A CASE OF HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA IN A LACTATING HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN X JERSEY COW Flor Marie Immanuelle R. Pilapil-Amante, DVM, MSc Keywords: cattle, Hemorrhagic septicemia, Pasteurella multocida, pasteurellosis Abstract Hemorrhagic septicemia is a highly fatal, acute septicemic disease in buffaloes and cattle caused by Pasteurella multocida (Shivachandra, et al., 2008). A lactating non-pregnant 2-year old Holstein-Friesian x Jersey imported cow weighing 423 kg (BCS 3/5) was observed to be exhibiting tachypnea, hypersalivation, and edema on the neck and thorax on October 9, 2017. As hypocalcemia or acidosis was suspected, medication and prescription given were according to these two metabolic disorders. On October 20, 2017, a blood sample was collected which resulted in a positive Pasteurella multocida antibody ELISA test. Long-acting oxytetracycline (200 mg/mL) was injected IM once the following day. On October 24, the patient exhibited nasal flaring with clear discharge, frothy tachypnea, pyrexia, sunken orbits, and dullness while standing. Medication and prescription given were 10% marbofloxacin (2 mg/kg) IM once daily for three days and tolfenamic acid (2mg/kg) IM once. Unfortunately, the cow died the following morning. Upon necropsy, the significant gross lesions were neck and brisket swelling, lung consolidation, pneumonia, and petechial hemorrhages on the heart. This disease could have been prevented through vaccination and strict biosecurity.

A SUSPECTED CASE OF PARANEOPLASTIC CHRONIC PRURITUS AND HEMATOLOGIC SYNDROME Cris Niño Bon B. Marasigan, DVM and Gladys Maria V. Pangga, DVM, MS Keywords: chronic pruritus, malignant epithelial tumor, non-regenerative anemia, paraneoplastic hemolytic syndrome, thrombocytosis Abstract Paraneoplastic syndromes comprise complex clinical abnormalities that may accompany a neoplasm in an animal. Due to their nonspecific nature, paraneoplastic processes are often underdiagnosed. In the present case, a 13-year old, intact female Shih Tzu with malignant epithelial tumor (MET) was clinically treated for a paraneoplastic syndrome. The patient was brought to a veterinary hospital due to recurrent pruritus. Physical examination showed presence of alopecia and erythema on the neck region and presence of irregularly shaped, soft, attached, lobulated masses on the right thoracic and inguinal mammary glands. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass showed atypical cell populations suggestive of MET. Complete blood count revealed mild non-regenerative anemia as characterized by the presence of microcytic and normochromic red blood cells. In addition, neutrophilic leukocytosis and thrombocytosis were extremely evident. Based on the current clinical and medication history, the patient was treated for paraneoplastic chronic pruritus and hematologic syndrome. Oral anti-thrombotic drug (aspirin 0.5 mg/kg) and essential fatty acids were given to the patient to address possible blood coagulopathies and for skin nourishment, respectively. Periodic blood profiling was recommended for close monitoring. This report discussed the clinical findings and suspected diagnosis of paraneoplastic syndrome in a dog with MET.

COMPARISON OF EGG QUALITY TRAITS IN DIFFERENT POULTRY SPECIES AND BREEDS Orville L. Bondoc, PhD, Aldrin O. Ebron, BS Agr, Ana Rose Ramos, BS ChAg Chem, and Rene C. Santiago, DVM, MSc Keywords: Egg quality, chickens, mallard, Muscovy, quails, guinea fowl, turkey, ostrich Abstract Using 815 eggs randomly collected from 29 breeds of chickens, mallard, Muscovy, quails, guinea fowl, turkey, and ostrich, this study compared internal and external egg quality traits between poultry species and between breeds within species. Among poultry species used for commercial egg production, the mallard ducks had significantly (P<0.05) the highest weight of egg, yolk, albumen, and shell, shell thickness, short, and long circumference which is followed by chickens and quails. Both quail and mallard eggs have higher yolk-albumen ratio than chicken eggs. Chicken egg yolks are more deeply hued than quail and mallard. Both mallard and chicken eggs were more elongated (less round) than quail eggs. Philippine native chickens (Banabang Kalabaw, Joloano, Paraoakan, and Palawan-lasak) have significantly (P<0.05) lower egg weight, albumen weight, short, and long circumference than commercial egg-type and dual-purpose breeds. Percent yolk, percent albumen, yolk-albumen ratio, yolk color, albumen height, Haugh unit, and external egg quality traits were significantly different (P<0.05) among the native breeds. Itik-Pinas (IP) mallard breeds (IP-Itim, IP-Khaki, and Kayumanggi-IP) were significantly different (P<0.05) for yolk weight, percent yolk, percent albumen, yolk-albumen ratio, yolk color, albumen height, Haugh unit, shell weight, percent shell, shell thickness, and short circumference. Quail and turkey eggs showed significant breed differences (P<0.05) for percent yolk, percent albumen and yolk-albumen ratio.

COMPARISON OF THE TENSILE STRENGTH BETWEEN BURIED KNOT AND PULLEY KNOT-FREE ANCHOR IN INTRADERMAL SUTURE PATTERN IN DOMESTIC SHORT-HAIRED CATS (Felis catus) Ros Jezreel C. Dumaraos, DVM1, Marco F. Reyes, DVM, MS, Rey P. Oronan, DVM, MS and Rizza Elaine B. Lampa, DVM Keywords: buried knot, cat, intradermal, pulley knot-free, suture pattern, tensile strength Abstract Intradermal wound closure using buried knot and pulley knot-free anchoring methods was performed to measure and compare the tensile strength of each anchoring technique over a period of 21 days. Femoral skin incisions from twelve apparently healthy domestic short-haired cats were repaired using continuous intradermal suture patterns with the buried knot anchor on the proximal end while two-loop pulley knot-free was used on the distal end. The cats were assigned randomly into three groups corresponding to the days that the wound on these animals were tested for tensile strength (Days 7, 14, 21) wherein for each group, one cat served to set the baseline tensile strength performed right after surgery (Day 0). Tensile strength was therefore measured on Day 0, 7, 14 and Day 21 post-surgery. Mean and standard deviation of the data gathered were noted and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance with Tukey's post hoc test. The results showed that the pulley knot-free technique demonstrated consistent higher tensile strength mean values compared to buried knot anchor from Day 0 to 21. Upon comparing the two methods, there is no significant statistical difference found between the tensile strength of pulley knot-free and buried knot at baseline, Day 7, 14, and 21 days. In conclusion, both suture anchoring techniques used in the study provided sufficient holding capacity over time and no technique demonstrated an advantage over the other in terms of tensile strength.

DETECTION OF RESISTANCE TO FIPRONIL IN BROWN DOG TICKS (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) FROM HOUSEHOLD DOGS IN LAS PIÑAS CITY, PHILIPPINES THROUGH LARVAL PACKET TEST Francisella P. Katalbas, DVM, Remil L. Galay, DVM, DVSc, and Billy P. Divina, DVM, MSc Keywords: acaricide resistance, dog, fipronil, larval packet test, Rhipicephalus sanguineus Abstract Tick infestation is among the most common parasitic problems affecting dogs. Since the 1990s, fipronil has been used in the Philippines for the control of tick and flea infestations in dogs. Resistance to fipronil has been reported in other countries but not in the Philippines. This study was conducted to detect fipronil resistance in the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato from household dogs in Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Nearly engorged female R. sanguineus s.l. were collected manually using a specialized tick remover. These were allowed to lay eggs in the laboratory where the larvae that hatched were used for the larval packet test (LPT) with three different doses of fipronil: recommended dose (0.25%), half of the recommended dose (0.125%), and double the recommended dose (0.50%). Additionally, three fipronil commercial brands were subjected to LPT using the commercial dose to compare their effect on larval mortality. The larval mortality in all fipronil doses and commercial brands ranged from 91.6% to 100%, suggesting the absence of fipronil resistance. This indicates that fipronil is still useful in controlling tick infestation in dogs in Las Piñas City however, more studies covering other areas should be done to determine the status of resistance in the country.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF PET OWNERS ON RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP IN MAGALANG, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY Remedios D. San Jose, DVM, MA, DrPH, Patricia Joy P. Magsino, Reynaldo DL. Bundalian Jr., RMT, MPH, DrPH Keywords: pet owners, rabies, responsible pet ownership Abstract Rabies remains a serious public health problem worldwide and in the Philippines. It is 100% fatal however, it is also 100% preventable. Pet owners' lack of awareness of their responsibilities as well as poor attitude and practices towards their pets are among the major barriers to rabies elimination in the country. This cross-sectional study identified demographic factors that influenced the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of pet owners on responsible pet ownership (RPO). It utilized a structured questionnaire administered to 380 pet owners from eight randomly selected urban and rural barangays in Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines from April to September 2017. Bivariate Chi-square analysis and logistic regression modelling were utilized to determine association between KAP and demographic variables. Results showed that majority of the pet owners had good knowledge (242/380 or 63.7%) and moderately positive attitude (257/380 or 67.6%) on RPO. Dog owners showed good (189/336 or 56.3%) practices because majority vaccinated (73.2%) and fed their dogs (97.3%), leashed them (64.6%), and prevented them from roaming (72%). Cat owners had moderate RPO practices (111/168 or 66.1%). The area of living, particularly urban or rural, pet ownership status, and educational attainment were significant factors that influenced pet owners' knowledge, attitude, and practices on responsible pet ownership.

Gerry Amor Camer, DVM, MS, PhD, Masaaki Nakamura, DVM and Daiji Endoh, DVM, PhD Keywords: Algorithmic design, DNA, OE-PCR, synthetic nucleotides, veterinary flaviviruses Abstract Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV), Louping ill (LIV), and West Nile viruses (WNV) are notorious flaviviral agents that continue to plague domestic animals including horses, sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, dogs, birds, and also humans. To efficiently produce DNA fragments of TBEV, LIV, and WNV viruses, an algorithmic DNA primer design was developed using overlap extension-polymerase chain reaction (OE-PCR). Arithmetic formulation, with emphasis on the manipulation of melting temperatures (Tm) to enable advanced production of nucleotide lengths, was constructed. The method was validated using OE-PCR carried out using original and modified electrophoresis, with the latter producing 30 nanogram and prominent 256 bp of DNAs used for sequencing by Sanger method. Algorithmic formulation resulted to production of remarkable amount of artificial DNA products whereby accession numbers to each of the three amplified oligomers with complete nucleotide sequences of select veterinary flavivirus of 256 bp each for WNV, LIL and TBE were registered at DDBJ/NCBI. A relatively high synthesis performance of basically Tm-manipulated algorithmic OE-PCR design using simply designed oligonucleotides has paved for availability of ample amount of DNAs for extensive scientific and experimental explorations of select veterinary significant flaviviruses. Future study employing the use of synthetic veterinary flaviviral DNAs is suggested.

HEMATOCRIT AND WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT VALUES OF PHILIPPINE NATIVE GOATS RAISED IN LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA Ian Cary B. Prado, DVM and Jesalyn L. Constante, DVM, MS Keywords: blood, goat, hematology, leukocyte, Philippine native Abstract The study was conducted to determine reference baseline data regarding the hematocrit (HCT) and total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts of Philippine native goats. A retrospective study between October 2017 and December 2019 was conducted using medical records of six male and 24 female clinically healthy Philippine native goats. Mean, standard deviation (SD), and p values were computed for the HCT and WBC count (total and differential). Results showed that the mean HCT and total and differential WBC counts of Philippine native goats did not significantly vary with reported values for other goat breeds (p>0.05). Goats older than one year had significantly higher neutrophil count than animals less than or equal to one year of age (p<0.05). Female goats had significantly higher HCT, total WBC, neutrophil, and monocyte counts than male goats (p<0.05). Higher neutrophil and lower lymphocyte counts had been recorded in animals during the rainy season (p<0.05). The results obtained are the first reported values of HCT and WBC counts in Philippine native goats. These preliminary findings can be used for further studies to determine reference hematologic values of Philippine native goats that will help veterinarians monitor the health status of these locally raised small ruminants.

MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOUND AFTER INTRADERMAL CLOSURE USING FOUR-LOOP AND THREE-LOOP PULLEY KNOT-FREE ANCHOR PATTERN IN CATS (Felis catus) Rose Carmeli G. Salvador, DVM , Denise Ara Mariano, DVM, Marianne Leila S. Flores, DVM, MHA, Marco F. Reyes, DVM, MS Keywords: four-loop pulley, pulley knot-free, surgery, suture pattern, three-loop pulley Abstract The study compared four-loop and three-loop anchorages of intradermal suture to close abdominal skin incisions. Two 3.81 cm incisions were performed on the mid-ventral abdomen of 12 adult female cats. The incisions were closed using intradermal suture pattern, anchored using three-loop pulley (cranial), and four-loop pulley (caudal), then evaluated in terms of macroscopic and microscopic characteristics for a 21-day duration. Macroscopically, minimal scab formation was observed in the both anchorages at Days 7 and 14. Pus, Grade 3 hyperemia, and wound dehiscence were observed in the four-loop at Day 7. Grade 1 elevation persisted in the three-loop. No scar formations were observed. The three-loop had slightly higher mean tensile strength compared to the four-loop. Microscopic evaluation revealed slight invagination in both anchorages at Day 21. Grade 3 epidermal thickening was noted in both anchorages at Day 7, and in the four-loop at Day 14. Wound gap was observed in the four-loop at Day 7. Macrophage infiltration and fibroblast proliferation were consistent throughout the duration in both anchorages. Statistical analyses reveal that the three-loop and four-loop pulleys have no significant differences, thus, can be used interchangeably. However, in terms of cosmetic appearance, the four-loop pulley is favored.

NON VIRULENT Escherichia coli O157:H43 IN NATIVE PIGS (Sus scrofa domestica Erxleben) FROM SELECTED FARMS IN CAVITE, PHILIPPINES Ma. Cynthia N. Rundina-Dela Cruz, DVM, PhD, Ida F. Dalmacio, PhD, and Renzi Owell V. De Castro, DVM Keywords: EHEC, hemolysin, native pigs, toxin, virulence Abstract The study confirmed the presence of E. coli O157:H43 in the feces of native pigs from selected farms in General Trias, Cavite, Philippines. Twenty seven (27) presumptive EHEC organisms manifesting as colorless colonies with a smoky center on Cefixime Tellurite-Sorbitol MacConkey (CT-SMAC) Agar were subjected to morphological and biochemical characterization. The isolates were Gram negative rod-shaped organisms and possessed biochemical characteristics typical of E. coli except for three isolates that did not ferment the sugar sorbitol. Two of the three isolates agglutinated the O157 typing serum but not the H7 typing serum and this was confirmed through PCR. Moreover, PCR showed that none of the isolates harbored the virulence genes for Shiga toxin 1 (stx1), Shiga toxin 2 (stx2), intimin (eaeA), and hemolysin (hlyA). The isolates were also non-hemolytic. The BLAST search confirmed 100% identity with E. coli O157:H43 DNA, O antigen biosynthesis gene cluster, strain PV00-24 which represent a distinct class of E. coli O157 that are not pathogenic. A prevalence of 3.3% was obtained. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of E. coli O157:H43 in native pigs and an E. coli O157 strain that is non-pathogenic in domestic animals in the country.

OBLIQUE FRACTURE HEALING STABILIZED WITH POLYDIOXANONE SUTURE OR STAINLESS STEEL WIRE IN INTRAMEDULLARY FIXATION IN DOMESTIC CATS Rey B. Oronan, DVM, MS, Eduardo B. Torres, DVM, MS, PhD, Veronica A. Matawaran DVM, MS Keywords: feline, fracture healing, oblique fracture, polydioxanone, stainless steel wire Abstract Twenty-four domestic shorthaired cats (12 males and 12 females) about two years old were subjected to a 70° oblique femoral osteotomy. Osteotomies were repaired using intramedullary pins and stabilized using polydioxanone (PDS) suture or stainless steel wire (SSW) in cerclage technique. The fractures were radiographed at days seven, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42, and assessed qualitatively (callus formation, blurring of fracture ends, bridging of fracture ends) and quantitatively (fracture gap, compression, angulation). Representative animals were sacrificed, and osteotomies were harvested after radiography schedule. Histopathology with hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine for hemorrhage, fibroblastic, chondrocytic, and osteocytic proliferation. Masson's trichome staining was performed to examine for collagen. Limb use was assessed by early weight bearing. Callus, blurring, and bridging of the fracture ends were seen at Days 21 and 28 in SSW and PDS, respectively. The fracture gap and angulation were not different between groups. Bone compression was observed in PDS. Hemorrhage was seen early which decreased over time. Fibroblasts, chondrocytes, osteocytes, and collagen increased during healing. Early weight bearing was observed in SSW and PDS at Days 1 and 2, respectively. PDS is similar to SSW in the stabilization of long oblique fractures in cats but it has not prevented compression forces.

PHYLOMOLECULAR ANALYSIS USING THE FUSION (F) GENE OF PIGEON PARAMYXOVIRUS SEROTYPE 1 (PPMV-1) IN RACING PIGEONS FROM LUZON, PHILIPPINES Cris Niño Bon B. Marasigan, DVM and Dennis V. Umali, DVM, PhD Keywords: phylomolecular, pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1, racing pigeons, subgenotype VIb/2, velogenic type Abstract Pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PPMV-1) is a variant of the velogenic NDV that primarily infects pigeons however, the infection is not only limited to the pigeon population. Due to its ability to spill-over, PPMV-1 can potentially exacerbate economic losses due to poultry mortalities. Currently, there has not been a reported clinical case of the infection in the Philippines yet. In this investigation, suspected PPMV-1 infection in racing pigeons from Luzon, Philippines were submitted for phylomolecular characterization. The presence of the pathogen was confirmed through the use of multiplex RT-PCR and nested RT-PCR. Nucleotide sequence analysis using the hypervariable region of the fusion (F) gene revealed that the isolates were velogenic, with a proteolytic cleavage site motif of 112KRQKRF117. Phylogenetic analysis and subgenotyping further characterized the field strains as a member virus of the subgenotype VIb/2 group. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence showed that the samples share high sequence homology with the Russian, Egyptian, Iranian, Austrian, and Ukrainian isolates. The results of this molecular characterization study on PPMV-1 from the Philippines would help design better prevention and control measures for this important pathogen.

PREVALENCE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF TRYPANOSOMES IN DOGS, IN ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA Abakpa A.V. Simon DVM, PhD, Talabi O. Adewale, DVM, PhD, Oyewusi K. Ibironke, DVM, PhD, Takeet I. Michael, DVM, PhD, and Daramola O. Olukayode, DVM, MVS Keywords: Dogs, molecular characterization, prevalence, trypanosomes Abstract Most studies of canine trypanosomosis in Nigeria were based on morphological identification. This study molecularly determined the prevalence and characterized trypanosomes in dogs, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Two hundred and seventy four dogs were screened through PCR targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) ribosomal gene. Sequence analysis of positive samples was done using Big Dye Terminator cycle sequencing kit. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using UPGMA, MEGA 5.05. Haematological parameters of clinical cases and healthy dogs were assessed. Of 274 sampled dogs, 25 (9.1%) were positive for trypanosomes comprising of 13 males and 12 females. Gel electrophoresis of the ITS1 PCR products of twenty five samples revealed band sizes of 250 bp, 480 bp and 700 bp corresponding with known band sizes of T. vivax, T. brucei and T. congolense, respectively. Aligned sequencing of T. brucei gambiense and T. congolense showed less polymorphism while T. vivax as obtained from GenBank revealed high polymorphic sequence. Phylogenetic analysis yielded tree with topologies of relatively higher bootstrap or nodal support for the three species of trypanosomes. Clinically sick dogs showed significantly low haematological profile compared with healthy dogs. We concluded that canine trypanosomosis is prevalent in Abeokuta and dogs harbor T. brucei gambiense.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF Trypanosoma evansi INFECTION IN WATER BUFFALOES (Bubalus bubalis) OF UBAY, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES Emerson P. Tapdasan, DVM, MVE, Loinda R. Baldrias, DVM, MVS, PhD, Claro N. Mingala, BSAH, DVSM, MVSt, PhD, Billy P. Divina, DVM, MS, Gundolino P. Bajenting, DVM, and Caro B. Salces, MS, PhD Keywords: Philippines; prevalence; risk factors; Trypanosoma evansi; water buffaloes Abstract Trypanosoma evansi, the cause of surra has a wide host range and extensive distribution in tropical countries. Buffaloes and cattle are most commonly affected in Southeast Asia resulting to serious economic losses due to reduced productivity and mortality. It has become a serious problem for the Philippines' livestock industry. A cross-sectional study involving 85 farms and 130 water buffaloes was conducted in Ubay, Bohol where outbreaks of the disease had been reported, to determine the farm and animal prevalence, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of water buffalo raisers regarding surra, and risk factors of surra. Blood samples were collected to test for T. evansi antibodies and DNA using CATT/T. evansi and PCR assay, respectively. True farm prevalence was 25% and true animal prevalence was 16%. Risk factors identified were the following: distance of water buffalo from nearest other water buffaloes, goats and pigs; frequency of deworming; Body Condition Score (BCS); last year of calving; last time the water buffalo was used as draft animal; year the water buffalo was introduced in the farm; and number of hours the water buffalo was allowed to wallow in a day. It is suggested that a surra control program be established in Bohol.

TREATMENT OF SUB ESTRUS AND SUSPECTED ENDOMETRITIS IN A SIX-YEAR OLD HOLSTEIN COW BY INTRAUTERINE INFUSION WITH TWO PERCENT POVIDONE IODINE SOLUTION Goto Yoshiaki, DVM, Kidaka Taishi, BAS, DVM, Flor Marie Immanuelle R. Pilapil-Amante, DVM, MSc Keywords: Endometritis, intrauterine infusion, povidone-iodine, prostaglandin, sub estrus Abstract Breeding management is very important, especially in dairy cattle, to produce milk. Silent heat or sub estrus and endometritis are common problems, especially postpartum problems, in dairy animals. Use of hormones and antibiotics are the choices for treatment of endometritis and sub estrus however, there is withdrawal time for milk if antibiotics and hormones are administered. There is also the risk of development of resistant microbes. In this clinical case, a six-year-old Holstein cow which gave birth in October was diagnosed to have sub estrus and moderate endometritis. Second rectal palpation findings included a slightly thickened uterus and corpus luteum in the right ovary. This means the right ovary was still active. The animal came into estrus eleven days after treatment with 50 ml of two percent intrauterine infusion of povidone-iodine and Artificial insemination (AI) was done the following day. Forty-three days after the AI, the cow was diagnosed as pregnant and corpus luteum was found on the right ovary. Thus, intrauterine infusion of povidone-iodine induces estrus by stimulating the uterus to secrete endogenous prostaglandin. Generally, the animal will be in estrus eight days after intrauterine povidone-iodine infusion but there could be vast individual differences.