The Clinical and Hematological changes in rabbits exposed to leaves of Urtica dioica under experimental conditions

Abstract

     The study  was conducted on 20 female local breed rabbits , of 1-2 years age , of 1- 2 kg body weight . In first part of the study  , 10 animals were randomly  divided into two groups of 5 each. The first group was exposed to leaves of Urtica dioica  in green phase at a dose rate of 50 grams / kg b.w daily for 10 days  , while those of the second group left without exposure as a control group . In the second part of the study ,  animals of the first group exposed to leaves in dry phase , at a dose rate of 5 g/kg b.w. daily for three weeks, as a powder mixed with the concentrated food.  While those of the second group left as a control group without exposure. The  main dependent parameters in the study  were ,clinical parameters ( body temperature , heart beat , respiratory rate, body weight , in addition to monitor  any abnormal signs appear  on the animals) . The  main hematological  parameters which depended in the study were included , RBC count , WBC count , Hb concentration   , PCV percentage  , Red cell indices , Bleeding time and Clotting time  .

     The results of the study revealed the following : In first part  clinically  ;  some rabbits showed  strong heart beat , in other heart beat decreased ; respiratory  rate  decreased with noisy vesicular murmurs were heard  . Body weight and body temperature were decreased. In the fourth day post exposure to plant one rabbit  showed softy feces . In the 16^th day post exposure one animal died ,  followed  by another on in 18^th day of the experiment  . The post mortem findings were pale mucous membranes  , stomach impacted with food with ulceration of mucus membranes . severe congestion of liver and gastrointestinal tract . sever swelling of kidney , urinary bladder filled with  urine of dark yellow color .Hematologically clotting time prolonged , with decrease PCV , and White blood cells counts ; while  Hb concentration did not showed any changes

      In second part: Heart beats , respiratory rates and body temperature  were increased , while body weight decreased . Prolongation of clotting and bleeding  time .The hematological pictures revealed that , Hemoglobin level and PCV values  were decreased .The total erythrocyte count did not showed any significant changes during the study . The mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin ,the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly decreased .The total leucocytes count ,the percentage of heterophils, and  monocytes percentage were increase.  The lymphocytic and, esinophils percentage were significantly decreased .The basophiles values did not showed any significant changes during the study.