Volume 3, Issue 1

Background This study investigated the antitrypanosomal activity of Argemone mexicana extract and fractions in the animal model of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection. Methods The whole plant was cold-macerated with methanol. The liquid–liquid partitioning of the extract with n -hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water produced various fractions of the extract. Infection was established by the inoculation of T. brucei brucei -infected red blood cells in the animals. Treatment with the extract and fractions was done orally for 5 days postinfection at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. Diminazene aceturate 3.5 mg/kg and 5 mL/kg 10% Tween 80 served as standard and vehicle control, respectively. Parasite load, packed cell volume (PCV), animal body weight, and survival as well as serum liver function enzymes’ activities were also assessed. Results The extract and the n -hexane fraction showed the presence of all the tested phytocompounds except tannins and cardiac glycosides, respectively. The extract showed a reduction in parasitemia while the order of activity for the fractions was n -hexane ≫ water ≫ butanol ≫ ethyl acetate. The n -hexane fraction produced complete protection against parasite-induced mortality just like the reference standard and a higher increase in PCV compared with the reference standard. The extract, n -hexane, and water fractions showed protection against infection-induced liver damage with a significant ( P < 0.05) difference when compared to the vehicle control group. Conclusion A. mexicana showed antitrypanosomal activity which may be attributed to the presence of phytocompounds particularly saponins, which were present in the extract and fractions that showed antitrypanosomal activity but absent in fractions that showed no or weak antitrypanosomal activity.

Human-introduced predators, primarily the domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris ), and human-modified landscapes conjointly threaten wildlife across Costa Rica. For arboreal species, including the two-fingered sloth ( Choloepus hoffmani ), the impact of domestic dogs is amplified in areas of habitat fragmentation. In efforts to navigate discontinuous canopies associated with urban development and human encroachment, C. hoffmani is forced to utilize terrestrial locomotion. This unnatural behavior leaves sloths increasingly vulnerable to predation by domestic dogs, which occupy altered landscapes in high densities. In this report, we detail the ante and postmortem findings associated with C. hoffmani following an extensive attack by three large-breed dogs. The patient sustained severe and fatal polytraumatic injuries targeting the abdominothoracic region. Gross lesions were not readily evident, obscured by unique anatomical characteristics of the species. This report aims to highlight the threat imposed by dogs to sloths and the severity of injuries, with considerations for clinical management in light of C. hoffmani morphology. We review the scope of domestic dog–wildlife conflict in Costa Rica, and propose collaborative mitigation strategies including habitat preservation, domestic dog population control, installation of wildlife corridors, policy initiatives, and dog owner education and public outreach.

The present review discusses the transmission risk factors of camel ( Camelus dromedarius ) brucellosis in the limits of domestic and wild interfaces and zoonotic threats. The median position of the dromedary’s life between wild and the domestic areas seems to increase the risks of brucellosis transmission, compared to other receptive domestic ruminants. In arid environments, canids, lagomorphs, rodents, and wild boars are potential reservoirs of Brucella spp. Dromedary camels raised according to a periurban breeding system are often in direct or indirect contact with wild animals, domestic animals, and humans. Constraints of brucellosis detection and control in wild animals, especially in developing countries, hamper preventing disease in camelids and related occupational categories. A total eradication of animal and human brucellosis, in developing countries, is faced by the difficulty of applying quarantine periods for suspected animals, the lack of reliable diagnostic tools, and the impossibility of controlling animals at the common grazing lands, livestock markets, and transboundary areas. In developing countries, the informal she-camel milk collection, the periurban camel breeding, and the shortage in the technological processing and the pasteurization of she-camel milk play a key role in brucellosis zoonotic transmission.Veterinarians should have more initiative in brucellosis control in both domestic and wildlife animals.

A 9-month-old female spayed French Bulldog presented for respiratory stridor and exercise intolerance. Laryngeal examination showed an abnormally thickened left arytenoid cartilage. Fine needle aspirate of the mass was consistent with a well-differentiated spindle cell proliferation. The mass was marginally excised via a left-sided arytenoid approach and per os. Histopathology confirmed a well-differentiated myxosarcoma. Following surgery, the dog developed severe dyspnea and marked respiratory stridor consistent with airway obstruction secondary to laryngeal edema and inflammation. A permanent tracheostomy was performed. Three months post-operatively the dog was completely recovered, but early tumor regrowth was observed. This is the first report of laryngeal myxosarcoma in a dog. Permanent tracheostomy should be considered early in the surgical management of laryngeal neoplasia when more invasive surgical procedures are not elected to achieve a good outcome.