Yusra Veterinary Care Centre

30/03/2025

"As we celebrate Eid, may Allah’s blessings shine upon you and your family. Eid Mubarak!"

27/03/2025

Cat Tail Language

26/03/2025

Difference between Milk Fever and Downer Cow Syndrome

07/02/2025

Malignant catarrhal fever is a severe, often fatal, lymphoproliferative disease of artiodactyls caused by ruminant gammaherpesviruses. Clinical signs include fever, oral and nasal erosions, enlarged lymph nodes, and centripetal corneal opacity. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and laboratory confirmation.

02/02/2025

🌡️Blood tubes🌡️
There are several types of tubes that are used for collection of blood. Specific types of tubes are needed for different types of clinical pathology tests. Avoid positive pressure when filling tubes, forcing the blood into the tube by pressing on the syringe can result in hemolysis. Let the tube fill via vacuum pressure or remove the rubber stopper on the tube to break the vacuum. Tubes should be filled with the appropriate amount of blood as indicated on the side of the tube. This will ensure that the tube contains the correct ratio of the chemical in the tube and the blood.
• Types of blood collection tubes (Figure 1.😎 and their uses:
• Striped-red- and gray-topped tubes
• Used to collect serum
• Also known as serum separator tubes
• As the clotted sample is centrifuged, a gel moves between the clot and the serum to prevent alterations in serum chemistry values.
• Serum separator tubes should not be used for samples drawn to measure drug concentrations because contact with the serum separator gel may falsely decrease results.
🌑• Red-topped tubes
• Used to collect serum
• Does NOT contain anticoagulant or serum separator gel
• Once the sample has clotted, it needs to be centrifuged. Immediately after centrifugation, the serum must be removed from the blood clot and placed in a separate tube to avoid alterations in serum chemistry values.
🌑• Purple-topped tubes
• Used to collect whole blood
• Contains the anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
• The final concentration of EDTA should be 1.8 mg/mL of blood.
• Preferred collection tube for complete blood counts (CBCs) in mammals
•🌑 Green-topped tubes
• Used to collect plasma
• Contains the anticoagulant lithium heparin
• The final concentration of heparin should be approximately 16 international units per milliliter of blood.
• The sample can be centrifuged immediately (as the sample will not clot). After centrifugation, the plasma should be removed from the RBCs with a pipette and placed into another tube.
• When submitting heparinized samples to an outside laboratory, label the sample as heparinized plasma so the laboratory knows what they are dealing with.
🌑• Blue-topped tubes
• Contain 3.2% sodium citrate
• Dilutes the blood sample by 10%
• Preferred for most platelet function tests

18/01/2025

Sheep Nasal Bot Myiasis
Larvae of the sheep nasal botfly (Oestrus ovis) develop in the nasal sinuses of sheep. Signs of infestation include nasal discharge and sneezing. Rarely, more serious disease develops. Antiparasitic treatment with ivermectin is effective.


The sheep nasal bot, the larval stage of the botfly Oestrus ovis, is a parasite that inhabits the nasal passages and sinuses of sheep and goats. O ovis has a worldwide geographic distribution.

The adult fly is grayish brown and ~12 mm long. Gravid females deposit larvae in and around the nostrils of sheep without landing. These small, clear-white larvae (initially < 2 mm long) migrate into the nasal cavity; many spend at least some time in the paranasal sinuses. The larval period, which is usually shortest in young animals, lasts 1–10 months. When mature, the larvae leave the nasal passages, drop to the ground, burrow down a few inches, and pupate. The pupal period lasts 3–9 weeks, depending on the environmental conditions, after which the fly emerges from the pupal case and pushes its way to the surface. The adult flies mate soon after emergence, with the life cycle continuing following larviposition by gravid females.
CLINICAL FINDINGS:

After the O oestrus larvae begin to move around in the nasal passages, a profuse discharge develops. At first the discharge is clear and mucoid; later it is mucopurulent and frequently tinged with fine streaks of blood from minute hemorrhages produced by the hooks and spines of the larvae. Paroxysms of sneezing accompany migrations of the larger larvae. Larvae in the sinuses are sometimes unable to escape; they die and may gradually become calcified or lead to septic sinusitis. However, the principal effects are irritation to the animal, with a resulting decrease in grazing time and loss of condition. Usually only 4–15 larvae are found, although many more may be present.

To avoid the fly’s attempts at larval deposition, a sheep may run from place to place, keep its nose close to the ground, sneeze and stamp its feet, or shake its head. Commonly, especially during the warmer hours of the day, when the flies are most active, small groups of sheep gather and face the center of a circle, heads down and close together.
TREATMENT:

Ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg, PO or SC, once; repeated as necessary when reexposure to parasites occurs) is highly effective against all stages of the larvae in nasal botfly infestations.

17/01/2025

Bovine leukosis:
●Definition
Is a disease of cattle caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV). It is a blood-borne disease that can affect cattle of all ages, but it is most common in older animals.
●Causes
Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV), a retrovirus related to HTLV-1 in humans.
●Spread through
1-contact with infected blood or other body fluids through contaminated needles, dehorning equipment, or other instruments that come into contact with blood.
2-ingestion of infected milk or colostrum.
●Symptoms
Most cattle infected with BLV do not show any symptoms. However, a small percentage of infected cattle will develop lymphosarcoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes and other tissues. Lymphosarcoma can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
1-Swollen lymph nodes
2-Weight loss and loss of appetite
3-Fever
4-Weakness
5-Difficulty breathing
6-Protruding eyeballs
●Treatment
There is no cure for bovine leukosis
●Consuming Meat
Meat from cattle with bovine leukosis is generally considered safe for human consumption. However, there are some important considerations:
1-It is important to cook meat from all animals, including those with bovine leukosis, to a safe internal temperature to kill any potential pathogens.
2-The internal organs of animals with lymphosarcoma, a cancer associated with bovine leukosis, should not be consumed because these organs may contain cancerous cells.
●Prevention
1-Closed herds: Avoid introducing new animals into the herd whenever possible.
2-Testing incoming animals.
3-Isolate new animals for a period of time after introduction to monitor for any signs of disease.
4-Hygienic practices:
A-Clean and disinfect equipment: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all equipment that comes into contact with cattle, such as dehorning instruments, needles, and syringes.
B-Bloodless dehorning: Use cautery or other bloodless methods of dehorning to minimize the risk of blood contamination.
5-Dispose of infected animals properly
●Detection
The most common method for detecting BLV infection is through blood testing.
There are several different tests available, including:
1-Agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID).
2-Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
3-Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

●Regular testing of your herd for BLV is essential for early detection and control of the disease. The frequency of testing will depend on the prevalence of BLV in your area and the biosecurity measures in place on your farm.

●If an animal tests positive for BLV, it should be removed from the herd and disposed of properly to prevent the spread of the virus.

28/12/2024

Abortion in cattle can be caused by a variety of factors, including infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, trauma, stress, and genetic abnormalities.
Most common infectious causes include:
* Brucellosis: A bacterial infection that can cause abortion, infertility, and weak calves.

* Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can cause abortion, stillbirth, and weak calves.

* Campylobacteriosis: A bacterial infection that can cause abortion, stillbirth, and weak calves.

* Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection that can cause abortion, stillbirth, and weak calves.

* Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD): A viral infection that can cause abortion, stillbirth, and weak calves.

* Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR): A viral infection that can cause abortion, stillbirth, and weak calves.

* Neospora caninum: A protozoan parasite that can cause abortion, stillbirth, and weak calves.

* Toxoplasma gondii: A protozoan parasite that can cause abortion, stillbirth, and weak calves.

Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of selenium or vitamin E, can also lead to abortion. Toxicities, such as exposure to certain plants or chemicals, can also cause abortion. Trauma, such as a fall or injury, can also cause abortion. Stress, such as from heat stress or transportation, can also cause abortion. Genetic abnormalities, such as chromosomal abnormalities, can also cause abortion.
It is important to note that abortion in cattle can be caused by multiple factors, and it is often difficult to determine the exact cause.

Determining the cause of abortion in cattle involves a combination of factors, including clinical signs, abortion timing, herd history, and diagnostic tests. These tests can include bacteriology, virology, parasitology, serology, histopathology, toxicology, and genetic testing. Environmental factors such as nutrition, stress, and toxic plants can also
contribute to abortion.

26/12/2024

Surf Field Mastitis Test

1. Collect a small amount of milk from each quarter of the udder.
2. Mix an equal amount of 3% Surf solution (detergent) with the milk in a clean container.
3. Observe the reaction: if clumping or gel formation occurs, it indicates a positive result for mastitis in that quarter.

This test is a simple, cost-effective method for detecting subclinical mastitis in the field, allowing for timely intervention. Sharing this video to emphasize the importance of early detection and management in maintaining udder health and milk quality.

25/12/2024

Role_of_Bacteria_in_Silage_Making_Process 🌽 🚜 🏡

“ Good quality silage needs Keen attention on Preservation ”

♻️ The process of preserving chopped in silos/bunkers or bale are called “ Ensilage ”🏖️

♻️ We can preserve any crop for silage but commonly the following are being used for silage worldwide 🌏
- Legumes
- Grasses 🌾
- Wheat, Sorghum and Maize 🌽

♻️ In anaerobic conditions, the following microbes are playing important role in process 💥

1️⃣ 🦠

✔️ Facultative anaerobes, (can be grown in both environment ), present in small numbers on 🔢

✔️ After harvesting the crops, especially when chopped, they usually multiply ❌

✔️ Divided in two groups 🎯
- homo-fermentative (more efficient)
- hetero-fermentative

✔️ They ferment the water-soluble carbohydrates in the crop to , mainly the lactic acid that reduces the pH of silage ⛳🏹

2️⃣ 🍺

🕹 Present on crop but main source is soil Best Grow 🪴 on pH 7-7.4

🕹 Don't live on acid conditions (pH=4.2) considered to inhibit their growth ⬇️

🕹 Their active growth on Wet Conditions and Very Wet Crop (DM concentration like 150gm/kg)

🕹 Divided in two groups 🎯
- saccharolytic clostridia
“ they ferment lactic acid and residual WSC to butyric acid, results in rising pH ”

- proteolytic clostridia
“ they ferment the amino acids into amines, ammonia, acetic and butyric acids ”

🕹 Growth can be inhibited when ensiled crop DM reaches to 300-400gm/kg ⚖️💡

3️⃣ 🧨

🖱 Silage with low DM contains Listeria monocytogenes, causes the following problems in dairy animals 🐄 🐄
- meningoencephalitis 🧠
- anterior uveitis 👁️
- placentitis
- subsequent abortions 🐥
- fatal septicaemia of unborn babies ⏳

🖱 Can survive on pH below 4.7 👇

🖱 Following factors enhance the risks especially in the big bale silage 🥇
- high surface/volume ratio
- mould infection
- air trapped silage 💡

4️⃣ 💥

🎯 Present in low number on crops, usually called “coliform bacteria”🧫

🎯 Facultative anaerobes, compete with lactic acid bacteria for water-soluble carbohydrates 🌽

🎯 They ferment WSC to acetic acid, ethanol and hydrogen, AND they can also & the amino acids and produce a large concentration of ammonia gass 🚨

🎯 Active growth on pH 7.0 , mainly active on early stages of

5️⃣ ⏳

♻️ Widespread contamination of harvested but in silage growth inhibited by development of lactic acid 💡

♻️ Air in silage enhances it's growth and abundant numbers present 💐

♻️ “ Bacillus lichiniformis ”causes abortion in dairy when contaminated silage fed to cows 🐮

25/11/2024

Subclinical mastitis is a common condition in dairy cattle that is characterized by inflammation of the udder without visible signs of abnormal milk. There are several types of subclinical mastitis, including:
1. Contagious subclinical mastitis: This type of mastitis is caused by contagious bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Mycoplasma bovis. These bacteria are spread from cow to cow through milking equipment and can result in chronic infections.
2. Environmental subclinical mastitis: This type of mastitis is caused by environmental bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Streptococcus uberis. These bacteria are present in the cow's environment and can enter the udder through teat ends that are damaged or not properly cleaned.
3. Gram-negative subclinical mastitis: This type of mastitis is caused by bacteria that are classified as gram-negative, such as E. coli and Klebsiella spp. These bacteria are particularly problematic because they release endotoxins that can cause inflammation and damage to the udder tissue.
4. Mycoplasma subclinical mastitis: This type of mastitis is caused by Mycoplasma bovis, which is a bacteria that lacks a cell wall. Mycoplasma infections can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and can result in chronic infections that are difficult to control.
Subclinical mastitis is typically classified into different grades based on the level of somatic cell count (SCC) in the milk. SCC is a measure of the number of white blood cells present in the milk, which increases when there is inflammation in the udder. The grades of subclinical mastitis are:
1. Grade 1: SCC is between 200,000 and 400,000 cells/ml. This is considered a mild case of subclinical mastitis and may not have a significant impact on milk production or quality.
2. Grade 2: SCC is between 400,000 and 800,000 cells/ml. This is a moderate case of subclinical mastitis and may result in a decrease in milk production and quality.
3. Grade 3: SCC is greater than 800,000 cells/ml. This is a severe case of subclinical mastitis and can result in a significant decrease in milk production and quality, as well as damage to the udder tissue.
It is important to note that the SCC threshold for each grade may vary depending on the country or region. In general, a higher SCC indicates a more severe case of subclinical mastitis and requires prompt treatment to prevent the spread of infection and minimize the economic impact on the dairy farm.
There are several diagnostic approaches for subclinical mastitis in dairy farms, including:
1. California Mastitis Test (CMT).
2. Somatic cell count (SCC).
3. Electrical conductivity (EC).
4. Bacterial culture.
5. Milk component analysis.

05/09/2024

04/09/2024

Hypomagnesemia / Grass tetany

Hypomagnesemic tetany is a complex metabolic disturbance characterized by hypomagnesemia (plasma total magnesium [tMg] < 1.5 mg/dL [< 0.65 mmol/L]) and a decreased concentration of tMg in the CSF (< 1.0 mg/dL [0.4 mmol/L]), leading to hyperexcitability, muscular spasms, seizures, respiratory distress, collapse, and death. Adult lactating animals are most susceptible because of the loss of Mg in milk. Hypomagnesemic tetany occurs mainly when animals are grazed on lush grass pastures or green cereal crops; however, it can also occur in lactating beef cows fed silage indoors. It is rare in nonlactating cattle but has occurred when undernourished cattle were introduced to green cereal crops.

Mg absorption from the rumen may be decreased when potassium and nitrogen intakes are high and sodium and phosphorus intakes are low. Soils naturally high in potassium and those fertilized with potash and nitrogen (eg, via poultry manure) are high-risk areas for hypomagnesemic tetany. The more complex mineral interactions are likely to be involved in herds in which hypomagnesemic tetany occurs in first- and second-calving cows as well as in older cows.

In the most acute form of hypomagnesemic tetany, affected cows, which may appear to be grazing normally, suddenly throw up their heads, bellow, gallop in a blind frenzy, fall, and exhibit severe paddling seizures with chomping of the jaws, frothy salivation, fluttering of the eyelids, and nystagmus. Seizures may recur at short intervals, and death usually occurs within a few hours. In many instances, animals at pasture are found dead without observed illness; however, an indication that the animal had seizures before death may be evident from marks on the ground.

Animals showing clinical signs require treatment immediately with combined solutions of calcium and Mg, preferably given slowly IV while monitoring the heart. The response to treatment is slower in animals with hypomagnesemic tetany than in animals with hypocalcemia alone, because of the time it takes to restore Mg in the CSF. The animal should not be stimulated during treatment, because this could trigger fatal seizures. An adult cow requires 1.5–2.25 g of elemental Mg. As Mg sulfate is only 9.7% elemental Mg, this is equivalent to 15–22.5 g of Mg sulfate solution or 30–45 ml of a 50% Mg sulfate solution. Other commercial intravenous formulations contain Mg as chloride, borogluconate, or hypophosphite solutions. A common treatment regime is to administer 400 ml of 40% calcium borogluconate plus 50 ml of 25% magnesium sulfate by slow IV injection. Additional Mg sulfate (120 to 400 mL of a 25% solution/cow) can be given SC. After treatment, cows should be left to respond without stimulation and then moved off the tetany-prone pasture, if possible. Animals must be provided with hay treated with 60 g of Mg oxide daily; if this is not done, the condition can recur within 36 hours after initial treatment.