https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/ Journal of Veterinary Laboratory Research en daily 1 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10610.html This study investigated the effects of age, sex, and body weight on thyroid gland dimensions and serum biochemical parameters in Turkmen horses.Twenty-eight horses were categorized by age (<36 months vs. ≥36 months) and sex. Univariate ANCOVA models were used to examine effects on thyroid dimensions and serum parameters, with weight as a covariate.For thyroid dimensions, sex significantly influenced length and volume of right and left lobes, with mares having larger dimensions. However, low adjusted R² values (0.013-0.211) suggested model over fitting due to small sample size. For biochemical parameters, weight significantly predicted TG, cholesterol, ALP, T4, and T3 (P<0.05). Age significantly affected ALT (P=0.005), and sex significantly affected ALP (P=0.040), with higher adjusted R² values (0.556-0.796) indicating more reliable models.While sex may influence thyroid morphology in horses, these findings are preliminary due to overfitting. Biochemical parameters showed more robust associations with weight, age, and sex. Larger studies are needed to confirm these observations. https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10639.html Ostrich is the largest bird on Earth, and studies on the development of this bird's organs can fill some of the gaps in information in this field. To conduct an anatomical study, 30 fertilized ostrich eggs incubated in an incubator on days 5, 9, 14, 20, 25, 30, 34, 38, and 41 were randomly selected. These eggs were transferred to the clinic laboratory with minimal time and the study was conducted after the preparation steps. For histologic study, tissue samples were taken from the pancreas of embryos from 14 to 41 days old at the same time as the anatomical study, and after the preparation steps, the tissue study was conducted with a light microscope. Considering the 45 to 50-day embryonic period of the bird, this organ is initially visible from about day 14, and the pancreatic duct is formed on day 30. The results of this study were compared with the results of similar studies on other birds. Despite the similarities found in these comparisons, there were also significant differences such as differences in the size of the pancreatic lobes, the shape of the islets of Langerhans, the time of onset of the development of the exocrine part of the pancreas, and the number of pancreatic ducts. Given the species differences and also the difference in the incubation period from egg to hatching of chicks in other birds, there were significant differences in the morphology and histology of the pancreas of the ostrich embryo compared to other birds, but in general the pancreas of this embryo was similar to other domestic birds such as chicken. For more complete studies of the development of the pancreas, the use of electron microscopy is recommended https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10656.html Chicken meat is recognized as a cost-effective, healthy source of high-quality protein with low fat content. One of the primary causes of foodborne illnesses is Salmonella and its various serotypes. Salmonella typhimurium is a major public health issue worldwide. This study evaluates the comparative separation and diagnosis of Salmonella spp. and Salmonella typhimurium in 73 imported frozen chicken samples by culture and simultaneous Real Time PCR with specific primers. The results indicated that, out of the 73 frozen chicken samples analyzed through microbial cultivation for Salmonella detection, 5 samples were identified as Salmonella spp. (6.8%). Among these, 2 samples were specifically diagnosed as Salmonella typhimurium using serological method (2.7%). In molecular method, 9 samples were identified as positive (12.3%), with 4 of these PCR-positive samples confirmed as Salmonella typhimurium (5.4%). Thus, the comparative results between the two testing methods revealed that the Real-Time PCR method was 1.8 times (approximately double) more effective than the conventional cultivation method. In conclusion, the monitoring of frozen imported chickens for Salmonella contamination demonstrated that Real-Time PCR offers significant advantages in terms of accuracy and speed compared to traditional cultivation methods.  https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10440.html Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), has emerged as a promising adjunct in musculoskeletal regenerative therapies. The FHO limits the bony contact between the femoral head and the acetabulum and allows the formation of a fibrous pseudoarthrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic effects of PRP on bone repair following femoral head osteotomy in rabbits. Eighteen adult male New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into two equal groups: a treatment and a control group. Blood was collected from the hearts of the treatment group in a tube containing anticoagulant in an amount of 6 cc, and after two centrifugation steps with CaCl2, the autologous PRP was activated. For each rabbit in the treatment group, 1.5 ml of PRP was prepared and added at the surgical site. Standardized radiographic assessments were performed at 2, and 3 weeks postoperatively to evaluate callus formation, area of periosteal reaction, and degree of changes in the acetabulum. The PRP-treated group demonstrated significantly enhanced radiographic signs of bone regeneration, including earlier onset of callus formation and improved periosteal reaction, degree of changes in the acetabulum compared to controls. These findings suggest that PRP accelerates early bone healing and improves structural integrity post-FHO, potentially supporting its use in orthopedic surgical practice. The presence of high concentrations of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma to accelerate bone repair and pseudo-joint formation by reducing joint inflammation, can be effective in faster weight gain in cases requiring hip arthroplasty. More histological studies are recommended to confirm these results. https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10450.html Hard ticks are obligate and blood-sucking ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates that transmit some bacteria (such as Rickettsia, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, Francisella, and Coxiella). The present study was conducted to identify and molecularly distinguish the genus Rickettsia from hard ticks isolated from samples of goat in Lorestan province. In this study, a total of 262 hard ticks were classified and identified based on diagnostic keys. Then, primers for the (gltA) genes were used to detect Rickettsia by Nested-PCR method. Mega 11 software with 1000 iterations was used for phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that 2 pool samples (9.18%) (CI: 4.9%-16.54%) of the tick samples from Lorestan province were infected with Rickettsia. The 2 positive pool samples were related to Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks from Aligudarz and Selseleh (20%) (CI: -5.67%-50.98%). Blast sequencing of the positive samples in NCBI showed that the strains isolated in Lorestan province belong to the Rickettsia hoogstraalii species and are 99-100% similar to other strains registered in NCBI. The findings indicate that Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks may play an important role in the transmission of Rickettsia in the mentioned areas, so this issue could be a major public health concern worldwide. https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10818.html The objective of this study was to evaluate the food safety of traditional dairy products consumed in the Mahdishahr and Shahmirzad regions by assessing the presence of Salmonella and the prevalence of fecal coliforms, which may pose a serious threat to public health. For this purpose, a total of 36 traditionally produced samples (12 samples each of kashk, doogh, and cheese) were randomly collected from local retailers and traditional dairy distribution centers in the mentioned areas during the winter of 2025. The samples were examined using standard microbiological methods for Salmonella detection and fecal coliform assessment. Although preliminary culture results on selective media indicated possible Salmonella presence in some samples, the final results from differential biochemical tests did not confirm its presence in any of the samples. Nevertheless, a significant microbial load of coliforms was observed in all samples, with the highest counts found in cheese and kashk samples, approximately 2.4 × 10⁴ CFU/g and 1.8 × 10⁴ CFU/g, respectively. The results showed that 100% of the cheese samples, about 60% of the kashk samples, and 25% of the doogh samples were contaminated with fecal coliforms. Furthermore, the presence of Escherichia coli was confirmed in all tested samples, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight by health authorities and enhanced public awareness regarding the consumption of dairy products with proper health certification. https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10652.html Urinary tract diseases are among the most common disorders in cats and can result in serious clinical and economic consequences for pet owners. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of urinary tract diseases in cats referred to three veterinary hospitals in Sari over a six-month period in 2024. A total of 1,916 cats were examined, of which 128 cases (6.68%) were diagnosed with urinary tract diseases. The most prevalent condition was cystitis (1.93%). Statistical analyses indicated that older age (6–9 years) increased the odds of developing urinary tract diseases by 2.4 times compared to cats under three years of age (P = 0.03). A significant association was also observed between sex and the occurrence of urinary tract diseases, with male cats having a 1.76 times higher risk than females (P = 0.04). Although Domestic Shorthair cats represented the highest proportion of affected cats, no statistically significant association between breed and urinary tract diseases was found. Furthermore, the mean values of several hematological and biochemical parameters, including WBC, NEUT, TP, globulin, phosphorus, triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT, AST, ALP, and BUN, were significantly higher in cats with urinary tract diseases compared to healthy cats. The findings of this study may be useful for diagnostic management, therapeutic decision-making, and preventive planning of urinary tract diseases in cats. https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10501.html Myiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the invasion of fly larvae into the living tissues of animals. Although this condition is more commonly observed in soft tissues and open wounds, involvement of the oral cavity is exceedingly rare due to the region's defense mechanisms, including the presence of saliva, a relatively constant pH range of approximately 7.5, high vascularity, and the continuous movements of the tongue.This study reports the case of a 5-year-old male Boxer dog exhibiting severe clinical manifestations in the oral cavity, including deep ulcers, ptyalism, hematemesis, and anorexia. Clinical examination revealed extensive infestation of the anterior regions of both the maxilla and mandible with fly larvae. Parasitological and morphometric examinations of the larvae confirmed that the specimens belonged to the family Calliphoridae.In this case report, feeding on food waste contaminated with fly eggs or larvae, along with the pre-existing presence, existence, of periodontal diseases which create favorable, suitable, conditions for the establishment and growth of larvae, were identified as predisposing factors. This report emphasizes the necessity for thorough oral examinations in dogs with poor oral hygieneThough rare, oral myiasis must be considered in differential diagnoses for extensive necrotic lesions to prevent major tissue destruction. https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10651.html Skin wound healing is one of the major challenges in human and veterinary medicine, requiring effective and low-risk strategies to accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of infection. In recent years, herbal compounds have attracted attention due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and affordability. This experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of alcoholic extract of Froriepia subpinnata (Anarijeh) on full-thickness skin wound healing in Wistar rats. Sixty healthy adult female rats were randomly divided into four groups after standardized wound creation using a 1.5 cm biopsy punch: negative control (saline), base ointment (eucerin), nitrofurazone, and 10% Anarijeh ointment. The animals received daily topical treatment, and tissue samples were collected on days 7, 14, and 21. H&E-stained sections were evaluated histologically for epithelialization, angiogenesis, fibroplasia, inflammation, and collagen fiber formation. Additionally, MIC and MBC tests were performed to assess the antibacterial activity of the extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that the Anarijeh-treated group demonstrated significantly improved wound healing indices compared to the control and eucerin groups (P<0.05), although no notable inhibitory effect on bacterial growth was observed. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that topical application of Froriepia subpinnata extract may have beneficial effects in promoting cutaneous wound healing. https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10653.html Doogh is a valuable dairy beverage, but during its storage there are some challenges such as phase separation, sedimentation, pH drops and shelf-life reduction, so nowadays many investigations are focused on reducing undesirable quality changes, enrichment and increasing its shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nasturtium officinale, Spirulina platensis algae, and whey protein concentrate on Doogh quality. In this regard, 18 Doogh samples were produced with Spirulina platensis (0, 0.4, and 0.8% w/w), whey protein concentrate (0, 2, and 4% w/w), and Nasturtium officinale powder (0, 0.2, and 0.4% w/w) and stored for 21 days. Results showed that whey protein concentrate and Spirulina platensis significantly increased pH and viscosity (p < 0.05). The highest pH was 4.4 and the highest viscosity was 4.9 cp at the concentrations of 4% whey protein concentrate and 0.8% Spirulina platensis. Whey protein concentrate up to 3% improved the phase stability of Doogh, while at higher amounts, due to increased solid content, phase stability decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Based on the final optimization, the sample containing 1.95% whey protein concentrate, 0.32% Spirulina platensis, and 0.02% Nasturtium officinale powder was identified as the best sample. https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10654.html Q fever is an important zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, which can be present in animals-especially camels-without clinical signs and act as a potential reservoir for human infection. This study aimed to molecularly detect and determine the prevalence of C. burnetii in camels from Semnan County using PCR. Blood samples were randomly collected from 50 camels, and data including age and sex were recorded. Samples were collected into EDTA tubes, transported on ice to the laboratory, and buffy coats were separated. DNA was extracted using a commercial kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. PCR was performed using C. burnetii-specific primers with positive and negative controls, and amplified products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The results showed that none of the samples exhibited the specific C. burnetii band. Accordingly, no evidence of Q fever infection was observed in the blood samples of camels from Semnan County. Considering the importance of this zoonotic disease, further studies on different livestock species across various regions of the country are recommended https://jvlr.semnan.ac.ir/article_10790.html Glossitis is an uncommon initial presentation of contagious ecthyma (Orf) in goats. This report describes an outbreak of glossitis in a herd of 1500 goats in Tehran )Iran(, during August 2022. Among 400 newly introduced goats, 189 (12.6%) developed perioral swelling followed by glossitis (swollen, red to purple tongue protruding from the mouth) without any proliferative lesions in the first three days of disease. Tongue scrapings from 10 affected goats were tested by PCR for Orf virus, bluetongue virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, and peste des petits ruminants virus. Only Orf virus DNA was detected (392 bp product). Proliferative granulomatous lesions appeared on day 5, and scabs formed by day 15. Mean disease duration was 28 days, and all animals recovered without treatment. Morbidity and case fatality rates were 12.6% and 0%, respectively. To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few reports describing glossitis as an early clinical manifestation preceding classic proliferative Orf lesions in goats. The absence of sequencing is a major limitation in the study. Clinicians should consider Orf in differential diagnosis of acute glossitis in goats, especially in newly introduced animals.