Thumbnail Image

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

Browse

2008 - 20106
Reset filters
Subject: Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence × Start date: 2007 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.V.Sc. ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac disorders in dogs
    (Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Anju Eliz, Ben; KAU; Usha Narayana, Pillai
    Dogs presented with the signs suggestive of cardiac disorders were included in the present study. Based on the tests conduted, which included clinical examination, electrocardiography, radiography, echocardiography and haemato - biochemical assays, cardiac disorders were confirmed in twelve cases. According to the present study, 41.67 percent cases had mitral valve insufficiency. The mean age of diseased dogs was 6.2 years and 60 percent were male dogs. Breed wise, Spitz were more affected (40 percent) followed by Labradors, Dachshunds and Rottweilers. The main clinical signs included weakness, lethargy, cough, tachypnoea, cold extremities, cachexia and syncope. Upon echocardiographic evaluation, the common finding in all the patients of this group was the deformed or thickened mitral valve, left atrial and left ventricular dilatation and hyperdynamic systolic function. The mean values of the haematological parameters (Hb, VPRC and TEC) were within the normal range, where as the serum biochemical values revealed elevated levels of LDH and CPK – MB. Pericardial effusion was noted in 16.67 percent of the cases and the affected animals were seven year old Spitz and four year old Labrador. The main clinical signs were lethargy and syncope. Echocardiography revealed anechoic areas surrounding the ventricles in both dogs. Haematology was insignificant, but the enzyme values were above the normal range. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was seen in a six year old male Spitz with the presenting complaints of mild dyspnoea, lethargy and difficulty to climb stairs. M – mode echocardiogram revealed increased thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW = 5.9 mm). Hematology was unrewarding in the diagnosis of the disease. The enzyme values were above the normal. Dilated cardiomyopathy was noted in 33.33 percent of the total dogs with cardiac disorders and all of them were males. The mean age of the affected animals was 4.5 years and the major breed in which DCM occurred in the present study was Boxer. Salient clinical signs included abdominal distension, ascites and oedema of various body parts, syncope and weight loss. Atrial tachycardia was an important ECG finding in the affected dogs. Two dimensional four – chamber view revealed left ventricular enlargement as well as marked dilation of all the chambers in a few cases. The mean values of EF and FS were 42 percent and 21 percent respectively. The hematological parameters were towards the lower limit and the enzyme values were elevated.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in anaemia of dogs
    (Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Ashwin Jayarajan; KAU; Ajithkumar, S
    The study ‘Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in anaemia of dogs’ was conducted in 22 dogs with clinical signs suggestive of anaemia. Haemolytic anaemia recorded the highest incidence rate of 54.54 per cent followed by anaemia associated with chronic disease (22.72 per cent), chronic blood loss anaemia (13.63 per cent) and acute blood loss anaemia and anaemia secondary to renal disease (4.5 per cent). All the animals were subjected to detailed clinical examination and all parameters under study such as signalment, history, physical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry, adoption of suitable therapy including blood transfusion and treatment response were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. Clinical manifestations of anaemia included pallor of visible mucous membranes, tachycardia, rapid, strong and bounding pulses and exaggerated respiration with tachypnoea. Anorexia, lethargy, exercise intolerance and weakness were also reported. Clinical pathology revealed significant reduction of volume of packed red cells, haemoglobin and total erythrocyte counts. The erythrocyte indices varied depending on the type of anaemia. A high MCV was recorded which correlated with increased reticulocytosis. Leucocyte counts were significantly increased in case of haemolytic anaemia and in anaemia associated with chronic diseases. Thrombocyte counts were decreased in all groups with severe decrease in case of haemolytic anaemia due to haemoparasites. Serum total protein and serum albumin were decreased in cases of haemoabdomen and chronic renal failure. The cases of haemoparasitic infection were associated with hyperglobulinemia. A complementary decrease in AG ratio was also observed in affected groups. Serum bilirubin increased in cases of haemolytic anaemia and liver dysfunction. Oxytetracycline parenterally followed by oral dosing of doxycycline was used in cases of ehrlichiosis, mycoplasmosis and some cases of microfilariosis. Diminazene aceturate was used in case of babesiosis. Cases of trypanosomosis were treated with isometamidium chloride and ivermectin was used to treat microfilariosis as well as ectoparasitism. Flea infestation was additionally treated with fipronil. Fenbendazole was used to treat ancylostomiasis. Apart from the specific therapy, supportive therapy was adopted in appropriate cases, which included intravenous fluids, oral and parenteral haematinics and vitamin supplements. Intra muscular injections of iron dextran were found to be effective and good clinical response was obtained. Animals which were given blood transfusion showed remarkable clinical improvement. There were significant increases in the volume of packed red cells, haemoglobin and total erythrocyte counts as well as serum albumin as compared to the animals which did not undergo blood transfusion. However few deaths were recorded which was considered to be due to the severity of infection as evident from the drastically decreased haematological parameters.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Clinico-biochemical and ultrasonographic evaluation of diseases of prostate in dogs
    (Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sindhu K, Rajan; KAU; Usha Narayana, Pillai
    The study on “Clinico - biochemical and ultrasonographic evaluation of diseases of prostate in dogs” was conducted in fifteen dogs. The parameters studied were signalment, history, clinical signs, clinical observations, perectal digital palpation of prostate, ultrasonography of prostate gland, prostatic fluid cytology, hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, and response to treatment, autopsy and hisopathology. The prostatic disorders studied were classified into benign prostatic hyperplasia with prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated hernia, acute prostatitis, suppurative prostatitis, prostatitis associated with herpes viral infection, prostatic abscess, fibroadenoma with paraprostatic pseudocyst and papillary adenoma. The major clinical signs noted in the study were constipation, inappetance, purulent urethral discharge, dysuria, vomiting, pyuria, hematuria, pyrexia and caudal abdominal pain. Perectal palpation revealed enlarged, smooth and isothermic prostate in BPH and prostatic neoplasia where as, warmness could be felt in prostatitis. Ultrasonographically, prostatomegaly was the most common feature. Intraparenchymal cyst formation in BPH, diffused increase in echogenisity in prostatitis, focal hyperechoic areas in prostatic neoplasia, multiple hypoechoic cavitary lesions with irregular borders in prostatic abscess were also noted. Prostatic fluid cytology revealed large number of neutrophils including bacteria- laden neutrophils in prostatitis, degenerated neutrophils and bacteria in prostatic abscess, hyperplastic round to oval prostatic epithelial cells with reticulated chromatin and unaltered nucleus cytoplasmic ratio in BPH. Hematological changes such as neutrophilia was observed in prostatitis and left shift in acute prostatitis. The serum creatinine and BUN was elevated in dogs with secondary renal failure. The level of acid phosphatase was elevated but there was no significant difference between different prostatic diseases. Serum testosterone was within normal range except in BPH where it was slightly elevated. The common abnormalities observed on urinalysis were pyuria, low specific gravity, proteinuria and presence of blood pigments. It was concluded from this study that prostatic disease was a major problem in old aged male dogs and was one of the major etiology for renal failure in them. Specific therapy with accurate dosage will cure prostatitis and BPH provided there is no advanced renal failure. This study also revealed the fact that ultrasonography is an excellent diagnostic tool for diagnosing prostatic disorders
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Clinico-biochemical and ultrasonographic evaluation of renal failure in dogs
    (Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Kanaran, P P; KAU; Alex, P C
    The study on “clinico-biochemical and ultrasonographic evaluation of renal failure in dogs” was conducted on 23 dogs. The parameters studied were signalment, history and clinical signs, physical examination findings, ultrasonography of the kidney, haematology, serum biochemistry and urinalysis, urine protein creatinine ratio, urinary enzymes as markers of renal disease, response to treatment, peritoneal dialysis as a treatment option and postmortem examination and histopathology. All the renal failure cases studied were associated with nephrotoxic drugs, microfilariosis, pyometra, prostatic enlargement, pancreatitis, rhabdomyolysis or leptospirosis. The cases were divided into renal failure following exposure to nephrotoxic drugs, microfilariosis, pyometra, prostatic enlargement, pancreatitis, rhabdomyolysis or leptospirosis. The haematological and biochemical values of the diseased animals varied from that of normal animals and did not show any significant difference with the values measured after seven days of treatment indicating that it was not effective. The most common ultrasonographic pattern was hyperechoic kidneys with lack of corticomedullary distinction indicating fibrotic changes in kidney which was confirmed by postmortem examination and histopathology. Estimation of urinary enzymes NAG, GGT and ALP were done in selected animals. There was a sharp difference between diseased and healthy animals. It was concluded from this study that for effective treatment and management of canine renal diseases, early diagnosis and treatment is a must and that for achieving this goal ultrasonography and estimation of urinary enzymes can be used as effective tools.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Investigaion on hepato-biliary disorders in dogs
    (Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Elso, John; KAU; Jayakumar, K M
    Investigation on heapto-biliary disorders was conducted in forty dogs using ultrasonography and correlated ultrasonography with haemato-biochemical and histological findings. Parameters studied were history, clinical signs, physical examination, ultrasonography of liver, serology, haematology and serum biochemistry, post-mortem examination and histopathology. Age of affected animals with hepato-biliary disorders was 4.54 ± 0.47 years. Among dog breeds, highest incidence was found in German shepherd followed by Dachshund. Female dogs were more affected by the hepato-biliary disorders. Clinical signs more specific to hepato-biliary disorders were ascites and icterus. Primary hepatic diseases that produced ultrasound changes were hepatic abscess, hepatic neoplasia, leptospirosis, cirrhosis, fibrosis and chronic active hepatitis. Biliary changes were observed in cholangiocellular carcinoma, chloangiohepatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis and gall bladder sludge. Secondary liver diseases were associated with pyometra, ehrlichiosis, rhabdomyolysis and passive venous congestion due to dilated cardiomyopathy. Varying degrees of leucocytosis and anaemia were the consistent finding. Total serum protein and albumin were reduced in majority of hepato-biliary disorders, with a marked reduction in cirrhosis and fibrosis. Serum copper level was elevated in Dalmatians with chronic hepatitis. Serum alpha feto protein was detected/increased in hepatic neoplasia. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase were elevated in varying degrees in majority of hepatobiliary disorders. Histological changes in leptospirosis were chronic venous and sinusoidal congestion. In cirrhosis, major histological findings were fibrosis and pseudolobulation whereas biliary hyperplasia in cholangiocarcinoma. From the present study it was inferred that ultrasonography was a valuable diagnostic tool for hepatopathies supported with clinico-haemato-biochemical findings.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Endoscopic evaluation and management of large bowel disorders in dogs
    (College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Raji, K C; KAU; Jayakumar, K M
    Endoscopic evaluation of large bowel diarrhoea was conducted in 15 dogs and the clinical signs correlated with endoscopic appearance and histological findings. Parameters studied were detailed history, clinical signs, faecal sample examination for ova of internal parasites and faecal culture, rectal cytology, haematology, serology, colonoscopy and histopathology of mucosal biopsy. Average age of the affected animals with large bowel disorders was 2.9 years. Among dog breeds, highest incidence was found in German Shepherd followed by Doberman pincher. Male dogs were more affected by the large bowel disorders. Clinical signs specific to large bowel disorders were straining, haematochezia, excess mucus in the faeces and frequent defecation with small volume of faeces. Rectal cytology helped to identify the type of mucosal inflammation even before doing colonoscopy, since it was always related with the histopathology result. Marked anaemia with hypoproteinaemia was detected in dogs affected with histiocytic ulcerative colitis that had grave prognosis. Mild anaemia was recognized in parasitic colitis and in most cases of chronic colitis. Gastrointestinal parasitism and dietary indiscrimination produced acute colitis in some animals. In chronic colitis even though the exact etiology was not determined the positive response to corticosteroids therapy with hypoallergenic diet indicated that a prolonged antigenic stimulation might be the inciting cause. On colonoscopy, the mucosa was found to be hyperemic and oedematous in dogs affected with acute colitis. In chronic inflammatory conditions, colonoscopy revealed varying degrees of hyperemia, oedema, mucosal ulcers, haemorrhage and increased mucosal friability. Histopathological changes in acute colitis were mild lymphocytic plasmacytic infiltrations with or without cryptitis, whereas chronic colitis was characterized by severe infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells or histiocytes. Treatment of the inflammatory bowel disorders were based on the severity of clinical signs and degree of inflammatory infiltrates. Dietary modification was suggested in all types of large bowel disorders. From the present study, it was inferred that colonoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool for large bowel disorders.