An innovative assembly to maintain isoflurane anaesthesia in rats is described. This assembly was used successfully in laboratory rats for dental procedures that may last as long as sixty minutes. Repeated exposures to isoflurane anaesthesia, of up to eight times within a 30-day study period in healthy laboratory rats did not result in any observable adverse-effects.
Leptospirosis is re-emerging in Malaysia and many other tropical countries. Its infection of human and animal’s worldwide. The study was carried out to identify predominate Leptospira serovars within rat populations in Kuala Lumpur (KL) by microscopic agglutination test (MAT). As well to investigate the frequency of infection by polymerase chain reaction assays (PCR). The isolated cultures that obtained from culturing kidney tissue of 112 trapped rats from four sites in KL, were identified by MAT using panel of 16 standard hyper immune anti-sera. Besides, identification of Leptospira strains by PCR amplification with G1/G2 and ompL1 Borgpetersenii genes. Results from typing by MAT revealed that 8/57 (7.1%) of cultured isolates reacted against; hyper-immune antisera of serogroup Javanica and 13/57 (22.8%) against serogroup Bataviae. Whereas, the rest of isolates recorded across reactivity 1/20 against serogroups; Icterohaemorrhagiae 2/57, Canicola 1/57, Australis 2/57. From PCR-G1/G2; 50/112 (50.9%) cultures were positive included (40/57 cultures positive to isolation and 10/55 cultures negative to isolation). While, from PCR-ompL1 Borgpetersenii gene; 21/112 (18.7%) cultures positive included (17/57 cultures positive to isolation and 4/55 cultures were negative to isolation). It is obvious from this study that serogroups Javanica and Bataviae were the predominant among rat populations in KL. Also it revealed the high frequency of pathogenic strains among rat populations and their potential risk of humans and animals contracting infection.
Cattle is one of an important maintenance hosts involved in the transmission of leptospirosis. Serological method is always implemented to detect current or past leptospiral infection in cattle. The results can be obtained immediately compared to isolation method which need more longer time. An in-house IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using heat-killed whole cells of local isolate Leptospira kmetyi serovar malaysia strain Bejo-Iso9 (ELISABejo-Iso9) was developed in this study. The perfomance of ELISA-Bejo-Iso9 was compared with in-house IgGELISA using reference strain 117123 (hardjo bovis) antigen (ELISA-117123) and CUSABIO® commercial ELISA. It was found that, the performance of ELISA-Bejo-Iso9 was promising to compete with commercial ELISA. The specificity and sensitivity was 98.75% and 53.75%, respectively. The sensitivity of ELISA-Bejo-Iso9 was lower than commercial ELISA. However, the specificity of ELISA-Bejo-Iso9 was higher than commercial ELISA. Due to economically and availability factors, this finding suggested that the ELISA-Bejo-Iso9 can be used as an alternatif method for serological diagnosis of leptospirosis in cattle.
Avian polyomavirus disease is among the most common viral diseases of domesticated exotic birds as such in psittacine families. Caused by avian polyomavirus (APV) which possess a circular, double-stranded DNA which encodes for major structural virus protein 1 (VP1) and minor structural proteins VP2, VP3 and VP4, the disease is also known as Budgerigar fledgling disease polyomavirus (BFPyV), Papovavirus, and Psittacine polyomavirus. Infections from APV may lead to cutaneous haemorrhage, abdominal distension, feather abnormalities and even death. The APV virus has a broad avian host range and is known to cause acute chronic disease in several psittacine birds such as parrot, cockatoo, macaw, and budgerigar. The current status of APV epidemiology globally has not been fully recorded. Only the studies of the virus and disease caused within several countries are used as references, and few were done together with detection of beak and feather disease virus. Despite the common occurrence of APV among bird breeders in Malaysia, a very limited study has been done to evaluate the prevalence status of APV in Malaysia. In this review, we wish to disseminate knowledge, particularly to pet owners and bird breeders, on APV characterisations, its updated occurrence worldwide and prevention strategies. This information may be useful to trigger in depth study on the epidemiology of disease and better management practises among breeders.
Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is an emergent industry in Malaysia. In 2016, EBN worth RM 1.2 billion with the total production of 228-tonne metrics. EBN is salivary secretion of swiftlets (Aerodramus spp.) that contained various nutritive values. Back in Tang Dynasty, it had been recognized as a natural product with broad medicinal effects. Recently, various scientific studies have been done to elucidate the medicinal properties of this precious food. For the past 10 years, antiviral effects of EBN had been explained via in-vitro and in-vivo well-designed researches, in which generally EBN is exerting a good alternative food for prophylactic and therapeutic agent against Influenza A virus infection in the laboratory setting. The limited study had been done to identify the bioactive ingredient of EBN that have antiviral properties. Nevertheless, based on the previous nutritional studies, some contents of EBN have been hypothesised to serve as an antiviral agent, and comprehensive study is required to explicate those claimed. The aim of this paper is to review on the recent discovery pertaining to the potential antiviral effect of EBN in the cell culture and animal model studies.
This report describes the complications of obstructive urolithiasis in the lower urinary tract causing urinary bladder rupture in a Jamnapari buck. A 3-year-old Jamnapari buck was presented with the complaint of stranguria, subsequent anuria and a progressively distended abdomen for the past three days. Upon physical examination, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate were increased. Uroliths could be felt within the urethra in the ventral abdomen region. A urolith was removed via amputationof the urethral process, but the patency of the urethra could not be established. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed anechoic areas around the bladder, and the bladder was relatively small for a urinary obstructed goat. The bladder wall was thickened and shadow of sludge was observed within the bladder. Abdominocentesis was done and fluid analysis revealed that it was a haemorrhagic effusion. Blood results revealed renal disease, liver disease, muscle injury and haemoconcentration. Retrograde cystourethrogram revealed no urolithswithinthe urethra but there was leakage of the contrast agent from the bladder into the peritoneal cavity. The final diagnosis was complete blockage of the lower urinary tract leading to bladder rupture. Exploratory laparotomy was done and emergency cystorraphy was planned. Due to the poor condition of the urinary bladder with presence of septic peritonitis, the goat was euthanised.
The livestock industry has been relying merely on chemically synthesized antibiotic for eye infections as sprays and ointment. A natural remedy from Curcuma spp. has been tested for efficacy in curing keratoconjunctivitis and uveitis. A severe case of uveitis has been cured within 7 days, with impaired vision restored. These results are observations of a preliminary study conducted in a goat with uveitis.
Rats are the maintenance host for leptospirosis and are the source of the infection to humans and animals. To eradicate leptospirosis, then the maintenance hosts should be eliminated. This is not possible, particularly when it involved wildlife like rats. A good alternative then is to impose biological control on the rat population which is a safe and pragmatic approach. The environment is the indirect source of infection and in tropical countries; recreational areas are often the place foroutbreaks of leptospirosis. Claims that leptospires survive for months in the environment probably is not true. The “top up” or daily excretion of leptospires from the maintenance hosts particularly rats make it appears that the leptospires survived for months in the environment. The good news is that although there are many infected rats in the cities, there were hardly any reports of outbreaks of leptospirosis in urban areas. Outbreaks of leptospirosis tend to be in the countryside particularly in recreational areas, where infection is easily transmitted through the conjunctiva or mucous membrane of the upper respiratory or gastro-intestinal tract through water activities.
Forty-eight canine mammary tumours (CMT) diagnosed at the Histopathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
Universiti Putra Malaysia, were reviewed retrospectively. Two control groups, one comprising all other cases involving female dogs
and another group comprising only cases of neoplasia involving female dogs diagnosed in the laboratory over the same period of
time were used for comparisons in this study. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were used to determine association between
the factors and the risk of CMT. Thirty-nine (81.3%) of the tumours were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, 8.3% (n=4) each, were the
diagnoses for squamous cell carcinoma and mixed cell tumour. Adenoma had 2.1% (n=1). The prevalence of canine mammary gland
tumours in this study is 39%. When CMT cases were compared with all other cases, significant association was observed with adult
dogs (p = 0.032, logistic regression 0.012) and intact dogs (p = 0.009, logistic regression, 0.003). When CMT cases were compared
with neoplasia cases, significant association was observed with pure breeds (p = 0.025) and intact dogs (p = 0.000034, logistic
regression 0.00042). This study found that pure breed dogs, intact dogs and older dogs ( > 5years) have higher odds of having CMT
in Malaysian dog population.
Reptiles, which included snakes, chelonians (turtles, tortoises), iguanas and lizards, have been reported as important reservoirs
for Salmonella. In Malaysia, reports on Salmonella in reptiles are not many. A search for works in Malaysia on salmonellae in
reptiles found 28.0% chelonians, 27.5 - 61.0% snakes, 26.5 – 36.0% lizards and 31.0% house geckos carried Salmonella. The
prevalence in some countries worldwide which included the United States of America, Brazil, Japan, Nigeria and few others were
shown. The public health risk of the presence of salmonellae particularly in pet reptiles are discussed.
An adult male Malayan box turtle was diagnosed with foreign body obstruction of fishing hook. Upon presentation, the animal
had pale mucous membrane and fishing line protruding out from the oral cavity. Diagnosis of foreign body ingestion was based on
plain radiograph where the fishing hook was evidenced on the lateral and ventrodorsal radiographic view. Plastron osteotomy
surgical removal was performed after endoscopy guided forcep removal failed. Procedures were carried out under the injectable
anesthesia using a combination of ketamine and xylazine hydrochloride. Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and parenteral fluid therapy
was given pre and post-surgically as medical treatment and stabilisation.
Old intact male dogs are often predisposed to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Both hypertrophy and hyperplasia of prostate
gland occur due to hormonal influences. Clinical signs such as haematuria, stranguria and tenesmus are often associated with benign
prostatic hyperplasia. A seven year-old local breed intact male dog was presented with a primary complaint of haematuria and
stranguria. Diagnostic work-up conducted inclusive of complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, abdominal radiograph,
cystourethrography and abdominal ultrasonography. The dog was diagnosed with cystic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostatic
omentalisation and castration were performed in this case.
A 6-year-old intact Persian cat was presented for the primary complaint of inappetence and weight loss. Irregular surface of
kidneys was palpated during physical examination. Abdominal radiograph findings were indicative of renomegaly. Ultrasonography
revealed multiple anaechoic structures within the renal parenchyma. The cortex, medulla and renal pelvis were unable to be
differentiated. Both radiographic and ultrasonographic findings were suggestive of polycystic kidney disease. Blood test revealed
normochromic, normocytic anaemia with azotaemia whereas urinalysis findings were hypostenuria and proteinuria, consistent of
chronic kidney disease due to polycystic kidney. Ultrasound is a useful antemortem diagnostic tool to diagnose polycystic kidney
disease in cats.
Melioidosis is a zoonotic disease as a result of infection by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is of significant public health
concern due to its ubiquitous nature with high morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. In cats, the disease is usually reported
with abscess formation in lung, liver and spleen, however, isolated articular melioidosis is rare. A 1-year-old, a female Domestic
Shorthair cat was presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UVH-UPM) with swollen right elbow and
non weight bearing lameness of the right forelimb. Physical examination revealed pyrexia, soft tissue swelling and pain upon
palpation of the right elbow joint. Radiographs of the right forelimb revealed osteolysis at the distal third of the humerus and
proximal radius and ulna, cortical thinning at the olecranon and soft tissue swelling around the elbow joint. Bacterial culture of the
joint fluid revealed positive growth for Burkholderia pseudomallei. Unfortunately, the owner opted to euthanise the cat citing
personal reasons. Upon necropsy, there was presence of multiple caseous nodules within the right elbow joint cavity only and none
of the other limbs, lung, spleen and liver was affected. It is important for veterinarian to be aware of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis
form of melioidosis.
A 4-year-old, male local dog was referred to University Veterinary Hospital-Universiti Putra Malaysia (UVH-UPM) due to
dyspnoea and ascites. Full diagnostic investigations inclusive of blood haematology, serum biochemistry, blood smear examinations
for haemopathogens, heartworm antigen test, thoracic and abdominal radiography and echocardiography were conducted. A
diagnosis of severe heartworm disease was made from the positive heartworm antigen test, the presence of heartworms on
echocardiography and the accompanying advanced clinical findings. This was the first case of right-sided heart failure due to severe
heartworm disease with concurrent pulmonary hypertension diagnosed in UVH-UPM from which the moribund dog was
successfully stabilised during hospitalisation.
This study was designed to characterise the lameness cases in cattle reported to the University Veterinary Hospital (UVH) of
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor. Medical records from 2013 to 2017 were reviewed and 136 cases of cattle
diagnosed as lameness were retrieved. Information concerning signalment, location of lesions, and cause of lameness was analysed.
Majority of the cases were reported in dairy (77%) compared with beef cattle (23%) with 73% being under semi-intensive
management system. Foot lesions accounted for about 51% of cases, while lesions were more on the hindlimbs than the forelimbs
(p0.05) between foot
lesions categorised either as infectious or non-infectious causes. A higher proportion (p
Fifteen (15) guinea pigs were experimentally infected with Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae serovar Lai strain
Langkawi, a new strain that was isolated from a human leptospirosis patient. Hematoxylin and Eosin ((H&E) staining
showed haemorrhages, congestion and oedema in all internal organs examined (lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys) with
inflammatory cell infiltration characterized by neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages. Hydropic degeneration and
cell necrosis were also common in our findings. Leptospires were detected starting Day 2 p.i by silver staining and
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Rise in antibody titres started on Day 5 p.i and leptospiral DNA was
detected beginning Day 3 in the kidneys and Day 5 in the liver by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. The
findings illustrated the pathogenesis of leptospirosis in guinea pigs which disclosed them as a suitable animal model for
demonstration of clinical symptoms of leptospirosis and pathological changes after being infected with Leptospira
icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Lai strain Langkawi, particularly pulmonary haemorrhages, a leading cause of mortality
in human leptospirosis.
Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease is a degenerative condition of the mitral valves leaflets. A 10-year-old
male castrated Shih Tzu was presented with primary complaint of coughing. Clinical examination revealed normal
heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature. Systolic murmur Grade IV/VI was heard at the left heart apex.
Thoracic radiographic findings were cardiomegaly with the vertebral heart score of 11.0 and had evidence of
cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Echocardiographic examination revealed thickening mitral valves with evidence of
moderate regurgitation observed. Based on the findings obtained, the dog was diagnosed with Myxomatous Mitral
Valve disease stage C2. Dog was treated with benazepril (0.5mg/kg), pimobendan (0.2mg/kg) with a combination of
furosemide (2mg/kg). Frusemide was gradually removed from the treatment regime as coughing improved over time.
The dog was no longer lethargy and even gained weight.
The aim of this study was to assess the carcass characteristic of male Dorper sheep weaned at three different ages.
A total of 27 newborn male Dorper sheep (average body weight, 3.06 ± 0.74 kg) were selected randomly and divided
into three groups. Animals in group 1 (n=9) were weaned at day 30, while animals in group 2 (n=9) and 3 (n=9) were
weaned at day 60 and 90, respectively. Group 3 was acted as a control group. Creep feed and grower feed were given to
the animals based on 3.5% of body weight. There were no significant differences (P
The mirror self-recognition (MSR) is a behavioral technique to determine whether an animal has the ability to
identify themselves in front of a mirror. A Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) was selected from Zoo Negara
Malaysia and an acrylic mirror is placed outside of the cage to observe interaction of the animal to the mirror. This
study showed that the bear’s behaviour was inconsistent due to the inability of the animal to recognize its own
reflection after exposure to the close and open mirror tests. These results suggest that when keeping Malayan sun bears
in captivity, putting a mirror as enrichment may promote communication and familiarity between conspecific.