Undiagnosed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in two cats

Two cases of diaphragmatic hernia in cats caused by road traffic accident were undiagnosed during the initial presentation. Both cats showed no evidence of respiratory distress and clinicians did not notice the diaphragmatic hernia on thoracic radiographs. Later on, both cats showed signs of dyspnea and diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed with repeated thoracic radiograph and ultrasound. Diaphragmatic hernia is rather common in veterinary practice, however, its diagnosis can be clinically challenging. This case report highlights the importance to re-evaluate and monitor the patient closely after the traffic accident. Repeated radiograph, different diagnostic modalities and techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography and positive contrast peritoneagraphy should be used in order to diagnose the diaphragmatic hernia conclusively

Radiographic, computed tomographic and arthroscopic diagnosis of the medial coronoid disease

Medial coronoid disease (MCD), previously known as ununited or fragmented medial coronoid process (MCP) appears to be the most common component of elbow dysplasia in large breed dogs. Due to the late manifestation of the disease, the pathological findings obtained from clinical patients are usually complicated by degenerative and regenerative changes, with uncertainty whether the findings are causes by or consequences of MCD. And due to the complex articulation of the canine elbow joints, the ideal diagnostic approach for consistently and accurately determining the presence of MCD has yet to be established. Radiography has been used as the first line diagnostic moda lity to diagnose MCD, but most of the time, secondary changes, such as osteophytosis, ulnar subtrochlear sclerosis, and blunting or blurring of the cranial edge of the MCP, have been used to determine the likeliho od of MCD. The use of computed tomography alleviates the problems of superimposition, which improves the examination of the lateral aspect of the MCP. However, both techniques are not allowed the assessment of the articular cartilage and its integrity. On the other hands, arthroscopy serve as both diagnostic and treatment tools and this technique has become more common in veterinary practice. This technique allows more specific, reliable evaluation of MCD lesions within the elbow join

A review on Rhodococcus equi: horse, cat and human

In recent years, Rhodococcus equi has emerged as pathogen of importance in respiratory and non-respiratory infectious diseases of animals and humans. Its distribution is worldwide and incidence of disease is increasing in non-equine species like cats and humans. Sporadic infection in human and cat is hypothesized to infect immunocompromised cases largely. While predominantly in foals, infection is quite endemic/epidemic in nature depending on virulence of strain, and incidence is 10 – 20% since birth till weaning. Mode of acquisition is quite variable in humans, cats and foals and depends on the route of exposure. Pathogenesis is well understood in natural host but in cats and humans it is still in its infancy because of the manifestation of unusual cases with low to no exposure to contaminated elements. Clinical signs depend on the site of infection but respiratory manifestations are quite common in foals and human cases. In cats extra-pulmonary disorders are hypothesized as more common presentation. Definitive diagnosis is based on the microbiological culture and cytology from tracheobronchial aspirate for respiratory cases and site of sample for non-respiratory lesions. White blood cells and fibrinogen have some correlation in degree of diagnosis in foals but not in cats and humans. Macrolides especially clarithromycin along with rifampin are considered best combination at the moment and recently resistance is being reported against erythromycin and rifampin. In foals, consensus statements by ACVIM published detailed control and preventions but in humans and cats so far hygiene and isolation of infected patients are for the time being the methods to control nosocomial spread

Reuse of nitric acid in the oxidative pretreatment step for preparation of humic acids from low rank coal of Mukah, Sarawak

Nitric acid is an effective material for production of humic acids. Nevertheless, it is an expensive item that renders the process unfavorable industrially. Study indicated that there was a possibility to reuse the nitric acid for oxidation however the resulting structures of humic acids was not studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the chemical and spectroscopic properties of nitrohumic acids prepared with reused nitric acid. The coal sample was oxidized with 5%, 10% and 15% of nitric acid and subjected to extraction for nitrohumic acids. Concentration of nitric acid with the most yields was reemployed for another 2 cycles of oxidation. The chemical and spectroscopic properties of nitrohumic acids were evaluated. The results indicated that oxidation process generally improved the acidic functional properties of the nitrohumic acids with 10% nitric acid producing the most promising yield. The nitric acid was reused for extraction and the percentage yield remained good at an average of 78%. Structurally, the nitrohumic acids produced with the reused nitric acid demonstrated larger molecular size and fewer acidic functional groups suggesting lesser extent of structure fractionation

Polycystic kidney disease in a Persian cat

A 6-year-old intact Persian cat was presented for the primary complaint of inappetence and weight loss. Irregular surface of kidneys was palpated during physical examination. Abdominal radiograph findings were indicative of renomegaly. Ultrasonography revealed multiple anaechoic structures within the renal parenchyma. The cortex, medulla and renal pelvis were unable to be differentiated. Both radiographic and ultrasonographic findings were suggestive of polycystic kidney disease. Blood test revealed normochromic, normocytic anaemia with azotaemia whereas urinalys is findings were hypostenuria and proteinuria, consistent of chronic kidney disease due to polycystic kidney. Ultrasound is a useful antemortem diagnostic tool to diagnose polycystic kidney disease in cats

A case of diaphragmatic rupture in a Criollo pony

This report describes a case of diaphragmatic rupture with migration of small and large intestines into the thoracic cavity of an 18-year-old Criollo pony. The pony was initially presented to the University Veterinary Hospital (UVH), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), with mild colic and increased respiratory effort. A diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture was made based on thoracic auscultation, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings. Due to financial constraints, surgical management was not an option and so the pony was managed medically. The pony was diagnosed with diaphragmatic rupture and concurrent bronchopneumonia and was observed closely. Mild colic was treated with analgesics while dyspnoea was managed symptomatically with bronchodilators and antibiotics. The pony remained clinically stable for more than eight (8) weeks. However, another episode of colic lead to a deterioration in its clinical condition and subsequent death. Post-mortem findings revealed migration of loops of small intestines and part of the large colon into the thoracic cavity. There was a linear tear (estimated to be about 15cm in length) in the right dorsal segment of the diaphragm at the border of the muscular and fibrous portion, which confirmed our clinical and diagnostic imaging findings of diaphragmatic rupture that had caused the pony to suffer from colic and dyspnoea

A comparative evaluation on the oxidative approaches for extraction of humic acids from low rank coal of Mukah, Sarawak

Humic acid-based products are well marketed; nevertheless, these products remain unpopular in this region possibly due to the higher selling price resulted from the cost imposed on the imported products. For this reason, it is essential to identify the indigenous source of humic acids as the soil conditioner. Abundant of low rank coals are found in Mukah and the non-energy application of the source are largely unexplored. Preliminary study reported that chemical treatment with nitric acid could potentially increase the essential yield of humic acids from 20% to 85%. Nitric acid is an expensive item, which could add on to the cost, hence possibility of employing other oxidative approaches need to be evaluated. In this study, the humic acids were extracted from the low rank coal of Mukah with HNO3, H2O2 and KMnO4 oxidation and were compared in terms of yield, chemical and spectroscopical characteristics. Results indicated that H2O2 oxidation involved considerable weight losses upon oxidation render it unfavorable for production of humic acids. Potassium permanganate oxidation however was not recommended, as a substantial amount of inorganic compounds was introduced to the products and the essential yield generated was low. Nitric acid oxidation remains the choice of the process for extraction of humic acids as the weight losses involved was acceptable; the yield of humic acids obtained was high with characteristics of low ash content and high acidic functional groups

Radiographic and computed tomographic assessment of the development of the antebrachia and elbow joints in Labrador Retrievers with and without medial coronoid disease

Objectives: To compare the development, monitored by radiography and computed tomography, of the antebrachia and elbow joints in seven Labrador Retrievers with healthy elbow joints and in seven Labrador Retrievers that developed medial coronoid disease (MCD), in order to determine whether disturbances in the development of the antebrachia and elbow joints, between the age of six and 17 weeks may lead to medial coronoid disease. Methods: A prospective study of 14 Labrador Retrievers in their active growth stage was performed. The development of the antebrachia and elbow joints was assessed between six and 17 weeks of age using radiography and computed tomography determining the development of secondary ossification centres, radioulnar length ratio, radial angulation, and inter-relationship between the humerus, ulna and radius. Results: For the parameters of ossification of secondary ossification centres, radioulnar length ratio, radial angulation, and joint congruence evaluation, there was no significant difference in the development of the antebrachia and elbow joints of seven Labrador Retrievers positive and seven Labrador Retrievers negative for MCD at the age of six to 17 weeks. Clinical significance: These findings demonstrate that the development of MCD in the Labrador Retrievers in our study was not related to any disturbance in the development of the antebrachia and elbow joints during the rapid growth phase

Mistletoe fig (Ficus deltoidea Jack) leaf extract prevented postmenopausal osteoarthritis by attenuating inflammation and cartilage degradation in rat model

Objective: Ficus deltoidea Jack (mistletoe fig) is an ornamental plant found in various parts of the world and used as traditional herbal medicine in some countries. This study investigated the potential use of F deltoidea leaf extract to mitigate osteoarthritis (OA) in ovariectomized (estrogen-deficient postmenopausal model) rats and the mechanisms involved. Diclofenac was used for comparison. Methods: Sprague-Dawley female rats (12 weeks old) were divided randomly into five groups (n = 6): healthy; nontreated OA; OA + diclofenac (5 mg/kg); OA + extract (200 mg/kg); and OA + extract (400 mg/kg). Two weeks after bilaterally ovariectomy, OA was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate into the right knee joints. After 28 days of treatment, the rats were evaluated for knee OA via physical (radiological and histological observations), biochemical, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gene expression analysis, for inflammation and cartilage degradation biomarkers. Results: The osteoarthritic rats treated with the extract, and diclofenac showed significant reduction of cartilage erosion (via radiological, macroscopic, and histological images) compared with untreated osteoarthritic rats. The elevated serum interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E2, and C-telopeptide type II collagen levels in osteoarthritic rats were significantly reduced by F deltoidea leaf extract comparable to diclofenac. The extract significantly down-regulated the interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E2 receptor, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 mRNA expressions in the osteoarthritic cartilages, similar to diclofenac. Conclusions: F deltoidea leaf extract mitigated postmenopausal osteoarthritic joint destruction by inhibiting inflammation and cartilage degradation enzymes, at an effective extract dose equivalent to about 60 mg/kg for humans. The main bioactive compounds are probably the antioxidative flavonoids vitexin and isovitexin

Prevalence of leptospirosis in healthy dogs and dogs with kidney disease in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Leptospirosis is under-reported and remarkably neglected in Malaysia, especially in companion animals. In recent years, dogs have become popular pets and potentially act as one of the risk factors for human leptospiral infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the serological and molecular status of leptospirosis in healthy and dogs with kidney disease in Klang Valley, Malaysia and to gain insight of the possible serovars involved in the dog population in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Blood samples were obtained from 57 dogs (19 kidney disease patient; 38 healthy dogs, respectively). Serum samples obtained from these animals were screened for leptospiral antibodies by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed on plasma samples to detect leptospiral DNA. By MAT, three out of 19 (15.8%) dogs with kidney disease were positive for L. canicola. One out of 38 (2.6%) healthy dogs was positive for L. icterohemorrhagiae. The overall seroprevalence for leptospirosis in dogs in Klang Valley, Malaysia was 7.0% (n=4/57). Only one out of the 19 dogs (5.3%) with kidney disease was tested positive to pathogenic Leptospira by PCR assay. All the 38 healthy dogs were negative. Positive results in healthy dogs and dogs with kidney disease for leptospirosis warrant further investigation of leptospirosis in dog population in Malaysia. The prevalence and incidence of this disease in the dog population in this country need further investigation