Injection of anesthetic drugs is very hard in wild animals and may not happen completely; therefore, an oral method can be used for better anesthesia. The aim of the present survey was comparison between oral anesthetic drug effects (ketamine, combination of ketamine with acepromazine and ketamine with midazolam) on vital signs (heart rate, respiratory and body temperature), neural reflexes (pedal reflex, eyelid, cornea, anal, sedation in the skin of face and body, pupil eye situation, tearing and saliva) and anesthetic duration (time to sleep on the chest and side, as well as the time of return and the first voluntary movement). This study was carried out on fifteen clinically healthy adult male cats, between 1-1.5 years old. All cats were categorized into three equal groups one (control= only ketamine), two (combination of acepromazine with Ketamine) and three (combination of midazolam with Ketamine). In group one; normal saline was administrated at first (in the similar volume with groups two and three) and ketamine was administrated with dosage 80 mg/kg only once after thirty minutes. In group two; acepromazine was administrated with dosage 0.15 mg/kg orally and after thirty minutes, Ketamine was given to cats with the similar dose of group one. The group three was similar group two; with the difference that midazolam was administrated with dosage 0.3 mg/kg instead of acepromazine. All parameters (vital signs and neural reflexes) were taken before administration of the drugs and repeated each five minutes up to fifty minutes later. In group one; the most significant changes were observed in heart rate between 5 - 10 minutes after administration of the drug; respiratory rate between times zero with 35 minutes and body temperature between 25 and 30 minutes (P<0.05). In group two; the most significant variations were observed in heart rate between zero with 25 minutes; respiratory rate between times 5,10 and 20 minutes and there was a significant difference for body temperature in most minuts (P<0.05). In group three; the most significant changes were observed in heart rate between 5 - 15 minutes and for body temperature between 30 – 40 and 60 minutes (P<0.05); but no significant difference was observed in respiratory rate (P>0.05). In comparison between three groups, combination of ketmain with acepromazine had the Lowest fluctuations on heart rate and combination of ketmain with midazolam was better from the point of view the effect on body temperature and respiratory rate. There was no significant variations between different groups for neural reflexes (P>0.05); however there was significant difference between groups two and three with group one for anesthesia duration, so that the effect of combination of the drugs was better than only ketamine and was longer anesthetic duration (P<0.05). According to this study, it can be concluded that for induced oral anesthesia, ketamine is used in combination with other drugs. In general, in comparison between three groups, the combination of ketamine with midazolam and ketamine with acepromazine is more appropriate than ketamine alone, due to less side effects and longer anesthetic duration.

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite of the phyllum Apicomplexa, which is considered as one of the major factors in abortion in dairy cows. Rats are important in the epidemiology of Neospora caninum, because they act as intermediate host. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate serological prevalence of Neospora caninum infection in wild rats in Ahvaz district, South-West of Iran. Blood samples were taken from 150 adult wild rats (through trapping) in different regions of Ahvaz (north, east, west, south and center), and then sera isolated and maintained. Antibody against Neospora caninum was detected in serum using Neospora agglutination test (NAT). Among 150 samples, nine cases (6%) showed infection in dilution 1:20 to 1:320. The highest number of serum dilution was detected in 1:80 dilution (2.66%) and the lowest number was in 1:20, 1:160 and 1:320 (0.6%). The antibody titers were as follows: 1:20 (n=1), 1:40 (n=2), 1:80 (n=4), 1:160 (n=1) and 1:320 (n=1). There were two positive cases in cross-reactivity test between Neospora caninum antigens and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 1:40 dilution. The obtained results in related to the role of the geographical area on the prevalence of Neospora caninum indicated that 6.67% (two out of 30 samples) were infected in the north region, as well as, in west; one out of 30 samples (3.33%) in the east region, as well as, in center and 10% (three out of 30 samples) in the south of Ahvaz district. This difference was not significant statistically (P> 0.05) and odds ratio was similar in all parts of Ahvaz (95% confidence interval: 0.97 to 1.15). The seroprevalence was obtained 6.02% (five out of 83) in male rats and 5.97% (four out of 67) in female rats. This difference was not also significant statistically (P>0.05) and odds ratio was similar for male and female rats (95% confidence interval: 1 to 1.11). The present study showed that the moderate relatively percentage (6%) of wild rats, were infected to Neospora caninum in Ahvaz district. Wild rats can play an important role in the transmission of this parasite to other animals including definitive hosts; therefore, seroprevalence diagnosis in rodents can have a significant influence on the control of neosporosis.

Campylobacter is the organism routinely associated with diarrheal disease in dogs, cats and humans, as well as other domestic, wild and laboratory animals. The aim of the present survey was to determine the prevalence rate of Campylobacter in feces of referred dogs to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. Risk factors such as age, gender, breed; nutrition status and life environment (open or close environment) were reviewed also. Rectal swabs were examined by two methods of culture and PCR from 122 dogs (fifty two animals were diarrheic and seventy were without diarrhea). Only five samples were positive in culture method (4.1%). Campylobacter spp. was detected in 18 of the 122 sampled dogs which yields an overall prevalence of 14.8% by PCR and the prevalence was moderately in dog's population of Ahvaz district. The most prevalent species of Campylobacter among the participating dogs was C. coli and C. jejuni with seven and six out of the eigtheen (38.89% and 33.33%) identified isolates respectively. A lower prevalence was observed for C. upsaliensis with two identified isolates and one isolate was identified as C. lari. Concurrent infections were observed in two cases (C. upsaliensis + C. lari and C. coli + C. lari). No significant difference was noted between the healthy dogs and the diarrheic dogs. Age, gender, breed, nutrition status and life environment were not significant also (P>0.05). Infection rate was 16.3% and 10% in dogs with age below one year and above one year respectively. The relative frequency of positive cases was 15% and 14.5% in male and females dogs respectively. The prevalence was higher in mixed breeds (18.9%) than other breeds, nevertheless, the difference was not significant statistically (P>0.05). In conclusion, Because of the frequent presence of Campylobacter species in dog feces, these bacteria can constitute a public health hazard. Accordingly, periodic tests and isolation of diarrheic dogs from others are important, especially in kennel dogs.

 Abstract
Name: Shahrzad Surname: Aalipour
Title: Therapeutic effects of Garlic on hemogram, erythrocyte osmotic fragility and antioxidant enzymes in dog
Supervisors: Dr. Bahman Mosallanejad, Dr. Seyedeh Missagh Jalali
Advisor: Dr. Mohammad Razi Jalali
University: Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran Degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Clinical Sciences Faculty: Veterinary Medicine
Keywords: Garlic, Hemogram, Osmotic fragility, Antioxidant enzymes, Dog

Garlic is an herbal medicine with antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic properties which is extensively used in the treatment of human and animal diseases.Toxication and hematologic complications have been occasionally reported following ingestion of raw garlic or its extract in dogs. The purpose of the present survey was to assess probable hematologic alterations and the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes following garlic tablet administration in dogs. In this study, ten male dogs were treated with garlic tablet with dosage 100 mg/kg, once daily and for 45 days. Blood samples were collected three times on days zero, 45 and 60 of challenge. Complete blood count (CBC), differential leukocyte count, erythrocyte morphology, reticulocyte count, Heinz body and erythrocyte osmotic fragility test were performed. The activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathion peroxidase (GPx) were also assessed. Garlic administration caused a significant reduction in erythrocyte count, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration on day 60 compared with day zero (p<0.05). In addition, a significant decrease was observed in mean of MCH on days 45 and 60 and mean of MCHC on day 60 (p<0.05), while mean of MCV and reticulocyte count were not changed significantly (p>0.05). Nevertheless, all erythrocyte parameters were in normal range. In osmotic fragility assessment of RBC, hemolysis percentage was significantly decreased on 0.55%, 0.50%, 0.45% and 0.40% salt concentrations (p<0.05). Moreover, a significant increase was observed in the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, SOD and GPx, on day 60 compared with day zero (p<0.05). The present study showed that garlic tablet administration with the applied dosage and duration, did not induce considerable destructive effects on erythrocytes while it has improved antioxidant defense system and osmotic tolerance of red blood cells. Further studies are needed regarding the effects of garlic on other organs for the widespread employment of garlic in dog.

 The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stanozolol and nandrolone decanoate hormones on erythropoeitin and testosterone serum concentration and the influence of time on treatment process in cat. For this purpose, ten healthy cats were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group stanozolol included of five cats that stanozolol (25 mg/cat IM) was injected once weekly and for six weeks. Group nandrolone decanoate was similar group stanozolol, with difference that, nandrolone decanoate (1 mg/kg IM) was administered instead of stanozolol. Blood samples were collected five times on days 0, 3, 14, 28 and 42 after challenge and in the interval between 8:30 and 11:30 PM. Liver enzymes (ALP, ALT and AST) and CBC (hematocrit) were measured two times on days 0 and 42 also. Hormone and enzyme levels were measured using standard commercial kits. Both stanozolol and nandrolone decanoate showed effective function in increase of erythropoeitin and testosterone serum concentration, but stanozolol was more effective than nandrolone decanoate. A significant difference was seen between groups stanozolol and nandrolone decanoate and on days 14, 28 and 42 in increase of erythropoeitin (p=0.001) and on days 3, 14, 28 and 42 in increase of testosterone (p<0.001). In comparison between two hormones and their effects on liver enzymes and hematocrite level (despite the increasing process), the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Both of them were safe and had not hepatotoxicity effects, as well as, both hormones increased body weight in the studied cats, however stanozolol was more effective than nandrolone decanoate (p<0.001). In conclusion, it was shown that although both hormones had effective function in increase of erythropoietin, testosterone, and body weight in cats, but overall stanozolol was more effective than nandrolone decanoate.

Hyperlipidemia refers to increase of lipid concentration (triglyceride, cholesterol, or both) in the blood. Many drugs have been used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in humans and animals yet, but with a literature review, we found a few report of chitosan administration in dogs, so the purpose of the present survey was comparative evaluation of the effects of chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes and the influence of time on treatment process in dog. For the management of cholesterol powder induced hyperlipidemia, twenty healthy male dogs were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A (control) included of five dogs that were fed with cholesterol powder (4 g/kg and for 10 days). Group B was similar to group A, but in addition, atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, but chitosan (3 gr/dog) was administered instead of atorvastatin. Group D was a combination of groups B and C, which the combination of atorvastatin and chitosan were fed to dogs with the same dose of previous groups. Blood samples were collected four times on days 0, 10, 40 and 55 after challenge, then serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured using standard commercial kits. Groups of atorvastatin and chitosan (B and C) and group D (combination of two drugs) showed more hypolipidemic activity in lowering serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C and increase of HDL-C, compared with group A (p<0.05). The greatest decrease was related to group D for triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C. The greatest increase was seen in group D for HDL-C) also. In comparison between two drugs and their effects on lipid profile changes, atorvastatin showed a significant difference than chitosan (p<0.05). A combination of two drugs, was more effective compared with single administration of the drugs (p<0.05). The obtained results of the present study showed that in comparision between two drugs, atorvastatin was more effective than chitosan. So it can be suggested that due to the natural properties of chitosan compound, this drug is used as a supplement drug, in the treatment of the affected dogs to hyperlipidemia.

Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan of the phylum Apicomplexa. Tachyzoites and bradyzoites (tissue cysts) are similar to Toxoplasma gondii. Neospora caninum is an important agent for abortion in cattle, particular in dairy cows. Due to the importance of dogs as definitive and intermediate hosts, the purpose of the present survey was to evaluate molecular and serological prevalence of the parasite in companion dogs in Ahvaz district. In this study, the bleeding was done from one hundred urban and fifty rural dogs and then the serum were prepared. The studied dogs were categorized into two age groups below and equal 3 years and above three years. All urban dogs were selected among large breeds and there were only six dogs of small breeds among rural dogs. Agglutination test was done for detection of chronic infection. For molecular study, DNA was isolated from whole blood. For detection of Neospora caninum, primer was selected based on Nc5 gene. PCR was accomplished on the samples and their results were seen based on agarose gel. Among 150 samples, thirty (20 percent) (CI: 95% 13.60-26.40) showed infection in dilution 1:50 to 1:800 by agglutination test. The obtained results, showed a significant difference in seroprevalence between urban (10 percent) and rural (25 percent) dogs (p<0.05). All samples were negative for DNA of Neospora caninum in PCR method. Although the seroprevalence was more in dogs above three years, but there was not a significant difference between different age groups. Since dogs are potential source to scatter infection to the environment, therefore these animals should be considered importantly for control and prediction of neosporosis as this issue leads to horizontal transmission and subsequent epidemic abortions.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance. The infection is caused by various serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensulato. Although the squirrels and hamsters are known to be one of the reservoirs and transmission sources of leptospirosis, but the status of infection in them remains unknown in many parts of the world. The present survey was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of leptospira infection in squirrels and hamsters of Ahvaz district. Blood samples were taken from 35 squirrels and 35 hamsters. Sera were screened for antibodies against serovars of canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, grippotyphosa, ballum, hardjo, pomona, australis and tarassovi using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). From a total of 35 studied squirrels, three samples (8.57%) were serologically positive for the serovars of L. grippotyphosa (2.86%), pomona (2.86%) and complex of hardjo, canicola, grippotyphosa and Pomona (2.86%). The positive sera had titers of 100 to 400. Seroprevalence did not show a significant difference for age and sex in the studied squirrel (p>0.05). From a total of 35 hamsters, six samples (17.14%) were serologically positive. The predominant titers were directed against serovars of grippotyphosa (5.71%), grippotyphosa and pomona (2.86%), pomona (2.86%), icterohaemorrhagiae (2.86%) and canicola (2.86%). The positive hamster had titers of 100. The prevalence was significantly higher in adult hamsters above 1 years compared with hamsters less than 1 years (P<0.05). The seroprevalence was more in male hamsters (23.53%) than females (11.11%), but the statistical analysis did not show a significant difference (P>0.05). This survey indicated that grippotyphosa and pomona serovars of Leptospira were predominant in the studied animals which can be a source of infection for other animals. The obtained results provide useful information on the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in squirrels and hamsters of Ahvaz district.

 The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the garlic and atorvastatin on lipid profile changes in dogs and the influence of time on treatment process. For this purpose, fifteen, 1- 2 years dogs were randomly divided into three groups of five dogs. Group A (control) included of five dogs that were fed with cholesterol powder (4 g/kg and for 10 days to induce hyperlipidemia). Group B was similar group A, but in addition to atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was administered for 45 days. Group C was similar to group B, with the difference that garlic (100 mg/kg body) was administered instead of atorvastatin. Blood samples were collected four times during zero, 10, 40 and 55 days after challenge. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL were measured using by commercial kits. Atorvastatin (p<0.001) and garlic (p<0.01) showed a more potent hypolipidemic activity in lowering triglyceride compared with group A. In comparison between two drugs and their effects on triglyceride, atorvastatin showed a significant difference than garlic (p<0.01). Concerned with the effects of drugs on cholesterol level, atorvastatin (p<0.01) and garlic (p<0.05) showed a more potent activity in lowering cholesterol than group A. In comparison between two drugs and their effects on cholesterol, a significant difference was seen between atorvastatin and garlic on day 30 (p<0.05). The treated groups (B and C), had good results in reduction of LDL, compared to group A, on day 45 (p<0.001). In comparison between two drug and their effects on HDL, a significant difference was seen between groups A and B, on day 45 (p<0.01). The present survey showed that atorvastatin and garlic both have hypolipidemic activity in dogs, but atorvastatin was more effective than garlic.