Hematologic Conditions of Small Ruminants

Relevance of Individual Data When Assessing the Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection Level, Nutritional and Productive Variables in a Tropical Farm Context: The Median Isn't the Message

We evaluated the relationship between individual and herd GIN infection level, nutrition, production performance and anemia parameters in a tropical farm context. Fifty-four female goats were monitored to assess their body condition score (BCS, nutritional status indicator), live weight (LW) and LW gain (LWG, both used as production level indicators), FAMACHA© and hematocrit (HT, both used as anemia indicators). Goats browsed for 4 h in a tropical forest and received balanced feed and chopped grass. The eggs per gram of feces (EPG) indicated the GIN burden, with fecal samples obtained at 7:00 (AM) and 15:00 h (PM.) from each goat at six sampling points during the study. The variables and their relationship with GIN burdens were analyzed using Kruskall-Wallis, ANOVA and Friedman tests and Spearman correlations. The fecal samples obtained in the AM and PM can be equally representative of parasitic burdens (similar and highly correlated). However, the EPG of individual goats from periods of 30 days apart can be considered independent. The BCS and LWG varied between sampling times (p < 0.05), whereas EPG, LW and HT did not (p > 0.05). The GIN burden was negatively correlated with HT and BCS (-0.21, p = 0.01 for each one). The individual pattern of infection demonstrates the true impact of GINs on their hosts. Additionally, feeding and nutritional status may present important variations influencing the performance of the goats more than the impact of GINs under the farm conditions of the present study. However, GIN infection contributed to the variation in goat health and productivity in this tropical farm.

Hematologic parameters in female alpacas during age progression: a retrospective study

Alpacas, like all camelids, have elliptical red blood cells (RBCs) in contrast to other mammals. This particular shape is important for increased osmotic resistance and stability. Age-related changes in the RBC count are known in other species, with alterations in both red and white blood cells being described. In alpacas, there are few data on age-related changes, and only a comparison of crias with adult animals. We characterized age-related hematologic changes in a study of 21 female alpacas from a research herd. A total of 87 records of clinically healthy alpacas of different ages were statistically analyzed retrospectively from the hematologic records over a nine-year period. Significant positive correlations of age with hemoglobin (Hb), HCT, MCV, MCH, neutrophils, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were found as well as significant negative correlations of age with lymphocytes in addition to lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). A paired comparison of eight older animals in the herd at three different ages also showed significant differences in the parameters Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. Similar changes in hematologic parameters have been reported in other species and should be taken into account when interpreting hematologic results in alpacas.

Impact of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp inclusion and warm season on gastrointestinal morphological parameters, immune-redox defences and coccidiosis in concentrate-fed light lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp and warm season on gastrointestinal morphological parameters, immune-redox defences and coccidiosis in concentrate-fed light lambs. Weaned lambs were assigned to one of three concentrate-based diets: C0 (without carob pulp), C15 (150 g/kg of carob pulp) and C30 (300 g/kg of carob pulp) from 40 to 80 days of age in two consecutive cold and warm batches. Blood samples were collected at Day 80 to determine the metabolic status. Rectal faeces were sampled at Days 50, 65 and 80 to determine consistency and oocyst count per gram. Inclusion of carob pulp in lamb diets did not affect lamb growth but reduced coccidia oocyst excretion, improved faecal consistency and gastrointestinal morphological parameters, enhancing the ruminal thickness of the papilla living strata and reducing the darkness of the epithelium colour. Moreover, carob condensed tannins in the lambs' diet enhanced the expression of antioxidant SOD2 in rumen, while down-regulated NRF2, SOD1, CAT and PPARG in ileum. There was no interaction between the treatments and season in the evaluated variables. Lambs from the warm season exhibited reduced growth performance, altered ruminal epithelium, lower circulating iron levels, increased protein concentrations and higher coccidiosis susceptibility. In addition, regulatory immune and antioxidant mechanisms to counterbalance reactive oxygen species production in gastrointestinal tissues were evident. Dietary inclusion of carob pulp (150 and 300 g/kg) in lamb diets improved gastrointestinal health and homeostasis but did not ameliorate the deleterious effects of warm season.

Re-examining poikilocytosis in goats: prevalence, type and association with age and disease

Background

Domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are a food, fiber and companion animal. Abnormal erythrocyte shapes (poikilocytes) are considered normal in young goats, but their association with disease is not well described. Likewise, there is little information on the significance of poikilocytosis in adult goats.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, severity and type of poikilocytosis in young and adult goats and its association with age, sex, breed, laboratory results, and underlying disease.

Methods

We retrospectively examined clinical and laboratory data from 1254 goats presented at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1997 to 2019. We analyzed 313 blood smears from goats with moderate or marked (MOD-MKD) poikilocytosis on initial blood smear evaluation. Number and type of poikilocytes per 1000 red blood cells (RBCs) were enumerated. Laboratory values and primary disease categories were compared with the severity and type of poikilocytosis.

Results

Kids (<6 mos) and juveniles (>6 mos to <1 year) had a higher prevalence of MOD-MKD poikilocytosis (95/210, 45.2% kids; 27/59, 45.8% juveniles) than adult goats (≥1 year; 190/982, 19.3%) (p < 0.001). Kids had a higher percentage of elliptocytes, dacryocytes, and schistocytes and a lower percentage of polygonal and spiculated RBCs than juvenile and adult goats (p < 0.001). Of goats with MOD-MKD (vs NONE-SLIGHT) poikilocytosis, kids had lower HGB and MCH, and higher RDW (p ≤ 0.02); juveniles and adult goats had lower HCT, MCV, MCH, and albumin concentration (p ≤ 0.01), and all age groups had lower total CO2 concentration and higher PLT counts (p < 0.03). Adult goats with MOD-MKD poikilocytosis also had higher BUN:Cr ratios (p = 0.005). Gastrointestinal parasitism, Johne's disease, diarrhea/enteritis, lice, hepatic disease and renal disease (but not urolithiasis) were significantly associated with MOD-MKD poikilocytosis (p < 0.001). Goats with hepatic and renal disease had a higher prevalence and percentage of spiculated cells (p = 0.001). Goats with Johne's disease had a higher prevalence of polygonal cells (93.3%) and dacryocytes (66.7%) than other diseases, and elliptocytes predominated in a higher proportion (36.0%) of adult goats with GI parasitism vs other diseases (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that iron deficiency is an important pathophysiologic mechanism of poikilocytosis in juvenile and adult goats, and possibly in kids, whether due to iron-restricted erythropoiesis, chronic hemorrhage, functional iron deficiency, or a combination of these mechanisms. Further investigation into the detection and monitoring of iron deficiency and the value of poikilocytosis as a diagnostic marker of iron status in goats is warranted.

Hematobiochemical, serological, and molecular detection of Anaplasma marginale in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Al-Najaf desert, Iraq

Background and Aim

Anaplasmosis, an underestimated disease transmitted by ticks, is widespread in ruminants, such as the Arabian camel (dromedary camel). This study aimed to examine the presence of Anaplasma marginale in dromedary camels in the Al-Hiadyia region of the Al-Najaf desert, Iraq, using serological and molecular tests. Moreover, hematological and biochemical changes in infected animals were compared with those in healthy controls.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted on 30 healthy and 260 infected camels with severe anemia, pale mucus membranes, and progressive emaciation to investigate antibodies against A. marginale using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, followed by polymerase chain reaction for selected positive samples targeting a specific region of A. marginale major surface protein 5 (MSP5). In addition, hematological and biochemical parameters were measured to indicate the effect of the disease on blood profile, mineral status, and liver and kidney functions.

Results

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis and microscopic examination revealed that 115/260 (44.23%) and 87 (33.46%) camels were positive for Anaplasma spp., respectively. The MSP5 gene, which is unique to A. marginale, was amplified. The results of hematological analysis indicated a significant decrease in total red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume and a significant increase in mean corpuscular volume in infected camels, but no difference in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Moreover, there was a significant increase in total white blood cells count, lymphocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and platelets. The results of biochemical analysis indicated a significant increase in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and iron and a decrease in copper in infected camels. Cholesterol and triglyceride showed no significant variations between healthy and diseased camels.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular study to demonstrate the presence of A. marginale in dromedary camels in Iraq. The MSP5 gene is a valuable and unique diagnostic target for identifying A. marginale.

Copper Poisoning, a Deadly Hazard for Sheep

Simple Summary

Sheep are very susceptible to copper intoxication, a deadly disease that causes significant economic losses worldwide. Two types of copper poisoning can occur depending on the chronic or acute exposure to copper. Chronic toxicosis is the most common form and is developed after a long subclinical period of copper accumulation in the liver. When the capacity of the liver for copper storage is exceeded, a sudden release of copper into the blood causes severe haemolysis and the death of the animals. Acute copper poisoning is much less frequent and appears following the accidental administration or ingestion of toxic amounts of copper. Collapse and death occur shortly after parenteral administration, whereas acute oral exposure to copper causes severe gastroenteritis followed by shock and death. In this review, we summarise the available information on the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sheep copper poisoning.

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is an essential microelement for animals. However, sheep are particularly susceptible to Cu intoxication, a deadly disease reported worldwide. The risk of developing this poisoning is higher in vulnerable breeds and in intensively managed lambs or milk sheep. Two types of Cu intoxication can occur depending on the chronic or acute exposure to Cu. In chronic Cu poisoning (CCP), the most common form, Cu is accumulated in the liver during a subclinical period. A low intake of Cu antagonists (molybdenum, sulphur, iron, or zinc) favours Cu accumulation. The sudden release of Cu into the blood causes acute haemolysis with anaemia, haemoglobinuria, jaundice and death within 1–2 days. Acute Cu poisoning is related to the accidental administration or ingestion of toxic amounts of Cu. Acute oral exposure to Cu causes severe gastroenteritis, shock and death. Collapse and death occur shortly after parenteral administration. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical, gross pathological, histological and toxicological findings. Treatment of sheep with severe clinical signs often has poor success but is very effective during the Cu accumulation phase. Different therapies, based on either chelating agents or Cu antagonists, have been used to treat and prevent CCP.

Case Report: Severe Anemia Associated With an Abomasal Fibrosarcoma in a Goat

A 10-year-old female goat was presented to the clinic with lethargy, emaciation, and pale mucous membranes. Laboratory diagnosis revealed severe anemia with regenerative character as well as melena. Blood transfusions were administered, but the animal's condition continued to deteriorate, so it was euthanized. The main finding in the necropsy was an abomasal neoplasia with two metastases in the mesenterium which was positive for vimentin, but negative for smooth muscle actin and c-kit using immunohistochemistry, indicating a fibrosarcoma that might have contributed to gastrointestinal blood loss. Further pathological findings consisted of changes in the liver cells as well as a cervical leiomyoma. These findings illustrate that intestinal blood loss due to neoplasia should also be considered in older goats with anemia.