Papers by Theophilus Nnaji
Animal Models and Experimental Medicine, 2019
BackgroundThis study examined the ameliorative effect of D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol, isolated fro... more BackgroundThis study examined the ameliorative effect of D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol, isolated from the stem bark of Piliostigma thonningii, on cadmium chloride‐induced osteoporosis in male Wistar rats.MethodsThirty‐six rats were assigned to three treatment groups (n = 12). Group A (2 mL distilled water), group B: (2.5 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2) and group C: (2.5 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2 and D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol 2 mg/kg b.w.). Bone ash, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and zinc content, as well as bone histological changes were determined at the end of months 1, 2, and 3.ResultsThere were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the weight of the cervical, tibia, and femoral bones in all groups. The serum concentration of CdCl2 was significantly different across the three groups with time. There was significant variation (P < 0.005) in the mean bone ash across groups. The concentration of OH‐proline was significantly different (P < 0.0001) across groups. There were significant differences (P &...
International Journal of Advanced Research
Thoracic malformations in animals induce exercise intolerance and reduce the reproductive perform... more Thoracic malformations in animals induce exercise intolerance and reduce the reproductive performance due to respiratory distress. Some of these deformities can be corrected by surgical intervention. Frontosagittal and vertebral indices are crucial for diagnosis and surgical corrections of these anomalies. This information is not available in West African dwarf goat (WADG). The normal radiographic anatomy of the thoracic cage and the thoracic indices were evaluated in 10 West African dwarf goats of both sexes (5 male and 5 female), age one and half to three years using dorsoventral and lateral projections. The mean frontosagittal index (FSI) was 1.11 ± 0.004 and 1.13 ± 0.03 for the male and female WADG respectively while the mean vertebral index was 13.11 ± 0.34 and 13.00 ± 0.79, respectively. There was no significant difference in these indices between the sexes. This study shows that sex is not a key factor in determination of FSI and VI of WADS either for diagnostic purposes or f...
Animal Research International, 2016
An 8-month old Norwich terrier breed of dog that presented with bilateral prolapse of the third e... more An 8-month old Norwich terrier breed of dog that presented with bilateral prolapse of the third eyelid glands was treated surgically using the modified Morgan’s pocket technique in combination with the tacking of the third eyelids to the periorbital periosteum. The physiologic, haematological and biochemical parameters taken prior to treatment were all within the normal values. The combined surgical approaches adopted for the treatment were clearly described as well as the post-operative management. The patient had a rapid positive response without recurrence even after 4 months, unlike what is always seen when the modified Morgan’s pocket technique is used alone.
Nosocomial infections can cause significant morbidity and mortality and can lead to increased exp... more Nosocomial infections can cause significant morbidity and mortality and can lead to increased expense and stress for owners. It is likely that as critical care continues to develop within veterinary medicine and we treat increasing numbers of high risk patients, nosocomial infections will become more common. Moreover, many of these infections may be with multidrug-resistant organisms, and the age of relying on ever more powerful antibiotics seems to be drawing to a close. To minimize the risk of nosocomial infection, it is vitally important that we utilize multiple infection-control strategies based on an understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of these microbes. Diligent hand washing, good environmental cleaning, and appropriate barrier nursing and isolation are all key parts of an infection control strategy.
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2020
Canine reproductive problems constitute some of the most challenging cases encountered in small a... more Canine reproductive problems constitute some of the most challenging cases encountered in small animal veterinary practice. This is usually complicated in breeding dogs by the unwillingness of clients to give consent for surgical interventions, due to the fear of loss of reproductive function. In this case, a two-year-old Bullmastiff bitch was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a mass protrusion from the vulva.
Journal of Applied Animal Research, 2017
Osteogenic potential of autologous bone marrow aspirates was evaluated on transverse tibia fractu... more Osteogenic potential of autologous bone marrow aspirates was evaluated on transverse tibia fractures of 12 Nigeria indigenous dogs presented to University of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nsukka (UNVTH). They were assigned into four groups: single application group (Group1; n = 3), double application group (Group 2; n = 3), triple application group (Group 2; n = 3) and the control group (Group 3; n = 3). The fractures were immobilized with Steinmann intramedullary pins in a normograde manner. The patients were then treated as follows: Group 1: with autologous bone marrow aspirate on the day of surgery; Group 2: with autologous bone marrow aspirate on days 0 and 14 post surgery; Group 3: with autologous bone marrow aspirate on days 0, 14 and 28 post surgery; Group 4: 1 ml normal saline was applied on the fracture site. Post-treatment radiographs of the fractures were taken on weeks 1, 2, 4, 7 and 10. The rate of healing was compared using radiographic union scale for tibia scores. The results showed a significant difference (p < .05) in the healing of the treated groups and the control at week 7 post surgery. There was however no significant (p > .05) difference in the healing of the fractures with single and the multiple applications.
Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2017
Variety of biological products has been applied to stimulate biologic factors and promote osteoge... more Variety of biological products has been applied to stimulate biologic factors and promote osteogenesis. In spite of this, surgeons are still facing challenges relating to fracture healing. The methods of preparation of these biologic factors influence their efficacy and should be evaluated and understood prior to their use in clinical trials. The use of batroxobin in platelet-rich plasma activation has been documented. This study was designed to evaluate the osteogenic effects of two platelet-rich plasmas prepared using different activating agents (batroxobin/calcium gluconate and calcium chloride alone) on tibia fractures of Nigerian local dogs. Nine healthy Nigerian local dogs (males) were used for the study. They were randomly assigned into three groups, viz, Plateltexprepared platelet-rich plasma-treated (PPRP) group (n = 3); calcium chloride-activated platelet-rich plasma-treated (CPRP) group (n = 3); and normal saline-treated control group (CG), (n = 3). Transverse fractures were created aseptically on the left tibia of each animal under general anesthesia. The fractures were reduced and immobilized in a retrograde fashion using Steinmann intramedullary pins. Before closure, the PPRP fractures were treated with batroxobin/calcium gluconate-activated autologous PRP; CPRP fractures with calcium chloride-activated autologous PRP while the normal saline-treated control fractures were treated with normal saline. Radiographs of the fractures were taken at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 post treatments and the rate of healing evaluated subjectively and semi-quantitatively without bias. The PPRP dogs had better functional limb usage in terms of early weight bearing. Radiologically, there was however no statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) in the healing of the PPRP and CPRP fractures. Although CPRP demonstrated some osteogenic activities, it was of no statistical significance (p < 0.05) when compared with the control. The better functional performance of the PPRP over that of the CPRP could be attributed to the greater efficiency of the batroxobin/calcium gluconate in Plateltex ® kits.
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2015
Background: Stephania dinklagei Diels (Engl.) is used in folkloric medicine in Southeastern Niger... more Background: Stephania dinklagei Diels (Engl.) is used in folkloric medicine in Southeastern Nigeria for the treatment of wounds and some bacterial-associated infections. This study evaluated the wound healing and antibacterial potential of Stephania dinklagei to validate or invalidate its folkloric use. Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of methanolic extract of S. dinklagei root (MESDR) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. was determined by macro broth dilution. The extract at 20% and 10% were dosed orally to rats at 300mg/kg body weight (bw) in incision and dead space wound healing model to determine wound tensile strength and granulation tissue weight, respectively. The same extract concentrations were applied topically in excision wound model to determine the rate of wound contraction and epithelialization. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the levels of total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MAL), hydroxyproline (HYP) and hexosamine (HEX) in excision wound biopsies were determined at days 7 and 14 post-wounding (pw). In the excision wound model, the extract concentrations were compared with gentamicin sulphate. Results: The MIC of S. dinklagei extract against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and Klebsiella spp. were 8mg/ml, 3 mg/ml, 5mg/ml, 6mg/ml and 7mg/ml, respectively, while the corresponding MBC were 10 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, 7mg/ml, 8mg/ml, and 9 mg/ml, respectively. The 20% extract gave significantly (P<0.05) higher tensile strength and granulation tissue weight than the 10% and gentamicin sulphate. Wound contraction and epithelialization occurred significantly (P<0.05) better and faster in wounds of animals treated with the 20% extract and gentamicin sulphate compared to those treated with 10% extract. TP of animals treated with 20% extract and those treated with the reference drug did not vary significantly (P>0.05) at day 14 pw. SOD and CAT activities, and MDA and HEX level of all the groups did not vary significantly (P>0.05) at day 14 pw. HYP level of the extract-treated groups significantly (P<0.05) decreased against the control. No significant difference existed in HYP level between the extract-treated groups. Conclusions: S. dinklagei possess antibacterial and wound healing properties which are comparable to those of gentamicin sulphate.
Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2015
The osteogenic effects of the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous cancellous bone grafts (A... more The osteogenic effects of the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous cancellous bone grafts (ACBG) on caudolateral ulna ostectomies were evaluated in 12 Nigerian local dogs. Partial ostectomy of the caudal cortical surface of the left ulna was performed under general anaesthesia. They were assigned into four groups namely platelet-rich plasma group (PRPG), cancellous bone graft group (CBG), platelet-rich plasma/cancellous bone graft group (PRP/CBG) and control group (CG). The defects were treated as follows: PRPG with autologously PRP, CBG with autologous bone graft, PRP/CBG with both autologous PRP, and bone graft and the CG with normal saline before closure. Post-treatment radiographs were taken at weeks 1, 6 and 8. Callus proliferation, mineralization and the radiographic optical densities (ROD) of the osteoid were compared. The PRP/CBG defects showed superior osteogenic indices. The PRP group, however, performed better than the CBG group. This study established that for optimal osteogenesis, concurrent application of PRP and CBG should be advocated.
Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology, 2015
A myriad of wound contaminating organisms including bacteria (both Gram-positive e.g., Staphyloco... more A myriad of wound contaminating organisms including bacteria (both Gram-positive e.g., Staphylococcus spp., Streptococci, Bacillus spp., etc. and Gram-negative e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus, etc.) and fungi (both yeast e.g., Candida albicans, and mold e.g., Aspergillus) impede natural wound healing process [12-15]. They produce substances (enzymes, toxins, and free toxic radicals such as hydrogen peroxide [H 2 O 2 ]) that degrade biochemical substances and destroy cellular components needed for wound healing [13-15]. Majority of
Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2015
An 8-month-old male Boarboel dog was presented with a mass on the rostral aspect of the face whic... more An 8-month-old male Boarboel dog was presented with a mass on the rostral aspect of the face which bled consistently. The patient also had areas of alopecia on the left hind limb, right forelimb, head, and abdominal regions. The mass progressively increased in size with time without regression. Radiographic examination of the chest showed no evidence of metastasis. Cultures of the skin swab as well as that of the bleeding facial swelling yielded heavy growth of Staphylococcus sp. (+++) while the skin scraping yielded heavy growth of Microsporum canis. Microscopically, the growth was a hypercellular mass, composed of tightly packed, slightly pleomorphic cells in the dermis which partially obliterated the adnexal structures and dermal collagens. Surgical excision of the mass with combined topical and systemic antifungal treatment yielded a perfect therapeutic result for both conditions.
Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2015
ABSTRACT Variety of products and surgical approaches to stimulate biologic factors and promote os... more ABSTRACT Variety of products and surgical approaches to stimulate biologic factors and promote osteogenesis have been developed over the years, but surgeons still face challenges relating to bone healing. This study was designed to evaluate the histopathologic effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma and cancellous bone grafts on caudolateral ulna ostectomy of Nigerian local dogs. Twelve healthy Nigerian indigenous dogs (males) were used for the study. They were randomly grouped into four viz: platelet-rich plasma-treated group (PRPG) (n = 3), cancellous bone graft-treated group (CBG) (n = 3), platelet-rich plasma/cancellous bone graft-treated group (PRP/CBG) (n = 3), and normal saline-treated control group (CG) (n = 3). Caudolateral ulna defects were created on the left ulna of each dog under general anesthesia and treated as follows: the PRPG were treated by application of autologous PRP on the defects prior to closure, the PRP/CBG defects were treated by applying both PRP and cancellous bone grafts on the defects, and CBG was treated with autologous cancellous bone grafts alone while the control defects were treated by applying normal saline on the defects prior to closure of the soft tissues. Animals were euthanized at week 10 and the bridging callus of the defects analyzed by histopathology. The PRP defects either in combination with cancellous bone grafts or alone demonstrated more matured lamella bone compared to the CBG and control defects. The control defects were characterized with fibrocartillagenous zones of intense cellular activities mainly of chondroblasts and oeteoblasts. The mean histologic indices of the PRPG and PRP/CBG defects varied significantly (p
Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology, 2015
Objective: Crinum jagus (J. Thomps.) Dandy commonly called Harmattan or St. Christopher's lily be... more Objective: Crinum jagus (J. Thomps.) Dandy commonly called Harmattan or St. Christopher's lily belonging to the family Liliaceae is widely used traditionally in Southeastern Nigeria for treatment of skin sores. This study investigated the wound healing potentials of methanolic C. jagus bulb extract (MCJBE) using incision, excision, and dead space wound healing models. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins in the extract, but absence of flavonoids. In the incision and dead space wound models, rats were dosed orally with 300 mg/kg body weight (bw) of 10 and 5% of MCJBE solution, respectively, while in the excision wound model, rats were treated topically with 10 and 5% MCJBE ointments (MCJBEO), respectively. Result: The 10% MCJBE gave significantly (P < 0.05) highest percentage rate of wound contraction, shortest re-epithelialization and complete healing time when compared with 5% MCJBE and reference drug, framycetin sulfate. The extract of C. jagus showed significant (P < 0.05) concentration-dependent wound healing activity in incision, dead space and excision wound models. No contaminating microbial organism was isolated from wound sites of the rats dosed and treated with MCJBE throughout the study period. At day 7, post infliction of excision wound, histomorphological, and histochemical studies revealed more fibroblasts and Type 1 collagen deposits in wound site sections of rats treated with both 10 and 5% MCJBEO while those of the control showed more inflammatory cells and fewer Type 1 collagen deposits. At day 14 post infliction of excision wound, more epithelial regeneration with overlying keratin were seen in the histological sections of wounds of rats treated with both 10 and 5% MCJBEO, while histochemical study showed more Type 1 collagen deposits in wound site sections of rats in 10% MCJBEO treated group. Conclusion: This study established that methanolic C. jagus bulb extract potentiates wound healing. The study thus validated the folkloric use of C. jagus bulb in the management of skin sores and boils.
Nigerian Veterinary Journal, 2008
A report is presented of two cases of cervico-vaginal and rectal prolapse involving a nulliparous... more A report is presented of two cases of cervico-vaginal and rectal prolapse involving a nulliparous, primigravid and an older pluriparous WAD goat raised semi-intensively. The cases were presented at the veterinary teaching hospital (VTH), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) within one week of each other. One of the goats died while the other had uncomplicated kidding two weeks after successful prolapse reduction. The predisposing factors and the technique of prolapse reduction adopted are discussed.
Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2014
A 3-month-old, 9.2 kg female Caucassian dog with primary complaint of growth at the lateral aspec... more A 3-month-old, 9.2 kg female Caucassian dog with primary complaint of growth at the lateral aspect of the right elbow was presented to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UNVTH). Clinical examination revealed firm and roundish subcutaneous mass at the lateral aspect of the right elbow. Assessment of physiological parameters (temperature, respiratory, heart and pulse rates) revealed that they were normal. Haematology showed normal differential leukocytes count, but slightly decreased packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBCs), haemoglobin concentration (HBC). Total leukocyte count (TLC) slightly increased. Serum biochemical assay revealed normal aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, but slightly decrease alanine aminotransferase activity. Surgical excision was recommended based on the results of the clinical examination. Surgical excision of the mass was performed, and vincristine sulphate administered by intravenous injection at the dose of 0.75 mg/m2 once weekly for 3 weeks, post-surgically. No bacterial organism was isolated from cultured sample obtained from the excised mass. Histopathology revealed non-encapsulated, dense interlacing and interconnecting bundles of immature fibroblastic cells with some neovascularization, and mitotic figures were rarely seen averaging two mitoses per high power field. The nuclei uniformly appeared to be slightly larger than those of normal fibroblasts. The cytoplasms were continuous with the dense collagenous stroma basically arranged in interwoven bundles. Diagnosis of cutaneous myxoma was based on the results of clinical and histopathological examinations. Surgical excision and post-surgical administration of vincristine sulphate were very effective with no recurrence during 6 months follow-up period. This report has shown that cutaneous myxoma could occur in Cuacassian dogs.
Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 2003
ABSTRACT Blood parameters of 23 Muturu cattle in a herd were studied between April and August 199... more ABSTRACT Blood parameters of 23 Muturu cattle in a herd were studied between April and August 1998 by monthly examination of their blood samples. Fourteen of a total of 110 blood samples analysed (5 samples were unsuitable for analysis) were infected with Trypanosoma vivax. Data from the trypanosome-infected blood were included to evaluate the role of trypanosome infection. The blood values of infected animals were except for the erythrocyte indices of MCH and MCHC indistinguishable from those of uninfected animals. There were variations due to age and physiological status (open heifer, pregnant and lactating). Mean RBC and WBC count, MCV and monocyte count were lower in calves than older animals. Open heifers had higher mean RBC and monocyte count, and lower WBC count, MCV and MCH than pregnant and suckling cows. Keywords: Haematology, muturu, trypanosomosis, Nigeria
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Papers by Theophilus Nnaji