Doru Morar

Seroprevalence of Babesia canis Infection in Clinically Healthy Dogs From Western Romania

Abstract:  Serum samples from 197 clinically healthy dogs residing in the Banat Region, the western historical part of Romania, were assayed by an indirect fluorescent antibody test for the presence of anti-Babesia canis antibodies. Overall, the seroprevalence was 19.8% (39/197). The percent of seropositive dogs in rural areas (28.4%; 19/67) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to dogs living in urban areas (15.4%; 20/130). Seroprevalence of B. canis infection in hunting dogs was also found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to canines with other lifestyles, but no significant difference was found between companion and kennel dogs. The statistical analysis showed that no significant differences (P > 0.05) were present between the seroprevalence of infected animals associated with age, gender, or breed. The hunting lifestyle was the only factor (OR = 4.57; 95% CI = 2.1–10.2; P = 0.002) positively associated with seroprevalence in dogs and can be considered the risk factor in the acquisition of infection. Also, the results of the present survey indicate that infection with B. canis in dogs is common in the sampling area and that it is an important pathogen for the local canine population.

PARACLINCAL INVESTIGATION CONCERNING CALVES WITH RESPIRATORY DISEASES TREATED WITH NATURIST PRODUCTS (CETARIA ISLANDICA, PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA, VALERIANA OFFICINALIS)

We are taken into study three-four months old calves, males and females, that had respiratory symptoms such nasal discharge, tahypnea, epyphora, normothermia, even subfebrility. The ill calves were separated in three experimental groups of eight calves each. The naturist products were administrated as following: group 1 - Cetraria islandica; group 2 - Plantago lanceolata, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Valeriana officinalis; group 3 - Certaria islandica, Plantago lanceolata, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Valeriana officinalis. The plants extract were administrated per os twice daily for ten days. On day three and day ten of treatment period, blood was taken from the calves and were determined the following parameters: leukocytes formula with hematologic analyzer MS9, enzymatic, proteic and mineral profile with Vet-Screen analyzer. The lymphocytes number increases gradually on all groups. On group 3, at the end of treatment a 7,8 % increase was observed in comparison with the reference values. The eosinophilic percentage is placed between physiological limits (3 ± 0,17 %) excepting group 2 where we have registered a slightly increase (4 ± 0,12 %). The monocytes and basophiles on all groups had values between physiological limits. Individual medium values of ALAT and ASAT are between normal limits on all groups (30 - 35 U/I for ALAT and 21 – 25 U/I for ASAT). Uric acid, creatinin, protein and albumin levels during the period treatment are also between physiological limits. The mineral profile represented by calcium and phosphorus levels revealed in both cases a significant increase at the end of treatment (12,0 ± 1,1 mg/dl for Ca and 9,8 ± 0,5 mg/dl for P). In conclusion we can say that the general status of health improved after treatment even on the calves with reserved prognosis. The medicines based on plant extracts does not contain residues and do not remains in blood, tissues and organs. These extracts do not influence significantly enzymatic, proteic and mineral parameters and can be successfully used on calves in ecological farms.