<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Hereditary eye diseases occur to varying degrees in all dog breeds. Individual purebred breeds have specific predispositions to various eye disorders. The German Shepherd is diagnosed mainly with chronic superficial keratitis/pannus, but also with: distichiasis, plasmoma/atypical pannus, corneal dystrophy, persistent pupillary membranes, cataract, cone degeneration, retinal dysplasia, optic nerve hypoplasia/micropapilla, and limbal melanoma. Individual ocular abnormalities are manifested by characteristic clinical manifestations and ophthalmological findings. Some eye diseases can lead to blindness, others affect the comfort of life or work use of the dog to varying degrees. A thorough knowledge of individual ocular pathologies in a particular breed leads not only to the identification of the diagnosis but also to the correct assessment of the dog’s breeding usability.
</abstract>

Hereditary Eye Diseases in German Shepherd Dog

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The antifungal activities of 14 selected essential oils (at the concentrations of 0.5 %, 5 %, and 30 %) against the yeast <italic>Malassezia pachydermatis</italic> (18 isolates and one reference strain) were investigated. The isolates of <italic>M. pachydermatis</italic> were obtained from swabs of external ear canals of healthy dogs using sterile swabs. The determination of the efficacy was based on a modified disc diffusion method (CLSI M44-A2). The best antifungal efficacy (100 %) was shown by clove, cinnamon and oregano at the concentration of 30 %; less significant efficacy was shown at the concentration of 5 % (38 %, 33 % and 5 %, respectively). Satureja inhibited the growth of <italic>Malassezia</italic> (efficacy of 16 %) only at the concentration of 30 %. Bergamot, lavender, juniper, cedar, sage, tea-tree, grapefruit, pine, chamomile and yarrow essential oils were not able to form inhibition zones as defined in the methodology used (greater or equal to 15 mm) in all concentrations used. Therefore, according to the interpretation criterion, they were considered ineffective. In all cases, the concentration of 0.5 % was not effective against the growth of <italic>Malassezia</italic> yeasts.</abstract>

Antifungal Effect of Selected Essential Oils on <italic>Malassezia pachydermatis</italic> Growth

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Ear cropping is a controversial subject with both supporters as well as detractors. Some consider that the procedure is cruel and unnecessary, while others consider it to be routine and harmless. The cropping of the ears of dogs for cosmetic reasons has no medical merit. It is a cosmetic, surgical procedure performed to achieve a specific appearance that matches the desired image and sometimes the standard of certain breeds of dogs. Cosmetic surgery offers the dog the desired look, but it is not a necessity. This procedure must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Those interventions cause pain and anxiety and, like all surgical procedures, are associated with the risk of anaesthesia problems, blood loss and infection. There is only a thin line between what is convenient for the animal and what is good. Almost every community has legislation on animal welfare which includes amputation issues. If something is considered normal in some countries, this does not necessarily mean that it is also moral. The lack of legal consequences may lead some owners to produce certain breeds of dogs to their liking, but they should not be allowed to cripple their dog for their own personal benefit. Amputation can only be performed legally by a veterinarian and a new problem arises. This is because there are veterinarians who refuse to practice that kind of intervention. Some of them may think that since the legislation is unclear, they might be charged with a crime.</abstract>

Dogs Health Related to Ear Cropping

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between functional recovery and timing of surgery in dogs diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease treated surgically. Intervertebral disc disease is the most common spinal disease in dogs; it plays a significant role in the scientific field by its high prevalence. There is also an existing hypothesis that the faster the surgery is performed, the better the outcome will be. The data were collected during two years at one institution. The patients were neurologically assessed using the modified Frankel score when they were first diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease at the clinic and later after the surgery and during the following weeks. A total of 36 dogs were included in this study, represented by 13 different dog breeds and crossbreeds. In total 17 were females and 19 males. The mean age of the patients was 6.9 ± 2.97 years (range 2—15 years) and the mean body condition score was 3.5 within a scale of 1—5. Out of the 36 evaluated dogs, surgery was performed on 25 of them. The mean time of duration of clinical signs before surgery was 9 ± 13 days. The main limitation of this study was the small group of investigated dogs. Although the study was based on a small number of participants, the findings suggested that the timing of the surgery and recovery had a positive Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.39; implying that the timing of the surgery may have affected the recovery.
</abstract>

Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs – The Relationship Between Recovery and Timing of Surgery

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Skin wounds are a common presentation in small animal practice. The successful management of wound healing in dogs and cats requires knowledge of the physiology of the wound healing process and the application of an appropriate therapeutic intervention. Many wounds are colonised by bacteria or show signs of clinical infection. Infections can delay wound healing, impair cosmetic outcome and increase healthcare costs. Because of a lack of papers giving an overall prevalence of bacteria in different types of wounds, 45 samples were taken from patients treated at the Small Animals Clinic, Section of Surgery, Orthopaedics, Roentgenology and Reproduction of the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice during the years 2017 — 2018 to determine the types of wounds and the prevalence of bacterial contamination of the wounds. Samples were obtained by using cotton-tipped swabs and then cultivated on Sabouraud’s plates in the Institute of Microbiology and Gnotobiology of the University. All 45 animals used in this research were first subjected to an anatomical and clinical exam to determine the patient’s health condition and the status of the wounds. Of these 45 samples, 9 were negative. Of the remaining 36 samples, 12 were cultivated and tested to give only the genera of the bacteria present, whilst 24 were tested more extensively for a specific diagnosis of the species. The most common wound was due to a bite from another animal; these made up 12 out of the 45 cases (26.67 %). There were 10 cases of dehiscence of old wounds (22.22 %), whereas there were only 2 cases of surgical wound complications (4.44 %). There were 5 puncture wounds or fistulas (11.11 %), 4 lacerations (8.88 %), 1 degloving injury (2.22 %), 1 seroma (2.22 %), 1 foreign body (2.22 %), 1 crushing injury (2.22 %), 1 case of contusion and necrosis (2.22 %), 1 cases of dermatitis with resulting pruritic lesions (2.22 %), and 1 cutting injury from a tight wire collar (2.22 %). Five cases (11.11 %) were wounds of unknown aetiology. The most commonly found bacteria was <italic>Staphylococcus intermedius</italic>, which was found in 14 out of the 45 wounds (31.11 %). From this study it appears that the first consideration for treatment of infected wounds should be a treatment plan which will have a high efficacy against <italic>Staphylococcus</italic> spp. However, despite the high prevalence of <italic>Staphylococcus</italic> spp., our results revealed that they are not present all of the time.</abstract>

Types of Wounds and the Prevalence of Bacterial Contamination of Wounds in the Clinical Practice of Small Animals

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Tetanus is a neurologic non-transmissible disease (often fatal) of humans and other animals with a worldwide occurrence. <italic>Clostridium tetani</italic> is the spore producing bacillus which causes the bacterial disease. In deep penetrating wounds the spores germinate and produce a toxin called tetanospasmin. The main characteristic sign of tetanus is a spastic paralysis. A diagnosis is usually based on the clinical signs because the detection in the wound and the cultivation of <italic>C. tetani</italic> is very difficult. Between animal species there is considerable variability in the susceptibility to the bacillus. The most sensitive animal species to the neurotoxin are horses. Sheep and cattle are less sensitive and tetanus in these animal species are less common. Tetanus in cats and dogs are rare and dogs are less sensitive than cats. Clinically two forms of tetanus have been recognized, i. e. localized and generalized. The available treatment is not specific because the toxin in neuronal cells cannot be accessed by antitoxin antibodies. The aim of the therapy is to: neutralise the unbound neurotoxin, inhibit <italic>C. tetani</italic> growth in the wound, and provide supportive care to mitigate the effects of the neurotoxin. The treatment is difficult with an unclear prognosis.</abstract>

Tetanus in Animals — Summary of Knowledge

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Algeria is a major importer of milk and dairy cows, with the Holstein and Monbéliarde breeds being the most common. Adapting these cows to their new environment poses a significant challenge in maintaining their original performance. This research aims to determine how feed input and milk production relate to body condition score (BCS) and energy reserves. Over three lactation periods, two flocks of dairy cows, 20 Prim’Holstein (PH) and 20 Montbéliarde (MB), pregnant at 5.6 ± 0.4 (PH) and 5.5 ± 0.4 (MB) months, were monitored under the same rearing conditions. The staple diet consisted of barley silage, green clover, grain barley, and wheat bran, with concentrate consumed twice daily during the milking period. Throughout three lactation periods, the state of body reserves deteriorated gradually, reaching BCS values below 2. In the first lactation, milk production was 4,211 ± 340 kg for MB and 3,965 ± 328 kg for PH, 5,024 ± 360 kg (MB) and 4,660 ± 420 kg (PH) in the second lactation and 5,700 ± 530 kg (MB) and 5,180 ± 400 kg (PH) in the third lactation. During the first week of lactation, the energy needs coverage rates for PH and MB were only 70 % and 77 %, respectively, while on the 30th day they were 66 % and 74 %, respectively. The balance between needs and inputs is restored at 120 %, starting on the 90th day of lactation. This energy deficit was recurring in both breeds and occurred during subsequent lactation.
</abstract>

Energy Inputs and Needs: Impact on Milk Production and Body Reserves in Dairy Cows

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Lungworm infections are known to be frequent and responsible for substantial economic losses in ruminants. They are caused by <italic>Dictyocaulus filaria</italic> and various species belonging to the Protostrongylidae family of nematodes. This present study was conducted at the Tiaret municipal slaughterhouse and the parasitology laboratory of the veterinary institute for six months, from November 2016 to April 2017. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of lungworm infections and the determination of the circulating species affecting sheep in the region with a pathological study of infected pulmonary tissue sections. The overall incidence of the pathology in sheep was 26 % (240/921). The identified species were <italic>Muellerius capillaris </italic>43 %, <italic>Neostrongylus linearis </italic>8 %, <italic>Cystocaulus ocreatus </italic>4 %, <italic>Dictyocaulus filaria </italic>3 %, <italic>Protostrongylus rufescens </italic>1 %, and mixed infestations 42 %. The histological examination of corresponding lesions has revealed pneumonia-type, and bronchopneumonia, inflammatory lesions, with a predominance of mononuclear cells, necrosis of bronchial epithelium, and pulmonary parenchyma as well as hyperplasia of the bronchiolar epithelium. Prevention and control of these parasites is therefore essential for releasing the potential of sheep production.
</abstract>

Ovine Lungworms Infection in Tiaret (Algeria): Prevalence, Species Involved, and Pathological Findings

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Thiacloprid is an insecticide of the neonicotinoid family that acts on the insect’s nAChR receptor and causes its paralysis and subsequent death. The genotoxicity of the insecticide Calypso® 480 SC (with the active substance thiacloprid) to human peripheral lymphocytes was examined <italic>in vitro</italic> by comet analysis and phosphorylated H2AX, where we detected DNA breaks. To detect DNA damage in comet analysis, we used thiacloprid-based insecticide in three different concentrations (60, 240, and 480 μg.ml−1) during 2 h of exposure. We recorded a statistically significant percentage of damage at a concentration of 240 and 480 μg.ml−1. We monitored the toxicity of thiacloprid using yH2AX foci, and we did not observe a statistically significant number of foci compared to the negative control.
</abstract>

DNA Damage Detection After Pesticide Exposure

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective barrier that prevents most substances from entering the brain from the bloodstream, including bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, this restriction also applies to 99.9 % of therapeutics, posing significant challenges in the treatment of brain diseases. Overcoming this barrier is critical for effective treatment of neurological disorders. Several drug delivery systems are being developed to improve transport of therapeutic agent across the BBB. For example, nanoparticles (liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers), nanocarriers (micelles, nanogels), protein-based delivery (penetrating peptides, exosomes), focused ultrasound, and most recently, a filamentous phage based nanocarriers. Filamentous bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and are not designed to infect eukaryotic cells. Recent evidence suggests that filamentous bacteriophages, such as M13, can cross BBB and enter the central nervous system (CNS). Researchers have been investigating the potential use of M13 as drug carriers, including the delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain. This entails modifying the bacteriophages to carry payloads such as drugs and using them as a delivery system. The BBB’s complexity and the potential risks associated with changing it necessitate careful consideration in the development of such strategies. M13 nanocarrier development is ongoing, and advancements may lead to new therapeutic options for treating infections in the CNS. However, it is important to note that this field is still in its infancy, and more research is needed to assess the feasibility and safety of using modified bacteriophages to cross the BBB. This brief review attempts to compile current research on the potential use of bacteriophages for drug transport across the BBB.
</abstract>

Mphages and the Blood-Brain Barrier: A Review

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Cleft lip (CL), palate (CP), or both (CLP) are one of the most common congenital abnormalities in humans, causing a heavy burden to the affected and their next of kin. We examined biopsy material from CL of seven children: Six 2 to 6 month-old babies and one 4-year-old boy. The samples were taken at the first surgical cleft lip repair. Light microscopy (LM) haematoxylin and eosin stained paraffin sections and toluidine blue stained 0.5–1 μm Durcupan sections from material processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealed abnormal “ragged” wavy muscle fibres in all seven children. The routine TEM confirmed our results LM; we found no other changes in the soft tissues in TEM; blood vessels of loose connective tissue and nerve fibres were normal. Therefore, we believe that myopathic changes in the cleft lip muscle fibres cannot be of neuronal origin. 
</abstract>

Structure of Soft Tissues in Congenital Unilateral Cleft Lip, Light and Electron Microscopic Observations

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<italic>Toxoplasma gondii</italic> is a single-cell parasite capable of infecting almost all homeotherms posing a grave public health risk globally. There is limited available literature on the <italic>T. gondii </italic>strains circulating in bird species in the Plateau State, of Nigeria. Consequently, this study was carried out to identify and confirm <italic>T. gondii</italic> infection and also determine the relationship of the DNA sequences with those of bird species in other parts of the world. To achieve this, brain and heart tissues of 25 bird species were sampled and a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and sequence analyses of the B1 gene were carried out. The DNA of <italic>T. gondii </italic>was identified in the heart and brain tissues of 7/7 (100.0 %) of wild bird species, and 15/18 (83.3 %) of domestic local chickens (<italic>Gallus gallus domesticus</italic>) sampled. The evolutionary relationship among the <italic>T</italic>. <italic>gondii</italic> sequences in this study using phylogenetic tree constructed by maximum likelihood method showed the sequences shared a common ancestor with the Type I RH strain (GenBank: AF179871). The <italic>T</italic>. <italic>gondii </italic>sequences were in a cluster distinct from other sequences in the GenBank. Calculations of genetic differentiation and genetic diversity indices undertaken and collated revealed three haplotypes with higher haplotype diversity within the <italic>T. gondii </italic>sequences obtained from wild birds (0.667) compared with the sequences from local chickens (0.333). A 97–100 % homology among the aligned sequences of <italic>T</italic>. <italic>gondii</italic> in the study shows that only one strain type exists in all of the samples. This study has established the occurrence of <italic>T. gondii </italic>infection in asymptomatic bird species in the study area and portrays them as carriers, and potential sources of human infection.
</abstract>

Detection and Sequence Analysis of <italic>Toxoplasma Gondii</italic> B1 Gene in Tissues of Some Bird Species in Plateau State, Nigeria

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> One of the traditional plants that have so many pharmacological effects is chilli fruit (Capsicum sp.) that belong to the family Solanaceae. Around the world, five varieties of Capsicum are known, i. e., C. annuum, C. frutescens, C. chinense, C. baccatum, and C. pubescens. Chilli peppers are known for causing the sensation of heat or burning when consumed. The heat sensation is incited by the type and the amount of a group of capsaicinoids; the alkaloids found only in chilli pepper pods. A widely used heat measurement of chilli peppers is the SHU (Scoville Heating Unit). This measurement is the highest dilution of a chilli pepper extract at which heat can be detected by a taste panel. Nowadays, the Scoville organoleptic test has been largely replaced by chromatographic methods which are considered to be more reliable and accurate. The HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) method was used for the determination of capsaicin content in various fresh and dried peppers from the genera C. chinense. Currently, based on the results of HPLC, the hottest pepper has been Bhut Jolokia, followed by Habanero Red Savina and Habanero Yellow etc. The content of capsaicin in dried chillies is 7-10 times higher compared to fresh ones.</abstract>

Determination of Capsaicin Content and Pungency Level of Different Fresh and Dried Chilli Peppers

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Food dyes are largely used in the process of manufacturing pharmaceutical products. The aim of such a procedure is not only to increase the attractiveness of products, but also to help patients distinguish between pharmaceuticals. Various dyes, especially organic colouring agents, may in some cases have a negative impact on the human body. They are incorporated into pharmaceutical products including tablets, hard gelatine capsules or soft gelatine capsules, lozenges, syrups, etc. This article provides an overview of the most widely used colouring agents in pharmaceuticals, their characteristics and the EU legislation which regulates their use.</abstract>

Organic Colouring Agents in the Pharmaceutical Industry

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Plant extracts and essential oils (EOs) are characterized by their antibacterial properties against various bacterial pathogens, including staphylococci. Some strains of these bacteria are resistant against the adverse effects of the environment including antibiotics, e. g. methicillin-resistant <italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic> (MRSA). EOs alone cannot substitute for antibiotics but their treatment may be useful to intensify and strengthen the effects of antibiotics on pathogenic staphylococci. In this work, we tested the antibacterial effects of the essential oils of <italic>Mentha</italic> species with menthol as one of the effective substances against different strains of <italic>S. aureus</italic>. Two <italic>in vitro</italic> methods were used, the qualitative disc diffusion assay and the quantitative minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of selected essential oils. Peppermint oil from <italic>Mentha piperita</italic>, spearmint oil from <italic>Mentha spicata</italic> var. <italic>crispa</italic> and cornmint oil from <italic>Mentha arvensis</italic> were tested in this study against the various strains of <italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic>, including methicillin resistant <italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic> (MRSA). The oils were dissolved in DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and diluted at the following ratios: 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 1 : 5, and 1 : 10. Based on the results determined by the agar disc diffusion test, the highest antibacterial properties were observed in spearmint oil against <italic>S. aureus</italic> CCM 4223 at 1 : 2 ratio where the inhibition zone varied at a range of 35.67 ± 6.81 mm. We determined also the MIC of all the oils where concentrations of the oils were as follows: 1 %; 0.5 %; 0.25 %; 0.125 % and 0.0625 %. The lowest concentrations of essential oils that possessed inhibitory effects on the growth of <italic>S. aureus</italic> varied between 0.125 % and 0.25 %.</abstract>

<italic>In vitro</italic> Antibacterial Activity of Mentha Essential Oils Against <italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic>

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The gastrointestinal tract, like the urinary, respiratory, reproductive tracts and the surface of the eye, has large surface areas which are in contact with the exterior environment. The mucosal tissues in the gastrointestinal tract are exposed to large number of exogenous, water or food born microbiota. Therefore, they serve as access routes for different types of bacteria, parasites, viruses, enzymes and toxins. In order to protect the mucosal tissues against pathogens and aggressive enzymes, which are necessary in digestive processes, they are covered by a resident microbial flora and also by a viscoelastic adherent mucous gel layer. The mucus layer acts as the first line of defense against threats and also as a positive environment for beneficial endogenous microbiota adapted for symbiotic living. The quantity and quality of mucus layers varies throughout the gastrointestinal tube and is often changed and disrupted during the occurrence disease. A disturbed mucus layer in the intestine can result in changes in the whole organism, such as: impaired immunity, loss of weight and weak food conversion, which is important, especially in food animals. That is why several researchers have focused on these changes, both in humans and other animals, to find out methods and countermeasures, which will facilitate the best protection for the mucus layer in the intestine. In this review, we describe the composition and function of the mucus layer and mucins in the intestine.</abstract>

Intestinal Mucus Layer and Mucins (A Review)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Vanadium (V), a heavy metal, has been reported to induce central nervous system toxicity leading to various behavioural impairments. It is characterized by the production of reactive oxygen. The present study was designed to test the possibility of <italic>Grewia carpinifolia</italic> ethanolic extract in preventing behavioural alterations following acute vanadium toxicity in mice. Twenty five Swiss albino mice (25—27 g) were completely randomized into 5 groups (A—E) of 5 animals each. Group A received distilled water and served as a control; group B, received vitamin E (500 mg.kg−1 b. w. every 72 hours), a known antioxidant orally, along with a daily dose of sodium metavanadate intraperitoneally (i. p.) for 7 days; group C and group D received <italic>Grewia carpinifolia</italic> leaf extract at 100 and 200 mg.kg−1 b.w orally respectively, along with the sodium metavanadate i. p. for 7 days; while group E received sodium metavanadate i. p. only for 7 days. The behavioural and motor functions were analysed by the open field, negative geotaxis, and hanging wire tests; the daily body and brain weights were recorded. <italic>Grewia carpinifolia</italic> ethanolic extracts significantly reduced the number of grooming, stretched attend posture, and freezing time that were significantly increased in the vanadium only group and also enhanced the vestibular functions. In addition, the latent time spent on the hanging wire in groups simultaneously administered with the extract and V compared favourably (P &gt; 0.05) with the control groups but a decrease in latent time was observed in the V only group. The results suggest that acute V toxicity results in various behavioural deficits and support a possible role of <italic>Grewia carpinifolia</italic> as a protective agent against acute vanadium-toxicity with a better result at 200 mg.kg−1 b. w.</abstract>

Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology,

Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan,

Neuroprotective Effect of <italic>Grewia carpinifolia</italic> Extract against Vanadium Induced Behavioural Impairment

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The effects of zinc sulphate on selected properties of <italic>L. plantarum</italic> CCM 7102 were tested <italic>in vitro</italic>. The resistance of lactobacilli to higher concentrations of ZnSO4 (up to 5000 mg Zn2+.l−1) in growth media was strain-dependent. Further studies were carried out on the most resistant strain of <italic>L. plantarum</italic> CCM 7102. While the addition of low concentrations of zinc sulphate into the growth media (&lt; 100 mg Zn2+.l−1) did not influence the properties of <italic>L. plantarum</italic> CCM 7102, the concentrations of 100—500 mg Zn2+.l−1 stimulated: the growth rate, production of lactic acid, adhesion to porcine enterocytes and the inhibition of pathogens <italic>E. coli</italic> O8:K88+ent+, <italic>S. enterica</italic> and <italic>S. Typhimurium</italic>. Conversely, however, high concentrations &gt; 500 mg Zn2+.l−1 inhibited these properties. The addition of zinc (250 mg Zn2+.l−1) did not affect the resistance to antimicrobials, low pH, and the resistance to bile salt was affected only weakly. Zinc-resistant probiotic <italic>Lactobacillus</italic> strains are suitable for use in feedstuffs with a higher content of zinc designed for the prevention of post weaning diarrhoea in pigs.</abstract>

Influence of Zinc Sulphate on the Probiotic Properties of <italic>Lactobacillus plantarum</italic> CCM 7102

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