Hussam Mohamed Mohamed Ibrahim

Antioxidant Trace Elements in Serum of Draft Horses with Acute and Chronic Lower Airway Disease

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oxidative stress level and antioxidant trace elements status associated with lower airway disease in draft horses. For this purpose, venous blood samples were obtained from draft horses exhibiting signs of lower respiratory tract disorders (n = 83) and from control group (n = 20). Serum trace elements including selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) were assayed. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels as well as plasma hydrogen peroxides (H2O2) concentration and activity of plasma glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) were measured. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of Se, Cu, Zn, and Fe in diseased horses compared with healthy ones, but the Cu/Zn ratio and Mn were increased (p < 0.05). Se was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in chronically affected horses compared with acute cases, but Mn was increased (p < 0.05). There was an increase of MDA, LDL, and H2O2 levels and GR activity in diseased cases compared with healthy horses. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of GST and CAT activity. MDA and LDL levels were increased (p < 0.05) in horses with chronic respiratory disease compared to acute cases, but CAT activity was decreased (p < 0.05). In horses with acute lower airway disease, there was a negative correlation between GR and H2O2 (r = −0.458), and LDL and CAT (r = −0.816). However, in chronic disease, a negative correlation was recorded between Se and MDA (r = −0.590). The results of the present study indicate that oxidative stress, with alteration of antioxidant trace element levels, is a feature of respiratory disease in draft horses.

Animal level risk factors associated with Babesia and Theileria infections in cattle in Egypt

In present study, blood samples were collected randomly from 439 cows at three main regions of Egypt (northern, central and southern). Molecular diagnosis of Babesia and Theileria infections by PCR amplification of DNA (gene) fragments, then cloning and sequencing of the positive samples were conducted. A questionnaire was created to imply the assumed risk factors and logistic regression statistical analysis was carried out to appraise the potential factors on the animal level. The results revealed that 49 (11.16%) and 45 (10.25%) cattle were infected with Babesia and Theileria parasites, respectively. B. bigemina (7.97%) and T. annulata (9.56%) were the most prevalent parasites. For Babesia sp., final multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between the infection and irregular use of antiprotozoal drugs (P = 0.003; OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.12–0.65), management practice (P = 0.029; OR: 6.66; 95% CI: 1.21–36.59) and ecology area (P = 0.006; OR: 5.62; 95% CI: 1.63–19.31). However, for Theileria sp. infection, animal breed (P = 0.003; OR: 0.44; 95% CI:.45–1.00) and irregular use of antiprotozoal drugs (P<0.001; OR: 4.22; 95% CI: 2.62–5.60) were the potential risk factors. The results of the present study declare the prevalent bovine Babesia and Theileria sp. in Egypt based on molecular description. An impression on the potential risk factors associated with infections was obtained. Recognition of the potential risk factors associated with tick borne disease may be helpful to construct the best preventive measures.

Dose-dependent effects of mosapride citrate on duodenal and cecal motility in donkeys (Equus asinus)

Abstract Prokinetic drugs are used for the management of gastrointestinal motility disorders in horses; however, little is known about their efficacy in donkeys. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of mosapride citrate on duodenal and cecal motility in normal donkeys. Six donkeys (n = 6) were used in a crossover study. Mosapride citrate was administered orally via a nasogastric tube at dose rate of 1, 2 and 3 mg kg−1. Duodenal and cecal motility were evaluated using ultrasonography before administration and at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min post-administration. There was a significant increase of duodenal contractions (p < 0.05) after 30 min of mosapride citrate administration at 3 mg kg−1 with a prolonged (p < 0.05) prokinetic effect at 2 mg kg−1. Cecal contractions were significantly increased (p < 0.05) after 15 min at different doses of mosapride with a prolonged effect at 3 mg kg−1. The results of the present study indicate that mosapride citrate has a dose-dependent prokinetic effect on the duodenal and cecal contractions in healthy donkeys. Further studies need to determine whether mosapride citrate is effective in treatment of intestinal disorders in donkey.

Molecular characterization of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene in Holstein cows

Vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium homeostasis, growth, and immunoregulation. Because little is known about the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene in cattle, the aim of the present investigation was to present the molecular characterization of exons 5 and 6 of the VDR gene in Holstein cows. DNA extraction, genomic sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, synteny mapping and single nucleotide gene polymorphism analysis of the VDR gene were performed to assess blood samples collected from 50 clinically healthy Holstein cows. The results revealed the presence of a 450-base pair (bp) nucleotide sequence that resembled exons 5 and 6 with intron 5 enclosed between these exons. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between the sequenced VDR region and that found in Hereford cattle. A close association between this region and the corresponding region in small ruminants was also documented. Moreover, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that caused the replacement of a glutamate with an arginine in the deduced amino acid sequence was detected at position 7 of exon 5. In conclusion, Holstein and Hereford cattle differ with respect to exon 5 of the VDR gene. Phylogenetic analysis of the VDR gene based on nucleotide sequence produced different results from prior analyses based on amino acid sequence.

Comparative, Sedative, and Analgesic Effects of Epidural Dexmedetomidine and Xylazine in Donkeys (Equus asinus)

Abstract In a prospective experimental crossover study, six clinically healthy donkeys were injected epidurally with normal saline (5 mL/animal), dexmedetomidine (5 &mgr;g kg−1), and xylazine (200 &mgr;g kg−1). Perineal analgesia, sedation, and degree of ataxia were evaluated preadministration and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes post‐administrarion. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were measured at the same time points. Epidural dexmedetomidine and xylazine produced complete bilateral perinea analgesia in all donkeys. The onset of analgesia was significantly rapid in dexmedetomidine‐treated donkeys in comparison with xylazine (5.8 ± 2.04 vs. 14.2 ± 2.04 minutes, P = .004). Dexmedetomidine induced longer duration of perinea analgesia when compared with xylazine (160.0 ± 25.0 vs. 115.8 ± 14.97 minutes, P = .021). Both drugs induced moderate sedation (score 2). The sedative effect of dexmedetomidine was longer than that of xylazine (105 ± 10 vs. 80.83 ± 12 minutes, P = .017). All donkeys showed mild ataxia (score 1) after epidural xylazine and dexmedetomidine. Tail flaccidity was noticed in all donkeys at 15 and remained until 125 and 165 minutes postadministration of xylazine and dexmedetomidine, respectively. In conclusion, epidural dexmedetomidine induced faster and longer perinea analgesia with minimal cardiovascular effects than xylazine. HighlightsComparative, sedative, and analgesic effects of epidural dexmedetomidine and xylazine in donkeys were conducted.Six donkeys were used in a crossover study.Analgesia, sedation, ataxia, tail flaccidity as well as respiratory and heart rates were evaluated.Dexmedetomidine induced rapid onset longer duration of perinea analgesia than xylazine.Dexmedetomidine has longer sedative effect than that of xylazine.

Antioxidant Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress Levels Associated with Pasteurellosis in Camel-Calves (Camelus dromedarius)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in the electrolyte and trace elements profiles, antioxidants and oxidative stress level associated with pneumonic pasteurllosis in camel-calves in Saudi Arabia. For this purpose, venous blood samples were obtained from 48 camel-calves with pneumonic pasteurellosis and 48 randomly selected clinically healthy camel-calves (control group). Serum trace elements including sodium, potassium, chloride, copper and zinc were assayed. Serum malondialdehyde and low-density lipoprotein levels as well as total antioxidant capacity; hydrogen peroxide concentration; and activity of reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were measured. Moreover, copper/zinc ratio and oxidative stress index were calculated. In camel-calves with pneumonic pasteurellosis, there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the level of serum sodium, potassium, chloride, copper and zinc; total antioxidant capacity; and the activity of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase when compared with control group. Meanwhile, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in copper/ zinc ratio; level of malondialdehyde and low density lipoprotein; concentration of hydrogen peroxide; and oxidative stress index in pneumonic camel-calves compared to control group. The results indicate that electrolyte profiles, trace element level and oxidants antioxidants balance are greatly disturbed in camel-calves with pasteurellosis.

Evaluation of Serial Measurements of Selected Biomarkers in Serum and Peritoneal Fluid for the Diagnosis of Intestinal Ischemia in Donkeys: An Experimental Study

Up to now, there has been limited evidence relating to the early diagnostic approach of colic in equine patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serial measurements of selected biomarkers in both serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) in donkeys underwent experimental intestinal obstruction owing to early detection of intestinal. For this purpose, four apparently healthy male donkeys (Equus asinus) were randomly purchased based on their health condition and were thoroughly examined to rule out concurrent or even previous ailments. Following a standard pre-surgical and surgical precautions, these animals were subjected to intestinal ischemia via complete ligation of ileum and its mesentery. The animals were clinically and ultrasonographically monitored for 72 hours. Paired samples of blood and PF were collected from each animal before surgery (T0) and following surgical intervention at the following time points: T12, T24, T48 and T72 to measure the respective levels of L-lactate, nitric oxide (NO), total alkaline phosphatase (TAP), lipase and cardiac troponin I (CTnI). The results herein demonstrated that the pattern of both PF and blood lactate were significantly higher at T72 than those at other time points (P< 0.05). Serum values of NO, AP, lipase and CTnI, despite being not significantly changed among the different time points, their respective levels in the PF were altered significantly when compared with their levels in serum (P