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ThesisItem Open Access Screening of dogs for possible rabies virus excretion(Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Raju, S; KAU; Saseendranath, M RFive hundred dogs, belonging to various categories viz., healthy (vaccinated and non vaccinated), sick (vaccinated and non vaccinated) and stray dogs, were screened for the possible excretion of rabies virus in an enzootic area in Trichur, Kerala, based on the observation that nonfatal rabies occurs among dog populations in enzootic or epizootic areas. The criterion selected for the screening of dogs was detection of rabies virus antigen in comeal impression or saliva using fluorescent antibody test. None of the 500 dogs was found positive for rabies viral excretion in saliva or comeal impression. The validity of the test was periodically tested with salivary swabs from rabid dogs that were brought with clinical signs suggestive of rabies. Of twelve dogs thus examined, four were positive in saliva and two were positive in comeal impression test. One dog was positive in both comeal impression and saliva. All the twelve dogs died and rabies was diagnosed by Fluorescent antibody test. Brain samples from sixty-six suspected dogs brought to the department of pathology were subjected to fluorescent antibody test and forty-nineanimals found positive for rabies. The results were confirmed positive using polymerase chain reaction. Thus in the present study no evidence of non fatal, abortive or chronic rabies could be detected among dogs in the study or control group.ThesisItem Open Access Sero conversion studies of brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine in cattle(Department of Veterinery Epidemology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2007) Nimisha, K N; KAU; Saseendranath, M RIn the present study, the sero conversion to two doses of Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine was assessed in cattle. Interference of Brucella abortus strain RB51 with routine diagnostic tests for brucellosis was also compared with Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine. Vaccinations were done in sero negative calves of four months and above age. The study animals were grouped into three. Animals of group I and II were subcutaneously vaccinated with 1.8×1010 CFU and 1×1010 CFU of Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine respectively. Whereas group III animals were vaccinated with 4×1010 CFU of Brucella abortus strain 19 subcutaneously. Immune responses were assessed at weekly interval during the first month and there after at monthly interval for a period of six months employing indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Clinical observations of all animals were also made two days before and one week after vaccination. All the vaccinated animals showed febrile reaction during the first 24 to 48hours post inoculation. But returned to normal temperature by 72 hours post inoculation. Eighty two per cent of the vaccinated animals developed swelling at the inoculation site 48 hours after vaccination but found to be reduced by 96 hours and became normal after one week. Animals were quite active and with good appetite throughout the observation period. None of the Brucella abortus SRB51 vaccinated animals, both with higher or lower dose, produced detectable antibody response in the conventional serological tests viz., RBPT and STAT throughout the study period. Whereas animals vaccinated with Brucella abortus S19 produced detectable antibody responses in RBPT and STAT till 90th day. Cattle vaccinated with higher dose of Brucella abortus SRB51 produced significant antibody level earlier (seventh day) than those with lower dose (21st day) and persisted longer (upto150 days), when compared to the group II (only upto 120 days). But both groups showed maximum immune response on the same observation period i.e on 60th day of vaccination. The proportion of animals with significant immune responses were also higher in animals vaccinated with higher dose than those with lower dose except on day 21 and day 90. From the serologic point of view, it is concluded that Brucella abortus strain RB51 is an ideal vaccine candidate than Brucella abortus strain 19 and animals vaccinated with higher dose produced better immune response to Brucella abortus SRB51, when compared to those vaccinated with lower dose.ThesisItem Open Access Investigation on sudden death in pigs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Manjusha, A; KAU; Baby, P GStudy of “Investigation on sudden death in pigs’’ was conducted in pigs from various pig farms in Kerala, where cases of sudden death were reported. In these farms around 12.4 per cent of the total pigs were lost due to sudden death. Post mortem examination were carried out in six animals. Clinical materials were collected from the forty-five contact animals and six apparently healthy control animals. Occurrences of sudden death were common in three to six month old piglets. Most of the animals died without any premonitory clinical signs. All these animals were fed with uncooked swill mainly containing chicken waste. Some of the contact animals showed clinical signs like elevated temperature, congested mucous membranes and diarrhoea. On cultural examination of the samples from the two farms growth of the gram-negative organisms were obtained. Transmission of these organisms to these pigs may be from the uncooked swill fed to them. On antibiotic sensitivity testing cefotaxime and ceftriaxone were found to be effective against these organisms. Leukocytoses with neutrophilia were observed in animals of group III where as normal leukogram observed in animals of group II. Serum biochemical studies revealed an elevated level of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransaminase in animals without any obvious clinical sign of illness, indicating involvement of heart in the pathological condition. Animals with obvious clinical signs of illness revealed an elevated level of lactate dehydragenase, indicating damage of the tissues. Gross pathology on post mortem revealed lesions in heart, liver, brain, lymph nodes and kidney. Haemorrhages in the heart were the major findings. Prominent histopathological changes were noticed in heart and brain. Heart showed varying degrees of inflammation, degeneration and necrosis. Stomach, intestine, lung, liver and kidney also showed pathological changes. For all the animals under study supplementation of mineral mixture containing vitamin E and Selenium were advised. Animals with clinical signs of illness were treated with cefotaxime. It prevented further mortality in these farms.ThesisItem Open Access Electrocardiographic studies on arrhythmia in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Ranimol, Antony; KAU; Usha, Narayana PillaiStudy entitled “Electrocardiographic Studies on Arrhythmia in Dogs” was conducted in eight dogs. It was conducted to study the incidence and to delineate the etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestation of arrhythmias in dogs. Out of 11,230 canine patients, cardiac disease observed in 0.22 per cent and arrhythmia observed in 0.07 per cent of cases. The parameters observed were signalment, history and detailed clinical examination, electrocardiography, radiography, echocardiography, haematology and serum biochemical assays. Dog between the groups of seven to ten years were more frequently affected and it was more commonly observed in males. Arrhythmia was recorded more in Dobermann Pinschers followed by German Shepherd, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel and Mongrel. The types of arrhythmia observed in the present study included supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular premature complexes, first degree atrio- ventricular block and right bundle branch block. In supra ventricular tachycardia typical ECG findings in lead II were morphologically abnormal P waves and very short P-R intervals. In ventricular premature complexes, typical ECG findings were wide bizarre QRS complexes and T waves directed opposite to QRS complexes. Prolonged P-R interval was the typical finding in first degree atrio-ventricular block. In right bundle branch block typical ECG findings were prolonged QRS complexes with prominent slurred S waves. The frequently observed clinical signs of arrhythmia were lethargy, weakness, exercise intolerance, cough and dyspnoea. Syncope and cardiac cachexia were also observed. Pulse deficits and haemic murmurs were also noticed in a few cases. Arrhythmias were noticed in association with cardiac diseases and secondary to renal diseases. Radiography and echocardiography were useful to find out cardiac chamber enlargement and mitral valve insufficiency. Haematological and serum biochemical values did not show any significant changes in arrhythmias.ThesisItem Open Access Ultrasonographic studies on gastrointestinal disorders in canine(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Sindhu, K; KAU; Jayakumar, K MThe study “Ultrasonographic studies on gastrointestinal disorders in canine” was conducted in 15 dogs to evaluate ultrasonography as diagnostic tool in gastro intestinal disorders. To assess and to correlate serum biochemical values, clinico-pathologic findings with ultrasonographic changes. The study included 15 animals with gastrointestinal disorders. Various parameters such as history, signalment, clinical, physical examination, ultrasonography, haematology, serum biochemistry were studied. Physical examination findings in dogs with gastritis were non specific. Ultrasonography could identify lesions in dogs with gastritis, enteritis, uremic gastropathy and gastrointestinal obstruction due to foreign body. In the present study, ultrasonographic changes in animals with gastritis were thickening of stomach wall with loss of wall layers. Dilated intestinal lumen with thickened wall layers was observed in animals with enteritis. In case of gastrointestinal obstruction due to foreign body the sonographic features are dilated fluid filled stomach and intestine with hyperperistaltic movements proximal to the obstruction. Ultrasonographic changes observed in uremic gastropathy were thickened stomach wall and rugal folds. Stress leucogram were recorded in dogs with gastrointestinal obstructions and uremic gastropathy. Hyponatremia, hypokalemia and hypocholremia were the electrolyte abnormalities in dogs with gastritis, enteritis, uremic gastropathy and gastro intestinal disorders.ThesisItem Open Access Metabolic profile of hypogalactic cows(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Reena, George; KAU; Baby, P GA study of the metabolic profile of hypogalactic dairy cows under field conditions was undertaken. Thirty cases of hypogalactic cows were selected and utilised for the study. Similarly, six healthy dairy cows maintained under identical environmental and managemental conditions constituted the control group. Samples of blood, urine and milk were collected and analysed for various parameters according to standard methods. Data collected from the hypogalactic dairy cows indicated a high incidence in animals of third parity which were around four to five years of age. The clinical data were within normal limits. Haemoglobin was decreased indicating a mild anaemia. Biochemically, serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and calcium showed a significant decrease. Blood ketone body levels and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels showed significant increase. Serum magnesium and phosphorus levels did not vary significantly. The metabolic profile of hypogalactic animals revealed that hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypoproteinemia and subclinical ketosis may be the possible causes of hypogalactia.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of post exposure anti-rabies therapy in cattle(Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Rishi Keshavan; KAU; Saseendranath, M RThe immune response and efficacy of two different anti-rabies vaccines in two different post exposure schedules were studied in rabies exposed cattle. An inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Raksharab) and a DNA combined tissue culture inactivated anti-rabies vaccine (Dinarab) were used. The study animals were grouped in to four groups. Animals of group I and III were vaccinated with inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Raksharab) with schedule I (injection of vaccine on 0, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 28th days) and schedule II (administration of five doses of vaccine on 0, 1st, 2nd,3rd and 4th days continuously) respectively and animals of group II and IV were vaccinated with DNA combined tissue culture inactivated anti-rabies vaccine (Dinarab) with schedule I and schedule II respectively. The rabies virus neutralizing antibody titers were assessed on day zero, 7th, 14th, 28th, 60th and 90th days of post vaccination by employing Rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test - (RFFIT). In all the four groups the peak antibody titer level were observed on 14th day of post vaccination and protective level of rabies virus neutralizing antibody titer were maintained up to the 90th day of study period. Group I and group II animals which were vaccinated with schedule-I with inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Raksharab) and a DNA combined tissue culture inactivated anti-rabies vaccine (Dinarab) respectively, obtained the high mean rabies virus neutralizing antibody titers than that of group III and IV during the study period. Among these two groups, group I obtained the highest antibody titer than group II on day zero, 14th, 28th and 60th days of study period. Whereas group II obtained the highest antibody titer than group I on day seven and 90th day of study period. All the animals were found to be healthy in the monitoring period of six months in all four groups vaccinated with two antirabies vaccines with two different post exposure schedules. Both the inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Raksharab) and DNA combined tissue culture inactivated anti-rabies vaccine (Dinarab) were providing protective titre (>0.5 IU/ml) from 14th to 90th day of observation in cattle. Both the schedules I and II were providing protective titre from 14th to 90th day of observation in cattle. Early and high antibody titers were observed in schedule II where five consecutive injections were given. Though above protective titre, the fall in antibody level was also drastic in schedule II. In schedule I, protective antibody titre was observed on 14th day and maintained at a fairly good level till 90th day. It is concluded that the post exposure anti-rabies therapy in cattle could be conducted in both schedules using any of these vaccines. From farmers’ practical point of view, continuous five doses of injections will be of much use.ThesisItem Open Access Epidemiological and clinico-therapeutic studies on bovine trypanosomosis(Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Smitha, P S; KAU; Tresamol, P VThe present study was undertaken to assess the epidemiological and clinico-therapeutic aspects of Trypanosoma evansi infection in bovines. A total of 530 animals (510 cattle and 20 buffalo) from various University farms, University Veterinary hospitals and farm households were screened for trypanosomosis using parasitological and serological techniques. Wet film examination of blood, Giemsa stained blood smears and micro-haematocrit centrifugation technique could detect parasitaemia only in one animal (0.19 per cent). Dot-ELISA detected anti-Trypanosoma evansi antibodies in twelve cattle and six buffalo screened for trypanosomosis. Buffalo showed a higher rate of infection (6 per cent) than cattle (2.35 per cent). No breed predisposition was observed among cattle for trypanosomosis. A higher prevalence of infection was observed among animals of one to three years of age. The mean packed cell volume, haemoglobin and total erythrocyte counts of the sero-positive animals (17.667 ± 5.156 per cent, 6.600 ± 1.124 g/dl and 3.467 ± 1.234 x106/mm3 respectively) were significantly lower than that of the control group (32.600 ± 4.719 per cent, 10.860 ± 2.133 g/dl and 6.230 ± 1.772 x106 /mm3 respectively). Significant lymphopaenia and neutrophilia were observed in the infected animals. The clinically positive animal exhibited snoring, inappetance, reduced milk yield, emaciation and anaemia. Quinapyramine prosalt at the dose rate of 7.4 mg/kg body weight sub-cutaneously provided effective clinical cure and marked improvement in haemato-biochemical parameters a week after therapy. The study revealed dot-ELISA to be a highly sensitive, cost-effective and easy to perform test that can be adopted as a diagnostic tool in trypanosomosis.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of post-exposure anti-rabies therapy in goats(Department of Veterinary Epidemology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2005) Raji James; KAU; Saseendranath, M RThe effectiveness of post-exposure therapy against rabies in goats, with two different vaccines viz., inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Raksharab®) and DNA combined tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Dinarab®), was studied with different schedule of vaccination, in Thrissur, Kerala. The rabies virus neutralizing antibody titres were assessed by using rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). Sixty unvaccinated goats exposed to rabid animal bite were selected for study. Group I animals were given inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine and group II animals were given DNA combined tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine in schedule I (“Essen”). Group III and group IV were treated with inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine and DNA combined tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine in schedule II whose five injections were given on 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4th day. By day 14, all animals in-group I had achieved rabies antibody titre above the protective level recommended by WHO (>0.5 IU/ml) and reached peak titre on day 28. Group II animals that received DNA combined tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine elicited protective titre on day seven and reached peak titre on day 28. All the goats in group I and group II were maintaining the protective titre till 90th day and none had developed rabies for a period of 180 days. Though both vaccines in schedule I (“Essen”) produced geometric mean rabies virus neutralizing antibody titre above 0.5 IU/ml up to 90th day of study period, DNA combined tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine induced earlier and higher virus neutralizing antibody titre. Both vaccines under schedule II produced good protection on seventh day. Inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine under schedule II elicited earlier and higher neutralizing antibody response than schedule I. Out of two vaccines used, DNA combined tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine induced higher geometric mean rabies virus neutralizing antibody titre in a rapid manner in both schedules. Animals were monitored monthly for six months after exposure and all treated groups were alive and no vaccine related serious adverse events occurred. It is concluded that DNA combined tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine in schedule I and schedule II or inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine in schedule II were observed as the best for recommending to the field for post-exposure anti-rabies therapy in goats.