Using 815 eggs randomly collected from 29 breeds of chickens, mallard, Muscovy, quails, guinea fowl, turkey, and ostrich, this study compared internal and external egg quality traits between poultry species and between breeds within species. Among poultry species used for commercial egg production, the mallard ducks had significantly (P<0.05) the highest weight of egg, yolk, albumen, and shell, shell thickness, short, and long circumference which is followed by chickens and quails. Both quail and mallard eggs have higher yolk-albumen ratio than chicken eggs. Chicken egg yolks are more deeply hued than quail and mallard. Both mallard and chicken eggs were more elongated (less round) than quail eggs. Philippine native chickens (Banabang Kalabaw, Joloano, Paraoakan, and Palawan-lasak) have significantly (P<0.05) lower egg weight, albumen weight, short, and long circumference than commercial egg-type and dual-purpose breeds. Percent yolk, percent albumen, yolk-albumen ratio, yolk color, albumen height, Haugh unit, and external egg quality traits were significantly different (P<0.05) among the native breeds. Itik-Pinas (IP) mallard breeds (IP-Itim, IP-Khaki, and Kayumanggi-IP) were significantly different (P<0.05) for yolk weight, percent yolk, percent albumen, yolk-albumen ratio, yolk color, albumen height, Haugh unit, shell weight, percent shell, shell thickness, and short circumference. Quail and turkey eggs showed significant breed differences (P<0.05) for percent yolk, percent albumen and yolk-albumen ratio.
Paraneoplastic syndromes comprise complex clinical abnormalities that may accompany a neoplasm in an animal. Due to their nonspecific nature, paraneoplastic processes are often underdiagnosed. In the present case, a 13-year old, intact female Shih Tzu with malignant epithelial tumor (MET) was clinically treated for a paraneoplastic syndrome. The patient was brought to a veterinary hospital due to recurrent pruritus. Physical examination showed presence of alopecia and erythema on the neck region and presence of irregularly shaped, soft, attached, lobulated masses on the right thoracic and inguinal mammary glands. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass showed atypical cell populations suggestive of MET. Complete blood count revealed mild non-regenerative anemia as characterized by the presence of microcytic and normochromic red blood cells. In addition, neutrophilic leukocytosis and thrombocytosis were extremely evident. Based on the current clinical and medication history, the patient was treated for paraneoplastic chronic pruritus and hematologic syndrome. Oral anti-thrombotic drug (aspirin 0.5 mg/kg) and essential fatty acids were given to the patient to address possible blood coagulopathies and for skin nourishment, respectively. Periodic blood profiling was recommended for close monitoring. This report discussed the clinical findings and suspected diagnosis of paraneoplastic syndrome in a dog with MET.
Breeding management is very important, especially in dairy cattle, to produce milk. Silent heat or sub estrus and endometritis are common problems, especially postpartum problems, in dairy animals. Use of hormones and antibiotics are the choices for treatment of endometritis and sub estrus however, there is withdrawal time for milk if antibiotics and hormones are administered. There is also the risk of development of resistant microbes. In this clinical case, a six-year-old Holstein cow which gave birth in October was diagnosed to have sub estrus and moderate endometritis. Second rectal palpation findings included a slightly thickened uterus and corpus luteum in the right ovary. This means the right ovary was still active. The animal came into estrus eleven days after treatment with 50 ml of two percent intrauterine infusion of povidone-iodine and Artificial insemination (AI) was done the following day. Forty-three days after the AI, the cow was diagnosed as pregnant and corpus luteum was found on the right ovary. Thus, intrauterine infusion of povidone-iodine induces estrus by stimulating the uterus to secrete endogenous prostaglandin. Generally, the animal will be in estrus eight days after intrauterine povidone-iodine infusion but there could be vast individual differences.
Twenty-four domestic shorthaired cats (12 males and 12 females) about two years old were subjected to a 70° oblique femoral osteotomy. Osteotomies were repaired using intramedullary pins and stabilized using polydioxanone (PDS) suture or stainless steel wire (SSW) in cerclage technique. The fractures were radiographed at days seven, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42, and assessed qualitatively (callus formation, blurring of fracture ends, bridging of fracture ends) and quantitatively (fracture gap, compression, angulation). Representative animals were sacrificed, and osteotomies were harvested after radiography schedule. Histopathology with hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine for hemorrhage, fibroblastic, chondrocytic, and osteocytic proliferation. Masson’s trichome staining was performed to examine for collagen. Limb use was assessed by early weight bearing. Callus, blurring, and bridging of the fracture ends were seen at Days 21 and 28 in SSW and PDS, respectively. The fracture gap and angulation were not different between groups. Bone compression was observed in PDS. Hemorrhage was seen early which decreased over time. Fibroblasts, chondrocytes, osteocytes, and collagen increased during healing. Early weight bearing was observed in SSW and PDS at Days 1 and 2, respectively. PDS is similar to SSW in the stabilization of long oblique fractures in cats but it has not prevented compression forces.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV), Louping ill (LIV), and West Nile viruses (WNV) are notorious flaviviral agents that continue to plague domestic animals including horses, sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, dogs, birds, and also humans. To efficiently produce DNA fragments of TBEV, LIV, and WNV viruses, an algorithmic DNA primer design was developed using overlap extension-polymerase chain reaction (OE-PCR). Arithmetic formulation, with emphasis on the manipulation of melting temperatures (Tm) to enable advanced production of nucleotide lengths, was constructed. The method was validated using OE-PCR carried out using original and modified electrophoresis, with the latter producing 30 nanogram and prominent 256 bp of DNAs used for sequencing by Sanger method. Algorithmic formulation resulted to production of remarkable amount of artificial DNA products whereby accession numbers to each of the three amplified oligomers with complete nucleotide sequences of select veterinary flavivirus of 256 bp each for WNV, LIL and TBE were registered at DDBJ/NCBI. A relatively high synthesis performance of basically Tm-manipulated algorithmic OE-PCR design using simply designed oligonucleotides has paved for availability of ample amount of DNAs for extensive scientific and experimental explorations of select veterinary significant flaviviruses. Future study employing the use of synthetic veterinary flaviviral DNAs is suggested.
Pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PPMV-1) is a variant of the velogenic NDV that primarily infects pigeons however, the infection is not only limited to the pigeon population. Due to its ability to spill-over, PPMV-1 can potentially exacerbate economic losses due to poultry mortalities. Currently, there has not been a reported clinical case of the infection in the Philippines yet. In this investigation, suspected PPMV-1 infection in racing pigeons from Luzon, Philippines were submitted for phylomolecular characterization. The presence of the pathogen was confirmed through the use of multiplex RT-PCR and nested RT-PCR. Nucleotide sequence analysis using the hypervariable region of the fusion (F) gene revealed that the isolates were velogenic, with a proteolytic cleavage site motif of 112KRQKRF117. Phylogenetic analysis and subgenotyping further characterized the field strains as a member virus of the subgenotype VIb/2 group. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence showed that the samples share high sequence homology with the Russian, Egyptian, Iranian, Austrian, and Ukrainian isolates. The results of this molecular characterization study on PPMV-1 from the Philippines would help design better prevention and control measures for this important pathogen.
ABSTRACT Rabies remains a serious public health problem worldwide and in the Philippines. It is 100% fatal however, it is also 100% preventable. Pet owners’ lack of awareness of their responsibilities as well as poor attitude and practices towards their pets are among the major barriers to rabies elimination in the country. This cross-sectional study identified demographic factors that influenced the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of pet owners on responsible pet ownership (RPO). It utilized a structured questionnaire administered to 380 pet owners from eight randomly selected urban and rural barangays in Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines from April to September 2017. Bivariate Chi-square analysis and logistic regression modelling were utilized to determine association between KAP and demographic variables. Results showed that majority of the pet owners had good knowledge (242/380 or 63.7%) and moderately positive attitude (257/380 or 67.6%) on RPO. Dog owners showed good (189/336 or 56.3%) practices because majority vaccinated (73.2%) and fed their dogs (97.3%), leashed them (64.6%), and prevented them from roaming (72%). Cat owners had moderate RPO practices (111/168 or 66.1%). The area of living, particularly urban or rural, pet ownership status, and educational attainment were significant factors that influenced pet owners’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on responsible pet ownership.
Most studies of canine trypanosomosis in Nigeria were based on morphological identification. This study molecularly determined the prevalence and characterized trypanosomes in dogs, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Two hundred and seventy four dogs were screened through PCR targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) ribosomal gene. Sequence analysis of positive samples was done using Big Dye Terminator cycle sequencing kit. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using UPGMA, MEGA 5.05. Haematological parameters of clinical cases and healthy dogs were assessed. Of 274 sampled dogs, 25 (9.1%) were positive for trypanosomes comprising of 13 males and 12 females. Gel electrophoresis of the ITS1 PCR products of twenty five samples revealed band sizes of 250 bp, 480 bp and 700 bp corresponding with known band sizes of T. vivax, T. brucei and T. congolense, respectively. Aligned sequencing of T. brucei gambiense and T. congolense showed less polymorphism while T. vivax as obtained from GenBank revealed high polymorphic sequence. Phylogenetic analysis yielded tree with topologies of relatively higher bootstrap or nodal support for the three species of trypanosomes. Clinically sick dogs showed significantly low haematological profile compared with healthy dogs. We concluded that canine trypanosomosis is prevalent in Abeokuta and dogs harbor T. brucei gambiense.
The study compared four-loop and three-loop anchorages of intradermal suture to close abdominal skin incisions. Two 3.81 cm incisions were performed on the mid-ventral abdomen of 12 adult female cats. The incisions were closed using intradermal suture pattern, anchored using three-loop pulley (cranial), and four-loop pulley (caudal), then evaluated in terms of macroscopic and microscopic characteristics for a 21-day duration. Macroscopically, minimal scab formation was observed in the both anchorages at Days 7 and 14. Pus, Grade 3 hyperemia, and wound dehiscence were observed in the four-loop at Day 7. Grade 1 elevation persisted in the three-loop. No scar formations were observed. The three-loop had slightly higher mean tensile strength compared to the four-loop. Microscopic evaluation revealed slight invagination in both anchorages at Day 21. Grade 3 epidermal thickening was noted in both anchorages at Day 7, and in the four-loop at Day 14. Wound gap was observed in the four-loop at Day 7. Macrophage infiltration and fibroblast proliferation were consistent throughout the duration in both anchorages. Statistical analyses reveal that the three-loop and four-loop pulleys have no significant differences, thus, can be used interchangeably. However, in terms of cosmetic appearance, the four-loop pulley is favored.
Varroosis is one of the most destructive parasites of the European honey bees Apis mellifera. Due to the spill-over from its natural host, the Asian honey bee, Varroa caus es devastating effects in its alternate host as the bees have not yet developed immunity against the parasite. In this case, dissection of the trachea, removal of the gut and wet mount preparation, and sugar shake method were conducted to examine for suspected pathogens including mites. Approximately 300 European honey bees were sampled for the sugar shake method and 30 honey bees were sampled for tracheal dissection and gut removal. Diagnostic tests showed negative results for Nosema spores, tracheal mites, and Tropilaelaps. The sugar shake method revealed a positive result for Varroa de structor with a 5% infestation. Impregnated flumethrin strips were used as varroacide treatment. The sugar shake method and mite fall monitoring were used as part of man agement practices. Recommendations include rotation of miticide use, implementation of biotechnical methods and integrated pest management, requeening, re-stocking with Varroa-resistant bees, and veterinary supervision of the apiary. Being the most import ant parasite of honey bees, proper treatment and management are needed in reducing its number to that which is below the economic threshold.
The ultrasound features and measurements of the heart, liver, spleen, and kid neys of apparently healthy Philippine non-descript dogs were determined according to: sex (15 male and 10 female), age with 15 samples (≤3 years old) and 10 samples (>3 years old); and weight with 14 samples (≤7 kg) and 11 samples (>7 kg). A Digital Color Doppler Ultrasound System with 7.5 MHz micro-convex scanner was used. The echocar diographic parameters and indices did not show significant difference between age, sex, and bodyweight groups. Right kidney thickness in males was significantly higher than in females. Echo mean values for the liver, spleen, and kidneys did not show significant differences between age, sex, and body weight groups. The ultrasonographic features obtained in the study can be used as references for diagnosis of diseases and disorders in Philippine non-descript dogs.
While there are several studies on insulin resistance in ruminants, information regarding this phenomenon in Ghezel ewes as a fat-tailed breed is rare. In the present study, the intra-venous glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate insulin resistance in sheep. Five adult Ghezel ewes were selected at 4 weeks before parturition and followed at 2 weeks before, 2 and 4 weeks, and 2, 3, and 4 months after parturition. A blood sample was taken and dextrose 50% was administered at 500 mg/kg, 10 ml/ kg/hour. Blood samples were collected from all ewes prior to and 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after dextrose infusion to analyze glucose and insulin levels. The glucose and insulin levels at Hour Four remained significantly higher than Hour Zero in pre parturition periods. Despite presence of high concentrations of insulin, high levels of glucose were seen in pre parturition periods which represented insulin resistance in these periods. Finally, the highest degree of insulin resistance was observed at pre parturition periods in Ghezel ewes and it may be concluded that protecting the ewes from insulin resistance at pre parturition periods may manage their metabolic healthiness.
Due to its health hazards, the quest for formalin substitutes has long been going on. This study was conducted to compare the efficiency of six alternative fixative solutions as to the traditional formalin used to preserve dog specimen for gross dissection in veterinary anatomy. Dogs (n=35) in each treatment group were embalmed with 10% formalin (Treatment 1), Soap Ethanol-based Fixing Solution (Treatment 2), Weigner’s Solution (Treatment 3), modified SEFS 1 (Treatment 4), modified SEFS 2 (Treatment 5), modified Weigner’s Solution 1 (Treatment 6) and modified Weigner’s Solution 2 (Treatment 7). Color, texture, odor characteristic, and conjunctival irritation scoring was done once a month for five months by the evaluators. Among the six alternative fixative solutions used, Treatment 6 had shown results that are most favorable for use in gross anatomical dissection. Treatment 6 can be used as an alternative fixative for gross anatomical studies considering the factors in selection of the type of fixative required for dissection such as the retention of color and texture of tissues and organs, odor characteristic, and conjunctival irritability, and including its nature of being an environmentally friendly preservative.
Dogs are potential carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which is an emerging public health concern. This study was performed to isolate and characterize MRSA from the nasal vestibule of hospitalized dogs. Nasal swabs were collected from 50 dogs with skin and respiratory problems from five veterinary clinics in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The samples were enriched in Trypticase Soy Broth supplemented with 6.5% NaCl, then purified in 5% egg yolk- tellurite supplemented Baird-Parker media. Selected colonies were transferred to Brain Heart Infusion Broth and cultured in MRSA chromogenic agar supplemented with cefoxitin. The DNA was extracted and was subjected to multiplex PCR. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was determined using disk diffusion method. A total of 31 dogs had coagulase-positive Staphylococci. Nasal carriage rate of MRSA among hospitalized dogs was 2%. Multiplex PCR positively detected 16S rRNA, femA and the MRSA resistance gene, mecA. The isolate was negative for luk-S gene, responsible for Panton-Valentine Leukocidin. Antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that the isolate was resistant to clindamycin, erythromycin and rifampicin, intermediate resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and susceptible to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. This study proves the presence of MRSA in hospitalized dogs in the study area through bacterial isolation and multiplex PCR.
Surface mucosa of the uterine tubes of sexually mature Philippine water buffalo was described using 12 specimens from apparently healthy animals. Specimens were dissected to identify the four major subdivisions such as the infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, and uterotubal junction. Each subdivision was longitudinally cut into two equal halves then pre - fixed using 10 percent formalin. After 24 hours, it was then subjected to routine scanning electron microscopy technique. Processed specimens mounted on metal stubs were observed under the scanning electron microscope. The surface mucosa of each subdivision showed a marked variation in the appearance of the epithelial structures such as the peg cells, goblet cells, and cilia. The peg cells were interspersed between clumps of cilia which were irregularly distributed on the mucosal surfaces. The cilia sometimes merged with each other, and can be mistaken as goblet cells. The orientations were varied even projecting to different directions and could be found in group or merged with each other. These irregular patterns were attributed to the abnormal estrous cycle or poor breeders such as those animals in the slaughter house where the specimens were collected.
Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland. It is the most costly disease in dairy cattle due to the milk production loss and culling of infected animals (Barlow, 2011). This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bovine mastitis and to understand the factors that predict the occurrence and the use of antibiotics in the treatment and control of mastitis in dairy cattle farms assisted by the National Dairy Authority (NDA) in Batangas, Philippines. Two thousand four hundred six (2,406) teats from 624 milking cows in 12 dairy cattle farms were subjected to the California mastitis test (CMT) last June 2016. A pretested standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on each farm. CMT results showed a 9% (215/2,406) subclinical mastitis rate and an 18% (425/2,406) clinical mastitis rate. Thirty nine percent (14/36) of the potential risk factors were identified. The practice variable: dry off treated cows without markings (P18) and the knowledge variable: incorrect knowledge on extra-label use of antibiotics leading to antimicrobial resistance (K6) remained significant (p<0.05) in the regression analysis. Mastitis management is essential not only for farm economics but also for public health.
Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a 70 amino acid long polypeptide hormone involved in metabolic regulation of growth and reproduction in livestock. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of activated IGF-I on porcine fetal growth using real-time B-mode ultrasonography. Thirty-seven crossbred pigs were randomly assigned to different treatments composed of basal gestation diets with 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 kg/ton activated IGF-I. Feeding trial started from Day 1 post-breeding until farrowing. Dietary supplementation of 1 kg/ton activated IGF-I significantly increased the gestational sac diameter at Day 21, biparietal head diameter at Day 75, and abdominal circumference at Day 100. Sows supplemented with activated IGF-I regardless of inclusion rate had fetuses with high abdominal circumference at Day 75 compared with the control. At birth, average litter weight had an increasing trend with increasing IGF-I concentration. The results obtained in this study demonstrated the potential of activated IGF-I supplementation in increasing fetal growth and consequently, swine production performance.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease that causes significant production and economic losses to swine raisers. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of backyard and small-hold swine raisers in Leyte towards PRRS. Data were gathered from 104 small-hold and backyard swine raisers in 11 localities in Leyte through questionnaire-interview. KAP levels were determined by performing descriptive statistics. Predictors and associated variables were verified through univariate and multivariate regression analyses. The majority of the respondents have poor knowledge (90, 86.54%) and practices (88, 84.62%) on PRRS. Nevertheless, majority (65, 62.5%) have good attitudes towards the control and prevention of PRRS. Education (p<0.0001) and the number of years of experience (1-5 years, 6-10 years, and 16-20 years; p < 0.0001) in raising pigs seem to have an important role in the knowledge and practices of the farmers. Information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns on PRRS can be a very helpful tool to educate the farmers and improve their knowledge and practices on economically important swine diseases.
