Tropical Veterinarian

The external genital conformation of a 4-month old German shepherd intersex dog: a case report

2022-10-31T11:10:56+00:00

Intersex is usually a rare condition affecting both humans and animals. Reports of intersex in dogs are very few. In this report, we highlighted a case of intersex in a 4-month-old German shepherd dog. The dog was purchased at four weeks of age with intention of breeding following attainment of puberty. Physical observation revealed that the dog had a vulva that was located at inguinal region, and a small penile-like structure of 5 cm which contained an os and ventral urethral opening. No further evaluation was done to ascertain the internal genitalia composition. The present observation of intersex in a dog suggests the need to carefully examine any dog intended for breeding so that abnormalities such as intersex will not be propagated in any dog breeding program.

Anatomical description of the central nervous system and the vertebral column of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

2022-10-31T10:54:50+00:00

Wildlife anaesthesiology is a dynamic and emerging field. Different species of aquatic and wildlife species are gradually gaining more recognition for their use in research, as pets or as food. This study highlights some gross and histological features of the central nervous system and vertebral column of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Twenty male adult African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were used for this experiment. Brains and spinal cords were harvested and linear measurements obtained. Routine stains Heamatoxylin and Eosin and Cresyl Violet stain were used for histological preparation. Grossly, the brain was lobulated, appearing like follicles. Relative brain weight was 0.11± 0.02%. Average fork length was 439.40 ± 21.26 mm, and the calculated encephalisation quotient was 0.084 ± 0.013, making the catfish appear to be at a lower level on the intelligence ladder. Histology revealed a telencephalon with indistinct layers, unlike that observed in mammals. The cerebellum was also unique, with the Purkinje cells appearing like spindle-shaped neurons and irregularly distributed in the molecular layer. The stroma of the molecular layer of the cerebellum was seen to form tracts which extend into the granular layer. The number of vertebral bones were consistent in all animals but there was a variation in the number of spinal nerves observed. The distinguishing features of the vertebral bones were highlighted and the presence of a ventral foramen, partly enclosed by the transverse processes was discussed. Results obtained from this study will find application in comparative anatomy, fish anesthesiology and possibly surgical maneuvers involving neurological diseases.

Target organ damage in canine and feline systemic hypertension: a review

2022-10-31T10:58:21+00:00

Hypertension is a state of persistent elevation of arterial blood pressure and a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Chronic exposure to blood pressure results in target organs damage (TOD). Hypertension may be primary or essential and symptoms may be subclinical, insidiously causing damages to the target organs. It is often diagnosed when condition relating to the organ dysfunction are presented to the clinic. On the other hand, hypertension can be secondary when it is caused by an underlying condition and it may eventually damage some other vital organs (Target organs) in the body of the affected animal. These target organs include the eyes, brain, kidneys and heart causing hypertensive retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and cardiomyopathy, respectively, in the organs. This review elucidates the occurrence and manifestation of hypertension and pathophysiology and clinical manifestation of target organ damage in small animals. There is therefore, the need for comprehensive cardiovascular examination and measurements of renal function, echocardiography and electrocardiography to diagnose hypertension and target organ damage early in order to promptly and properly manage the health abnormality. This will reduce the economic loss, organ damage and mortality caused by hypertension and its associated organ dysfunction.

Lameness in domestic ruminants of different age groups at Ibadan: haematology, levels of serum glucose and some biomarkers of inflammation

2022-10-31T11:14:23+00:00

This study investigated the haematology, serum glucose and some biomarkers of inflammation in lame domestic ruminants of different age groups around Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. The animals sampled included various breeds of 1520 cattle, 350 sheep, and 2250 goats with ages estimated using dentition technique. Blood and serum samples were collected when the clinical signs of lameness were assessed with locomotion scoring of ≥ 3, over a period of one year. The haematological parameters were determined using standard laboratory techniques, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), and Interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6) were determined using Water’s 616/626 High Performance Liquid Chromatography system while the serum glucose and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) were determined using Technicons rapid colorimetric wave auto-analyzer II system. Data obtained during the study were statistically analyzed using Student’s t-test, Chi square test and one-way analysis of variance. Infectious and traumatic conditions appeared most common causes of lameness and male animals appeared to be more predisposed to lameness than the females. Adult cattle and goats were more predisposed to lameness but lambs seemed to be more predisposed among sheep. Most erythrocyte parameters were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in lame cattle and goats but were not significantly (P>0.05) different in lame sheep. The values of all selected inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, SAA, TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6) were significantly (P<0.05) increased while the serum glucose level was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the lame ruminants. The differing influence of lameness on the haematology, serum glucose and some biomarkers of inflammation is highlighted.

Serological screening for porcine Japanese B encephalitis virus among commercial pigs in an urban abattoir in southwest Nigeria

2022-10-31T11:17:18+00:00

The inter-continental spread of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) to non-endemic regions is a continual impending threat with pigs implicated to play a major role in its transmission. Hence, the seroprevalence of the virus in pigs in a particular location is of utmost importance in the detection and control of the disease in a naïve population. A serological screening for JEV in slaughtered pigs at an urban abattoir in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria was conducted. Sera from 364 apparently healthy pigs were analyzed for the presence of JEV antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit. The results showed that none of the pigs had optimal JEV antibody titres, 42 (11.5%) had sub-optimal antibody levels while 322 (88.5%) were negative. Detection of sub-optimal JEV antibody levels in these unvaccinated pigs suggests exposure to JEV or related viruses. Also, drainages with dirt and stagnant water suitable for mosquito breeding were observed in this study. Considering that mosquito vector- and pig to pig- transmissions of JEV have been reported, these pigs, although with sub-optimal antibody levels can act as potential environmental source and play a role in transmission cycle of the virus in the study area. This therefore calls for continuous monitoring of the disease in pigs in Nigeria.