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ThesisItem Open Access CLINICO-DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON RENAL DISEASE IN DOGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2020-12) CHAITANYA, YALAVARTHI; LAKSHMI RANI, N (MAJOR); VAIKUNTA RAO, V; RAVI KUMAR, P; SREENU, MAKKENADuring the study period of two years, the occurrence of renal diseases in dogs accounted up to 3.40 per cent in. Among the affected dogs, 18.24 per cent suffered with acute kidney injury, whereas 81.76 per cent were of chronic kidney disease. Kidney diseases were more prevalent in male dogs, aged above 8 years and the occurrence was more in Pomeranian (30.82%). In the affected dogs, the clinical presentation varied from asymptomatic to typical clinical signs. Detailed haemato- biochemical examination and imaging studies performed in 128 dogs revealed that, 25 dogs were affected with AKI and 103 dogs had CKD. The dogs with CKD were further categorized into four stages based on SDMA values as stage I, II, III and IV. The SDMA values in the affected dogs ranged from 14 to 152 μg/dL. Sub staging of CKD dogs was done based on UPC and Blood pressure. Significant difference (P0.05) was noticed in mean values of PI and RI in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease stage I and II with the healthy control while the same in chronic kidney disease stage III and IV varied significantly (P0.05) was noticed in mean values of LA/Ao and M mode echocardiographic findings in dogs with acute kidney injury which varied significantly (P<0.05) in chronic kidney disease. Therapy was initiated in dogs with kidney diseases by using herbal antioxidant, diuretic, phosphate binders, antibiotics, diuretic, ACE inhibitors, nutritional therapy, haematinics, fluid therapy along with specific treatment and were monitored for a period of 3 months. The survival percentage of dogs with acute kidney injury (Group I) was 84.00% per cent (21/25). The survival percentage was 100.00 per cent in Group IIa (17/17) and IIb (15/15) i.e., chronic kidney disease stage I and stage II, where as it was 80.00 per cent (20/25) in CKD stage III (Group IIc) and 56.00 per cent (26/46) in chronic kidney disease stage IV (Group IId). Significant difference (p<0.05) was recorded in the SDMA/creatinine ratio(9.20±0.18 in survivors vs 12.07 ± 0.42 in non survivors, BUN ( 82.53±1.84 mg/dL vs 148.62±12.82mg/dL), product of calcium and phosphorus(58.22±2.02 vs 89.32±1.92), sodium to potassium ratio (39.42±1.02 vs 48.93±1.32) , UPC (1.92±0.22 vs 3.86±0.52 ) and resistive index (0.62±0.56 vs 0.74±0.24) between survivors and non survivorsThesisItem Open Access CLINICO-THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN DOGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2020-02) BHARGAVI, MATLI; VAIKUNTA RAO, V (MAJOR); LAKSHMI RANI, N; SRINIVASA RAO, G; SUBRAMANYAM, K.V.The aim of the present study was to identify the survival and prognostic findings in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy, to quantify the cardiac dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathy with M- mode and doppler echocardiographic examination and to study the efficacy of therapy adopted in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. Among 262 dogs presented with clinical signs of cardiac disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) was diagnosed in 26dogs.The present study revealed high occurrence of DCM in Labrador Retriever (76.92 per cent) followed by German Shepherd (11.54 per cent), Cocker Spaniel (3.85 per cent), Doberman Pinscher (3.85 per cent) and Rottweiler (3.85 per cent). Dogs in the age group of 4-8 years (61.54 per cent) had high occurrence of DCM followed by above 8 years (34.61 per cent) and below 4 years (3.85 per cent). Occurrence was more common in males (76.92 per cent) than females (23.08 per cent). The prominent clinical signs noticed in dogs with DCM were exercise intolerance, inappetence, lethargy, cough, weight loss, abdominal distension, laboured breathing, pedal edema and syncope. The physical examination findings in dogs with DCM included tachycardia, dyspnoea, ascites, pale mucous membranes, systolic murmur, crackles and gallop rhythm. Haematological studies in DCM dogs revealed decreased haemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count, while leukogram showed significant neutrophilic leukocytosis. Serum biochemical profile showed elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), decreased levels of serum potassium and normal levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, serum creatinine and serum sodium in dogs with DCM. Qualitative estimation of cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) was found to be negative in all the dogs with DCM. NT-proBNP levels showed significant elevation in dogs with DCM. The prominent electrocardiographic findings noticed in dogs with DCM were low voltage QRS complexes, tall R wave, atrial premature complexes, ventricular premature complexes, sinus tachycardia, prolonged QRS complexes, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and second degree atrioventricular block. The vertebral heart score and cardiothoracic ratio were significantly increased in dogs with DCM. The predominant thoracic radiographic findings in DCM dogs were cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema, left atrial enlargement, pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Two dimensional echocardiography in dogs with DCM showed significant elevation of left atrium dimensions and LA/Ao; whereas aorta dimensions were significantly decreased. M-mode echocardiography revealed significant increase in LVIDd, LVIDs, EDV, ESV and EPSS in dogs with DCM, when compared with apparently healthy dogs. There was significant reduction in the values of LVPWd, LVPWs, IVSd and IVSs in DCM dogs, highly significant decrease in left ventricular contractility indices (FS and EF) were observed in dogs with DCM, when compared to apparently healthy dogs. Pulsed wave Doppler and continuous wave Doppler echocardiographic findings revealed mitral valve regurgitation in ten dogs with DCM. Color flow Doppler echocardiography depicted turbulent blood flow indicating mitral valve regurgitation in ten dogs with DCM. Tissue Doppler imaging in DCM dogs showed decreased systolic velocity, early diastolic velocity, late diastolic velocity and significant increase of Em:Am with normal isovolumic relaxation time and isovolumic contraction time. The unfavourable prognostic indicators identified in dogs with DCM were: signalment of dogs aged above 8 years; clinical signs of weight loss, open mouth breathing, orthopnoea, syncope; tachycardia and ascites on physical examination; high serum creatinine on serum biochemical profile; atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia on electrocardiogram; pulmonary edema and pleural effusion on thoracic radiography; fractional shortening below 10 percent and ejection fraction below 25 percent on M-mode echocardiography and restrictive transmitral flow pattern on pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography. Dogs with DCM were randomly allotted to two different treatment groups (Group-I and Group-II) and kept under treatment for a period of ninty (90) days. Group- I dogs were treated with pimobendan, enalapril, furosemide and cardiostrength. Group- II dogs were treated with pimobendan, hawthorn extract, enalapril, furosemide and cardiostrength. A noticeable improvement in clinical signs, electrocardiographic findings, thoracic radiographic findings, left ventricular dimensions and left ventricular contractility indices was observed in the two treatment groups after ninty days of treatment when compared to the pre-treatment values. There was no significant difference noticed in the left ventricular dimensions and the left ventricular contractility indices in between the treatment groups. However, the combination of hawthorn with the conventional treatment reduced the dose rate of the conventional drugs to half of their original dose and prolonged survival time was recorded when compared to the dogs treated with conventional therapy alone.ThesisItem Open Access CLINICO DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF CERTAIN TUMOURS IN DOGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2017-03) AMRUTH KUMAR, V.V.V; Nalini Kumari, K(MAJOR); Satish Kumar, K; Gireesh Kumar, V; Lakshman, MABSTRACT: During the present clinical study a total of 48,600 dogs presented to small animal medical outpatient ward were screened and out of them 3,240 were suspected for neoplasms and 458 dogs among them were diagnosed for certain malignant tumours. Highest incidence of tumours was observed in the age group of >5-10 years. Majority of the cases reported were of spitz breed followed by Labrador retrievers. Female dogs were more affected with various tumours than males. From among the 458 dogs which were diagnosed 118 dogs were TVT, Mammary tumours (102), Perianal tumours (41) and other skin tumours like mast cell tumours, basalcell tumours, squamous cell carcinoma of skin were (106) and miscellaneous tumours like lipoma (29), lymphoma (22) SCC of oral cavity (19), osteosarcoma (18) and TCC of bladder (3). Ten dogs which were reported at the hospital were taken up as apparently healthy dogs and grouped as Group I. The TVT affected dogs were grouped into Group II with 20 dogs and Group III with 20 dogs. The TVT dogs were showing clinical signs like bleeding or discharges from genitalia, masses protruding from the genitalia, licking of the genitalia, anorexia or inappetance, bleeding or discharges from the external genitalia, nodules or cauliflower like friable masses in the vulva or in the prepuce / caudal penis in males, licking of the external genitalia, ulceration of the tumour, popliteal and / or inguinal lymph node enlargement, anorexia and / or inappetance, dysuria and / or tenesmus and lung metastasis. The FNAC and histopathological studies revealed anisocytosis and anisokaryosis in round to oval shaped cells which were indicating malignancy; electron microscopically cells revealed vesicular cytoplasm, dense round shrunken mitochondria and dilatation of the cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum. Radiographic examination revealed lung metastasis masses in stage III and stage IV TVT tumours where as ultrasonography did not reveal any organ metastasis of abdomen whereas tumour mass was hyperechogenic. Hematological examination showed significant increase in neutrophils and decline in lymphocytes before treatment. The mean serum biochemistry parameters revealed significantly high mean ALT, AST, ALP and decreased serum protein when compared to the apparently healthy dogs. Therapeutic trial was conducted with Inj Vincristine in Group II dogs and Inj Doxorubicin in Group III dogs weekly once for four and five weeks respectively. Complete response of the tumour mass was observed by day 21 and day 28 in 17 and 18 dogs of Group II and Group III respectively. The other clinical signs also declined with the therapy in all the dogs which responded. Hematological examination revealed significant decline in mean Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC and neutrophil count but a significant increase of lymphocyte count was observed during and after therapy when compared to that of before therapy. The mean BUN, ALT, AST and ALP revealed significant increase whereas total protein showed significant decrease during and after treatment. Nausea, anorexia, vomiting, alopecia, anaemia and weight loss were the side effects noticed during treatment with Inj. Vincristine. Seven dogs showed mild side effects from day 14 which increased by day 21 (third dose) of therapy in 11dogs. Side effects included vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia and alopecia during treatment with Inj. Doxorubicin. These signs started in 9 dogs from day 7 and aggravated in 14 dogs by day 21. But the severities of the side effects seen during Inj. Doxorubicin treatment were more when compared to Inj. Vincristine The cases were monitored for a period of six months for recurrence of any growths and the associated symptoms. Two dogs in Group II showed recurrence after 4 months. In two dogs of Group III recurrence was seen after 4 months in one dog and 6 months in the other dog. These dogs were subjected to surgical excision of tumour mass. The mammary tumour affected dogs were grouped into Group IV with 20 dogs and Group V with 20 dogs. The important clinical signs included palpable masses in mammary glands with greater percent of solitary nodular tumours than multiple masses, single gland was more affected than multiple glands, other signs observed were lymph node enlargement, ulceration of tumour skin, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. The FNAC and histopathological studies revealed neoplastic cells of varied sizes and basophilic nucleoli which were indicating malignancy; histopathological examination revealed epitheloid cells of round to spindle shape, large nucleus Out of the 102 mammary tumours diagnosed 79 were simple malignant tumours, among them adenocarcinomas were 29, tubulo papillary adenocarcinoms were 22 dogs, ductular adeno carcinoma were 19 dogs and solid carcinomas were 9. Mixed mammary carcinomas were diagnosed in 28 dogs out of which Myxochondroadenocarcinoma and fibrosarcoma were 7, Myxolipoadeno carcinoma were 5 and liposarcoma were 4. Electron microscopy revealed abundant cells with epithelial morphology. Radiographic examination revealed lung metastasis masses in stage III and stage IV mammary tumours where as ultrasonography of tumour mass revealed anechoic fluid filled cystic collections, hyperechoic areas with diffuse margins and anechoic areas with hyper echoic margins and no abnormal echo pattern of the abdominal organs. In the present study the mammary tumour affected dogs revealed insignificant decrease of mean Hb, PCV, TEC, lymphocytes and platelets, whereas neutrophils showed insignificant elevation before treatment when compared to the apparently healthy dogs, the serum biochemistry parameters revealed insignificant decrease of BUN and insignificant increase of mean serum creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP and total protein before treatment. The mammary tumour affected dogs were grouped into Group IV with 20 dogs and Group V with 20 dogs and were subjected for chemotherapy. Group IV dogs were given Inj Vincristine weekly once for five weeks and Group V dogs were given Inj. Paclitaxel once every twenty one days for five times. Clinical improvement was seen in dogs with chemotherapy wherein 12, 14 dogs of Group IV, V responded for treatment with partial response of tumour respectively. The other clinical symptoms of mammary tumours also declined in the dog which responded to therapy. Haematological examination of Group IV dogs before, during and after therapy revealed that the mean Hb, PCV and TEC had significantly declined (P<0.05) from day 0 to day 35. Leucopenia was seen by day 21 which continued until day 35. Neutropenia was observed by day 21 until day 35. Lymphocytosis was seen during the course of therapy. Thrombocytopenia was observed during therapy when compared to before therapy. The haematological parameters of Group V dogs revealed significant decline in mean Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC and Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and lymphocytosis was seen during the course of therapy from day 0 to day 105.The Group IV dogs showed increase of biochemical parameters when compared to pre-therapeutic means, whereas ALP showed significant increase and total protein showed significant decline post therapeutically. Nausea, anorexia, vomiting, anaemia, mild alopecia and weight loss were the side effects noticed during treatment with Inj. Vincristine. Three dogs showed side effects like nausea, in-appetence from day 14 which aggravated day 21. The side effects associated with Inj. Paclitaxel included vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia and alopecia. These side effects started in 9 dogs from day 21 aggravated in 14 dogs by day 63. The side effects seen during Inj. Paclitaxel treatment were more severe when compared to Inj. Vincristine therapy. In Group IV out of the twelve dogs which showed partial response during chemotherapy, six showed recurrence after four months which were treated by surgical excision among which two dogs died within fifteen days. Three dogs of Group V showed recurrence of tumour growth in the fourth month (1 dog) and fifth month (2 dogs) after chemotherapy. These dogs were then treated by surgical excision out of which one died. The perianal tumour affected dogs were grouped into Group VI with 10 dogs and Group VII with 10 dogs. In the present study the dogs suffering with perianal tumours were showing clinical signs like masses in perianal region, dyschezia, tenesmus, constipation, discomfort, hematochezia, ulceration, licking, anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, polydipsia and polyuria. FNAC of the tumour revealed polygonal cells with pinkish blue cytoplasm and small nucleus with prominent nucleoli, histopathology showed rosette like cells with connective tissue fibres among the 41 dogs with perianal tumours 24 were hepatoid adenocarcinomas, 9 were myxosarcoma, 5 were SCC and 3 were fibrohemangiosarcoma.. Ultra structure revealed cells with numerous endoplasmic reticulum and prominent golgi apparatus. Ultrasonography showed low vascularisation of the tumour and no abdominal metastasis. Haematology revealed leucocytosis and neutrophilia when compared to the apparently healthy dogs. Serum biochemistry revealed insignificantly increased mean BUN, creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP and total protein. The perianal tumour affected dogs were grouped into Group VI with 10 dogs and Group VII with 10 dogs and were subjected for chemotherapy. Group VII dogs were given Inj Vincristine weekly once for five weeks and Group VII dogs were given Inj. Cisplatin once every week for five weeks. Clinical improvement was seen in 5 dogs out of ten dogs of Group VI with partial response of the tumour. Among the Group VII dogs 7 dogs showed reduction in tumour size by day 21 and partial response was seen by day 35. The other clinical signs alleviated in the dogs which responded for the therapy. The haematological parameters revealed that both the groups of dogs showed significant decline in mean Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC, neutrophils and platelet count and significant increase in lymphocyte count. The Group VI dogs showed highly significant increase in mean serum ALT and ALP during and after therapy whereas, Group VII dogs showed significant increase in mean BUN, creatinine, ALT, AST, and ALP during and after therapy. Nausea, anorexia, vomiting, anaemia, mild alopecia and weight loss were the side effects noticed during treatment with Inj. Vincristine. Three dogs showed side effects like nausea and in-appetence from day 14. The side effects of Inj. Platinex included profuse vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia. Which started in 8 dogs from day 14 slowly and aggravated in these dogs by day 21. The side effects seen during Inj. Platinex treatment were more severe when compared to Inj. Vincristine therapy. In Group VI three dogs showed recurrence after three months which were treated by surgical excision among which two dogs died within ten days. Two dogs of Group VII showed recurrence in the fourth month (1 dog) and fifth month (1 dog) after chemotherapy. These dogs were treated by surgical excision of which one died.ThesisItem Open Access CLINICO-DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON SUBCLINICAL FORMS OF CERTAIN PRODUCTION DISEASES IN CROSSBRED COWS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-11) AMBICA, G; TIRUMALA RAO, D.S(MAJOR); AMEER HAMZA, P; RAGHAVENDER, K.B.P; GOPALA REDDY, AABSTRACT: The present clinical investigation was undertaken to study the incidence, clinical and haemato biochemical findings, therapy and therapeutic efficacy of certain drugs and to evolve a suitable comprehensive therapeutic regimen in cows with subclinical forms of certain production diseases viz., hypocalcaemia, ketosis, hypophosphataemia and hypomagnesaemia. Out of 280 recently parturated (from day zero to two months post calving) cows presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Campus Hospital, Rajendranagar; Dairy experimental station, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar and surrounding peri urban areas with the history of reduced feed intake and decreased milk yield during a study period of 14 months, 106 (37.86 per cent) were suffering from one or more than one of the above said subclinical production diseases. On detailed clinical examination, urine analysis and serum biochemistry, it was observed that 24 cows were positive for subclinical hypocalcaemia (group - I), 38 for subclinical ketosis (group - II), 8 for subclinical hypophosphataemia (group - Ill) and 5 for subclinical hypomagnesaemia (group - IV), which accounted the incidence of 22.64, 35.85, 7.55 and 4.72 per cent, respectively. The incidence of more than one of the above said deficiencies (mixed deficiencies, group - V) was recorded in 31 cows which accounted for 29.24 per cent, out of that the incidence of subclinical hypocalcaemia along with 'ketosis; subclinical hypocalcaemia along with ketosis and hypomagnesaernia; subclinical hypocalcaemia along with hypophosphataemia; and subclinical hypocalcaemia along with hypomagnesaemia was observed in 17, 4, 7 and 3 cows, respectively with a corresponding incidence of 16.04%, 3.77%. 6.60% and 2.83%, respectively. Each group was again subdivided into two subgroups viz., la, Ib; Ila, Ilb; Illa, Illb; IVa, IVb and Va, Vb to study and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of oral and parenteral drugs. 10 apparently healthy postparturient cows (group - VI) were maintained as healthy control group. The clinical observations in cows suffering from subclinical form of production diseases revealed reduced feed intake and decreased milk yield. There was no significant difference in the values of temperature and pulse rate before and after treatment in all the groups, which indicated that subclinical form of production diseases had no significant effect. All the animals during the treatment regained the appetite and milk yield. Ruminal motility was increased significantly (Pe0.01) and urine analysis was normal in all the groups after the treatment. Group la and Ib cows were low in urinary and serum calcium levels. Animals belonging to group la has received Calup Gel @ 300 g orally OD for 3 days and Rumen-FS bolus @ 2 boli orally BID for 5 days and group Ib animals were administered Inj. 25% lntacal @ 450 ml iv OD for 3 days and Inj. Tribivet @ 10-1 5 rnl im OD for 3 days. Among haematological parameters the mean Hb level was increased significantly (Pc0.05)in group la, where as in group Ib mean Hb, TLC and granulocyte percent were increased significantly (Pc0.05). Among serum parameters increased mean serum calcium and magnesium were significant at 1% (Pc0.01) and increased phosphorus and total protein and decreased serum glucose and AST were signficant at 5% (Pc0.05) in group la, where as in group Ib increased calcium and decreased serum glucose. magnesium and AST were significant at 1% (Pc0.01) and increased total protein and albumin at 5% (Pc0.05). The comparative means of serum glucose, calcium, magnesium and AST of healthy, group la and Ib revealed that the treatment given to group Ib was more effective. Group Ila and Ilb animals were found positive for urinary ketones. Animals belonging to group Ila were administered Ketonil Gel orally @ 1 tube/day for 2 days, followed by half of the tube for next 2 days and Liq. €-Booster @ 200 ml orally BID for 2 days followed by 100ml BID for next 2 days, where as group Ilb cows were administered Inj. Wocktrose-25 @ 540 ml iv OD for 3 days, Inj. Ketocort @ 1Omg total dose im for 3 days and Inj. Tribivet @ 5 ml im for 3 days. Among haematological parameters the mean TLC was increased significantly at 1% (P<0.01) and mean Hb, monocytes, granulocytes percent, MCH and MCV were increased significantly at 5 OO/ (P~0.05i)n group Ila cows, while in group Ilb mean Hb, TLC, monocytes and granulocytes Oh were increased significantly at 1 % (PcO.01) and mean PCV, TEC, MCH and MCV were increased significantly at 5% (Pc0.05). Among serum parameters, significantly increased mean serum glucose, calcium, total protein and albumin and decreased AST levels at 5% (Pc0.05) in groups Ila, where as in group Ilb increased mean serum glucose and calcium and decreased AST were significant at 1% (P-=0.01) and increased serum total protein and albumin was at 5% (Pc0.05) level. Though there was an improvement in both the groups, the comparative means of serum glucose, calcium and AST of healthy, group Ila and Ilb revealed that the treatment given to group Ilb was more effective. Group llla and lllb cows were low in serum phosphorus. Cows belonging to group llla were administered Sodaphos powder @ 30-60 g orally OD for 5 days and Ferritas bolus @ 2 boli orally OD for 5 days. while group lllb animals were administered Inj. Urimin @ 10-15 ml im OD for 3 days and Inj. Ferritas @ 1 rnll 50 kg body weight im once. Among haematological parameters the mean Hb, PCV, TEC and MCV increased significantly (Pc0.05) in group Illa; and in group lllb mean Hb, PCV and TEC were increased significantly at 1% (Pc0.01) and mean lymphocytes, MCV and MCH were increased significantly at 5% (Pc0.05). Among serum parameters decreased serum glucose and ALP and increased calcium were significant at 1% (PcO.01) and increased phosphorus and magnesium and decreased AST at 5% (Pc0.05) in group llla and in group lllb decreased serum glucose, AST and ALP and increased calcium and phosphorus were significant at 1% (PThesisItem Open Access CLINICO – DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON OTITIS IN BUFFALOES(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2010-11) LAKSHMI RANI, N; NALINI KUMARI, K (Maqjor); SYAAMA SUNDAR, N; SURESH KUMAR, R.V; SREENU, MAKKENA; ANAND KUMAR, PABSTRACT: On screening of 2807 buffaloes presented at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Service Complex, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram during the period between January 2009 to July 2010, the incidence of otitis accounted for 4.31 per cent. Of the affected animals 62.80% exhibited unilateral otitis and 37.19% showed bilateral otitis. The incidence of otitis at Agrigold dairy farm, Keesara and Buffalo Research station, Venkata Ramannagudem was recorded as 1.61% and 3.48% respectively. Highest number of cases of otitis were observed in buffaloes of above 3 years of age group (76.86%) and in the winter season (43.80%). The main clinical signs observed in animals with otitis included aural discharge, inspissated pus, excess cerumen, inflammatory changes of pinna, head shaking, otalgia, enlarged lymph nodes, drooping, nodules on the pinna, head tilt and facial paralysis. Few affected animals showed cough, nasal discharge, elevated body temperature, drop in milk yield, emaciation, anorexia and skin lesions. The percent incidence of otitis externa and media was 95.04% and 4.96% respectively. A total of 166 ears from 121 buffaloes were screened for the presence of parasites. The etiological agents identified were parasites (70.48%), bacteria (66.27%) and yeast (62.05%). Among the parasites Railletia auris and Stephanofilaria species were identified from 12.5% and 10.00% of healthy ears. In otitis, Stephanofilaria species, Onchocerca species, Rhabditis species and Railletia auris were obtained from 32.47%, 5.98%, 5.13% and 40.17% of ears respectively. Roll swab cytology revealed the presence of Malassezia in healthy and otitic ears as 47.50% and 50.60% respectively. But in diseased ears cytology revealed Malassezial overgrowth and neutrophilia. The predominant bacteria found in healthy ears were Staphylococcus species (76.20%). Cultural examination revealed isolation of 137 isolates from otitic ears of which Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas species and Proteus species accounted for 33.57, 26.27 and 16.79 percent respectively. Other bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli (11.68%), Klebsiella species (5.84%), Micrococci species (3.65%) and Pasteurella species (2.19%). Malassezia was isolated from 47.50% of healthy ears and 59.04% of otitic ears. Whereas Candida and Aspergillus were obtained from 6.02% and 4.22% of otitic ears respectively. Otitic animals exhibited neutrophilia, eosinophilia and reduced hemoglobin levels when compared to healthy animals. The video-otoscopic findings of 28 animals included unilateral otitis (16 animals), bilateral otitis (12 animals), purulent secretions (34 ears), encrusted exudates (6 ears), ulcerations (21 ears), hyperplastic epithelium (8 ears), meatus stenosis (3 ears) mites (19 ears) and rupture of tympanic membrane in 2 ears. A molecular study of Malassezia isolated from 23 otitic ears and 5 healthy ears through PCR assay revealed M. sympodialis by yielding a product of approximately 580bp size specific for 26S r DNA gene sequence. Enrofloxacin was sensitive in 90.24% of otic samples while clotrimazole in 87.69% of samples. Therapeutic trials were undertaken based on etiology and the animals were divided into 6 groups. It was found that ivermectin (G I a) was 100% effective than closantel (G I b) in treating parasitic otitis. The percent recovery was more in G I a (100% G I a vs 44.44% G I b) with a comparatively less time taken for recovery (recovery rate of 37.5% on 7th day in G I a vs 0 % in G I b). Therapy with ivermectin and enrofloxacin along with or without meloxicam was effective in otitis with parasites and bacteria. However, comparatively better and quick recovery rate was noticed when meloxicam was included. In otitic buffaloes with parasites and yeast, ivermectin and clotrimazole (G III b) was more effective than ivermectin in combination with povidone iodine (G III a). The percent cure was more in G III b vs G III a (100% vs 81.81%) with a comparatively quick recovery (55.56%-7th day, 33.33%-14th day, 11.11%-21st day vs 36.36%-7th day, 27.28%-14th day, 18.18%-21st day). Higher recovery rate was achieved with ivermectin, enrofloxacin, meloxicam and clotrimazole (G IV b) (81.82%) in otitis due to parasite, bacteria and yeast than when povidone iodine (G IV a) was used in place of clotrimazole (66.67%). Bacterial otitis had 100% recovery upon therapy with enrofloxacin and meloxicam while the recovery rate was 83.33% and 66.67% when treated In otitis with bacteria and yeast involvement, both clotrimazole (84.62%) and povidone iodine (83.33%) were effective. It is concluded that parasitic otitis is more common especially with mite infestation. Malassezial overgrowth was also recorded in high percentage of otitic cases. Cytology was a simple, quick and informative diagnostic tool while video-otoscopy revealed more details of the ear. Malassezia sympodialis was detected by PCR studies. Ivermectin and enrofloxacin had superior efficacy in otitis due to parasites and bacteria. During Malassezial involvement though clotrimazole was relatively superior, povidone iodine also exhibited efficacy and was cheaper. Anti-inflammatory agent in the therapeutic regimens hastened the recovery rate.
