The effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya) plant extract on the haematological and serum testosterone of West African dwarf (WAD) breeding rams was carried out. The plant has been used traditionally for both medicinal and non-medicinal purposes. Eight West African dwarf rams were used in this study. The experiment spanned through 14 weeks. The weight of the animals was between 20 to 25 kg and the age between 18 to 24 months at the completion of the experiment. These animals were divided into groups A and B, there were 4 animals in each group. The animals were fed on concentrates and Chaya leaf extract was administered for 4 weeks. This study concludes that the use of 20 or 30% aqueous extract of C. aconitifolius for a period of four weeks led to a significant reduction in testosterone concentration. Therefore, the prolonged feeding of C. aconitifolius may precipitate decreased sexual function, a reduction in libido and erectile dysfunction because of low testosterone concentration and also a decrease value on haemoglobin which can precipitate anaemia and finally infertility in the male animals.

Physiological whelping occurs at the end of gestation and involves the expulsion of fetus/pups through the genital tract aided by natural forces. These reports draw the attention of practitioners and breeders to the possibility of some unusual events during whelping and precautions to be taken in its management. They also highlight some unethical practices by breeders that may put in jeopardy processes and outcome of whelping. Two bitches separately presented to a Veterinary Hospital with history of dystocia were investigated. The dystocia was characterized by prolonged inter-whelping interval (more than 72 hours) in the first and unproductive labour in the second. Administration of appropriate doses of oxytocin led to the relief of the dystocia in both cases. The misuse of oxytocin by breeders was probably responsible for alteration in whelping events. The above reports suggest that dystocia should be thoroughly evaluated, an appropriate obstetric management regimen be established, strict enforcement of regulations guiding drug handling by non-professionals should be recommended.Keywords: Bitch, Dystocia, Oxytocin, Unethical practices, Unusual whelping

Cerebral venous thrombosis is an uncommon and serious complication of contraceptive medication, which often masquerades as a simple headache. The clinical picture is often confusing and imaging is critical to the diagnosis of this disorder. This case report illustrates a case of dural venous thrombosis and a review of the radiological features of cerebral venous thrombosis.

Contamination of soil and underlying groundwater with spent engine oil from automobile workshops and garages has serious ecological problems affecting plants and animals. The spermatotoxic potential of spent engine oil (SEO) was investigated using 24 adult male Swiss albino mice having mean weight of 24.67±0.2 g for 30 days. The mice were divided into 4 groups A, B, C, D of six mice each. Group A (control) was treated orally with distilled water, B (100% water soluble fractions (WSF) of spent engine oil), C (10% water soluble fractions (WSF) of spent engine oil) and D (1% water soluble fractions (WSF) of spent engine oil). It was observed that the mean percentage sperm motility, viability and sperm count of the treated groups B, C, and D decreased compared to the control, although the differences were not significant (p>0.05). This same trend was observed for the morphologically abnormal sperm cells of mice in the treated groups compared to the control. It was concluded in this study that treatment with water soluble fractions of spent engine oil for 30 days had no negative effect on the semen characteristics and testicular biometry of Swiss albino mice.