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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 R
Five 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.
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 R
The 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.
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 V
The 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.
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 R
The 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.
Open Access
Clinico-therapeutic studies on downer cows
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Prasanna, K; KAU; Ajithkumar, S
The study entitled “Clinico-therapeutic studies on downer cows” was carried out in twelve cows, which did not respond to the treatment by local Veterinarians. Two of the cows presented at Veterinary Hospital, Mannuthy and other ten field cases from Trissur district formed the subjects for this study. All the animals were subjected to detailed clinical examination and all parameters under study viz., signalment, history, physical examination haematology, serum biochemistry and treatment response were carried out. The data obtained were analysed statistically. Highest percentage of occurrence was seen in cross bred Jersey cows and in old age group. Seventy five percentage of cows were with in first week of lactation, eight percentage at eighth month of gestation and sixteen percentage in mid lactation. Occurrence was recorded during the period from May 2004 to May 2005. All the cows were fed on a compounded concentrate ration and quantum of feed were not proportional to the milk production. They were maintained on concrete floors and had no history of a fall or exposure to adverse climatic condition. All the cows were in sternal recumbency at the time of presentation and were alert without other clinical signs. Frequent attempts to rise and changing the sides by their own was common in most cows. All the physiological parameters were with in the normal range. Feed in take, urination, defecation and rumination were normal. Bruises over hock, elbow and tuber coxae were seen as common complications. One cow that developed mastitis and cows with Amphistome infestation were concurrently treated. Statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in total leukocyte count and neutrophilia were recorded in cases with traumatic injuries and subsequent inflammation over elbow joint, hock, tuber coxae and stifle. Mild lymphopenia was also seen. Biochemical alterations included hypocalcaemia and hypophosphatemia and the calcium phosphorus ratio was found to be reduced to 1.69 before the treatment. The general line of treatment adopted for downer cows in the present study were administration of calcium magnesium borogluconate 450-900ml intravenously, inorganic phosphorus-40% (10 –20 ml) either intravenously or intramuscularly, vitamin AD3E combination having Vitamin D3 @ 2.5 lakh IU intramuscularly, and multivitamin preparation 10 ml intramuscularly to all animals. In addition supportive treatment with non steroidal anti inflammatory analgesic drugs of meloxicam group (@ 0.5 mg/kg BW) 30ml intravenously or salicylate phenylbutazone combination (@ 4 mg /kg BW) 15ml intravenously or intramuscularly (six cases each) were administered. Dextrose 25% was also administered intravenously for clinically weak animals. Dosage and frequency varied according to biochemical profile, clinical picture and response to therapy. Out of twelve cows, seven cows recovered from downer state. Three cows were under treatment for 4 to 5 days, two cows for 3 days and seven cows for two days. Serum calcium, phosphorus ratio in the recovered animals returned to normal of 2.1: 1. After treatment five cases were either slaughtered due to severe traumatic injury or owners were unwilling to treat the animal.
Open Access
Ultrasonographic investigation of urinary tract diorders in dogs
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Siby Antony; KAU; Jayakumar, K M
Sixteen dogs with clinical signs suggestive of urinary tract disorders were subjected to ultrasonography and the physiological, and biochemical parameters were analysed. Urine samples from selected cases were subjected to culture and sensitivity and laboratory investigation were made for leptospirosis. The present study revealed a higher incidence of urinary tract disorders in male animals, with noticeably higher incidence in German Shepherd Dogs. The age of affected animals ranged from eight months to 15 years. Specific clinical signs observed were dysuria, anuria, stranguria, haematuria, pollakiuria and symptoms of uremia. Out of the sixteen cases of urinary tract disorders studied, four cases were of calculi in the urinary bladder and one of calculus in the renal pelvis which revealed hyperechoic foci with distal acoustic shadowing suggestive of calculi on ultrasound examination. One case of unilateral hydronephrosis evinced enlarged kidney with dilated pelvis and ureter and five cases of cystitis showed thickening of urinary bladder wall ultrasonographically. The four cases of nephritis turned positive for Leptospira antigen by sandwich dot ELISA and on ultrasonography, showed lack of cortico-medullary distinction with hyperechoic cortex. The case of chronic nephritis had shrunken kidneys with irregular margins and lack of cortico-medullary distinction with hyperechoic cortex. Haematological values showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia on the day of admission in cystic calculi, cystitis, nephritis and hydronephrosis. Urinalysis showed haematuria, pyuria and proteinuria as predominant findings in various cases. Serum biochemical values namely urea nitrogen, potassium and creatinine were highly elevated in cases of nephritis. The altered clinico-pathological picture tended to regain normalcy upon treatment of the respective cases. Efficacy of treatment in urinary tract disorders could be appreciated in subsequent sonographic examinations. The present study revealed that ultrasonography in conjunction with clinico-pathological and biochemical findings aided in an early diagnosis of urinary tract disorders in dogs.
Open Access
Clinical investigations on parasitic anaemia in cattle
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Rani Gopinath, V; KAU; Baby, P G
The study “Clinical investigations on parasitic anaemia in cattle” was conducted in 50 cattle with clinical signs suggestive of anaemia. Out of the 50 animals screened 41 turned to be positive for parasites thus recording an incidence of 85 per cent for parasitic anemia. The parasitic etiology included haemoparasites, intestinal helminths and ectoparasites. Haemoparasites recorded the highest incidence rate of 78 per cent followed by intestinal helminthes (19 per cent) and ectoparasites (2.5 per cent). Anaemia due to ectoparasites was found to be least significant and was found to be pathogenic only in calves if present in large numbers. All animals were subjected to detailed clinical examination and all parameters under study viz; signalment, history, physical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry and treatment response were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. Anaemia due to intestinal helminthes was observed mostly in young calves while haemoparasites infection dominated in adult animals. Cases of anaplasmosis, and babesiosis were observed in calves below 15 days of age indicating possibility of transplacental transmission. Ectoparasites were found to cause anaemia in young calves when present in large numbers Clinical manifestations of anaemia included pallor of visible mucous membranes, exaggeration of respiration, anorexia, production depression in milch animals etc. Clinical pathology revealed reduction of packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte count. The erythrocyte indices were within the normal range indicating normocytic normochromic anaemia. No significant changes were recorded in the mean values of thrombocyte count and total leukocyte count. Differential count revealed eosinophilic response in haemoparasite infection. Reduction in lymphocyte count was also recorded in haemoparasites infection. Serum total protein and serum albumin levels recorded a considerable decrease in the affected groups. Serum globulin and AG ratio did not show any significant changes. Serum glucose level was decreased drastically especially in group I animals. Serum bilirubin levels were significantly increased in group I animals which was due to increased erythrocyte destruction. Oxytetracyclines were used in treatment of anaplasmosis, theileriosis and ehrlichiosis. Diminazene aceturate was indicated in cases of babesiosis. Cases of strongyloides were treated by ivermectin administration. Albendazole was found effective in trichuris infection and oxyclosanide produced better clinical cure in amphistome infection. Apart from specific drugs, supportive therapy in the form of intravenous fluids, haematinics and vitamin supplements were given. Oral haematinics were found to be economical and effective. After treatment although the haematological values came to normal levels, significant decrease from control group was observed in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte count. This was attributed to the lag period occurring for the normalization of these parameters. Thus treatment was found to be effective with good clinical response and haematobiochemical parameters returning to normal levels. But few deaths were recorded. This could be due to the severity of infection which was evident from the drastic reduction in the haematological parameters
Open Access
Clinico-therapeutic studies on canine pyoderma
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Udayasree, V J; KAU; Usha Narayana, Pillai
Prevalence of pyoderma was studied among the dogs presented with dermatological problems at the University Veterinary Hospitals, Mannuthy and Kokkalai during the period from May 2003 to April 2004. Among the 409 dermatological problems in canines, bacterial dermatitis was 12.71 per cent (52 . cases). Incidence of surface pyoderma, superficial pyoderma and deep pyoderma were 26.92,53.85 and 19.23 per cent respectively. Surface pyoderma were more in age groups between one and four years, superficial pyoderma were more in age group below six months and deep pyoderma was more in age group between six and 12 months. The most frequent lesions were pustules, papules, erythema, alopecia and epidermal collarette and distributed mostly on axilla, abdomen, flank and trunk region. A significant increase in eosinophil count, with decrease in monocytic count and serum zinc level was observed in the affected dogs. Out of the 26 bacterial isolates 21 (80.77 per cent) were gram positive and five (19.23 per cent) were gram negative. Staphylococcus intermedius (12) was the major pathogen isolated from canine pyoderma followed by Staphylococcus aureus (8), Staphylococcus epidermidis (1), Escherichia coli (3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1) and Klebsiella spp. (1). Ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and erythromycin were found to be the most effective antibiotics against bacterial isolates of canine pyoderma, ampicillin and cloxacillin the least effective. Based on the antibiogram result, ciprofloxacin was used to treat ten cases of pyoderma, enrofloxacin for nine cases and erythromycin was used to treat a single case of pyoderma. All the cases recovered within a period of three weeks. Six confirmed cases of pyoderma were treated with the paste of leaves of Cynadon dactylon and all six cases shown good clinical improvement.
Open Access
Seroepidemiology of Bovine Brucellosis
(Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Priya, P; KAU; Vijayakumar, K
An investigation was carried out on 1602 cattle and buffaloes of Kerala including 1535 cattle and 67 buffaloes to assess the seroprevalence of brucellosis using serological tests like Rose Bengal plate' test, Standard tube agglutination test, 2-Mercaptoethanol test and Avidin-Biotin ELISA. Sera samples were collected from bovines belonging to different farms, hospitals and households of Kerala covering eleven districts. Samples were collected randomly from animals of different sex, age, breed, gestation, lactation, reproductive performance, management practices and also from slaughter house. Out of the 1602 sera samples tested 15.29 per cent gave positive result for brucella antibodies. Of this cattle showed a seropositivity of 14.72 per cent and buffaloes showed 28.35 per cent seropositivity. Female cattle and female buffaloes showed higher seroprevalence than male cattle and male buffaloes. Bulls and cows aged more than five years showed the highest seropositivity. Among the breeds pure bred Holstein Friesian bulls and crossbred Jersey female cattle showed the highest seroprevalence. Seroprevalence of brucellosis was found higher in pregnant cattle, in late stage of gestation, in pregnant dry animals and also in cows and heifers with the history of repeat breeding. Animals maintained under unorganised farming system, animals from high altitude agroecological region showed more number of positive reactors. Northern zone of Kerala showed more number of positive reactors. Districtwise analysis revealed that animals belonging to Kozhikode district having highest seropositivity and animals from Kottayam and Malappuram districts as zero positives. RBPT, STA T and 2 MET was evaluated for the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy using, A-B ELISA as the 'gold standard'. RBPT was found to have higher sensitivity, predictive value of a negative test and accuracy than STAT and 2 MET and all the three tests found to have 100 per cent specificity and predictive value of a positive test with that of ELISA. It was concluded that RBPT can be used as a preliminary screening test and ELISA as a confirmatory diagnostic test.

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