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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Ascending coccygeal venography in evaluation of paraplega in dogs
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Joshi George; KAU; Sarada Amma, T
The study was undertaken with an objective of evaluating the comparative efficacy of ascending coccygeal venography and epidurography in locating the site and type oflesion in dogs suffering from paraplegia. The study was conducted in 12 clinical cases presented at the Surgery unit of Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy and were designated into two groups (Group A and B) of 6 animals each. Survey radiographs were taken in all the animals prior to the contrast radiographic procedures. Iohexol (300 mgIfrnl) was used as the contrast medium at a dose rate of 80 mgIlkg body weight for epidurography and 100 mgIlkg body weight for ascending coccygeal venography. In Group A, epidurography was conducted by introducing the contrast medium through the lumbosacral junction into the epidural space. The contrast medium was given as slow infusion and the zero minute radiograph was taken, as the last milliliter of the contrast medium remained to be injected. Subsequent radiographs were taken at the 3rd and the 5th minute. In Group B, ascending coccygeal venography was conducted by introducing the contrast medium intravenously as slow infusion into the superficial lateral coccygeal vein of anyone side near the base of the tail, after sufficient abdominal compression. Lateral/ventrodorsal radiographs were taken, as the last milliliter of the contrast remained to be injected. Subsequent radiographs were taken at the 3rd and the Sth minute. All the animals were subjected to a thorough clinical and neurological examination prior to radiography. Physiological and haematological parameters were evaluatedjust before and 24 hours after radiography. All the animals were observed for one week for the presence of any side effects/complications. The physiological and haematological parameters were within the normal range in all the animals both before and 24 hours after radiography. Iohexol was found safe for neuroradiological studies as none of the animals exhibited any side effects/complications during the period of observation for one week. In Group A, epidurography produced good quality radiographs and was consistent in all the six cases. Abnormalities/lesions could be located in four cases. The remaining two cases showed normal epidurographic pattern and could not be correlated with the neurological examination. In Group B, successful venograms were obtained in three cases in which lesions were located and correlated with the neurological examination. In the remaining three cases, the venous sinuses could not be opacified and hence failed in identification oflesion. The changes identifiable as lesions in Group A were attenuation of the contrast col W11l1 , considerable narrowing and elevation of the column, and failure of the opacification ofa specific region of the column. The changes identifiable with a lesion in venography were abrupt attenuation of the venous sinuses, considerable elevation of the venous sinuses and progressive thinning and attenuation of the veins. Thus epidurography showed consistency III all the SIX cases and diagnosis could be made in four out of six cases whereas diagnostic venograms were obtained only in three out of six cases. Thus ascending coccygeal venography was found inconsistent and required further studies before recommending this as a routine practice. Though epidurography possessed a distinct advan tage over ascending coccygeal venography in consistency and technical and diagnostic feasibility, epidurography couldnot be advocated as a sole diagnostic procedure and should be used as an adjunct with other .diagnostic aids after proper clinical and neurological examination.
Open Access
Clinical and serum biochemical evaluation in surgery for alimentary tract obstruction in dogs
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Shejo Jose; KAU; Rajankutty, K
The study was carried out in selected clinical cases of alimentary tract obstructions in twelve dogs of either sex and different breeds, presented to the clinics of the college. These animals were divided into two groups viz. Group I and Group II, each consisting of six animals. Group 1- Dogs with obstructions of upper alimentary tract (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum and jejunum). Group II - Dogs with obstructions of lower alimentary tract (ileum, caecum, colon and rectum). In Group I the obstructions were due to bone pieces, granite stone, cloth piece, partial torsion of stomach and pyloric stenosis. In Group II the obstructions were due to corkscrew, ileocolic intussusception, cloth pieces and faecoliths. The obstructions due to foreign bodies were 50 per cent, with faecoliths were 25 per cent and due to anatomical alterations and malpositions of gastrointestinal tract were 25 per cent. In upper alimentary tract obstruction (Group I), the predominant clinical sign was vomiting. Frequency of vomiting was more than four times a day and vomitus was either frothy or white in colour. Pain on abdominal palpation and constipation were the other symptoms noticed. Respiration rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total serum protein and serum albumin levels were higher than the normal range, preoperatively. The packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and serum sodium, potassium and chloride levels were lower than the normal range, preoperatively. The pulse rate, rectal temperature, neutrophil count, monocyte count and alanine transferase, aspartate transferase levels were within the normal range, preoperatively. In lower alimentary tract obstruction (Group II), constipation was the prominent symptom observed. The faeces was either tarry or blood tinged. The frequency of vomiting was three times or less a day and vomitus was either frothy or yellowish in colour with presence of partially digested food materials. Pain on abdominal palpation was noticed in five animals. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure, neutrophil count and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, serum albumin, aspartate transferase, alanine transferase levels were higher than the normal range, preoperatively. The packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, monocyte count and serum sodium, potassium and chloride levels were lower than the normal range preoperatively. The respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, total leukocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte count and total serum protein level were within the normal range, preoperatively. Plain radiography was found useful for identifying the obstruction in the alimentary tract caused by radio opaque materials. Contrast radiography using barium meal revealed seats of obstructions due to radiolucent foreign bodies and anatomical alterations.
Open Access
Evaluation and management of keratitis in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Resmi, T S; KAU; Jhon Martin, K D
The efficacy of various treatments for corneal ulcers and corneal perforation was studied in twelve dogs. Dogs presented with the history of corneal affections were clinically examined and the cases were selected for the study. Dogs with superficial corneal lesions without corneal perforations underwent medical treatment and those with deep lesions or corneal perforations or those refractory to medical treatment were subjected to surgical treatments. Medical treatment consisted of ocular instillation of antibiotic, flurbiprofen and tropicamide. The antibiotic ciprofloxacin was selected as the primary antibiotic. In surgically treated cases all dogs were put to medication with ciprofloxacin topically three days prior to surgery. The surgical techniques included debridement and suturing, superficial keratectomy, iridectomy and suturing, third eyelid flap and temporary tarsorrhaphy. All were performed under general anaesthesia. Postoperatively all the dogs were maintained on cephalexin orally and ciprofloxacin, flurbiprofen and tropicamide topically. The medically treated cases became fluorescein dye retention negative by seventh to 21 days period and corneal clarity was achieved in all cases by 60th day. In surgically treated cases most of the cases became fluorescein negative on seventh day except two and corneal clarity was achieved in four cases by 60th day. Vascularization of the cornea was completely resolved on 21st day of observation in medically treated cases and in surgically treated cases it had resolved on 35th day of observation. The complications encountered were phthisis bulbi and bulging of cornea in one case each.
Open Access
Evaluation and management of dental affections in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Archana, A; KAU; John Martin, K D
The prevalence of various dental diseases among dogs and its relation with age, breed, sex and food habits were studied in dogs presented to the Veterinary College Hospitals during a period from April 2008 to December 2008 and found that 102 were affected with dental and periodontal diseases. Among of the 102 dogs affected, prevalence of dental affection noticed were dental tartar, epulis, oral ulcer and dental attrition in descending order. Incidence of dental affections was more in dogs in age group of five to eight years (45.09%), followed by one to four years (37.25%) and nine to twelve years (17.65%). The prevalence of dental disorders in different breeds were: German Shepherd Dog (26.47%), Spitz (20.59%), Dachshund(14.71%), Labrador Retriever (11.76%), Non-descript (8.82%), Doberman Pinscher (4.90%), Cocker Spaniel (3.92%), Rottweiler and Chinese Pug (1.96% each) and Boxer, Great Dane, Basset hound, Lhasa Apso and Miniature Pinscher (0.98% each). Females (51.96%) were found affected more than males (48.04%). Dental affections was found high in those dogs fed with soft diets like homemade food (71.1%), titbits (81.8%) and in those not fed bones (78.72%). Out of 102 dogs with dental affections, 24 cases were randomly selected for detailed study. The dogs were belonged to various breeds like Spitz, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Non - descript, Doberman Pinscher, Dachshund, Boxer and Miniature pinscher of either sex (16 females and 8 males), with an average age of 5.79 ± 0.66 years. The clinical condition included dental tartar (79.17%), epulis (12.5 %) and Oral ulcer (8.33%). The most predominant bacteria isolated by the culture of gingival sulcus swabs were Gram-negative cocco-bacillary organisms (71.43%) followed by Gram positive cocci (28.57%). The former were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, cefotaxime and the latter to amoxycillin, ampicillin and enrofloxacin. Successful medical treatment was given for two cases with gingivitis and ulceration of buccal mucosa using an antibiotic, orally and intra oral application of metronidazole gel. Two cases of gingival tumour were treated with vincristine, but no response was noticed. Surgical techniques included ultrasonic dental scaling, exodontia and surgical excision of tumour was performed under general anaesthesia. Dogs with severe gingivitis, halitosis and dental calculus were effectively treated with ultrasonic dental scaling followed by oral and local administration of antibiotics. Exodontia was performed in three cases in which the tooth was shaky and with furcation exposure. One case of gingival tumour case treated with surgical excision with cryodestruction, showed recurrence of tumor after three weeks.
Open Access
Clinical evaluation of xylazine-propofol anaesthesia in dogs
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Sooryadas, S; KAU; Sarada Amma, T
The study was undertaken to evaluate the anaesthetic effect of propofol in xylazine premedicated canine surgical patients. Fifteen dogs of different breeds of either sex were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of eight apparently healthy dogs presented for elective surgery, and group 11 consisted of seven dogs presented for emergency surgery. All the animals were premedicated with atropine sulphate @ 0.04 mg/kg body weight IM and xylazine @ 1 mg/kg IM. Ten minutes later, general anaesthesia was effected with intravenous injection of 1 % w/v propofol and was maintained with incremental dose(s) ofpropofol as intermittent boli as and when required. Palpebral reflex was sluggish ill both groups during induction and throughout the period of maintenance. Eyeball rolled down during induction and remained in that position throughout the period of maintenance. The duration of anaesthesia after initial bolus was 14.03 ± 2.04 min. in group I and 18.54 ± 1.64 min. in group 11. The average incremental dose of propofol needed was 2.78 ± 0.45 mg/kg in group I and 2.98 ± 0.50 mg/kg in group H. The average duration of effect of incremental dose obtained was 10.04 ± 0.75 min. in group I and 16.85 ± 2.71 min. in group H. Animals of group I were able to stand by 14.72 ± 1.63 min. after recovery while it was 20.9 ± 1.25 min. in group Il. The gait of the animals of group I became apparently normal by 19.69 ± 1.55 minutes, while it was 27.2 ± 3.06 minutes in group II animals. Respiration rate showed significant decrease in both the groups after premedication and at 15 minutes after induction with propofol. Pulse rate and heart rate decreased after premedication and increased on induction with propofol. Electrocardiographic changes were transient. There was decrease in haemoglobin concentration after premedication, which increased on induction in both groups. Total erythrocyte count decreased on premedication and increased on induction. Total leukocyte count decreased after premedication followed by an increase after induction. Neutrophilia was observed both after premedication and on induction with propofol in group I, where as in group II neutrophil count showed a decrease on premedication which increased after induction. Lymphocyte count decreased after premedication and increased after induction in group 1. But in .group II lymphocyte count showed an increase after premedication, which decreased on induction of anaesthesia. Serum sodium and potassium concentrations, total serum protein content and albumin/globulin ratio did not show any significant change during the study .. Propofol under atropine-xylazine premedication was found to be an effective and safe anaesthetic for. induction and maintenance of anaesthesia for surgery in both healthy and compromised dogs with less side effects.
Open Access
Management of tibial fractures in dogs using plaster of paris cast and modified thomas splint
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Anoop, S; KAU; Balagopalan, T P
The study was undertaken with the objectives of 1. Assessing the healing process based on clinical symptoms, biochemical parameters and radiography of the affected part after immobilization of tibial fractures with plaster of Paris cast and modified Thomas splint. 2. Assessing the effect of electrodiagnostic procedures on healing of fracture of tibia in dogs. The study was conducted in twelve selected clinical cases of fracture of tibia in dogs of either sex presented to the Department of Surgery. These animals were randomly divided into two groups (group 1 and group 11) consisting of six animals each. All the animals were examined clinically and radiographically and observations were recorded. They were premedicated with Atropine sulphate (0.04 mg/kg body weight) intramuscular followed by xylazine hydrochloride (1 mg/kg body weight) intramuscular. The fracture was reduced by closed method in all the animals. The limb was immobilized by application of modified Thomas Splint in Group 1 and by application of plaster of Paris cast in group 11. History and observations on clinical and physiological parameters, haemogram, serum constituents, radiography of the limb and electrodiagnostic procedures were recorded in all the animals on the day of presentation and at the end of first week, second week, third week and sixth week after immobilization. All the animals were kept under observation for a period of six weeks. Though 30 per cent of the animals in each group started bearing weight on the affected limb by the end of first week, fracture instability and other associated symptoms persisted relatively more in animals of group 1. At the end of second week, the symptoms of fractures except oedema were found to be persisting in more number of animals belonging to group 1 due to mutilation of the Thomas splint. By third week all the animals in group 11 could bear weight on the affected limb but limb dysfunction still persisted in fifty per cent of the animals in group 1. By the end of sixth week all the animals in both the groups showed apparently normal use of the limb. Temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate showed variation within normal range during the period of observation in all the animals. Haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count and lymphocyte count showed marginal increase on first week post fracture followed by a decrease thereafter in all the animals of both the groups. But neutrophil count showed a fall on the first week post fracture followed by a gradual increase in group 1, but in group 11 it revealed a decrease in values throughout the period of observation. Eosinophil and monocyte count showed only marginal variations during the period of observation in both the groups. Serum total protein showed a decrease till second week followed by an increase in group 1 but the variation was marginal in group 11. Serum alkaline phosphatase showed an increase till second week followed by a decrease thereafter in both the groups. Serum aspartate amino transaminase values remained at a higher level in the post fracture period in group 1 but in group 11 it was relatively at a lower level. Periosteal callus started developing near the fracture site along with reduction in soft tissue swelling and opacity of fragment ends in four animals in group 1 and two animals in group 11 by the end of first week. Five animals in group 1 and four animals in group 11 showed presence of massive periosteal callus by the end of third week and three animals in group 11 and two animals in group 1 showed presence of smooth and opaque periosteal callus with complete disappearance of fracture line by the end of sixth week. Eventhough there was marginal increase in the strength required to produce minimal contractile response in the initial period after fracture reduction, by sixth week, the values were near normal at all the duration in both the groups.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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