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

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 15

Open Access
Radiographic evaluation and management of lower urinary tract disorders in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Sheeja, V M; KAU; Sarada Amma, T
The study was conducted in 15 cases of lower urinary tract disorders in 13 dogs of different breeds, age and either sex presented at the Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy and University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai.The incidence, clinical signs, radiographic and ultrasonographic observations, haematological and biochemical changes, treatment adopted, and post operative management in surgical treatment were studied. Urolithiasis was the most common disease (53%) among the 15 cases of diseases of the lower urinary tract studied followed by cystitis (33 %), urinary bladder neoplasia (6%) and prostate disease (6%). Dachshund was the most common breed affected with both urolithiasis and cystitis. Middle aged dogs were mostly affected with urolithiasis and cystitis The general conditions of all dogs with urolithiasis were dull and lethargic. Congesion of mucous membrane, Vomiting,haematuria, reduced food intake, dribbling of urine and abdominal distension were the common symptoms exhibited. The cause of urethral obstruction was mostly urolithiasis and the common site of obstruction was the ventral groove of os penis. Survey radiography was highly successful (75%) in detection of most of the calculi. Contrast radiography was useful in the detection of radiolucent calculi, space occupying lesions like blood clot and bladder tumour. Ultrasonography was highly useful tool for confirmatory diagnosis of cystic calculi, cystitis, prostatic abscess and space occupying lesions. In dogs with calculi in bladder or in urethra, cystotomy or urethrotomy or both were conducted. For urethral calculi, prescrotal urethrotomy was performed in five cases. In a case with urethral and cystic calculi, both urethrotomy and cystotomy were performed. Recurrence of the condition was noticed in two dogs, one after 25 days due to the obstruction of urethra at the level of ischial arch and was then subjected to cystotomy after retrohydropropulsion into the bladder. In other dog, recurrence of the calculi was observed after three months and was subjected to urethrotomy then. As per culture and sensitivity test, the major microorganism associated with urolithiasis was Streptococci and with cystitis, it was E.coli. Most sensitive antibiotic was ciprofloxacin in cases of urolithiasis and cystitis. On analysis of uroliths, calcium oxalate was found to be major component followed by uric acid. Calculi contained calcium oxalate, calcium carbonate and uric acid were mostly associated with Streptococcal infection and with calcium phosphate and uric acid the organism isolated was Staphylococci.
Open Access
Evaluation of plate osteosynthesis for the management of long bone fractures in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Unnikrishnan, K; KAU; Sarada Amma, T
Effectiveness of bone plating in the treatment of long bone fractures in dogs confirmed by radiography was evaluated clinically and radiographically in eight dogs. Dogs with fractures of diaphysis of long bones confirmed by radiography were selected and subjected to bone plating. Selected dogs were subjected to preoperative evaluation and all of them were subjected to detailed clinical, radiological, haematological and serum biochemical evaluation preoperatively and postoperatively on the immediate postoperative day, 15th, 30th and 60th post operative days. The fractures selected were four tibial, two radio-ulnar, one humerus and one femoral fracture. Anatomically two tibial fractures were short oblique; one was transverse and the other one multiple. One of the short oblique fractures had a butterfly fragment also. The fracture of humerus and femur were transverse which involved the midshaft. One of the radial fractures was 1½ month old with nonunion involving the distal third. Open reduction and plate fixation was done in all cases following standard AO/ASIF principles. Dynamic compression plates (DCP) were used in six dogs and reconstruction plates in two dogs. The DCP was applied in compression mode in five dogs and neutralization mode in one dog. Both the reconstruction plates were applied in neutralization mode. The fracture reduction and plate fixation were done following standard principles. Osteosynthesis was evaluated clinically and radiographically during the observation period. Clinical evaluation was mainly based on observation for symptoms, pain and functional limb usage evaluation. Radiographs were evaluated for apposition, alignment, angulation, apparatus, activity and architecture of the fractured bone. The fracture reduction and plate fixation was satisfactory in all cases except one. Early functional limb usage with partial weight bearing was observed in four dogs. Primary healing with filling of the fracture gap with radio opaque bone was observed in dogs where the implant maintained absolute stability. Healing with callus proliferation was observed in neutralization plating. Mixed healing was observed in cases where the implant lost some rigidity due to loosening of a screw, provided axial alignment was maintained. True implant failure was observed only in one case. An increase in alkaline phosphatase level was observed in all dogs during the immediate post operative day and remained so up to the 30th day. Plate osteosynthesis was found effective in providing pain free early ambulation. Craniomedial plate fixation was more advantageous in distal radius and ulna fractures. Reconstruction plates were found suitable for the fixation of fractures of long bones in animals with low body weight and in cases where contouring of DCP was found difficult due to complex bone contour.
Open Access
Management of fracture of extremities of long bones in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Remya, V; KAU; Syam K, Venugopal
The feasibility of various management techniques for fracture of extremity of long bones was evaluated in fourteen clinical cases of dogs with fifteen fractures, presented to Surgery units of Veterinary Hospitals, Mannuthy and Kokkalai, College of Veterinary and Animal sciences, Mannuthy during the period from January 2007 to April 2008. All the animals were subjected to detailed clinical, radiological, haematological and serum biochemical evaluation preoperatively and postoperatively at two weeks interval up to sixth week. The fractures included in study were capital physeal, basicapital, subtrochanteric, supracondylar and distal Salter Harris II fractures of femur; avulsion of tibial tuberosity with separation of epiphysis and proximal metaphyseal fracture of tibia ; supracondylar fracture of humerus and distal metaphyseal fractures of radius and ulna. Reduction was achieved by open and closed approach and fixation was done using intra medullary pins acting as intra medullary pins, cross pins or as transfixation pins of external fixator. Femoral head and neck fracture was fixed by K wire inserted normograde from fovea capitis or from subtrochanteric area. Subtrochanteric fracture of femur, distal femoral fractures and distal humeral fractures were repaired by intramedullary pinning done normograde or retrograde, either alone (in stable fractures) or with auxillary fixations like cross pins. Avulsion of tibial tuberosity was repaired by tension band wiring and proximal metaphyseal tibial fracture was repaired by a derotational K wire inserted in closed method. Distal metaphyseal fracture of radius and ulna was immobilized with type IA external fixator after closed reduction. Fracture reduction was satisfactory in 93 per cent of cases. All animals except two dogs with multiple fracture of femur, showed full weight bearing on the limb in two weeks. Long term functional outcome was excellent in 78 per cent dogs. Development of pseudoarthrosis was observed in three dogs with femoral head/neck fracture and resulted in change in gait in two cases. All fractures in young dogs healed in six weeks and among others, those without fixation failure showed appropriate progression towards healing. Avascular necrosis of femoral head with femoral head/ neck fracture and premature closure of physis were the biological complications noticed. Premature closure of physis caused deformity only in one case. An increase in level of alkaline phosphatase and a decrease in serum calcium level were observed in earlier phases of fracture healing. Intramedullary pin and cross pin in distal femoral and humeral fractures, tension band wiring in avulsion of tibial tuberosity, and type IA external fixator in distal radius and ulna fracture were found excellent. Success of using pins in proximal femoral fractures in large dogs need further study.
Open Access
Intra-articular antimicrobial therapy and lavage for the management of arthritis in claves
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Ganesh, G; KAU; Rajankutty, K
The present study was carried out in twelve calves affected with arthritis under six months of age belonging to either sex, presented to the College Veterinary Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkalai. Based on the nature of synovia, whether it was non-purulent or purulent, the calves were divided into two groups viz. Group I and II, each consisting of six calves and were serially numbered from 1 to 6. Animals in Group I were treated by intra-articular antimicrobial therapy and in Group II by lavaging the affected joint with ten per cent DMSO using ‘through-and-through’ needle technique with supplementation of parentral antibiotic therapy to the animals of both the groups. Both male and female, Holstein-Friesian cross and Jersey cross bred calves with age group ranging from five days to two months were presented. In all the calves, the knee joint was affected, either unilaterally or bilaterally. Out of the 12 calves, four had the history of umbilical infection and in which the umbilical cords were torn naturally at the time of birth and the stumps were left untreated. The duration of illness ranged from two days to one week. The affected joints were swollen, warm to touch and evidenced pain on palpation with difficulty in flexing the joint. In a few calves purulent exudation was coming out. In Group I, all the calves recovered within five days of treatment except one which also got recovered, but only after two months. In Group II, promising recovery was observed in two calves within fifteen days of observation and in one recovery with persistent ankylosis, while two calves succumbed during the observation period. The mean rectal temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, haemoglobin concentration and VPRC were found within normal range in both the groups, throughout the period of study. The mean total leukocyte count was higher before treatment in both the groups and it was within the normal range from the fifth and fifteenth day of observation in Group I and II respectively. The neutrophil count was higher and the lymphocyte count was lower before treatment and almost reached towards normal range by the fifteenth day of observation in both the groups. The serum glucose and alkaline phosphatase levels were within the normal range throughout the period of observation in both the groups. In Group I, the synovia was yellowish, odourless and with normal to fair mucin clot quality and prolonged clotting time. In Group II, it was turbid yellow with flocculent materials and pungent odour (in two cases) with fair to very poor mucin clot quality and quickened clotting time. The mean glucose levels were within the normal range in Group I and lower in Group II. But the mean alkaline phosphatase level was observed to be higher than the levels obtained in serum in both the groups. Escherichia coli was the major organism isolated from two samples of synovial fluid among the twelve samples collected and gentamicin was sensitive in one isolate, while Sulphadiazine in the other one. In Group I, the affected joints were without any characteristic radiographic abnormalities except for the increase in soft tissue density due to soft tissue swelling. Whereas in Group II lesions identified were widened joint space, intra-articular gas shadow, subchondral osteolysis and blurring of normal bone outline. There were not many variations in the fifteenth day post-treatment radiographs. Histopathology of affected joint was performed in two calves which succumbed during the observation period. Macroscopic examination revealed considerable swelling of joint with pus and degeneration of articular cartilage. Microscopic examination revealed thick hyalinised fibrocollagenous tissue, areas of haemorrhage with many congested blood vessels. Some areas appeared like abscess wall of which was formed by inflammatory granulation tissue. One section showed bony tissue with degenerating bony trabeculae. Periosteum and adjacent tissues showed extensive necrosis and abscess formation.
Open Access
Epidural steroid therapy and ultrasound massage for the management of paraplegia in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Seena, K M; KAU; Sarada Amma, T
The study was conducted in fourteen clinical cases of paraplegic dogs with an objective to evaluate the effectiveness of epidural steroid therapy with and without ultrasound massage for the management of paraplegia in dogs. The dogs were randomly divided into two groups of seven animals each, Group I and II. Preliminary clinical, neurological and radiological examinations were conducted in all dogs. The dogs of Group I were subjected to epidural administration of methyl prednisolone acetate (2mg/kg body weight) initially and oral administration of prednisolone acetate in a tapering dosage for 15 days and that of Group II were subjected to ultrasound massage of the dorsal spinal region in addition to the steroid administration as in Group I. The incidence was more in Dachshunds. No sex predilection was observed. The maximum number of dogs was within the age range of four to six years. The etiology was unknown for most of the cases studied. The physiological parameters were within the normal range. Total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count indicated stress leukogram during the initial stage of the study period. Hb, PCV, serum calcium and phosphorous values were within the normal range. Alkaline phosphatase values showed an increase on second week and lowered to normal at the end of the study period. The neurological examination was effective for the localization of lesion and assessing the neurological recovery of dogs. Absence of deep pain sensation indicated poor prognosis for recovery. Evaluation of bladder function was very useful for assessing the neurological status of the dogs. A positive correlation was obtained in 78.5 per cent of survey radiographic findings with neurological examination. The survey radiography had 57.14 per cent accuracy for identifying multiple lesions and 21.42 per cent accuracy for single compressive lesions. The myelography was sufficient for identifying the site of compression and iohexol at the dose rate of 0.3ml/kg body weight (90mgI / kg body weight) provided good contrast for demarcation of the spinal cord. Neurological grading system based on the motor activity of the hind limbs and urinary bladder function was useful for evaluating the progressive neurological improvement in dogs during the course of study. The outcome of treatment was good in both groups studied. Epidural administration of methyl prednisone acetate followed by oral administration of prednisolone acetate was effective for the treatment of paraplegia in dogs due to intervertebral disc disease. But it was not effective for traumatic paraplegia in dogs with instability of the vertebral column. The therapeutic ultrasound massage enhanced the neurological recovery in paraplegic dogs.
Open Access
Evaluation and management of gastrointestinal outflow disorders in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2007) Jinesh kumar, N S; KAU; Sarada Amma
The study was conducted in twelve animals of different breed, age and either sex suspected for gastrointestinal outflow disorders. The incidence, clinical signs, radiographic and ultrasonographic observations, haematological and serum biochemical changes, efficacy of treatment adopted, and postoperative management were studied. The incidence was more in Labrador breed of dogs. No sex predilection was observed. The age of affected animals ranged from 30 days to four years. Of foreign body obstructions, five were less than 1.5 years and was found more in females. Intussusception was observed in two male pups of less than two months of age. The most consistent clinical signs observed were vomiting and difficulty in defaecation. The affected animals were dull, weak and lethargic and two were recumbent. Two animals showed chronic intermittent vomiting. Diarrhoea was reported in cases of intussusception. Four animals had scanty black tarry faeces. Pain on palpating the abdomen was noticed in nine animals while palpable mass could be felt in three animals. Dilated intestinal loops with distension of the abdomen were the common observations. The temperature, pulse rate and capillary refill time were within normal range while respiration rate was higher. Radiography and ultrasonography was found adequate for confirmatory diagnosis in most of the cases. The different conditions included foreign body obstruction (6), gastric ulcer (1), intussusception (2), dilated colon (1), and stenosis of ileocolic sphincter (2) and were treated by enterotomy, gastrotomy, resection of ulcer, enterectomy and enteroanastamosis, colotomy and dilation of sphincter. All the animals were rehydrated before surgery and appropriate surgical treatment was carried out under general anaesthesia. Post operatively, fluid was given up to 48 hours. Liquid food followed by solid food was offered. Antibiotics and supportive medicines were continued up to seven days. The sutures were removed on eighth post operative day. Leucocytosis with neutrophilia, reduction in haemoglobin, packed cell volume, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia and hyperlipasemia was the major haemato biochemical changes observed. Of the twelve cases studied, nine cases recovered successfully and three animals died which included a case of gastric ulcer and two cases of intussusception.
Open Access
Processed collagen graft for the treatment of corneal lesions in dogs
(Department Veterinary surgery and Radio, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2006) Raji, T A; KAU; Sarada Amma, T
The efficacy of processed collagen diskette on corneal healing was evaluated by using the same in nine cases of corneal lesions presented to the Veterinary Hospitals of College of veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy. All the animals selected for the study were subjected to detailed clinical, haematological, wet film and blood smear examination and culture and sensitivity test of corneal swab before surgery. Exfoliative cytology and fluorescein test was conducted to evaluate healing process before and after surgery during the postoperative period. The incidence of corneal lesions was found to be the highest among pugs especially among juveniles of seven to eight months of age. Fresh wounds were sutured using braided silk 8/0 and superficial lesions including ulcers were scarified. Corneal perforations with staphyloma were sutured after reducing the protruded portion of iris. Collagen diskettes prepared from bovine Achilles tendon soaked in antibiotics were used for the present study. Antibiotic (selected according to the culture and sensitivity results) and anti-inflammatory eye drops were prescribed for topical use in all cases and oral antibiotics in selected cases after surgery. The collagen diskettes could be applied very easily and were retained in position by tarsorrhaphy. The collagen applied was completely disappeared on the third day and the lesions were found healing from third day onwards. Healing of corneal injury/ ulceration/ perforation and staphyloma formation were found satisfactory and clarity of the cornea were observed from 28th day onwards and the cornea became more or less clear by about 60th day. Vascularization of cornea developed in all the cases, except three, during the first week after surgery and then gradually decreased. Exfoliative cytology revealed presence of nucleated epithelial cells, anuclear keratinized cells and varying number of polymorphonuclear cells in these cases. Complications encountered during the study included, mutilation of sutures in two and corneal pigmentation in three. Collagen diskettes used were found effective in promoting healing of corneal defects. Lesions were found to heal without much delay and the clarity of the cornea achieved was more or less complete except for a small scar at the site. All the animals tolerated the collagen diskette applied. Adverse reaction to the material was absent in any of the animals.
Open Access
External skeletel fixation in combination with intramedullary pinning for management of long bone fractures in dogs
(Department of Veterinery surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2006) Venkateswaralu, B; KAU; Syam K, Venugopal
Long bone fractures especially femur undergo rotational instability when treated with intramedullary pin alone and hence, managed with the combination technique including external skeletal fixation with intramedullary pin in eight dogs presented to the Surgery Units of Veterinary Hospitals, at Mannuthy and Kokkalai, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, during the period from April 2005 to June 2006. All the animals were subjected to clinical, radiological, haematological and serum biochemical evaluation, both preoperatively and postoperatively and observations were recorded fortnightly, upto eight weeks. The selected patients were subjected to treatment with external skeletal fixation with intramedullary pin and acrylic connecting bar was used in animals which were below 15 kg body weight and stainless steel connecting bars in those animals which were above 15 kg body weight. Steinmann pin of suitable size that occupied 70% of the medullary cavity at the isthmus was selected and was found satisfactory in all animals except in one animal where mild angulation between the fracture fragments was observed in immediate postoperative radiograph. However, when the fracture gap got filled with sufficient callus, the straightness of the bone was restored to normal. There was satisfactory use of two pins or only one pin in a fragment, use of smooth pins, drilling all pins at almost parallel to each other, drilling pins through fracture line and fixing the connecting bar close to the skin leaving only one centimetre between skin . But one animal showed no evidence callus formation even by eighth postoperative week and resulted in nonunion due to old age. External fixator was stable in all animals except in two animals, where there was implant instability due to self mutilation. Satisfactory alignment and apposition between the fracture fragments were observed in most of the cases except one animal where the Cerclage wire was loosened and the tip of the intramedullary pin was found away from the medullary canal. Mild angulation between the fracture fragments noticed in one animal but appeared insignificant clinically and the straightness of the bone was restored to normal when the fracture gap got filled with sufficient callus. When compared to stainless steel connecting bar, acrylic connecting bar also provided adequate stability in femoral fracture repair of animals less than 15 kg body weight and provided cheaper alternative to the former as it does not require the expensive components. But, due to the innate nature of a animal in one animal, the acrylic connecting column was broken by self mutilation and after the reapplication of the acrylic connecting column, the fracture stability attained was satisfactory and showed progressive improvement in limb usage from sixth postoperative. All the animals except in four animals had functional limb usage on the third postoperative day following combination technique of external skeletal fixation with intramedullary pin. Young growing animals under the study showed rapid callus formation and good radiographic union when compared to old animals. One animal showed no evidence of callus formation even by eighth week which resulted in nonunion. Complications commonly observed in the combination technique of external skeletal fixation with intramedullary pinning were quadriceps muscle contracture and stifle stiffness. This was obviously observed in young growing animals below one years of age. The combination technique of external skeletal fixation with intramedullary pinning in the animals studied was effective in countering the rotational and bending forces acting on the long bones, especially the femur. This provided early return of functional limb usage with good radiographic and clinical union.
Open Access
Clinical evaluation of the comparative effect of xylazine and xylazine-ketamine premedication in thiopentone anaesthesia in dogs
(Department of Veterinery Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Philip, Varghese; KAU; Rajankutty, K
The study was carried out in 12 dogs of different breeds of either sex, presented to the College Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkalai for various elective surgical procedures. All dogs were clinically examined before the administration of the anaesthetics. These dogs were randomly divided into two groups, viz. Group I and Group II, each consisting of six dogs. They were numbered serially from 1 to 6. Atropine sulphate at the rate of 0.045 mg/kg body weight was administered intramuscularly, 15 minutes prior to the administration of xylazine/xylazine-ketamine combination. In Group I, xylazine at the rate of 1.0 mg/kg body weight was administered intramuscular for premedication. Fifteen minutes later, thiopentone sodium 2.5% solution was administered intravenously “to effect” general anaesthesia. In Group II, xylazine at the rate of 1.0 mg/kg body weight and ketamine at the rate of 2.5 mg/kg body weight was administered intramuscularly as a combined injection for premedication. Fifteen minutes later, thiopentone sodium 2.5% solution was administered intravenously “to effect” general anaesthesia. In both the groups, incremental doses of thiopentone were also administered for the maintenance of anaesthesia for completing the surgery. The dogs were subjected to various surgical operations. After premedication yawning, winking of eyes, incoordination of hindquarters were the more commonly observed symptoms in both the groups. Other symptoms noticed were vomiting (in two dogs), licking (in seven dogs) and urination (in three dogs). In both the groups, two dogs each assumed lateral recumbency and others were in sternal recumbency with head down posture. Salivation was scanty in both the groups. Side to side movement of head was noticed in most of the dogs which were premedicated with xylazine-ketamine combination and was absent in dogs which were premedicated with xylazine alone. The induction time was 6.83 ± 1.40 and 5.10 ± 1.29 minutes in Group I and Group II respectively. The duration of anaesthesia with first induction of thiopentone was 11.67 ± 3.90 and 12.50 ± 2.64 minutes in Group I and Group II respectively. The duration of anaesthesia was more in dogs premedicated with xylazine-ketamine combination than with xylazine alone. With repeated administration of thiopentone an average 13.63 ± 3.76 and 32.17 ± 5.39 minutes duration of anaesthesia was achieved with every incremental doses in Group I and Group II respectively. In xylazine-ketamine premedication the duration of anaesthesia was prolonged more than with xylazine premedication alone. It was also observed that the duration of anaesthesia in subsequent administration resulted for longer duration when ketamine was included for premedication. Recovery time was 124.00 ± 48.55 and 89.83 ± 43.12 minutes in Group I and Group II respectively. The recovery time was shorter in dogs premedicated with xylazine-ketamine combination in thiopentone anaesthesia. For the first induction of anaesthesia, the quantity of thiopentone required was 9.31 ± 1.87 and 9.72 ± 1.23 mg/kg body weight in Group I and Group II respectively. The requirement of thiopentone was reduced to a greater extent in both the groups, but was slightly higher with xylazine-ketamine premedication. The average incremental quantities of thiopentone administration was 3.83 ± 1.10 and 5.59 ± 1.43 mg/kg body weight for prolonging anaesthesia in Group I and Group II respectively. The incremental quantities of thiopentone required was more in dogs which were premedicated with xylazine-ketamine for prolonging the anaesthesia. The average muscle relaxation time was 50.67 ± 9.01 and 54.50 ± 7.32 minutes in Group I and Group II respectively. The muscle relaxation time was more prolonged when xylazine was combined with ketamine for premedication in thiopentone anaesthesia. The degree of muscle relaxation was moderate to excellent in both the groups. The surgical operations viz., oopherectomy, correction of rectovaginal fistula, enterotomy, Zepp’s operation, ovariohysterectomy, operation for aural haematoma were carried out satisfactorily. The duration of surgery varied from 20 to 58 and 20 to 61 minutes in Group I and Group II respectively. There was decrease in rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate in both the groups. The decrease in rectal temperature and pulse rate was significant in dogs which were premedicated with xylazine-ketamine combination. There was significant increase in systolic and diastolic pressures in both the groups. There was elevation of heart rate after the administration of atropine sulphate in all the dogs and it was reduced after premedication with both xylazine and xylazine-ketamine combination in thiopentone anaesthesia. There was wandering pacemaker in one dog which got corrected after xylazine-ketamine premedication. Decrease in PR interval was observed after the administration of atropine but it was slightly increased after administration of xylazine and thiopentone. There was decrease in packed cell volume in both the groups and the decrease was significant in dogs which were premedicated with xylazine-ketamine combination. The variations in haemoglobin concentration were marginal in dogs which were premedicated with xylazine alone, but there was significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration in dogs which were premedicated in xylazine-ketamine combination. Decrease in total erythrocyte and total leukocyte counts was noticed in both the groups. Increase in neutrophil with decreased lymphocyte count was observed in dogs which were premedicated with xylazine but, in dogs which were premedicated with xylazine-ketamine combination there was decrease in neutrophil count with increase in lymphocyte count. The variations in monocyte and eosinophil counts were marginal in both the groups. There was increase in serum sodium and serum potassium concentrations, and serum total protein content in both the groups. The serum albumin/globulin ratio was decreased in both the groups. All the dogs had smooth uneventful recovery without any complications, though most of the dogs were drowsy till next day.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results