Nigerian Veterinary Journal

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Seven Compounds Isolated from the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of the Extract of Red Cultivar Allium Cepa L. Bulb in Wistar Rats

Joshua Adeoye Oyewusi — 2026-07-15

The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is done by the administration of various forms of crude extracts for the treatment of diseases. Allium cepa is one of the oldest medicinal foods traditionally used for several health disorders. This study is a follow-up to previous published reports on anti-inflammatory activities of the crude extract, and four other solvent extracts of Nigerian-grown red cultivar Allium cepa (RCAC) in which the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Compound isolation from ethyl acetate extract was done using Thin Layer Chromatography and Silica-gel Open Column Chromatography system, The anti- inflammatory effects of the seven compounds were evaluated using Carrageenan-induced Paw Oedema in Wistar rats. The most active compound was chemically identified using Infrared and proton-NMR spectroscopy. All seven compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of RCAC exhibited good anti-inflammatory activities with a rapid onset of action. The most effective of these compounds (labelled as OJF1) manifested excellent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting paw oedema formation up to 88.6% at 120 minutes post-induction in Wistar rats. OJF1 also exhibited faster onset and longer anti-inflammatory activities compared with indomethacin. OJF1 was chemically identified to be a triglyceride, an acyl compound. The results in this study indicated that the isolated acyl compound possesses excellent anti-inflammatory activities with a rapid onset and long-lasting action. This research further confirms the previous recommendation of red cultivar Allium cepa as a potential natural source of painkillers.

Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus Co- Infection Complicating Respiratory Infection in Brahma Chickens in a Zoological Garden: A Case Report

Okunlade Adelekan Oluseyi — 2026-07-15

Respiratory diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality in captive birds. This report
describes the clinical, pathological, and microbiological features of a case caused by a multidrug-
resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus in a small flock of exotic Brahma
chickens at the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden. It highlights its zoonotic and
antimicrobial-resistance implications. This paper reports a case of small Brahma birds that
experienced an initial respiratory infection compounded by moderate intestinal coccidiosis. Two
carcasses were necropsied. Samples from the liver, trachea and intestine were collected for aerobic
bacterial culture and identification using API kits while antimicrobial susceptibility testing was
performed using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Intestinal scrapings were examined for
coccidia species by light microscopy, and representative tissues were processed for histopathology.
Three (75%) out of the four affected chickens died. Post-mortem examination revealed severe air
sacculitis, pulmonary congestion, hepatomegaly with steatosis, and: catarrhal enteritis with
petechiae haemorages. Aerobic cultures isolated E. coli and S. aureus from multiple organs.
Antimicrobial testing confirmed the isolates as multidrug resistant, including resistance to
gentamicin, amoxicillin, and cephalosporins (cefotaxime, ceftriaxone). Histopathology
corroborated air sacculitis, tracheitis, hepatic steatosis, and enteritis. Empirical oxytetracycline
therapy failed to control the infection. The case shows that small captive bird flocks can serve as reservoirs of multidrug-resistant, potentially zoonotic pathogens and highlights the limitations of
empirical treatment without laboratory confirmation.

Bacteriological Evaluation of Pooled Gut Contents of Engorged Hyalomma Species Infesting Goats in Maiduguri, Borno State

Abdullahi Abubakar Biu — 2026-07-15

This study evaluated the bacteria from homogenized midgut of Hyalomma ticks of goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria using cultural isolation and biochemical characterization of homogenized migut of Hyalomma ticks. A total of eleven (11) isolates were obtained including Staphylococcus aureus with the highest frequency of 3(27.3%), Enterococcus species, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus species with 2 (18.2%) each and Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium species with 1 (9.1%) each. Descriptive analysis of the bacterial isolates revealed Escherichia coli appearing greyish white with large, thick, moist, smooth, opaque or mucoid colonies on MacConkey agar, and as pinkish, rod or bacilli, gram negative, indole, nitrate reduction and MR-VP positive but oxidase negative. Staphylococcus aureus appeared fairly large golden yellow colonies on rich medium and round opaque and as purple violet colour, spherical or cocci in cluster, gram positive,
catalase, glucose and coagulase positive but oxidase negative. Proteus mirabilis appeared swarming with a characteristic smell on MacConkey Agar, slender rods, gram negative, indole, citrate, lactose, sucrose, mannitol, urease positive. Enterococcus Species appeared mucoid on MacConkey Agar, in pairs or chain with rod shape, gram positive and lactic acid fermenters. Bacillus species appeared as circular ridges, smooth, moist, sticky and medium sized colonies, arranged in long chain, rod, gram positive, and catalase positive. Corynebacterium species appeared small, grayish colonies with granular appearance, mostly translucent but with opaque centers, convex with continuous borders, rod or bacilli and shows metachromatic granules when stained with methylene blue, gram positive, catalase positive some are oxidase negative. Further study is needed to understand the relationship between midgut bacterial community and tick– pathogen interaction.

Effect of Sub-Acute Oral Administration of Povidone Iodine on Oxidative Stress, Sperm Parameters, and Histomorphology of the Testis and Epididymis in Wistar

Sabo Isa Salihu — 2026-07-15

The study aims to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of Povidone iodine (PVI) in male Wistar rats.
Sixty male Wistar rats, weighing 150–160 g and ranging from 12–14 weeks, were split into groups
arbitrarily A-D (n=15). Group A served as the control and received 1 mL of distilled water orally,
whereas Groups B, C, and D received graded doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight (bw)
of PVI orally. All administration was done once daily for 10 days. Five (5) rats were randomly
selected from each group at days 3, 5, and 10 for the evaluation of reproductive toxicity. A blood
sample was collected and the serum harvested for the evaluation of Malondialdehyde (MDA),
catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) using a standard protocol. Following the blood
collection, the rats were caringly sacrificed. The testes and epididymides from both the control and
treated groups were removed. The left testes were individually macerated for sperm analysis, while
the right testes and epididymides were fixed and processed for histomorphological evaluation. The
PVI at test doses causes oxidative stress by increasing MDA and decreasing CAT and SOD,
affecting enzyme activities over 3, 5, and 10 days. Sperm motility, concentration, viability, Leydig
cell population, testicular membrane thickness, and epididymal sperm reserves are significantly
reduced. Sub-acute PVI above 250 mg/kg bw impairs male reproductive parameters by inducing
oxidative stress, linked to decreased sperm quality and architecture of the testes and epididymis

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Gestation and Puerperium Periods in Bitches

Muazu Nuhu Bappah — 2026-07-15

Ultrasonography is a form of non-invasive clinical imaging for evaluating reproductive events in
dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic features of the trimesters in
gestation and puerperium periods and correlate body condition score and uterine diameter in
bitches during puerperium. The study involved three pregnant bitches(2 Russian shepherds and 1
German shepherds) from different private kennels weighing 21, 16 and 20 kg and aged 4, 3 and 5
years old, respectively. Following pregnancy confirmation, ultrasonography was performed
weekly until parturition and continued for 4 weeks during puerperium. The mean gestation period
from this study was 58.67 ± 2.2 and the 3 bitches whelped a total of 10 puppies (4, 3, and 3
respectively). During the first trimester, ultrasonography revealed thickening of the endometrial
lining and an anechoic gestational sac containing a hyperechoic embryo within amniotic fluid.
During the second trimester, there were divisions of the embryo into cranial and caudal parts. In
the third trimester, there were developments of the skeletal structures commencing with the
vertebral columns. Findings revealed progressive reduction in uterine diameter and fluid levels
during puerperium, indicating effective involution. Additionally, the study observed a strong
negative correlation between the body condition score (BCS) and the puerperium. Conclusively,
the study revealed the ultrasonographic information on the developmental stages of gestation
period in bitches. It also showed a progressive diminishing of the uterine diameter over 3 weeks
during puerperium and suggests an inverse relationship between the body condition score and the
rate of uterine involution in bitches.

The Anatomical Origin of the Brachial Plexus in the Greater Cane Rat

Michael Efeturi Okandeji — 2026-07-15

The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves that originates from the ventral rami of C5 through T1 nerve roots and provides sensory and motor innervation to the forelimb and pectoral region. There has been an increased use of the Greater Cane Rat (GCR) (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck) as an indigenous research rat model in studying the nervous system. There is, however, a dearth of information on the anatomical origin of the brachial plexus of this rodent. In this study, the brachial plexus of the GCR was investigated using six adult greater cane rats, (three males, three females). The brachial plexus primarily originated from the caudal branch of the
ventral rami of cervical nerve 5 (C5), cervical nerve 6 (C6), cervical nerve 7 (C7), cervical nerve 8 (C8), and cranial branch of the ventral ramus of first thoracic nerve (T1). The smaller cranial trunk was formed by the caudal branch of the ventral rami of C5 and C6, while the larger caudal trunk was formed by the ventral rami of C7, C8, and T1. The branch formed by the joining of the ventral rami of C5 and
C6 gave off the phrenic nerve before participating in the formation of the brachial plexus. This study highlighted some of the gross characteristics of the brachial plexus of the GCR, as they provide baseline information on their anatomy. The information generated provides a basis for the GCR’s use as research models for comparative and translational brachial plexus studies, for an increased understanding and management of brachial plexopathies, and to provide a clinical reference point in the assessment of the GCR spinal nerves.

Assessing Choice of Canine Delivery Methods Among Dog Owners in Southeast Nigeria: A Survey

Nneka Victoria Ani — 2026-07-15

This cross-sectional survey assessed choices of canine delivery methods among 384 dog owners
in Southeast Nigeria. It focused on patterns of natural birth versus caesarean section (C-section),
owner perceptions, and reported neonatal outcomes. Data were collected between August and
December 2025 using structured questionnaire. Natural birth alone was the predominant method
(76.0%), while C-section alone was used by only 7.8% of owners while 16.1% had used both
methods. Majority of those who used C-section, did so only on emergencies (55.5%), with only
2.3% opting for elective procedures. Owners perceived natural birth as superior for neonatal
survival (mean rating 4.26±1.06 vs. 3.79±1.22 for C-section), and 63.8% believed natural birth
yields the highest survival rates. There was a significant association between the delivery method
and reported puppy survival (χ²=81.77, p<0.001), though causality cannot be inferred. Notably,
25.5% of owners reported no assistance during their bitches’ deliveries. Only 27.6% had licensed
veterinarians present, indicating substantial gaps in professional obstetrical care. The findings
revealed a strong preference for non- interventional delivery methods, a preference for C-section
only on emergency, and critical deficiencies in access to veterinary obstetric services. There is
need for targeted education on dystocia recognition, breed-related risks, and timely veterinary
assistance to improve canine neonatal outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Some Aspects of the Gross Morphology of the Skull of Adult Nigerian Local Pig

Michael Efeturi Okandeji — 2026-07-15

The skull is a distinct aspect of an animal’s anatomy, providing valuable information on the characteristics of individual bones. Its morphological trait has a considerable impact on the phenotype of an animal's head, being of great importance in the body’s overall anatomical framework. However, information on the morphological characteristics of the skull of the Nigerian local pig (NLP) appears to be unavailable. For this study, 24 adult NLP (12 males and 12 females) skulls were used to describe some aspect of the gross morphology. Adult NLP skulls had frontal, lateral, nuchal and basal surfaces. The dorsal surface had the supraorbital foramina, and grooves present, and was formed principally by the parietal, frontal, and nasal bones. The lateral surface was formed by the premaxilla and maxilla bones, a wide zygomatic arch, and an incomplete orbit. The nuchal surface was formed by the occipital bone, the foramen magnum, and the elongated paracondylar process, while the basal surface was formed by the hard palate. The mandible was the largest bone, with a body and two vertical rami. The ossified mandibular symphysis formed an immovable joint, while the mandibular rami were slightly concave, bearing multiple mental, and the mandibular foramina. This study showed that the morphology of the NLP skull is similar to other pig breeds, with slight variations. The information on the morphology of the NLP skull may be useful as taxonomic reference values, in clinical veterinary medicine, zooarcheology, and sexual dimorphism studies.

Assessment of Stress in Captive Monkeys Using Faecal Cortisol Levels

Adeniyi Olugbenga Egbetade — 2026-07-15

Captive monkeys in zoo environments face various stressors that could significantly impact their
health, behaviour, and welfare. Continuous stay in captive settings with attendant human visitors
could trigger apprehension and other stressors in monkeys Non-invasive monitoring of stress
through faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) provides a valuable tool for assessing adrenocorticoid
activity without the stressor effects associated capture and restraint procedures. This study aim is
to determine the baseline values of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites for monkeys in captivity at
the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Zoo Park, and to evaluate the effects
of species, sex, and human visitors on cortisol concentrations over a four-week period. Twelve
monkeys representing five species (Papio anubis, Erythrocebus patas, Cercopithecus nictitans, C.
mona, and C. aethiops) were monitored over four weeks with faecal samples collected at seven-
day intervals. Samples were dried, extracted using 80% methanol, and analysed using Enzyme-
Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA,
Friedman test, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests. Significant temporal variation in cortisol
levels was observed across the four-week study period (P-value= 0.012). There was significant
differences in stress levels amongst species studied (p-value= 0.015), Visitors exposure indices
showed a non-significant trend. (p-value= 0.087), gender difference was also non- significant (p-
value= 0.257). This study demonstrates that stress assessment in captive monkeys requires
longitudinal monitoring rather than single-point measurements, as cortisol levels change
significantly over time. Species-specific differences in stress responses highlight the need for
tailored welfare protocols. The result of the study indicates that predictable human interactions
may be less stressful to monkeys than inconsistent and unpredictable moderate exposures to
anthropogenic activities.