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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
Investigation on sudden death in pigs
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Manjusha, A; KAU; Baby, P G
Study 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.
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 Pillai
Study 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.
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 M
The 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.
Open Access
Metabolic profile of hypogalactic cows
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Reena, George; KAU; Baby, P G
A 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.
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.

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