Objective- Tendon healing, in terms of histologic and functional characteristics, is always inferior to its normal level due to the poor vascularity and low metabolic rate. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and healing effects. This study aimed to investigate effects of curcumin on Achilles tendon experimental injury using histopathology, biomechanical and functional evaluations Design- Experimental study Procedures- Twenty four adult male rats were divided into control and treatment groups. After aseptic preparation, complete transverse tenotomy through the middle section of right Achilles tendon, followed by modified Kessler suture placement was performed. Normal saline and curcumin (100 mg kg-1) were administered orally for seven days after surgery in control and treatment groups, respectively. Sampling was done six weeks later. Results- Lower peri-tendinous adhesion was found in the treatment group. Histopathology revealed significant increase in density and arrangement of collagen fibers, decrease in fibroblast and inflammatory cells and lower vascularity in treatment group compared to control groups which indicates earlier maturation of granulation tissue by curcumin. Significant increase in maximum load, yield load, stress and absorbed energy in the treatment group were noted by biomechanical analysis. Improved functionality was also found in the treatment group according to hind paw print analysis. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- The present study indicated that oral administration of curcumin resulted in improved structural, biomechanical properties and functionality of the Achilles tendon in rats.

Objective- This study investigated the effect of amlodipine on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats Design-Experimental study Animals-Fifteen male Sprague-Dawly rats weighing 200-220g Procedure- Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: IR group (operation with clamping), sham group (operation without clamping), and IRA group (operation with clamping and 5mg/kg amlodipine pretreatment). Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion was performed by occlusion (clamping) of the arteria mesenterica anterior for 60 min, followed by 60 min reperfusion. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in intestinal tissue of rats. Intestinal tissues were also investigated histopathologically. Results- Pretreatment with amlodipine impeded the increase in lipid peroxidation and mitigated GPx and SOD levels. Amlodipine also prevented I/R cellular damage and histological alternations in intestinal tissue. The levels of MDA (P<0.006) was significantly increased in the intestine of IR group rats. Intestinal GPx and SOD levels were decreased significantly (p<0.001) after I/R. Conclusion and clinical relevance- The findings of this study suggest that amlodipine has a preventive activity on I/R-induced intestine injury. The observed preventive effects of amlodipine in the present study can possibly be mediated by means of its well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Therefore, we suggest that amlodipine may be a novel approach to therapy for protective intestinal I/R injury.

Objective- The aim of this study was preparing detailed anatomic images of the thoracic cavity of the southern white-breasted hedgehog using the non-invasive computed tomography (CT) technique. Design- Descriptive study. Animals- Five southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) which is a species native to the Middle East, Anatolia, Transcaucasia, and Iran. Since some people keep this animal as a domestic pet, their attendance at veterinary clinics is increasing. Procedures- Five cases were examined with CT scan. Each hedgehog was anesthetized and positioned in ventral recumbency, and all scans were obtained on a two-detector scanner (Siemens Somatom Spirit) vertical to the longitudinal axes of the animal. After CT examination, the animals were euthanized to evaluate the anatomical structure of the thoracic cavity. Air was injected at the proximal part of the trachea to evaluate the structure of the lungs and trachea. CT images were compared with the dissected cases and were labeled according to anatomic assessment. Results- Anatomic sections were studied and identified anatomic structures were matched with structures on corresponding CT images. Except for some blood vessels and details of the heart, most of the bony and soft tissue structures of the thorax discerned on anatomic slices could be found on matched CT images. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance- The CT images from this study are intended as a reference for clinical CT imaging studies of the thoracic cavity of the southern white-breasted hedgehog and for interpreting lesions of the thorax and associated structures.

Objective- This study described the ultrasonographic features of the testes in West African Dwarf bucks. Design- Experimental study Procedure- Ultrasonographic images of testes of WAD bucks were acquired in longitudinal, sagittal and transverse planes using a Draminski 5MHz portable ultrasound machine after proper restraint of the bucks and gel application on the scrotum. Animals-Five WAD bucks age ranging from 1 – 1½ years, weighing an average of 15±0.5 kg were acquired for the study. Results-The seminiferous tubules showed as a homogenous moderately echogenic region separated by the hypoechoic inter-testicular septum, while the mediastinum testis showed as a thick band of hyperechoic tissue. The epididymis was an anechoic to heterogenously hypoechoic region bounded by the hyperechoic scrotal wall. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-Ultrasonographic images were very useful in ante-mortem clinical assessment of WAD bucks which will aid in proper selection for improved breeding programs.

Objective-This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of co-administration of Aloe vera gel and cinnamon zeynalicum bark hydroethanolic extract on process of wound healing in diabetic mice model. Design- Experimental Study. Animals- Seventy-two male BALB/c mice. Procedures- A single full-thickness excisional wound was created on back of each mouse with 7-mm punch biopsy. Animals were divided into four groups including control, 5% Aloe vera gel (A.vera), 5% cinnamon extract (C. zeynalicum) and combination of 5% Aloe vera gel + 5% cinnamon extract (C. zeynalicum + A. vera). The rate of wound closure, histological assessment, hydroxyproline content and biochemical evaluation for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were done at 3, 7 and 14 day after wound creation. Results-The rate of wound closure, number of fibroblast, collagen deposition, epithelium thickness and tissue hydroxyproline, TAC and SOD content were significantly enhanced in treated animals in comparison to control group (P<0.05). Moreover, tissue edema, immune cells infiltration and MDA content were significantly decreased in treated animals versus control group (P<0.05). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Topical co-administration of Aloe vera gel and cinnamon zeynalicum bark hydroethanolic extract have synergistic interaction effect and improved wound healing in diabetic rat and could be recommended as a new topical herbal drug production for treating of the diabetic wound.

Objective- The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of senna as an alternative or adjunct to polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution in dogs using colonoscopy and radiography. Design - Experimental study. Animals - 20 adult mongrel healthy dogs. Procedures- Dogs were randomly allocated to receive 1 of 4 different bowel preparation regimens including PEG, senna or their combinations in addition with enema before colonoscopy. Radiologist unaware of the method of bowel preparation reviewed the standard radiographs and graded the feces and gas in the colon and rectum, fecal radio-opacity and quality of radiographs on a scale of 0 to 3 (0=inadequate to 3=excellent). The degree of colonic cleansing was assigned a score of 1-4 (1= clean colon to 4= excessive fecal material) to each of five regions of the colon. Dogs were examined for any drugs side effects up to two weeks after administration of the laxatives. Results- Anesthesia and colonoscopy were performed without complication in all dogs. PEG was demonstrated to be equal or slightly more effective than senna using colonoscopy and radiography (p?0.05). There were no side effects or complications attributable to each laxative agent. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Polyethylene glycol lavage solution has been proved to be similarly safe and effective as senna for bowel preparation in dogs. Senna can be used as an alternative or adjunctive medication to potentiate the cathartic action of PEG in dogs.

Objective- This study aimed at investigating the effects of hoof trimming on radiographic measurements of hoof balance in front hooves of Dareh-Shori horse. Design- Experimental study Animals- 10 apparently healthy Dareh-Shori horses Procedure- After cleaning and washing the horses hooves, hand-made block placed under the following limb. Lateromedial radiographS were made to get the desired measurements before and after trimming Results- The following values have been acquired before and after trimming respectively: Dorsal Wall Length (8.83±1.19, 8.53±1.04 cm), Sole Length (13.69±0.94, 13.01±0.82 cm), P3 to Toe Length (1.37±0.62, 1.17±0.40 cm), Sole Thickness (1.15±0.45, 0.86±0.33 cm), Distal Interphalangeal Joint Height (4.06±0.44, 3.88±0.37 cm), Hoof axis (S) angle (50.05±2.21, 51.40±2.13), Third phalanx axis (T) angle (48.65±2.20, 50.60±1.72), P2 axis (U) angle (45.65±3.46, 47.90±3), H (T? S) angle (-2±1.52, -1.65±1.75), R (T? U) angle (3.30±2.95, 3.40±2.66). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- The results obtained in this study can be applied as a template in recognition and treatment of hoof capsule distortion. It can be put into practice before these distortions create pathologies that result in lameness, or before hoof distortion negatively affects performance.

Case Description- The peresent case described sialocele associated with sialoliths and ectopic ossification in a 3-year-old female terrier dog. Clinical Findings- In the general examination, an enlargement fluctuate mass was seen blow the jaw around the neck. Clinical parameters (TPR) and blood test results were normal. The radiograph was showed the fluid opacity mass with some radioopaque particles within it. The fine needle aspiration and then the cytologic investigation proved that the mass was filled with saliva. Treatment and Outcome- The surgical technique was the best treatment for removing the affected mandibular and sublingual salivary glands. In histopathologic study, no salivary acini or ducts were observed. The mass wall lined with epithelium tissue in some area. The well differentiated trabecular bones were present in the inner surface of cyst. Some sialoliths in 2-4 mm dimeter were identified in the mass. Clinical Relevance- Salivary sialocele is a collected saliva in a cavity formed of connective tissue. The most affected animal is dog in any age specialy in male, and rare in other species.

Case description- A two-month-old cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) of unknown sex ?weighing 58 g was referred for history of ingestion of foreign body inaction. Clinical findings- Of course, by examination and observation of chest, an object was seen and touched in the crop. Lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs showed a foreign body within the crop in a transverse position. Treatment and outcome- Because the foreign body can cause obstruction we decide to remove it by minor surgery. The feathers at the incision site were plucked. The skin was prepared for aseptic operation. The crop was approached through a 1 cm skin incision in the left lateral cervical region to remove the foreign body and the end of silicon needle was pulled out slowly and the foreign body was removed carefully. Clinical Relevance- Crop has a good blood supply and heals well, so, the surgical removal of the foreign body from crop can be used.

Background: Contagious ecthyma or orf is a poxviral disease of goat and sheep, with incidental infection appearing in humans, cows, camels, and many wild ruminants, and very rarely in dogs. Case description: In the present paper was described gross morphology and histopathology of contagious ecthyma in a dog with a large ulcerated cutaneous mass in the neck (under the collar) which was managed by local surgery. Clinical findings: The mass was solitary, soft, well circumscribed and grey to brown color. Cut surfaces of the mass contained discrete, round without any lobulation and liquefied foci in the centers. Histologically, there were vacuolar degeneration of keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum, marked epidermal proliferation associated with deep epidermal pegs and dermal papilla, and accumulation of scale-crust with ortho- and parakeratotic hyperkeratosis. Dermal lesions included superficial edema, marked capillary dilation, and an influx of neutrophils, followed by a marked accumulation of lymphocytes. It is guessed that the dog was fed with infected carcass. Clinical relevance: As regards the virus has zoonotic potential, it should be given more attention.