This study reports STT and IOP findings in long-eared hedgehogs (H. auritus).

Background Three feline hemoplasma species are recognized: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. These species can cause anemia in cats and have a worldwide distribution. Objectives There was no previous information on hemotropic mycoplasma spp in cats in Iran and the Middle East. Accordingly, we investigated the molecular presence, and clinical signs and hematological profile in cats infected with these microorganisms in Iranian cats. Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and cytology were performed on 100 blood samples collected from Iranian Shorthair cats. ACBC and case history were also collected for each sample. Results By PCR, 22 (22%; 14–30%, 95% CI) samples were positive. The prevalence of M haemofelis, ‘Ca M haemominutum’, and ‘Ca M turicensis’ was 63.63% (14/22), 54.54% (12/22), and 18.18% (4/22), respectively. Some double and triple co‐infections were also found. Using PCR as the reference method, cytology had poor sensitivity (27%) and reasonable specificity (89.74%). Male cats were at a higher risk of infection (P = .001). Cats older than 8 years were more frequently infected than the younger cats (P = .0018). Lower HCT (P = .018), RBC count (P = .028) and HGB concentration (P = .003) were also associated with hemoplasma PCR‐positive status. Conclusions Based on this study, the most prevalent feline hemoplasma species in Iranian cats was M haemofelis, but double and triple co‐infections are also documented. Age and sex, as well as reduced RBC parameters, were predisposing factors for hemoplasma infection.

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The present clinical study was to evaluate the relationship between weight, degenerative joint disease (DJD) and age on the outcome in dogs underwent excision arthroplasty operation. 105 dogs have been referred to clinic with lameness on hindlimb. Dogs were younger than 1 year (50 dogs), 1 to 5 years (24) and older than 5 years (31). The rest of them were less than 10kg and the rest were heavier than 10kg. Lameness during walking was scored between zero to 5. Radiographic findings were showed that degenerative joint change, hip dysplasia and luxation. Excision arthroplasty of the hip joint was performed. Walking status was examined postoperatively. Intra-group data showed in dogs younger than 1 year, weight was not an effective factor, and association between DJD and the outcome was statistically significant in both weights. DJD had effective role in dogs more than 10kg in comparison to less than 10kg. The association between DJD and the outcome wasn't statistically significant in dogs 1 to 5 years in both weights. In elder dogs, weight wasn't a main factor, and association between DJD and outcome was statistically significant in both weights. In latter group, DJD had effective role on the outcome in dogs less than 10 kg in comparison with more than 10 kg. The authors suggest the weight is not as much effective as age among groups of study after Excision arthroplasty of the hip joint.

Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were used in a study to determine whether oral administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole affects the rate of tear secretion in healthy rabbits. Ten rabbits received 40 mg/kg trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole orally twice a day for 14 days; the other five rabbits were used as a control group and received a placebo during the study. The Schirmer II tear test (STT-II) was performed in both groups during administration of the drugs or placebo on the first, third, seventh and 14th days. Significant decreases in STT-II values were observed in the treatment group on the 14th day of the study in comparison with baseline values (P<0.001).