Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Revolutionising avian pathology: The impact of molecular diagnostics

2025-04-23T20:54:00+00:00

The field of avian pathology has experienced substantial advancements over the past few decades, primarily due to the integration of molecular diagnostics. This paper explores the transformative role of molecular diagnostic techniques in the detection, characterization, and management of avian diseases. The historical context of diagnostics in avian pathology was studied, tracing its evolution from conventional methods to the advent of molecular diagnostics. The paper highlights the technologies that have been central to this shift, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and CRISPR-based diagnostics. By comparing these methodologies with traditional diagnostic practices, we illuminate their advantages in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and speed. The discussion extends to the implications of molecular diagnostics on avian disease management, epidemiology, and conservation efforts, showcasing several case studies where these techniques have led to significant breakthroughs in disease control and prevention. Additionally, we address the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, such as technical complexities and the need for standardisation. The paper concludes with a prospective view, examining emerging trends and future directions in the molecular diagnostics of avian diseases, emphasising the potential for personalised medicine and the integration of artificial intelligence. Through this comprehensive analysis, the review underscores the pivotal role of molecular diagnostics in revolutionising avian pathology, offering new horizons for research, clinical practice, and policy-making in avian health.

Survey of schistosomiasis and associated risk factors amongst residents of suburban riverine communities in Makurdi, Nigeria – Zoonotic implication

2025-04-25T15:55:53+00:00

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease prevalent in underprivileged suburban and rural dwellers, characterised by poverty, poor sanitation and lack of basic amenities. Most published studies on schistosomiasis in Benue State are school-based, with a dearth of information about the disease epidemiology in suburban riverine communities. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in residents of some suburban riverine communities in Makurdi, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was designed in which stool and urine samples were collected from 452 participants from three riverine communities, after due consent was obtained. Samples were screened for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni using centrifugation to enhance the sedimentation of eggs and Kato-Katz techniques, respectively. Information on participants' demography and water contact activities was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Results revealed an overall prevalence of 16.8%. Specific prevalence for urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis was 16.4% and 0.4% respectively. 0ne case (0.2%) of ectopic Schistosoma mansoni was recorded. Specific prevalence for Agyetashi, Afubo and Ijaha communities were 3.8%, 2.5% and 27.4% respectively. Infected participants mostly had light intensity (98.7%) of infection. While haematuria was significantly associated with schistosomiasis (p = 0.000), proteinuria was not (p = 0.384). Age and sex were not determinants of the infection (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the participants’ community, proximity to open water bodies and drinking from open water bodies were the key factors significantly associated with schistosomiasis among the residents. Participants who occasionally engaged in open water activities were significantly more infected than those who regularly engaged in these activities. The study has shown the endemicity of schistosomiasis in Benue State. The authors recommend mass administration of praziquantel to the studied communities and public education to prevent exposure to the parasite.

Ameliorative effects of Clerodendrum volubile on acute kidney injury and associated cardiovascular dysfunctions in rats

2025-04-24T07:30:58+00:00

The nephroprotective and blood pressure-lowering effects of Clerodendrum volubile, a plant commonly consumed in Nigeria, were evaluated in 30 rats. Glycerol was used to induce acute kidney injury, whereas the methanol leaf extract of C. volubile was used to ameliorate cardio-renal dysfunctions at the pre- and post-treatment experimental phases. Twenty-four hours post-experimentation, blood pressure parameters were measured for all groups and blood was collected for serum biochemistry. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed, kidneys and hearts were harvested, and homogenates obtained for analysis of parameters such as protein concentrations, myeloperoxidase, as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. In addition, some organs were harvested into formalin for immunohistochemistry. Results showed decreased blood pressure parameters (SBP and DBP), decreased renal functional markers (BUN and creatinine), decreased oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide), but increased activities of the analysed enzymatic antioxidants and vitamin C. volubile extract-treated animals, compared with untreated glycerol-exposed rats. Furthermore, C. volubile decreased podocin and angiotensin-converting enzymes immunohistochemical expressions compared to glycerol-exposed rats. Conclusively, C. volubile at pre- and post-treatment phases caused nephroprotective and blood pressure-lowering effects in rats through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme pathways.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of the horse in Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State

2025-05-06T21:37:39+00:00

Using the faecal flotation technique, this study assessed the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses within Maiduguri Metropolis. Based on owners ' consent, one hundred and fifty faecal samples were properly labelled and stored for analysis. The study revealed a 39.3% overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines. The results showed a predominance of male horses in the sample (115, 76.7%) compared to females (35, 23.3%). The prevalence of helminths was higher in females (100%, 35/35) than in males (20.7%, 24/115). Among the identified parasites, Strongylus was the most common (45.8%, 27/59), while Trichomonas was the least prevalent (10.2%, 6/59). Age-specific data indicated that horses aged 9-11 years had the highest prevalence of infections (75.0%, 6/8), whereas horses aged <1-2 years had the lowest prevalence (10.2%, 6/59), with no infections found in horses over 11 years old. In terms of location, samples collected within Jere had the highest prevalence of 64.8% (35/54) compared to Maiduguri with 25.0% (24/96). There was a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between age, location and helminth infection. The study identified Strongylus, Gastrodiscus, Dictyocaulus, and Trichomonas as the most common gastrointestinal parasites. Female horses and those aged 9-11 years were more susceptible to these parasites compared to males and older horses (≥11 years).

Clinical presentation and diagnosis of calcinosis circumscripta in a one-year-old male Caucasian dog

2025-04-25T10:12:22+00:00

Calcinosis is characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in or under the skin, often manifesting as firm, white plaques or masses. This condition can present in various anatomical locations and is commonly associated with inflammation and discomfort. When this deposition occurs in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues due to hyperadrenocorticism, dystrophic or idiopathic calcification, it is termed calcinosis cutis. On the other hand, when the calcification occurs as a result of repetitive trauma or at the site of buried sutures, it is termed calcinosis circumscripta and is usually based on the pattern of distribution. Accurate diagnosis and management are essential for improving the quality of life in affected animals. In this case, we report a diagnosis of calcinosis circumscripta in a 1-year-old male Caucasian dog presented with a firm, non-ulcerated, solitary mass on the right lateral proximal femur, which had been preceded by an abscess a year prior. Gross examination revealed a hard, cutaneous mass with multiple mineralized structures within thick fibrous connective tissue. The mass was surgically excised and histopathologically evaluated. Microscopic examination showed variably sized circumscribed lakes of basophilic granular material surrounded by fibrous connective tissue without inflammatory cells, indicating Stage I calcinosis circumscripta. The findings suggest a dystrophic form of calcification, possibly enhanced by the active calcium metabolism in the rapidly growing dog and the history of a previous unresolved injection site abscess. This diagnosis was supported by the histopathologic findings and confirmed using Von Kossa stain as one of the special stains to demonstrate the calcium deposits. The case underscores the importance of detailed examination, histopathological and histochemical evaluation in the diagnosis and management of calcinosis circumscripta in Veterinary practice.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex complicated with both ehrlichiosis and hepatozoonosis in a Rottweiler bitch

2025-04-25T10:12:19+00:00

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra syndrome is a very common uterine disorder reported in breeding bitches. This case report describes cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex complicated with both ehrlichiosis and hepatozoonosis in a 21 kg, 3-year, 9-month-old intact Rottweiler bitch presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan with complaints of inappetence, vomiting, melena and swelling of the caudal abdomen around the pelvic entry which on aspiration was bloody. The bitch was said to have been mated by natural mating about 73 days prior to presentation at the clinic but showed no obvious sign of pregnancy. Ultrasonography revealed thickening of the endometrial wall with distended and anechoic sacs filled with heterogenous echogenicity which was later found to be due to pus accumulation in the uterus.

Outbreak of Newcastle disease with colibacillosis in seven-week-old pullets: Diagnosis and management

2025-04-25T10:24:27+00:00

Newcastle disease (ND) is a fatal viral disease that affects a wide variety of avian species and is considered an impediment to the development, survival and productivity of the poultry industry. Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, enteric rod that often complicates viral infections in poultry. This case report described the diagnosis and management of an outbreak of suspected Newcastle disease and colibacillosis in 7-week-old pullets in a commercial poultry farm in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The clinical case was diagnosed and treated based on results of clinical history and diagnostic work-up including high mortality, coughing, nasal discharge, pale comb, distended ureters, peritonitis and diffused petechial haemorrhage on the intestinal mucosa, low protective antibody titre (1:1 (0 Log2), and isolation of Escherichia coli from sampled organs. Based on these results, the case was diagnosed as Newcastle disease (ND) with colibacillosis. The remaining birds that showed signs of weakness and respiratory distress were treated with a recommended dose of Penprovit ® (Penicillin + Streptomycin + Vitamins) at 100g/100 litres of drinking water X 1/52 (+3 days). Polidine ® (Iodine solution) was also administered (1mL/2 litres of drinking water X1/52). Ten days post-treatment, peak mortality dropped from 70 to zero. These results demonstrate that a combination of diagnostic work plans, including clinical history, postmortem examination, microbial culture, and antibiotic susceptibility testing, as well as haemagglutination inhibition test (HI), is reliable for the diagnosis and treatment of natural concurrent infections associated with Newcastle disease and colibacillosis.

Ehrlichia infection in a two-year-old Boerboel dog

2025-04-25T16:01:21+00:00

This paper reports a case of Ehrlichia species infection in a Boerboel dog. The 2-year-old dog weighing 39 kg was presented on 4^th September 2024 at Critters Veterinary Centre, Lekki, Lagos with lethargy, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Physical examination revealed pale ocular mucous membrane, poor skin rebound, sunken eyes, dry hair coat, ticks on the ears and emaciation. Clinical examination showed a temperature of 40.2°C, pulse rate and respiratory rate were 97 beats per minute and 39 cycles per minute, respectively. Haematological analysis revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia and monocytosis. Serum biochemical results revealed slightly elevated aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl-transferase levels. The total protein level was high due to an elevated globulin level. Thin blood smear microscopy and specific chromatographic Ehrlichia canis test showed infection with Ehrlichia spp. The dog was on the first day placed on 500 ml of 5% dextrose saline IV once for 4 hours, piroxicam was administered at 0.3mg/kg (0.015ml/kg) IV stat, multivitamin was also administered at 1ml/10kg IM stat. 10% oxytetracycline was given IV at 10mg/kg (1ml/10kg) for 5 days. The client was then given doxycycline capsules to administer to the dog orally at a dose of 10mg/kg (1 capsule/10kg) orally once daily for 28 days. Clinical improvement was observed 24 hours after the commencement of oxytetracycline therapy, with complete recovery by the end of treatment. Early diagnosis and effective treatment is very important in the management of ehrlichiosis in dogs, as relapse may occur if treatment is not followed carefully during the recommended timeframe.

Management of canine transmissible venereal tumour in a four-year-old Nigerian indigenous dog

2025-04-25T16:11:29+00:00

Canine transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a contagious cancer with a global distribution, posing significant challenges in veterinary oncology. A Nigerian indigenous breed of dog was presented with the complaint of blood dripping and tissue growth from the preputial area. A blood sample and a biopsy of the cauliflower-like tissue growth were collected from the patient and analysed for complete blood count and histopathological examination, respectively. Canine TVT was tentatively diagnosed and subsequently confirmed through histopathological examination. Chemotherapy was initiated using Vincristine sulfate (0.025mg/kg intravenously) once per week for four weeks, resulting in a positive outcome. The client was advised not to use the dog for breeding during the management and to confine and isolate the patient from other dogs to prevent the spread of the disease within the community.