Rhipicephalus species are distributed globally with a notifiable presence in Southeast Asia (SEA) within animal and human populations. The Rhipicephalus species are highly adaptive and have established successful coexistence within human dwellings and are known to be active all year round, predominantly in tropical and subtropical climates existing in SEA. In this review, the morphological characteristics, epidemiology, and epizootiology of Rhipicephalus tick species found in SEA are reviewed. There are six commonly reported Rhipicephalus ticks in the SEA region. Their interactions with their host species that range from cattle, sheep, and goats, through cats and dogs, to rodents and man are discussed in this article. Rhipicephalus-borne pathogens, including Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia species, Babesia species, and Theileria species, have been highlighted as are relevant to the region in review. Pathogens transmitted from Rhipicepahalus ticks to host animals are usually presented clinically with signs of anemia, jaundice, and other signs of hemolytic changes. Rhipicephalus ticks infestation also account for ectoparasitic nuisance in man and animals. These issues are discussed with specific interest to the SEA countries highlighting peculiarities of the region in the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus species and attendant pathogens therein. This paper also discusses the current general control strategies for ticks in SEA proffering measures required for increased documentation. The potential risks associated with rampant and improper acaricide use are highlighted. Furthermore, such practices lead to acaricide resistance among Rhipicephalus species are highlighted.

Veterinary practices rely on the Vertebral Heart Score (VHS) to determine cardiac silhouette size. In addition to cardiac silhouette, pulmonary patterns are examined to determine if clinical signs such as coughing are of cardiac or respiratory origin. Concept of interpreting pulmonary patterns are based on the anatomical structure involved within the lung parenchyma to make assumptions of manifestation of diseases. Modified Radiographic Chest Volume (mRCV) and Vertebral Heart Score (VHS) were retrospectively evaluated for correlation with pulmonary patterns in dogs. Patient data and thoracic radiographs were obtained from the digital repository of selected veterinary clinics in Malaysia. Findings revealed that there are wide variations in VHS and are significantly associated with pulmonary patterns (p < 0.05). Mean VHS values of 10.5 ± 1.2, and variations in mean mRCV across breed (26.74 ± 16.71) were observed. The mRCV weakly correlated with VHS denoting that changes in cardiac sizes does not necessarily synergise with lung volume. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate pulmonary patterns alongside VHS while interpreting thoracic radiographs for cardiorespiratory diseases.

The main aim of this case report is to present a case of feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis that occurred concurrently with bacterial cystitis following the bite. A 3-year-old intact male domestic shorthair cat weighing 3.7 kg was referred to the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Veterinary Clinic with clinical signs of hematuria and dysuria. History revealed that it was managed outdoor, fed with kibbles and wet food, but with no vaccination and deworming. Upon physical examination, the cat had a dull appearance, pale mucous membrane, normal respiratory rate, hypothermia, and bradycardia. Upon the examination of the urogenital system, there were urine burns at the anal region, necrotized penile tip, and presence of bite wound observed at the perineal region. Turgid and enlarged urinary bladder was identified upon palpation. Diagnostic investigation revealed the hemotropic mycoplasmosis via microscopy, while urine culture was positive for Escherichia coli infection. The cat was successfully treated symptomatically. However, the prognosis of this cat was guarded given that the anemia was unresolved at the point of discharge.

Despite considerable efforts, cancer still remains as a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Due to various side effects caused by current cancer therapeutics, natural products have received an increasing attention for their potential as novel cancer preventive and therapeutic agents. Crab, a decapods crustacean contains chitin, chitosan and selenium that were previously shown to have an anti-cancer activity. This study was aimed to investigate in-vitro cytotoxicity and potential anticancer effect of mangrove crab soup on human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937. Cytotoxicity of the crab soup on cell line was assayed using standard MTT colorimetric procedure and expression of lymphoma gene marker BCR-ABL fusion gene was assessed using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The MTT assay showed that the cytotoxic effect of the soup extract was significantly reduced after 72 hour (h) post-exposure at the dose of more than 25% (v/v) and the reduction was in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value was 35% (v/v). Gene expression study on BCR-ABL marker gene revealed the suppression of the marker gene in cells treated with Mangrove crab soup and doxorubicin (drug used in lymphoma treatment) after 72 hours post-incubation in comparison with untreated cells. No cytotoxic effect was observed on normal cells. In-Vitro assays of this study demonstrated the presence of anticancer activity of Mangrove crab soup that can be further exploited as a potential anticancer therapy for blood cancer.

Keywords | Cardiovascular disease, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Dog, Echocardiography, Myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Perineal hernia occurs frequently in aged collies as a result of weakening of the pelvic diaphragmatic muscle or its total failure, thereby allowing displacement of abdominal contents into the perineum. Surgical management include subtotal colectomy, colotomy, internal obturator muscle transposition and perineal herniorrhaphy. This report highlights a case of perineal hernia associated with megacolon as well as its successful management in a dog. A seven years old, male Rough Collie was presented with a complaint of right perineal swelling that has lasted for a week as well as inappetance and absence of defecation. Physical examination was unremarkable except for 3% dehydration and a firm, large perineal non-reducible swelling. Plain abdominal radiography revealed perineal hernia with megacolon. Serum chemistry showed azotaemia. Emergency surgical intervention involving colotomy, perineal herniorrhaphy with incisional colopexy were conducted. Post-operative care included ceftriaxone injection at 50mg/kg intramuscularly, intravenous fluid infusion, one week fasting, daily wound dressing, Nutriplus^® gel supplementation and administration of recovery diet post-fasting. Thus, surgical management using traditional perineal herniorrhaphy, colotomy with colopexy was effective in correcting the perineal hernia with megacolon.