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.

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Open Access
Regional anaesthesia of the hind-limbs in oats using lignocaine hydrochloride
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1985) Prahlad, Sapkota; KAU; Raveendran, S
A study on intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA) of the hind – limbs was conducted in 18 bucks, weighing 15 to 25 kg body – weight (in four groups). Lignocaine hydrochloride 2% colution was used as the anaesthetic. Four dose levels viz., 4 – 5 mg; 5 - 6 mg; 6 – 7 mg and 7 – 9 mg/kg body – weight were employed. A tourniquet was applied around the limb above the stifle joint. After a 10 min period of pre – injection tourniquet ischaemic, the anaesthetic was administered through saphenous vein following exsanguination. Anaesthetic effect was ascertained by pin – pricking and pinching the interdigital space. In nine animals the effect of IVRA on wound healing was studies. The onset and duration of anaesthesia and the time for waning away of anaesthesia were also recorded. Onset of anaesthesia was noticed in 2.50 + 0.84; 2.0 + 0.82; 2.86 + 1.34 and 2.43 + 1.40 min. Duration of anaesthesia in the four groups was 25.0 + 7.77; 24.86 + 3.80 ; 21.43 + 6.08 and 30.71 + 4.92 min respectively including a short duration after the release of tourniquet. The complete disappearance of anaesthetic effect was noticed by 6.17 + 4.54; 4.28 + 1.38 ; 5.43 + 2.07 and 3.86 + 1.21 min after the release of tourniquet. The anaesthetic effects were first apparent at the phalangeal region and progressed gradually upwards to the level of tourniquet and waned away in the reverse order. The healing of wound was uneventful and the histological study revealed that there was no variation in the healing process between the experimental and control groups.
Open Access
Influence of glyceryl guaiacol ether on anaesthesia in goats
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1986) Balagopalan, T P; KAU; Muraleedharan Nayar, K N
The present study was undertaken with the object of finding out the influence of GGE and its combinations on anaesthesia in goats. Eighteen apparently healthy cross – bred male kids, aged 5 – 9 months, weighing 11 – 16 kg were used for the study in three groups of six animals each. GGE, five per cent solution alone at the rate of 100 mg/kg was administered intravenously in group A. Triflupromazine hydrochloride at the rate of 0.2 mg/kg and GGE solution at the rate of 100 mg/kg were administered in group B. Triflupromazine hydrochloride, GGE and five per cent Thiopentone sodium solutions were administered in group C. An average of 28.00 + 0.10 ml GGE solution was administered in group A, 0.12 + 0.003 ml Triflupromazine hydrochloride followed by 24.33 + 0.67 ml GGE solution in group B and 0.12 + 0.003 ml Triflupromazine hydrochloride, 28.83 + 0.54 ml GGE and 2.97 + 0.19 ml Thiopentone sodium solutions were administered in group C. There were no untoward symptoms at the time of administration of the drugs. The induction time was 3.42 + 0.20 min. in group A, 2.08 + 0.08 min. in group B and 2.40 + 0.24 min. in group C. The induction was smooth in all the groups. On induction pedal, corneal, cutaneous and palpebral reflexes disappeared in all the groups, while palpebral reflex alone persisted in group A. Dilation of pupil with complete relaxation of jaws, anus, penis and abdomen was noticed in all the animals as the anaesthetic effect deepened. Flaccidity of tail was pronounced in group C. All the animals were found to be weak and dull and did not take feed and water upto 12 hours in group A and upto 24 hours in group B and C. They were apparently normal by 24, 36 and 60 hours in group A, B and C respectively. Reduction in rectal temperature was noted in all the groups. Initial reduction followed by an increase in heart rate was seen in group B and C. In group A there was increase in heart rate from the beginning. Tachycardia was observed at the time of recovery in all the groups. The variations in respiration rate were within the normal limits. The duration of anaesthesia was 28.83 + 2.27 min., 44.83 + 1.74 min. and 52.60 + 3.57 min. in group A, B and C respectively. The period of recovery was 18.00 + 0.89 min., 17.33 + 1.05 min. and 34.40 + 1.69 min. in group A, B and C respectively. Recovery was smooth and uneventful. There was a significant fall in the blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure) in all the groups, but pulse pressure showed marginal variation. Variations in central venous pressure was not significant. The electrocardiogram revealed a depression of S – T segment in all the groups and depression of P wave in group B and C. Tachycardia was seen at recovery. There was reduction in total erythrocyte count while the leukocyte count showed an initial decrease followed by an increase at 24 hours. The lymphocyte count decreased and the neutrophil count increased. Variation in the eosinophil and monocyte count was not significant. A reduction in the haemoglobin content and packed cell volume was observed in all the groups. The erythrocyte sedimentation was observed in all the groups. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed an increase during anaesthesia. Significant increase in blood glucose was noticed in all the groups during anaesthesia and the serum protein values decreased. The serum sodium values showed marginal variations but the serum potassium values showed decrease upto 120 min. There was an increase in the serum chloride values followed by a decrease in all the groups. In all the three groups of animals, variation in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase level was within normal limits. Gross lesions were not seen in any of the animals sacrificed on 4th or 10th day. But microscopic examination, early degenerative changes were noticed in the liver and kidney of all the animals sacrificed on the 4th day. Evidence of regeneration could be observed by the 10th day.
Open Access
Tracheal reconstruction in dogs under acepromazine - thiopental anaesthesia
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Angamuthu, Jayasudha; KAU; Ravindran Nayar, S
The experiment was conducted on twelve, apparently healthy, adult, nondescript dogs of either sex, divided into two groups, viz., Group 1 and Group 11, each consisting of six animals. Circumferential resection of two adjacent tracheal rings of the cervical trachea was performed and the trachea was reconstructed by end – to – end anastomosis in the animals of Group 1 and with Marlex mesh prosthesis in the animals of Group 11. All the animals were premedicated with acepromazine maleate IM, and anaesthesia was induced by 2.5 per cent solution of thiopentone sodium IV. Induction of anaesthesia was complete by 3.26 + 0.10 minutes, duration of surgical anaesthesia was 65.00 + 3.29 minutes and time for recovery was 192.91 + 13.68 minutes. Variation in the physiological and haematological parameters during anaesthesia were not significant. In Group 1, all the animals had normal respiratory function throughout the period of observation, following surgery. In Group 11, all the animals, except one, developed severe complications and died within one to four weeks postoperatively. Only one dog survived in this group and was sacrificed on the 45th postoperative day. During the postoperative period, the rectal temperature did not show marked variations in both the groups. The pulse and respiration rates showed an initial increase in Group 1. However in Group 11, marked decrease in pulse rate and increase in respiration rate was noticed. Hemogram on the different postoperative days showed an increase in the total leucocyte count in both the groups, and increase in monocyte and eosinophil count in Group 11. Radiography on different postoperative days in Group 1 demonstrated that there was no reduction in the size of the tracheal lumen at the site of anastomosis in five of the six animals. In Group 11, radiography revealed a progressive reduction in the size of the tracheal lumen at the site of reconstruction in four animals, and only slight reduction in one dog on the 45th postoperative day. At autopsy, gross examination of the trachea at the site of anastomosis in Group 1 showed mild to moderate adhesions to the adjacent tissue and there was no reduction in the size of the tracheal lumen in five of the six dogs of this group. In animals of Group 11, dense adhesion between the site of reconstruction and adjacent tissue was observed. The mesh was fully incorporated at the site of reconstruction in five of the six animals. One animal had shown anastomotic dehiscence. Almost complete occlusion of the trachea by overgrowth of tissue was observed in four animals and slight reduction in the tracheal lumen in one animal. Histopathology at the site of anastomosis in Group 1 revealed complete healing of all the layers of the trachea by the 30th postoperative day. In Group 11, tracheal stenosis was associated with ingrowth of granulation tissue in four animals. The mesh was infiltrated by fibrous tissue in five of the six animals. Epithelium was seen lining the prosthesis on the 45th postoperative day.
Open Access
Acrylic external skeletal fixator for the treatment of long bone fracture in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science,Mannuthy, 2005) Julie, B; KAU; Syam Venugopal, K
The efficacy of replacing stainless steel connecting bar in external skeletal fixator (ESF) with acrylic connecting bar was evaluated by using acrylic connecting bar in twelve clinical cases of complete fracture of long bones in dogs presented to the Surgery Units of Veterinary Hospitals of Mannuthy and Kokkalai, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, during the period of December 2003 to May 2005. All the animals were subjected to detailed clinical, radiological, haematological and serum biochemical evaluations before application of acrylic fixator and also postoperatively at two weeks interval upto sixth week or until the removal of the implant. Type IA or type II acrylic fixators were applied by closed or open approach under general anaesthesia depending on the type of fracture. Transfixation pins were drilled and the acrylic connecting bar was connected directly or following the application of a temporary stainless steel connecting bar, which was removed later. Fixator with acrylic connecting bar on one side and stainless steel connecting bar on the other side was used in three animals. Acrylic external fixator proved to be an economical, technically feasible, clinically successful and reliable alternative for stainless steel external fixators for the immobilization of fractures of radius and ulna and tibia and fibula in animals of less than 15 kg body weight. In heavier animals, usage of acrylic bar on one side of the type II fixator gave adequate stability in case of radial fractures but not for tibial fractures. Early return of sound functional limb usage following fixation with acrylic ESF was remarkable. All the animals, except three, could make slight ground contact with the fractured leg by the third post operative day and had apparently normal gait by the fourth week of observation with full weight bearing on the limb. Loosening of the proximal most pin occurred in Case Nos. 2, 3 and 4, by fourth week of observation, where type I acrylic fixator was used, but none of them affected the fracture healing significantly. Breakage of acrylic bar occurred in Case Nos. 7 and 9. In Case No. 7, the acrylic bar failed to tolerate the strong muscle pull on the fractured femoral fragments and in Case No. 9 severe mutilation by the animal resulted in breakage of the bar. Four animals exhibited mutilation on the implant, but only one on them showed severe mutilation. Mild pin tract drainage occurred in four animals and pin tract sepsis resulted in one animal. The heat generated during exothermic phase of acrylic hardening produced no apparent thermal necrosis of bone or soft tissue. Mild to moderate degrees of malalignment occurred following application of acrylic fixator in Case Nos. 3, 5, 6 and 11, which got nullified with progressive callus formation and resulted in restoration of normal straight line alignment of the bone. Marked angulation of the bone fragments occurred in Case Nos. 2 and 9. The fracture gap in all the cases was found to be progressively getting filled up with callus. Rate of callus formation varied with age of the animal, type of fracture and stability of the apparatus. In 50% of the cases, the fracture healed with endosteal callus only, while it healed with endosteal and periosteal callus in rest of the animals. Periosteal reaction of varying degree occurred in most of the cases but did not affect fracture healing or functional limb usage. Osteolysis was noticed around proximal pin tract in four animals, which could be due to loosening of pins. However, no significant alteration in fracture healing was produced. Acrylic column of one centimetre diameter was found sufficient for use as connecting bar of ESF for immobilization of fractures of radius and ulna and tibia and fibula in animals of less than 15 kg body weight.
Open Access
Cryosurgical treatment for experimentally induced cataract in dogs 260 ## - PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC. (IMPRINT)
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2000) Neelakanta Praveen, Pillai; KAU; Ravindran Nair, S
This study was conducted with the objective of comparing the efficacy of cryo-coagulation and intra-capsular cryo-extraction of experimentally induced cataract in dogs. Twelve nondescript dogs aged approximately one year were used for the study in two groups, A and B, each consisting of six animals. Two clinical cases of cataract were included under the study as Group C. In all the animals of Group A and B, cataract was experimentally induced by injection of 0.5 ml of a 25% solution of calcium borogluconate into the anterior chamber of the eye, in strict aseptic conditionsand under general anaesthesia. In group A. cataract was treated by cryo-coagulation and in Groups Band C intra-capsular cryo-extraction of the cataractous lens was performed after pre-medicating and anaesthetising the animals. Surgery for cryo-coagulation (Group A) or intra-capsular cryo-extraction (Groups B and C) was performed under general anaesthesia with thiopentone sodium after premedication with xylazinc hydrochloride. The anaesthesia was found to be satisfactory at the time of induction and during cataract surgery. Extensive lateral canthotomy was found to be necessary in all the animals at surgery in order to ensure adequate exposure of the globe. Rectal temperature and respiration rate dropped slightly post-operatively, but returned to normal values by the second day after surgery. Pulse rate dropped markedly following surgery, but returned to normal by the sixth day after surgery. Total leukocyte count increased slightly 24 hours after surgery. but then decreased and remained within normal ranges thereafter. There was increase in neutrophil. eosinophil and monocyte count had increased upto 24 hours after surgery. but was normal thereafter. Lymphocyte eount decreased upto 24 hours post-operatively. All the animals .remained in good condition throughout the observation period, except for one animal. Conjunctivitis persisted only in one upto the 11 th day. Corneal oedema persisted throughout the period of observation in four animals. One animal had complete corneal clarity by day seven. In the other animal the cornea cleared on day 23. Uveitis persisted for varymg periods in the animals Photophobia and blepharospasm resolved by day six in all animals. One animal had no posterior or anterior synechiae following surgery and its vitreous body was clear, allowing easy exam ination of the retina. Aqueous flare, indicative of increased protein in the aqueous humour, could not be determined in any animal. Functional vision was not returned in any animal except A4. In Group B, vitreous prolapse occurred during surgical removal of the lens by intra-capsular cryo-extraction. This prolapsed vitreous was excised and did not cause complications. Rectal temperature increased slightly 24 hours after surgery, but had returned to normal values by the 15th post-operative day. Pulse rate decreased slightly 24 hours after surgery, but attained normal values by the second post-operative day and stayed so thereafter. Respiration rate decreased markedly for 24 hours following surgery, but reached normal values two days post-operatively. There was no change in the colour of the mucous membrane of the contralateral eye (used as control) at any time during the period of : observation. The total leukocyte count increased slightly following surgery and continued to be so till 24 hours after surgery and thereafter it decreased and was within normal limits thereafter. The neutrophil count increased till 24 hours post-operatively and returned to normal range thereafter. Lymphocyte count decreased slightly 24 hours after surgery, but returned to normal range by the i s" post-operative day. Eosinophil count increased 24 hours after surgery, but had reached normal values by the i s" post-operative day. Monocyte count became zero after surgery, but then increased slightly and continued so thereafter. All the animals remained in good general condition until the end of the observation period, with no evidence of infection in the operated eye. Intra-ocular pressure decreased slightly following surgery, but had returned to normal ranges by the end of the observation period. Animals B 1, B2 and B4 had persistent conjunctivitis and corneal oedema throughout the period of observation and were unable to negotiate an obstacle course or locate and track mobile or stationary objects even in conditions ofbright ambient light. All other animals in this group were able to perform satisfactorily in the tests of visual function by the end of the observation period. In Group C, treatment of cataract was by intra-capsular cryo- extraction, as in Group B. The results obtained were similar to those for Group B. Animal C2, however. took 52 hours to recover from anaesthesia and died on the sixth day following surgery. The death could not be attributed to complications of cataract surgery. Rectal temperature decreased slightly following surgery, and then increased slightly but returned to normal values at the end of the observation period. Pulse rate decreased immediately after surgery and then returned to normal ranges by the eighth day after surgery. Respiration rate decreased markedly immediately after surgery. but returned to the normal range within 24 hours after surgery. Colour of mucous membrane of the contralateral eye did not show any change at any time during the period of observation. Total leukocytc count increased slightly upto 24 hours after surgery but returned to normal ranges thereafter. The neutrophil and eosinophil and monocyte counts increased after surgery but returned to normal ranges thereafter. The lymphocyte count was markedly decreased at 24 hours after surgery, but then returned to normal ranges thereafter. The surviving animal in Group C showed low grade corneal oedema until day 31 following surgery, but it had blink reflexes and the iris was visible. Conjunctivitis had cleared by day six following surgery. The animals were monitored for visual capability following surgery. The tests were conducted by evaluating the animals' ability to negotiate an obstacle course under photopic and scotopic light conditions, after blind folding the left eye with an eye shield. The animals were also tested for their ability to locate a stationary object and to track a moving object under varying conditions of ambient lighting. Tests of ocular functional integrity were conducted by evaluating menace and photomotor pupillary reflexes. Animal Cl was able to locate or track stationary objects In dim light. It could track moving ohjects in all light conditions. From the results obtained in thc present study. it was found that only one out of the six animals showed restoration of functional vision following treatment of cataract by cryo-coagulation of the lens. In the case of the treatment by intra-capsular cryo-extraction. four out of eight animals showed restoration of functional vision thus showing a success rate of 50% for intra-capsular cryo-extraction of cataract. From the results it can be concluded that: 2. Cataract could be effectively induced using 0.5 ml of calcium borogluconate solution (25%) injected into the anterior chamber of the eye. 3. Pre-medication USing xylazine hydrochloride followed by general anaesthesia USing thiopentone sodium IV was satisfactory for the induction of cataract and the treatment of the cataractous lens. 4. Intra-capsular cryo-extraction IS a better method In treating cataractous lenses in dogs.
Open Access
Comparison of crushing and modified gambee techniques for intestinal anastomosis in dogs under xylazine anaesthesia
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1995) Venkatesan, C; KAU; Abraham Varkey, C
The study was conducted on 12 apparently healthy, adult mongrel dogs of either sex, dived in to two groups viz, group I and group II, each consisting of 6 dogs. All the animals were pre-mediacated with diazepam at the rate of 1 mg/kg bodyweight intravenous and anaesthetized with intramascular administration of xylazine hydrochloride at the rate of 2 mg/kg bodyweight. In the animals of group I and to end intestinal anaestomosis was performed with crushing pattern of suturing and in the animals of group II end to end intestinal anastomosis was performed with modified Gambee pattern of suturing. The anesthetic technique was satisfactory for the surgical procedure in all the animals . The induction tome for anaesthesia was 15.50 + 1.00 minutes. THe anaesthetic effect persisted for about 48.25-1.10 minutes. The abdominal muscle relaxation and analgesic effect were found satisfactory. The recovery period was 30.00 + 1.50 minutes and was smooth and uneventful. The time required to perform anastomosis using crushing and modified gambee techniques were 26.30 + 1.40 and 35.70 + 0.87 respectively. The average number of sutures used in both techniques were 15. In both groups, animals well tolerated food in the immediate post-operative days. However, one animal in group I and three animals from group II, had vomition immediately after consumption of milk at 12 hours post – operatively. Physiological and haemotological parameters did not reveal any significant variation. In both the groups , post operative lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs showed free passage of contrast medium (Barium Sulphate) upto the terminal colon. There was no evidence of anastomotic leakage and proximal distension in both the groups. Autopsy findings revealed that all the animals had adhesion at the anastomotic site with omentum. Adhesion to adjacent intestinal serosal surface were observed in one animal in each group . Gross evaluation of the adominal cavity revealed a low-grade peritonitis in one animal of group I on 3rd post surgical day. The Luminal stenosis of the anastomotic site revealed, maximum luminal stenosis (47.83%) at 7th post –operative days and minimum (21.74%) at 28th day following crushing pattern. In modified Gambee pattern, the maximum luminal stenosis (42.85%) was noticed at 5th and 7th post –operative days and minimum stenosis (7.32%) at 28th day. The luminal stenosis did not produce any clinical symptom in any of the dogs in both the groups. Angiograms of early post – operative day (5th day) showed diffused, avascular zone at the anastomotic site in both the techniques. Eventhourgh, there was commencement of proliferation of vessels and its invasion into anastomotic site by 14th day in the crushing anastomosis, normal vascularity and its crossing over could not be observed till 28th day, where as the modified gambee anastomosis showed proliferation and crossing over of fine arterioles by 28th day. Histological examination demonstrated that in crushing anastomosis comparatively moderate inflammatory reaction with predominance of mononuclears and few polymorphs on the 3rd day, but from 14th day there was only mild inflammatory reaction which which persisted upto 28th day. In modified Gambee technique, only mild reaction was seen on the early post opestive days and it subsided by 21st day. Rapid regeneration of epithelium was noticed in the modified Gambee (7th day) than the crushing technique. On the 28th day, in both the techniques all layers appeared in good apposition with proliferation of connective tissue on the muscular, subserosal and submucosal layers.
Open Access
Experimently induced torsion of spleen and its treatment in canines
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1988) Mohindar Sing, Bhadwal; KAU; Jalaluddin, Am
Eighteen apparently healthy dogs of either sex, aged one to five years and weighing 10-15 kg were used for the study. All the dogs were dewormed and examined for the presence of blood parasites if any. They were housed separately in cages under identical conditions of feeding and management and kept under observation for 10 days before the experiments. The animals were divided into two groups as detailed below: Group A: Consisting of six animals numbered serially, viz. A(1), A(2), A(3), A(4), A(5) and A(6) and Group B: Consisting of 12 animals divided into two subgroups of six animals each and numbered serially, viz. B1(1), B1(2), B1(3), B1(4), B1(5) and B1(6) and B2(1), B2(2), B2(3), B2(4), B2(5) and B2(6). In the animals of group A, laparotomy was performed and torsion of the spleen was brought about. The observations made in this group served (i) to assess the clinic-pathological changes and (ii) to arrive at appropriate time for the commencement of treatment in group B. In the animals of group B, effectiveness of treatment, following experimently induced torsion of the spleen was studied. In the subgroup B1, detorsion of the spleen was done while in subgroup B2, splenectomy was performed. The animals became dull and recumbent by six hours after experimentally induced torsion of the spleen and remained recumbent till death. The mucous membrane was pale and the capillary refilling time was prolonged. A significant increase in the heart rate, band cell count and serum potassium and a significant decrease in blood pressure, central venous pressure, lymphocyte count and eosinophil count was observed by the ninth hour after torsion. It could be seen that the period from sixth to the ninth hour after torsion of the spleen would be critical and hence the appropriate time to commence the treatment was fixed at six hours after torsion. In group B, where effectiveness of the treatment was studied, only one animal survived after detorsion in subgroup B1 whereas all the animals survived after splenectomy in sub group B2. In subgroup B1, after detorsion most of the animals were recumbent, the extremities were cold and they did not take food and water, whereas in subgroup B2, after splenectomy all the animals were able to stand and they took food and water. The heart rate showed a decreasing trend in both the subgroups. Blood pressure showed a decrease at sixth hour followed by an increase in both the subgroups. Central venous pressure showed an increase at sixth hour followed by a decrease upto 18 hous and then an increase at 24 hours in subgroup B1, whereas in subgroup B2, it increased gradually. Packed cell volume and haemoglobin content decreased in both the subgroups. The serum potassium level remained high in both the subgroups.
Open Access
Processed aortic allografts for oesophagoplasty in dogs
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Balagopalan, T P; KAU; Muraleedharan Nayar, K N
The study was conducted with the objectives of a. Preparation, preservation and evaluation of chrome/ glutaraldehyde cross linked aortic tissue of dogs and to compare the relative acceptability and efficacy of them for cervical oesophagoplasty in dogs, and b. Evaluation of modified pharyngostomy feeding method and its effect on healing at cervical oesophagoplasty site in dogs. The experiment was conducted in thirty, apparently healthy, adult, nondescript dogs of either sex weighing 9-13 kg. The animals were randomly divided into three groups viz.,, group I, II and III. Group II and III were subdivided into two subgroups each, namely IIA, IIB and iilA, IIIB. Group I and the subgroups consisted of six animals each. Animals of group I were subjected to sham operation. Cervical oesophagoplasty using chrome processed aortic allograft and glutaraldehyde processed aortic allograft were performed in animals of group II and III respectively. Pharyngostomy tube feeding was instituted in three animals of group I and all animals of subgroups IIB and IIIB. Tissue samples of thoracic aorta harvested from dogs, processed and crosslinked with chromic sulfate and glutaraldehyde were used as graft materials. Chrome processed aorta showed better biomechanical qualities except for tensile strength than glutaraldehyde processed aorta. The grafts had fairly good handling qualities and shelf life. All the animals were premedicated with triflupromazine hydrochloride and anaesthetized using thiopentone sodium to effect. Wound, oval in shape measuring 3-4 cm long and l/3rd of the circumference of the oesophagus was created in all experimental animals. Oesophagoplasty was performed by fixing the graft material over the defect using 5-0 braided silk thread and continuous lock stitch sutures. Left side' pharyngostomy was performed in 15 dogs. Suitably designed siliconised catheter made up of modified polyvinyl chloride with an attached X-ray opaque line was used as pharyngostomy tube. The tube was kept in situ for a period of 15 days postoperatively for administration of fluid diet. The animals were kept under observation for varying periods of 15, 30 and 60 days postoperatively. The animals of subgroups IIB and IIIB became alert and active earlier than that of IIA and IIIA. At the cervical region, the operated site showed mild inflammatory reaction by 1-2 days postoperatively in all animals. The sutures were removed after normal healing by 7-8th day in all animals except one each in subgroup IIA and IIIB, where it was removed on the 10th day. Mild bleeding while performing pharyngostomy (one dog) and moderate pain and slight swelling around the pharyngostomy tube entrance site (3 dogs) were observed in subgroup IIB. One animal in subgroup IIIB showed severe inflammatory oedema around the tube entrance site. Tolerance of pharyngostomy tube was excellent in 13 dogs. The pharyngostomy wound healed completely by 14-15th day after removal of the tube in all the dogs. All the animals started feeding on liquid food by seventh day postoperatively in subgroups IIA and IIIA following hyperalimentation via intravenous route and by 15th day in subgroups IIB and IIIB following hyperalimentation via pharyngostomy tube. They maintained normal apetite and feeding habits thereafter during the period of observation. Mild swelling at the operated site while swallowing (3 dogs) and vomiting (one dog) were noticed among the animals of subgroup IIA and IIIA. Initial tube obstruction during first feeding (6 dogs), vomiting after first feeding (2 dogs) and mild diarrhoea (one dog) were observed among animals of subgroup IIB and IIIB.
Open Access
Treatment of fracture of metacarpus in calves using autogenous rib graft
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1994) Syam, K Venugopal; KAU; Jalaluddin
The present study was conducted on 12 apparently healthy, crossbred male calves six to twelve months of age and weighing 50 to 80 kg, divided into two groups of six animals each (Group A and B). A transversa mid shaft fracture was created on the right metacarpus by open method under sedation with Triflupromazine hydrochloride at the rate of 0.25 mg/kg body weight IM and diazepam at the rate of 0.20 mg/kg body weight IV followed by local infiltration analgesia using two percent solution of lignocaine hydrochloride. In group A, the fracture was reduced and the fragments were retained in position by placing two freshly cropped autogenous rib grafts subperiosteally, one on the anterior aspect and the other on the posterior aspect of the metacarpus. The grafts were fixed in position by hemicerclage wiring using stainless steel wires at two places. The limb was immobilized with four cotton padded bamboo splints and plaster of paris cast. In group B, the fracture was reduced and the wounds were sutured. The limb was immobilised with four cotton padded bamboo splints and plaster of paris cast. A sham operation was performed on the left metacarpal region on the same day by incising the skin upto the periosteum and suturing it. By the end of the second week, all the animals could get up and lie down without assistance. Four animals of Group A and three animals of Group B started bearing weight on the fractured limb from varying periods. Favouring of the fractured limb, limping and nodding of the head were observed in all the animals. Pawing action with the fractured limb and stumbling were observed in two animals each from both the groups. Dragging of the toes was observed only in one animal, in group B. Infection and suppuration at the suture line was observed in one animal of group A. Plaster of paris cast remained intact throughout the period of observation in all the animals. One animal from group A and four animals from group B required reinforcement of plaster cast. Marked displacement of the distal fragment was noticed in one animal each in Group A and B. But deviation of the distal fragment at the fracture site was observed in one animal of Group A and four animals of Group B. Grafts were in position in all the animals throughout the the period of observation. They became radiographically indistinguishable from fourth week onwards. Radiographically visible callus was found by the third week in group A and by the first week in group B. Partial obliteration of the fracture gap was observed by the end of fourth week in both the groups. Fractured bone cropped after two weeks revealed mobility between the fragments in both the groups. The bones cropped after four weeks showed well developed callus uniting the fragments and there was no mobility at the fracture site in both the groups. The callus developed at the end of six weeks and four weeks were grossly similar in both the groups. Histological examination of the callus cropped at second week in group A revealed periosteal and capillary proliferation along with new trabecular bone formation around the graft site. In group B, fibrous tissue proliferation exceeded trabecular new bone formation. The callus cropped at fourth week in group A revealed extensive areas of graft vascularisation and zones of new bone formation. In group B, cartilage formation was seen along with zones of new bone formation and fibrous tissue proliferation. Replacement of the graft tissue with proliferating blood vessels, osseous tissue and connective tissue were observed in the callus cropped from the animals of group A, at the end of six weeks. In group B, well developed internal callus, extensive periosteal callus, proliferation of fibrous tissue and trabecular ossification centres were observed. Fibrocartilage was noticed in the callus in one animal of group B.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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