Konto Mohammed

In vitro larvicidal effects of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa Linn. on Haemonchus larval stage

Aim: Gastrointestinal helminthosis is a global problem in small ruminant production. Most parasites have developed resistance to commonly available anthelminthic compounds, and there is currently an increasing need for new compounds with more efficacies. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa (EECL) as a biological nematicide against third stage Haemonchus larvae (L3) isolated from sheep. Materials and Methods: Haemonchus L3 were cultured and harvested from the feces of naturally infected sheep. EECL was prepared and three concentrations; 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL were tested for their efficacies on Haemonchus L3. Levamisole at concentration 1.5 and 3 mg/mL were used as positive controls. Results: EECL showed anthelmintic activity in a dose-dependent manner with 78% worm mortality within 24 h of exposure at the highest dose rate of 200 mg/mL. There was a 100% worm mortality rate after 2 h of levamisole (3 mg/mL) admisntration. However, there was a comparable larvicidal effect between when levamisole (1.5 mg/mL) and EECL (200 mg) were administered. Conclusion: The study shows that EECL does exhibit good anthelmintic properties at 200 mg/mL which is comparable with levamisole at 1.5 mg/mL.

Stage II Keratoconjunctivitis in a Goat: A Case report

A two year old Australian Feral male goat weighing 30 kg was presented to the large animal unit of Universiti Putra Malaysia Veterinary Hospital with the clinical signs of conjunctivitis and corneal ulceration with purulent ocular discharge. A sterile swab was taken from the eyefor bacteriological culture and the culture yielded a mixed growth of Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Moraxella caprae.The conditionwas diagnosed as pink eye disease. The goat was administered 3ml of 20mg/kgoxytetracyclinesubconjunctival injection of 0.4ml, intravenous injection of 2.2mg/kg Flunixin meglumine (antipyretic) agent, topical application of terramycine eye ointment and infusion of 2L of 0.6% Nacl solution. The signs of conjunctivitis and corneal ulcersof the eye had substantially reduced five days post treatment. Quarantine of infected animals, good quality feeding and fly control wasrecommendedas preventive measures. Keywords: Pink eye, goat, Moraxella caprae, bacteriology

Predatory Capacity of Anabantoids Indigenous Fishes (Beta Pugnax and Beta Anabatoides) on the Mosquito’s Larvae

A study was carried out to determine the maximum intake of mosquitoes’ larvae within a twenty four hours period by two species of indigenous Anabantoids. The species used were Betta pugnax and Betta anabantoides and for each species five adult male fish were used. The feeding of the mosquito larvae every twenty four hours period was observed continuously for three days for each species. The mean standard length of the Betta pugnax and Betta anabantoides were 3.8cm and 3.7cm respectively and for the mosquitos’ larvae, the length varies from 5 – 6mm. The mean intake of mosquitoes larvae counted for every twenty four hours for 3 days was 24.5 larvae for Betta pugnax and 16.7 larvae for Betta anabantoides. From this study it was concluded that Betta pugnax has a significantly (P<0.05) higher predatory capacity as compared to Betta anabatoides.

A clinical case of navel and joint ill in a calf - medical management

An intensively managed five days old female Friesian cross breed calf weighing approximately 30kg was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The complaint was that the calf had swollen navel and joints and had not been able to stand up properly and frequently fell down. But the calf was alert and the appetite was normal at the time of presentation. On physical examination, body condition score was 2.5 out of 5 and and temperature was 39.3 °C (slight pyrexia), pulse and respiratory rates were within the normal range. The navel was swollen with dark necrotic tissues within the navel opening with presence of foul smelling odour. Both the carpal joints of the forelimbs and the hock joints of the hind limbs were swollen. Arthrocentesis and Jugular venipuncture were performed to collect samples for synovial fluid cytology, haematology and blood chemistry. Based on the history, physical examination and laboratory findings, the calf was diagnosed to have navel ill with associated joint ill. Treatment was performed by umbilical debridement and cleaning of necrotic tissues and debris with subsequent application of povidone of iodine. Flunixin meglumine, 1.1 mg/kg, 0.7 mL, was given intramuscularly, twice daily for 3 days as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent. A combination of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin (1.2mL) at a dosage of 1 mL/25 kg body weight was administered intramuscularly, once daily for 5 days. Remarkable progressive improvement was observed 3 days after commencement of treatment. The umbilical care by debridement of necrotic tissues and debris and topical antisepsis, coupled with systemic antibiotic therapy using combination of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin was effective in the treatment of navel ill and/or joint ill.

Gross and histopathological evaluation of runting stunting syndrome in a broiler farm

A poultry farmer reported a case of abnormal growth among 17 to 25 days old broilers chicks in his farm to the poultry Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Malaysia Kelantan. The housing system was a modified closed type with a total of 130,000; 10,000 birds per house. The clinical signs observed were damp feathers which are poorly developed, stunted growth, watery droppings containing undigested feeds and unequal sizes of chicks. Post mortem examination was conducted on thirty culled chicks and the gross lesions observed were; corrugated intestines (83.3%) with some being thin and translucent with poorly digested feed within the lumen, atrophied pancreas (70.0%) and liver (66.7%), slightly atrophied thymus (33.3%), dilated proventriculus (50.3%) and enlarged gall bladder (43.3%). Histopathological evaluation of the intestine and pancreas showed lesions such a cystic dilation and degeneration of intestinal crypts, degeneration of the pancreas with vacuolation in the paranchyma and atrophy of the acinar cells. Based on the clinical signs observed, post mortem lesions and the histopathological findings, the case was diagnosed as Runting Stunting Syndrome (RSS). There is no treatment for this syndrome and it can only be prevented through good management practices

Stage Two Milk Fever in a Dairy Cow: A Case Report

The biological cycles of milk production and reproduction determine dairy profitability thus making management decisions dynamic and time-dependent. Metabolic diseases pose significant risk on net earnings of a dairy enterprise. We report a case of clinical hypocalcaemia (milk fever). A 7-year-old Jersey cross cow weighing 500 kg was presented with left lateral recumbency with the neck curved towards the flank. The case history indicated that the animal had calved two months ago and was semi-intensively managed. There was no history of vaccination and deworming. The daily production of milk was about 13 liters.

Foot rot due to Corynebacterium pyogenes infection in a cow: A Case Report

Foot rot is a painful condition resulting in moderate to severe lameness in cattle but with early intervention and vigorous treatment, most cases will have a favourable outcome. A 4 year old Kedah-Kelantan cow weighing 250kg was presented to the large animal unit of the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, with the complain of lameness for 5 days. Physical examination findings were pyrexia, inappetence and lameness. Blood analysis revealed neutrophilia with left shift, while the biochemical analysis revealed an increase in aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and globulin levels. Bacterial culture from the swab samples of the cows hoof revealed growth of Corynebacterium pyogenes. The hoof was disinfected with povidone iodine and Benacillin injection (25mg/kg), Flunixine meglumine (1.1 mg/kg) and multivitamin (10mg/kg) injections were administered intramuscularly. The hoof was washed with 5% copper sulphate solution once daily. The prognosis was good after a follow up visit one week later. Early intervention is paramount in addressing foot rot caused by bacterial organisms in cattle.

Trypanosomosis in a Sambar Deer

A five years old Sambar deer was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital of Universiti Putra Malaysia. The deer was physically diagnosed with clinical signs of depression, lethargy, teeth grinding, pallor of mucous membranes, the vital parameters showed pyrexia (40.90C), increase in pulse (197beats/min.) and respiratory rates (42 circles/min.). Laboratory examination of the Buffy coat by micro haematocrit centrifugation technique revealed the presence of motile flagellates. Buffy coat smear examination confirmed the presence of Trypanosome spp. The disease was diagnosed based on clinical signs and laboratory finding. Diminazene Aceturate at a dose rate of 3.5mg/kg bodyweight was administered intramuscularly, coupled with multivitamin and fluid therapy proves effective in treating the condition. This report shows the significance of wild ruminants in maintaining the transmission cycle of this parasite and timely treatment could resolve the disease condition.

Management of Grade I Vaginal Prolapse in a Friesian Cross: A case report

A 350kg Friesian cross was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University Putra Malaysia with a complaint of a bulging vagina one month after paturition. On physical examination, there was evidence of a grade I vaginal prolapse with presence of a yellowish mucoid secretion from the vulva. All the vital parameters were normal. Blood workout showed leucocytosis accompanied by neutrophilia with left shift, lymphocytosis and monocytosis. Creatine kinase was elevated ten folds, while serum globulin was only slightly elevated. There was a slight decline in calcium level in the blood. The prolapse was corrected surgically by applying Buhners suture. Systemic analgesic, antibiotic, multivitamin and calcium infusion were administered to minimize pain, prevent bacterial complication and normalize the calcium level in the blood, respectively. The prognosis was good and the prolapse regressed completely after a week. Prompt and timely management of vaginal prolapse is necessary in order to avoid serious complications that may predispose to uterine infections, infertility and death due to septicemia. Keywords: Vaginal prolapse; Diary cow; Buhners suture; Calcium