses. This review comprehensively addresses the physiological and ‎behavioural responses of poultry to heat stress and explores the key mitigation ‎strategies, categorized under genetics, management and feeding. Genetic approaches, like ‎utilizing specific genes in breeding, show promise but require wider adoption. ‎Management practices such as housing design, including orientation, insulation and ‎ventilation, controlled lighting and thermal manipulation are critical to maintaining ‎poultry in their thermoneutral zone. Furthermore, feeding strategies like feed restriction, ‎dual feeding and nutritional manipulation have shown promise in reducing heat stress ‎effects. In addition to feeding strategies, water management is also crucial for mitigating ‎heat stress, especially in tropical areas. Ensuring sufficient water space, maintaining ‎operating waterers, and keeping water cool are essential to encourage adequate drinking. ‎Despite progress, further investigation is required to explore the synergistic effects of ‎combined strategies to improve the resilience of poultry. This review highlights the ‎urgent need for comprehensive approaches to mitigate heat stress in poultry to ensure ‎sustainable productivity under the challenges of global warming‎‎‎.‎

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are frequently occurring types of tumor in female dogs. ‎Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) plays a role in dismantling the extracellular matrix ‎during normal bodily functions and diseases, including cancer. The goal of this research ‎was to evaluate the serum levels of MMP-9 as a potential diagnostic indicator for CMTs ‎using the ELISA method. We collected tissue samples from mammary glands and blood ‎specimens from 50 dogs suspected of having CMTs and 30 healthy control dogs. ‎Histological examination was used to diagnose the mammary tumors, with findings ‎indicating that 88% of the cases were malignant CMT and 12% were benign. According to ‎ELISA results, there was a statistically considerable elevation in the mean serum level of ‎MMP-9 in malignant cases (199.09 ng/ml) compared to benign cases (56.721 ng/ml) and ‎controls (36.055 ng/ml). MMP-9 serum levels were significantly correlated with dogs ‎aged 10–15 years, as well as with female dogs. In terms of stage and grade of the disease, ‎the mean levels of MMP-9 increased as the disease progressed (Stage IV: 343.235 ng/ml). ‎However, there was no correlation with the grade of the disease, and in regard to MMP-9 ‎serum levels, it was not feasible to distinguish between newly diagnosed cases and ‎recurring cases. In conclusion, measuring serum MMP-9 levels may aid in assessing the ‎presence of malignancies in dogs with mammary tumors‎‎‎.‎

The lack of effective treatment for oral mucosal ulcers has motivated clinicians to search for other therapeutic techniques to improve oral ulcer healing. Applying fenugreek to an ulcer triggers the release of its anti-inflammatory components, that might reduce any superfluous inflammatory processes and accelerate wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fenugreek leaf oil on the ulcer associated with the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). A total of 24 adult male rats weighing between 350 and 450 grams and 4-6 months of age were used in this study. The experimental design included: the normal group (no ulcer), the control group (12 ulcers left without treatment to the right), and the study group (12 ulcers on the left side were healed using fenugreek oil). All rats were sacrificed on the 3rd and 7th days of the experimental study, healing durations, and biological samples were prepared for histological and immunohistochemistry analysis of EGFR. The current study exhibited that the EGFR expression increased in ulcer sites treated with fenugreek after 3 days of ulceration with significant differences in comparison with other groups. In conclusion, fenugreek oil was efficient in promoting ulcer healing by enhancing epithelization. Moreover, the positive localization of EGFR increased in the study groups treated with fenugreek oil indicating its potential activity in accelerating the healing process‎‎‎.

This study evaluated the efficacy of β-glucan, extracted from Candida albicans isolated from mastitic goat milk using an alkaline-acidic method, in treating C. albicans-induced mastitis. Twenty lactating goats (2–4 years old, 25–30 kg) were randomly divided into five groups (Group I–Group V), with each group consisting of four goats. Sixteen goats were intramammarily inoculated with 1.2 × 10⁷ yeast/2 mL of virulent C. albicans. The groups were as follows: Group I (negative control, uninfected), Group II (positive control, infected but untreated), Group III (treated with Nystatin, 200,000 units/half udder/day intramammary for 7 days), Group IV (treated with β-glucan, 5 mg/mL/half udder, administered intramammary every 48 h for three doses), and Group V (treated with a combination of β-glucan and Nystatin; β-glucan was administered as in Group IV, followed 2 h later by Nystatin, 200,000 units/half udder/day for 7 days). Clinical signs, milk quality (California Mastitis Test and fungal cultures), and serum levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ were assessed on days 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 post-inoculation. The results showed that the positive control group exhibited persistent mastitis symptoms throughout the study. Goats treated with β-glucan alone (Group IV) demonstrated significant symptom reduction and fungal elimination by day 15. The combination therapy group (Group V) achieved similar improvements by day 25. Serum IL-6 and IFN-γ levels were significantly elevated in the positive control group, while the β-glucan-treated group showed a substantial reduction in these inflammatory markers, indicating its potential as a standalone antifungal therapy. The Nystatin group (Group III) and the combination group (Group V) also exhibited reduced cytokine levels, although these were higher than those observed in the β-glucan and negative control groups. This study confirms the potential of β-glucan as an effective treatment for C. albicans-induced mastitis in goats. Its ability to lower inflammatory cytokine levels and eliminate fungal infections highlights its promise as a therapeutic option, particularly in combination with Nystatin, for managing fungal mastitis‎‎‎.

Conventional ocular drug delivery forms (eye drops, eye ointments, and eye gels) possess poor bioavailability, less retention, and rapid precorneal discharge. In veterinary medicine, treating eye infections in animals like rabbits, dogs, and cats poses similar challenges. An in-situ gel drug delivery system (ISG-DDS) provides sustained action with a low formulation cost, which can be advantageous for veterinary applications. This study developed and characterised a pH-responsive ophthalmic ISG of levofloxacin and tinidazole with the potential to be used in both human and veterinary medicine. Carboxypol 980 (CBL-980) was used to make the ISG gel, and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) changed the viscosity. Nine formulas of ISG were prepared. To find out about the drug content, clarity, gelling time, pH, viscosity, and stability of the product we got, we did a release study, as well as a DSC and FTIR visual evaluation. Albino rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were utilized to check for safety and ocular irritation. In Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), there was no significant interaction between the drug and the additives. This showed that the drug changed into an amorphous form. The results show that ISG was translucent, with a pH ranging from 5.4 ± 0.22 to 7.8 ± 0.26. The ISG formulas 1, 2, and 3 required 39, 36, and 34 minutes, respectively, for gelling and showed approximately 4-5 times more viscosity than all batches. The optimum formula (formula 1) showed the highest drug content, prolonged drug release up to 6 h, stability for 3 months, and safety to use for animals (no indication of inflammation). Tests done in the lab and on animals show that making a pH-dependent ISG that is loaded with Levofloxacin/Tinidazole and used to deliver drugs to the eye has a lot of potential. The in-vitro trials demonstrated a gradual release of the drug over time, a crucial factor in maintaining its presence on the eye\\'s surface for an extended duration. This is critical for effectively treating eye infections. Animal studies further corroborated the findings, demonstrating their safety. Nevertheless, additional clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings and evaluate the effectiveness of ISG in real-life situations‎‎‎.

This study aimed to assess the occurrence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) infections in fertile eggs using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Real-Time PCR. A total of 62 yolk samples were collected from August 2022 to April 2023. Of these, 31 samples (50%) were tested positive for antibodies via ELISA, while 13 samples (21%) were positive using Real-Time PCR. Specifically, 10 samples (16.12%) were positive for MG, and 3 samples (4.83%) were positive for MS, indicating a higher incidence of MG than MS in the hatcheries examined. The results suggest that maternal antibodies detected by ELISA may confer protection to chicks against MG and MS. This study confirms the vertical transmission of MG and MS from hens to their fertile eggs. The findings underscore the need for enhanced quality control measures and better management practices in hatcheries to mitigate the risk of Mycoplasma infections and improve overall poultry health

Domestic cats (Felis catus) pose a significant challenge for pet owners during the mating season, necessitating effective contraceptive strategies to manage feline populations. This study investigated the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), precisely the human formulation Depo-Provera®, as a potential solution for feline contraception. Ten adult female cats were included in a randomized controlled trial, with the treatment group receiving a single intramuscular injection of 25 mg/cat MPA. Clinical observations, vaginal cytology, and hormonal analysis were conducted to assess treatment efficacy. Results demonstrated that MPA treatment effectively suppresses estrus behaviours, prolongs interestrus duration, and modulates hormonal profiles (estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin). This indicates its promise as a safe and practical contraceptive option for managing feline populations. This study provided a viable, non-invasive alternative for feline population control. Further research is recommended to optimize dosing regimens and evaluate long-term effects on reproductive health‎‎‎.

The bacterial etiologies of pneumonia in camels represent a rising health concern, with camels being healthy during antemortem examination despite significant losses in production and mortality attributed to maladies identified only upon postmortem evaluation. A cross-sectional study was undertaken at an abattoir, spanning the period from October 2022 to March 2023, to examine gross pathological disorders and identify bacterial pathogens in the respiratory system (specifically the lungs) of camels (Camelus dromedaries) suspected of having pneumonia. A total of 100 dromedary camels slaughtered in Al-Muthanna abattoir were examined. Postmortem examination was performed to identify any gross changes in camels’ lungs. Then, the swab samples were obtained from lungs and submitted to bacteriological cultures on both general and selective media. Additionally, microscopic examination of the bacteria using Gram staining followed by diagnosis with Vitek 2‎ system. The number of Gram-negative bacterial species isolated from camel lungs was 74 isolates, distributed as 31 (41.89%) of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 26 (35.13%) of Escherichia coli and 17 (22.97%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study suggests that K. pneumoniae exhibited a higher infection rate compared to E. coli and P. aeruginosa in pneumonic camels slaughtered at the Al-Muthanna abattoir‎‎‎‎‎