The Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Electrophoretic patterns of serum protein in 12 Arabian race horses acutely infected with Babesia equi revealed a significant decrease in albumin (P<0.01) and beta globulins (P<0.05) where, alpha globulins fractions significantly (P<0.01) increased. No significant (P>0.05) changes were recorded in gamma globulins fractions and total serum protein.

It emerges from bacteriological study that it is possible to isolate many bacterial types and yeasts from the lesions of footrot infection in sheep. Anaerobic cultivation came out with the isolation of Spherophorus spp. (24%), Bacteroides spp. (60%), Corynebacterium spp. (64%), Enterobacteracae (76%), Streptococcus spp. (76%), Staphylococcus spp. (36%), Clostridum sordellii (46%) and Irichosporon cutaneum (4%).


On the other hand aerobic cultivation rendered the isolation of Corynebacterium spp. (100%), Entrobacteracae (100%), Staphylococcus spp. (15%), Penicillium spp., Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichosporon cutaneum.


Five different drug combinations were studied for their efficacy in the treatment of ovine footrot. Their healing rates were as follows : oxytetracycline (59%), oxytetracyclin with formaline (70.9%), Procaine penicillin and streptomycin (72.5%), Procaine penicillin and streptomycin with formaline dipping (80.76%), Formaline alone (63.8%). All kinds of treatment indicated statistically significant differences to exit between the treated (experimental) and untreated (control) groups

Histomorphological study confirmed that the carotid sinus was characterized by an abrupt thinning of elastic tunica media which was rapidly replaced by the normal muscularity of the media on the distal progression in the internal carotid artery. The carotid sinus was richly supplied with sensory receptors which took the form of menisci and left the sinus as the nerve of Hering.

The reproductive performance of three imported Holstein herds in Iraq was investigated in a field study. For this purpose a total number of 889 cows and heifers from three dairy stations that had been on a poor fertility management were palpated rectally for pregnancy determination. Of these, only 289 cows (32.5 %) were pregnant and 541 (60.85 %) were not pregnant. Regarding the non pregnant cows, 385 cows (70.38 % of the non pregnant, 43.3 % of the total) had a normal genital tracts (normal uteri and functional corpora lutea), indicating that they were cycling; the rest had palpable pathological findings; 69 (12.6 % of the total non pregnant) had ovarian inactivity, 56(10.2%) had purulent metritis; 14 (2.55 %) had cervical fibrosis; 12 (2.19 %) had cystic ovary and only two cows (0.36 %) had a mucometritis. The present data indicate low reproductive performance of these herds. Causes of high conception failure in these herds are discussed.

Testes from 700 male goats aged l - 3 years , slaughtered at Baghdad abatteir, were examined during 6 months period. Histological and bacteriological examinations were done when gross lesions were observed. The results revealed that epidedimytis was observed in 21 (3%) of the examined animals ; 16 (2.3%) cases were unilaterally affected and S (0.7%) cases were bilaterally affected.


Bacteriological isolations from infected organs included :


Corynebacterium ovis (6 isolates) and Actinomyces pyogenes (3 isolates) both constituted the majonty of isolates ; as well as E. coli (4 iso-lates), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cory. bovis., Staph. aureus, Cory , ulcerams &. Yersinia pseuclotuberculosis ( 2 isolates of each ) and Campylobacter fetus (1 isolate).


Histopathological examination showed 6 pathological patterns of epididmytis including acute epididymitis (14.2% of infected cases ) , subacute nomsuppurative epididymilis (9.5% od cases ) , chronic suppurative epididymitisd (28.5% of cases ), chronic non—suppurative epididymitis (19% of cases) and spermatic granuloma (14.2% of cases ).

Fifteen albino mice were subjected to three days dehydration and fifteen albino mice were given 1% NaCl in their drinking water. Control animals were given drinking water


All animals were sacrificed and kidneys were fixed in different fixatives and processed for light microscopy


Section were stained for juxtaglomerular cells demonstration and the juxtaglomerular index (GI) and percentage of granulated nephron(%GN) were calculated. Kidneys from dehydrated and sodium-loaded animals showed significant decrease in both JGI and % GN and was discussed in relation to renin secretion and release

A systemic study was done on the pathogenesis of experimentally induced Salmonella typhimurium infection in calves. The present investigation was carried out on sixteen normal colostrum fed friesian calves, ranging in age from 3 to 6 weeks. The calves were divided into two equal groups. Group I inoculated orally with (1.5 x 10'') Salmonella typhimurium and group IA served as control.
• The early ultrastructural alteration in the mesenteric lymph nodes was the presence of many free Salmonella in localized vacuoles. The interaction between the host cells and phagocytized Salmonella was also observed.

Liquid Phase Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed to detect and measure anti-rinderpest immunoglobulins in field animals sera, within two hours. Rinderpest virus adapted on Vero cell line culture and antigen purified by treatment with Triton-Gentron 13 Butanol, and, labeled with I isotope, using chloramin T iodination method.


Comparative studies for detecting anti-rinderpest immunoglobulin in 80 calves sera samples, using the developed assay in parallel with virus neutralization test (VNT). The study showed 58.75 % agreement between the two methods. However, 71 % of seven months old, non-vaccinated calves showed anti rinderpest antibodies in their sera, also 81 % of 10 months old vaccinated calves were developed antibodies in their blood.
These results demonstrate the development of sensitive, specific and rapid quantitative / qualitative radioimmunoassay, necessary for screening the development of immunity against rinderpest in cattle.

The activity of a single subcutaneous injection of ivermectin at dose of 200 mcg/kg of body weight was evaluated against naturally acquired gastro-intestinal parasites in mules. Faecal samples were examined at the time of treatment and weekly thereafter up to 4 weeks. Results indicated that invrmectin was highly effective (100%) against Oxyuries equi, Strongyloides westeri, Tristostronglus axei, Trichhonema spp., and Strongylus spp. as judged one week after ivermectin administration.


Complete elimination of Parascaris equorum eggs occurred two weeks after treatment. In contrast, ivermectin was not effective against the tape worms, Anoplocephala spp.. Infected animals had low levels of haemoglobin and red blood cells counts and an elevated packed cell volume, white blood cells and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
These values returned to normal values 21 days post treatment. No adverse reaction was recorded in the treated animals.

A six months survey (2-8/1994) was canied out to determine norcaiidal mastitis in cattle in certain dairy herds. A total 126 milk samples collected from mastitic‘ cows and milk tank. Of which 10 from Al-Khalis station, 15 from A1-Wahda station, 6 from White Good village, 90 from Al-Dejaila station and 5 fromMilktauk. Examination of the samples result in isolation of Norcaitlia asteroides from Al-Dejaila station.


The results explained that 25 animals were positive for norcaridal infection with prevalence of 20.8 % of these 25 cases, 5 cases, in pure cultural and 20 cases, mixed with other organisms. Bacteriological examination of mill: tank also resulted in positive for norcaridial isolates.


Metastasis to the lung and supramammary lymph node was demonstrated. The results also explained that norcardial isolates from mastitic cows were more virulent to guinea pigs, andthis study revealed that norcardial infection are not rare in cattle.

Clinical study for (105) pregnant and (32) buffalo suffering from reticulopertonitis which are operated for foreign body removal by rumenotomy in different pregnancy stages.


Result shown that the late stage pregnancy is the highest inicdence and all operated animals had no any complications and some of them delivered normally after 10 - 16 hr. and other within few days, this indicate that rumenotomy could be done at any stage of pregnancy even within few hours before parturition.

Two hundreds and sixteen blood samples from Iraqi local breed cows in Baghdad, Basrah, Diala provinces and 144 blood samples from imported cows in three large cows stations were collected. All samples were tested by ELISA for the detection of specific antibody to bovine leucosis.


Results revealed the presence of antibodies of 8.4 % in imported cows only. Whereas the blood samples from the local animals included in this study were negative.

Fourty five local buffaloes naturally infected with A. marginal age of 2-5 years. Clinical signs, present parasireamia haematological and biochemical changes were studied. Thin thick blood smears Stained with Gimsas stain were used to identify the parasite. The results indicated that most of the infected were suffering from mild form of infection and the 1I11p01”l11I1E' clinical signs observed were mild rise of body temperature, increase respiratory and plus rate, weal: ruminal contraction and generalized weakness. Palcness and iteration of mucous membrane, loss appetite, nasal and ocular discharge, coughing, salivation, atarcp, constipation, diarrhea, and rccumbancy. Statistical analysis showc increase (P<0.01) in body temperature, respiratory and pulsera wlflc nigrrificant decrease (P<0.01) in ruminal contraction We. observed. Parasiteamia in infected animals ranged from 1.3- 5.2%. Values of red blood cell, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were significantly low (P<0.01). Total leulcocyric and neutrophils count was significantly increase (P<0.0l). and (P<0.05) respectively. Blood indices values showed a significant increase in (MCHC) (P<0.0l) while (MCV) values showed no difference, reticulocytes were also present mildly biochemical changes indicated higher levels of AST. Total bilirubin (P<0.01). Total protein concentration was less (P<0.01) and no difference was observed inALT and blood urea nitrogen levels between infected and control animals.

The experimental design of this study was included (12) Friesian calves aged between 3-5 weeks. Calves were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of (8) calves were infected experimentally with 1.5 x 10“ of Salmonella typhimurium and often that treatment with chloramphenicol and electrolytes fluid were takes place. Group II consisted of (4) calves were infected with organisms but without treatment.


The clinical findings of the disease were characterized by two forms which includes the septicemic and enteric forms.


Haematological changes revealed a variable number of the total and differential leukocytic count, increased PCV, fibnnogen and decreased of the total plasma protein. .
The changes in the acid-based balance indicate the development of metabolic acidosis.

Twelve horses were divided into three equal groups. Group I animals were inoculated orally with (3.7 X1012)CFU of a highly virulent strain of Salmonella typhimurium 3,;a_r cop§_n__hagen. Group 11 animals were inoculated orally with 2 doses of Salmonella and then challenged with a high dose. Group III horses, served as non - infected control. ‘


The main lesions were primarily confined to the digestive tract and were characterized by catarrhal enteritis. Pseudornembrane covered the mucosa of the ileum at the ileo — cecal Valve region.
Histopathological examination revealed marked rnononuclear cellular infiltration in the lamina propria and occasionally necrosis and edema in the mucosa and submucosa of the intestine.