Urine dipstick reagent pads and pH-meters can be used interchangeably to determine urine pH in sheep without needing centrifugation. In contrast, pH-meters provide more accurate pH measurements than urine dipstick pads in canine urine, which is not improved by centrifugation.
Anemia in ruminants is an abnormal condition characterized by the decrease of the hematocrit (Packed Cell Volume, PCV), the mass of erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells, RBCs) and/or hemoglobin. Anemia is classified as hemolytic, hemorrhagic or anemia caused by the decreased production of erythrocytes; the first two categories are characterized by a regenerative response. Hemorrhagic anemia can be caused by ectoparasites or parasites of the gastrointestinal system, hemorrhagic bowel syndrome, abomasal ulcers, vena cava thrombosis as well as from the genitourinary tract. In addition, primary and secondary hemostatic disorders can be accompanied by hemorrhagic anemia. Hemoparasites, toxins produced from Clostridium perfringens type D and Clostridium hemolyticum and leptospirosis are some of the causes of hemolytic anemia. Furthermore, certain plants, drugs or heavy metals and lack of certain trace elements can cause hemolysis. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia has also been reported in ruminants. The reduced production of erythrocytes can be caused by deficiency of vitamin B12 or iron, as well as by chronic diseases. Pathologic conditions of bone marrow like inflammatory or neoplastic cells filtration and hypoplasia or aplasia of bone marrow are related to reduced production of erythrocytes. After laboratory confirmation by complete blood count analysis, history taking, clinical examination of the animal and specific test depending on the case, are required for the diagnostic approach of anemia and especially for etiological diagnosis. Tachycardia, tachypnea, icterus, mucosal pallor as well as specific symptoms of the underlying disease are observed during the clinical examination of the animal. FAMACHA technique is widely used for the clinical diagnosis and the assessment of the severity of anemia. With respect to complete blood count, apart from the hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, erythrocytes indices as Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) are contributing to the classification of anemia. The size and the shape of the erythrocytes, the appearance of inclusions and reticulocytes, which are indicative of regenerative anemia, are evaluated in blood smear. Rarely, examination of bone marrow is carried out, for the differentiation of anemia as regenerative or non-regenerative. In particular, the confirmation of immune- mediate anemia is based on Coomb’s test for the detection of autoagglutination. Except from hemorrhage, blood loss is detected at urinalysis or feces microscopy for the presence of blood and/or parasites. Finally, serological and molecular techniques for the detection of infectious agents, as well as specific toxicological analysis are performed in various biological materials.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two commercial phenolic phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) on sows under heat stress conditions of high summer temperatures for seven days before and seven days after the farrowing. The PFA-1 product was a mixture based on the plants Emblica officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Citrus sinensis and nut fiber, while the PFA-2 product was a mixture based on plants Andrographis paniculata, Glycyrrhizia glabra, Tinospora cordifolia and nut fiber. A total of 48 primiparous sows were divided into three groups: T1-control group: regular gestation (GF) and lactation feed (LF); T2 group: regular GF and LF supplemented with PFA-1; T3 group: regular GF and LF supplemented with PFA-2. Each sow in the T2 and T3 groups received 5 g daily of the PFA-1 and PFA-2 product, respectively, for seven days before and seven days after the farrowing. Blood samples were collected from all groups 24 h after farrowing. Thiobarbituric acid-–reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl (CARB) concentrations were determined in the sow plasma. The body condition scoring (BCS) and the backfat of sows on the farrowing and weaning days along with reproductive parameters and litter characteristics were recorded. The highest number of stillborn piglets and the largest interval from weaning to estrus were observed in the T1 group. The lowest number of alive 24 h after birth and weaning piglets and the lowest BCS and backfat at weaning were also recorded in the T1 group. TBARS and CARB concentrations were significant higher in the T1 group compared to all other groups. In conclusion, the use of phenolic PFAs seems to reduce oxidative damage caused by heat stress and ameliorate performance in primiparous sows.
Exposure of sheep to Borreliaburgdorferi sensulato (s.I.) complex, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis (LB), has been reported in tick-abundant areas worldwide, while no data have been reported in Greece. The aim of the study was to identify the hematological alterations in sheep with seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi (s.I.). Blood samples were obtained from 318 tick infested sheep for blood analysis and serological determination of IgG and IgM antibodies against B. burgdorferi by indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay after exclusion of endo-ectoparasites and other tick-borne infections. A total number of 162 sheep met the inclusion criteria, allocated in four groups based on the presence or absence of IgG and/or IgM; sheep found negative for IgM and IgG (Group A), positive for IgM (Group B), positive for both IgM and IgG (Group C) and positive for IgG (Group D). Anemia, thrombocytopenia and normal or decreased leukocyte count, mainly due to lymphopenia were the main hematological features observed in seropositive sheep. The presence of these features raises the suspicion of Borrelia infection in tick infested sheep. The seropositivity of 23.58% in sheep raises concerns of Borrelia circulation, especially in rural areas and potential risk of transmission to humans.
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