El-Sayed El-Shafaey

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in IL8 and TLR4 Genes as Candidates for Digital Dermatitis Resistance/Susceptibility in Holstein Cattle

ABSTRACT Relatedness between single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL8 and TLR4 genes and digital dermatitis resistance/susceptibility was investigated in seventy Holstein dairy cows. Animals were assigned into two groups, affected group (n = 35) and resistant group (n = 35) based on clinical signs and previous history of farm clinical records. Blood samples were collected for DNA extraction to ampliy fragments of 267-bp and 382-bp for IL8 and TLR4 genes, respectively. PCR-DNA sequencing revealed three SNPs in each of IL8 and TLR4 genes. The identified SNPs associated with digital dermatitis resistance were C94T, A220G, and T262A for IL8 and C118T for TLR4. However, the G349C and C355A SNPs in TLR4 gene were associated with digital dermatitis susceptibility. Chi-square analysis for comparison the distribution of all identified SNPs in both IL8 and TLR4 genes between resistant and affected animals showed no significant variation among the identified SNPs in IL8 gene. Meanwhile, there was a significant variation in case of TLR4 gene. As a pilot study, the present results revealed that identified SNPs in IL8 and TLR4 genes can be used as a genetic marker and predisposing factor for resistance/susceptibility to digital dermatitis in dairy cows. However, TLR4 gene may be a potential candidate for such disease.

Utility of ultrasonography for diagnosis of superficial swellings in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

We studied 72 buffalo with superficial swellings in the head (n=4), neck (n=5), chest wall (n=4), abdominal wall (n=28), limbs (n=16), gluteal region (n=8), perineal region (n=6) and udder (n=1). Ultrasonographically, the swellings varied according to type, duration, content and location. The clinical use of ultrasound to assess these superficial swellings allowed diagnosis of abscesses (n=21), hematomas (n=11), hernias (n=17), bursitis (n=13), urethral diverticula (n=6) and tumors (n=4). Ultrasonography could precisely discriminate each lesion type (sensitivity, 71–100%; specificity, 75–100%; odds ratio, 1.0–8.4; Confidence Interval, 74.2–20; and P value 0.001). The specificity for ultrasonographic evaluation of superficial swellings was 100% for hernias, urethral diverticula and tumors, whilst the lowest specificity was recorded for hematomas (75%) and abscesses (92%). In conclusion, ultrasonography provides a precise, non-invasive and fast technique for the evaluation, classification and subsequent treatment of a variety of superficial swellings in buffalo.

Assessment of digital flexors tenorrhaphy in equine: a review

Although all of the tendinous structures can be injured, the digital flexor tendons are commonly affected. The goals of tendon surgical reconstruction are to provide a strong anastomosis site, re-establish normal vascularization, restore the tendon microanatomy, functional length and minimize formation of restrictive adhesions that adversely affect the gliding function of the injured tendons. Various techniques of digital flexors tenorrhaphy have been described; either by different suture pattern, prosthetic materials, natural bio-absorbable materials, tendon transplantation and tendon shielding. This review highlights the recent assessment of different techniques used for digital flexors tenorrhaphy in equine and evaluation of the extent and quality of the digital flexor tendons healing and case prognosis after these surgical manoeuvres by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biomechanical properties and histopathological examinations. It could be concluded that the use of preserved bio-absorbable augmentation devices either glycerolized bovine pericardium (GBP) xenograft, allograft and allograft shielding with GBP were a good alternative technique accelerating digital flexor tendons repair with restoring their biomechanical properties. Ultrasonography and MRI have provided accurate methods in monitoring the status of healing progression after tenorrhaphy in equine.

Pilot study of bovine interdigital cassetteless computed radiography.

ABSTRACT Twenty-one limbs of bovine cadavers (42 digits) were exposed to interdigital cassetteless imaging plate using computed radiography. The radiographic findings included exostosis, a rough planta surface, osteolysis of the apex of the distal phalanx and widening of the laminar zone between the distal phalanx and the hoof wall. All these findings were confirmed by computed tomography. The hindlimbs (19 digits) showed more changes than the forelimbs (10 digits), particularly in the lateral distal phalanx. The cassetteless computed radiography technique is expected to be an easily applicable method for the distal phalanx rather than a conventional cassette-plate and/or the film-screen cassetteless methods.

Clinical and biomechanical evaluation of three bioscaffold augmentation devices used for superficial digital flexor tenorrhaphy in donkeys (Equus asinus): An experimental study

The present study was designed to carry out an in vivo and in vitro comparative evaluation of three bio-scaffold augmentation devices used for superficial digital flexor tenorrhaphy in donkeys. Twenty-four clinically healthy donkeys were assigned for three treatment trials (n = 8) using one of three bioscaffold materials (glycerolized bovine pericardium xenograft, tendon allograft and allograft with glycerolized by bovine pericardium). In addition, eight clinically healthy donkeys were selected to serve as control. Clinical signs of each animal were scored and the sum of all clinical indexes was calculated at each time point of the experiment. Four donkeys from each group were euthanized at 45 and 90 days postoperatively, respectively, for biomechanical and histopathological evaluation of treated superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). The failure stress in allograft shielding group significantly increased compared to the corresponding values of the other groups at 45 (62.7 ± 6.5 N mm−2) and 90 (88.8 ± 3.5 N mm−2) days postoperatively. The fetlock angle in the allograft shielding group at both 45 (112.8° ± 4.4) and 90 (123.8° ± 1.1) days postoperatively showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) relative to the values of the other groups and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) when compared to normal angle (125° ± 0). However, the histomorphological findings revealed no remarkable changes between the treatment groups. In conclusion, the failure stress, fetlock angle and histomorphological findings may provide useful information about the healing characteristics of SDFT tenorrhaphy. The bio-scaffold augmentation devices, either xenogenic or allogenic, provide good alternative techniques accelerating SDFT healing with minimal adhesions in donkeys.

Bilateral renal abscessation and chronic active pyelonephritis in a male camel (Camelus dromedarius) caused by Escherichia coli

This report summarizes the clinical, hematobiochemical, ultrasonographic, histopathological and bacteriological findings in a male Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) with bilateral renal abscessation and chronic active pyelonephritis. Owner complaint included a decreased appetite and loss of body condition with occasionally voiding red urine. In the right kidney, ultrasonographic changes included a hypoechoic fluid surrounding the renal parenchyma. Within the left kidney, a large volume of hypoechoic contents were imaged. Bacteriological examination yielded only Escherichia coli. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first reported case of bilateral renal abscessation and chronic active pyelonephritis in dromedary camels. In conclusion, renal ultrasonography provides a precise and non-invasive technique for diagnosis and subsequent clinical decision making of renal abscessation and chronic pyelonephritis camels.

Omaso-abomasal adenocarcinoma in a female Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius)

ABSTRACT This report describes the case of a 15-year-old female Arabian camel with omaso-abomasal adenocarcinoma showing prolonged anorexia with colic bouts leading to cachexia during the last 6 months. Hematological and biochemical findings were indicative of a moderate to severe haemorrhagic anaemia. Ultrasonographic examination revealed hyperechoic severely thickened (68 mm) and corrugated omaso-abomasal walls with heterogonous contents. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large barrel-shaped mass with dense contents including parts of the compound stomach adhered to the parietal peritoneum. A definitive diagnosis was based on histopathological examination confirming the mass as an omaso-abomasal adenocarcinoma. Omaso-abomasal adenocarcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of abdominal tumours in camel.

Normal magnetic resonance anatomy of the hind foot of Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): A correlative low-field T1- and T2-weighted MRI and sectional anatomy atlas

Buffaloes represent a major source of milk production, especially in developing countries including Egypt. The buffalo foot is frequently involved in a large proportion of lameness cases. The relatively small size and complexity of its structures often render the radiographic evaluation of the foot challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technique that is regarded as both safe and accurate for assessment of the foot disorders in both man and animals. The purpose of the current investigation was to describe the MRI anatomy of buffalo foot using cadaveric hind feet. The feet were subjected to consecutive MRI scanning using a 0.3 Tesla scanner. Both T1‐weighted (T1‐W) and T2‐weighted (T2‐W) spin‐echo pulse sequences were applied in dorsal, sagittal and transverse planes. The heterogeneity of signal intensities noted amongst foot components allowed for clear differentiation of bones, tendons, ligaments, adipose tissue and synovial fluid. The T1‐W images provided an excellent overview of the foot. They were valuable for visualizing the bones and the alignment of tendons and ligaments. The T2‐W images were particularly useful for the evaluation of synovial structures such as tendon sheaths and joint cavities. A communication between the two plantar sacs of the metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joints was evident in T2‐W images. MRI findings were further confirmed using relevant gross anatomical sections. The present study establishes a detailed MRI anatomic reference of buffalo foot that could help veterinary researchers, clinicians and surgeons for increasing the accuracy of interpretation of foot MRI scans of both healthy and diseased animals.