Summary Detomidine (Domosedan) was administered to four groups of donkeys, using four different dosages (5, 10, 20 and 40μg/kg bwt) intravenously. The drug provided adequate sedation at dosages of 5 and 10 μg/kg bwt. Sedation deepened only slightly by increasing the dose. Analgesia was considered good with a dose of 20 μg/kg, and 40 μg/kg provided a deep analgesia associated with a longer duration. No significant changes had been observed in haematocrit (PCV), haemoglobin content (Hb%), total red and white cell counts and differential leucocytic counts. It was concluded that detomidine is a valuable sedative and analgesic drug to be used in donkeys without any serious implications.

No abstract

Ovine theileriosis is a hemoprotazoan infection transmitted by tick bites which cause severe economic loss. This study aimed to survey Theileria infection of sheep in different localities of Egypt (Cairo, Giza and Al Monofia) by using microscopic and molecular detection associated with clinicopathological and pathological investigations. A total of 152 sheep blood samples were selected from farms and veterinary clinics. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed that the incidence of Theileria infection was 21.7% while the incidence was 36.8% using PCR assay (universal Theileria spp. Primer). The use of species-specific primers showed a result of 53.6% single infection; Theileria ovis, and 46.4% mixed infection; T. ovis and Theileria lestoquardi. According to the results of PCR, animals were divided into 3 groups: Theileria negative group, T. ovis group and mixed T. ovis and T. lestoquardi group. The examination of both infected groups revealed non-significant changes between them. The hemogram revealed significant macrocytic hypochromic anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, monocytopenia, eosinopenia and thrombocytopenia in Theileria infected groups compared with Theileria negative group. Biochemical analysis revealed significant hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, total and indirect hyperbilirubinemia with elevations of AST and GGT activities with increase in concentration of BUN and creatinine while no significant changes in A:G ratio values and direct bilirubin concentration in Theileria infected groups compared with Theileria negative group. The pathological investigation revealed lymphocytic depletion and necrosis with hemorrhages in lymph node and spleen. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed by targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Theileria spp. In conclusion, according to our knowledge, this is the first report of phylogeny of T. lestoquardi infected sheep in Egypt.

Background Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that adversely affects both human and animal health. Chronic cadmium exposure causes serious kidney damage. The current study investigated the protective role of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced renal injury. Method One hundred and twenty male albino rats were divided into 6 equal groups. Group (C): considered as control group which was given distilled water orally. Group (NC.1 and NC.5): rats were injected i.p. with nanoceria at a dose of (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg b.wt), respectively, twice a week for 2 weeks starting at the 15th day of the study. Group (Cd): rats were received CdCl2 orally (10 mg/kg b.wt) daily for 28 days. Groups (Cd + NC.1 and Cd + NC.5): rats were given CdCl2 orally (10 mg/kg b.wt) for 28 days and CeO2NPs by i.p. injection at a dose of (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg b.wt), respectively, twice a week for 2 weeks started at the 15th day of the experiment. Results The Cd group exhibited a significant increase in the serum levels of IL-1β, KIM-1, Cys-C, and β2-MG, downregulation of the antioxidant initiator genes such as Nrf-2, and up-regulation of apoptosis markers such as nibrin gene (NBN). Urine examination showed a high level of microalbuminuria, abnormal physical, chemical, and microscopical changes in comparison with control groups. Conculsion Remarkably, posttreatment with CeO2NPs showed significant improvement in kidney histopathological picture and relieved the alterations in kidney biomarkers, inflammatory markers, urine abnormalities, and expressions of different genes as Nrf-2 and NBN.

No abstract