ARSHI Veterinary Letters

Profiling of canine distemper virus infection from Small Animal Veterinary Clinics in Cities of Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Christian C. Santos — 2024-09-08

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious and lethal pathogen that affects domestic and wild mustelids. This retrospective study analyzed 267 CDV cases from veterinary clinics in Nueva Ecija of Philippines over three years (2020-2022). Data including age, sex, breed, vaccination status, and clinical signs were analyzed using the chi-square test. The highest infection rate (38.95%) was observed in dogs aged ≥ 13 months. Females showed higher clinical signs (53.18%) than males (43.82%). Toy breeds were the most affected (38.58%), and 68.54% of the cases were unvaccinated. Nasal discharge was the most common symptom (46.44%). The incidence of CDV peaked during the rainy season, with Cabanatuan City reporting the highest number of cases. A significant association was observed between age (p=0.003), breed (p=0.042), and CDV infection.

Hematologic profile of tick paralysis in a domestic cat

Stevanie Andrea Wijaya — 2024-09-08

Tick paralysis is a toxicosis in animals caused by the infestation of ectoparasites, such as lice or ticks, which secrete neurotoxins that lead to muscle paralysis. This article reports the haematology findings of a 2-year-old male domestic cat diagnosed with tick paralysis at the West Java Provincial Veterinary Hospital. The cat, recently adopted as a stray, presented with hind limb incoordination, Ctenocephalides felis infestation, decreased appetite, constipation, and dehydration. Physical examination revealed the cat was severely underweight (BCS 1/5) with abnormal vital signs, including a rectal temperature of 37°C, respiration rate of 10 bpm, and pulse rate of 260 bpm. Haematological analysis showed granulocytosis, macrocytic anaemia, and thrombocytopenia. The cat was treated with doxycycline, cyproheptadine, vitamin and mineral supplements, iron dextran, NaCl 0.9%, and tick removal. This case underscores the importance of haematological monitoring in managing tick paralysis and ensuring an adequate treatment response.

Amblyomma sp. infestation on a Javan Pangolins (Manis javanica) at the Cikananga Wildlife Center

Tetty Barunawati Siagian — 2024-09-08

Javan Pangolins in ex-situ conservation are vulnerable to tick infestations. This study aimed to identify the tick species infesting three female Javan Pangolins at the Cikananga Wildlife Center, all confiscated by the Conservation Area Management in Sukabumi, Indonesia, from wildlife trafficking. One pangolin had a documented history of tick infestation. Tick collection involved carefully handling and restraining the pangolins, opening their scales, and applying cotton soaked in 70% alcohol to the infested areas for five minutes. The ticks were removed with anatomical tweezers and preserved in 70% alcohol. Microscopic identification at 100x magnification revealed the ticks to be Amblyomma sp., characterized by a rectangular capitulum base, long slender palpi, an anal ridge and groove, and 13 festoons. This study concludes that the ticks infesting Javan Pangolins at the Cikananga Wildlife Center belong to the Amblyomma species, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and management of ectoparasites in conservation environments.

Pathology of proventricular tetrameriasis in a free-range chicken

Palagan Senopati Sewoyo — 2024-09-08

This case report aimed to investigate the aetiology of proventricular lesions and associated clinical symptoms in local free-range chickens suspected of having proventricular tetrameriasis. Proventricular tetrameriasis is a poultry disease caused by the nematode Tetrameres sp. In this case, 15 local free-range chickens, approximately eight months old, from Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, exhibited symptoms of anorexia and greenish diarrhoea, resulting in the death of three chickens. One of the deceased chickens underwent thorough examinations, including anatomical pathology (PA), histopathology (HP), hemagglutinin (HA), and hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) tests for Newcastle disease virus (NDV). PA examination revealed blackish and reddish nodules on the proventriculus surface, although both HA and HI tests for NDV returned negative results. HP examination of the proventriculus tissue revealed cross-sections of Tetrameres sp. nematodes with pseudo-coeloms filled with bright eosinophilic fluids. Additionally, ectasia of the proventricular glands, with compression atrophy and mild inflammation, was observed.

Clinical diagnosis and therapeutic approach for stomatitis in an albino-reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) at Gembira Loka Zoo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Ketawang Enggar Panggalih — 2024-09-08

This case report highlights effective treatment strategies for stomatitis in reticulated pythons, providing valuable insights into veterinary care in reptile conservation. Albino-reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance as predators, making their health essential for conservation. At Gembira Loka Zoo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, an albino python was reported by the zoo keeper to have been off feed for approximately 1-2 months. An attending veterinarian from the reptile unit conducted a thorough examination, revealing inflammation in the mouth and mucosal tissue, along with missing teeth. The affected tooth was extracted to prevent further aggravation of the condition. Treatment included the application of an antiseptic spray containing 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate and Oxyfresh Dental Gel to the inflamed areas of the mouth. Additionally, supportive therapy with Hematodin was administered. Python showed significant improvement after nine days of treatment, with reduced inflammation and a gradual return to health.

Toxocariosis accompanied with conjunctivitis, scabies, thrombocytopenia in a domestic cat

I Made Bagi Rate — 2024-09-08

Toxocariasis, conjunctivitis, and scabies are common health issues in cats and are caused by nematode worms, viral or bacterial infections, and mites, respectively. This article reports a case involving a two-month-old female domestic cat named Jeni, who was brought to the veterinarian due to complaints of diarrhea, eye discharge, itching, skin lesions, and hair loss. Laboratory examinations revealed the presence of Toxocara cati eggs through faecal analysis using native and flotation methods, bacteria from a cytological examination of conjunctival smears later identified as Staphylococcus sp. through bacterial culture, and Sarcoptes scabiei from superficial skin scraping. A complete blood count showed leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, granulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and hypochromic anemia. The patient was diagnosed with toxocariasis, conjunctivitis, scabies, and thrombocytopenia, with a guarded prognosis. Treatment included the administration of pyrantel pamoate, kaolin-pectin, chloramphenicol, dexamethasone eye drops, ivermectin, diphenhydramine HCl, and multivitamin syrup. Despite four days of treatment, the cat did not survive and died, after which an autopsy was performed. Gross pathological changes included intestinal and pulmonary hemorrhage, while histopathological examination revealed congestion and necrosis in the bronchioles, as well as hemorrhage and edema in the lungs. Necrosis was also found in the intestinal villi and crypts of Lieberkühn, supporting the diagnosis of toxocariasis, with suspected Toxocara cati larval migration to the lungs.

Anatomical pathology features in day-old chicks with omphalitis

Firda Aisyah Hermawan — 2024-09-11

Omphalitis, an infection caused by various bacteria entering the exposed umbilicus or bloodstream, significantly contributes to chick mortality within the first week post-hatch, often due to suboptimal hygiene practices during hatching. This case study aimed to characterise the effects of omphalitis on day-old chicks (DOCs) by examining the anatomical and pathological changes. Necropsies were performed on four DOCs at Poultry Breeding Development Center Jatiwangi, Majalengka, West Java, Indonesia. Observations revealed that the infected chicks had small body sizes, dull feathers, enlarged yolk sacs, and unhealed umbilici. Anatomical pathology revealed abdominal distension, necrotic yolk stalks, and greenish, foul-smelling yolk sacs.

Cytological and complete blood count profile in a dog with suspected skin tumours

Chika Khaerani Mutiara — 2024-09-14

Skin tumours are among the most prevalent neoplasms in older dogs, and often display diverse clinical signs. This case report outlines the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a suspected skin tumour in a 10-year-old obese female Golden Retriever weighing 46 kg. The owner brought the dog to West Java Provincial Animal Hospital with mandibular swelling, decreased appetite, and tachypnoea. Physical examination revealed a rectal temperature of 40.1°C, painful mandibular swelling, respiratory rate of 236 breaths per minute, and heart rate of 88 beats per minute. Cytology revealed pleomorphism, coarse chromatin, and nuclear moulding, suggesting increased cellular activity. Haematological results showed leukocytosis, granulocytosis, and hyperchromic normocytic anaemia, likely due to the release of proinflammatory cytokines from the tumour and immune cells. Differential diagnosis included sialadenitis, apocrine gland tumours, and salivary gland adenocarcinoma. The final diagnosis was skin tumour with poor prognosis. The treatment involved iron dextran, supplements, dexamethasone, sulfadiazine-trimethoprim, cyproheptadine HCl, and tolfenamic acid

Extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunt in a maltese dog

Irene Kosim — 2024-09-15

A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal connection between the portal and systemic veins, either congenital or acquired, with extrahepatic types being common in small breeds. This case report describes an 11-month-old intact female Maltese presenting with frequent vomiting, drooling, and disorientation. Physical examination revealed that the dog was underweight, and abdominal radiography revealed microhepatica. Blood tests revealed elevated ammonia levels, confirming the diagnosis of a congenital portosystemic shunt. Surgical ligation of the shunt was performed successfully, leading to recovery of the dog, marked by normalised ammonia levels and weight gain.