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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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ThesisItem Open Access Surgical management of omphalitis in calves(Department of Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Prasanna, D; KAU; Rajankutty, KThe study was carried out in twelve . selected clinical cases of umbilical infections in calves of different breeds of either sex presented to the Veterinary College Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkalai. These animals were divided into two groups viz., Group I and Group II, each consisting of six animals. In Group I, the calves with extra-abdominal umbilical infection and in Group II, the calves with combined extra-abdominal and intra abdominal umbilical infections were included. The calves in Group I were within the age group of eight weeks and had the history of swelling at the umbilicus for at least a period of eight days which varied in its type, consistency, and tenderness on palpation. The size of the swelling was maximum of 10.5 cm in diameter with no connection or extension into the abdominal cavity. The swelling was either draining to the exterior through a fistula or closed. The cavity of the swelling was from 3.4 cm to 15 cm in length containing pus which varied in its consistency, color and odour. The physiological parameters were all within normal range. The haemogram was also within physiological range except for an increase in the neutrophil count. Abdominal palpation and retrograde contrast radiography confirmed that the swelling is confined to the exterior of the abdomen. The causative organisms were detected and the calves were successfully treated by routine drainage and dressing. All the calves recovered completely except one, which had recurrence of the infection during the study period. In Group II, the calves were aged between one month to five months and the maximum duration of the illness five months was reported from the oldest calf in that group. They had history of recurrence or persistence of umbilical swelling after the treatment of the swelling. The swelling was either open or closed from which pus was obtained. The swellings were mostly hot and hard. The pus varied in its consistency, colour and odour. The swellings could be felt on abdominal palpation as an extension of the umbilicus towards the liver and bladder. The extent of the cavity was measured by a probe and was able to measure 20 cm long tract. The respiration rate, pulse rate and the rectal temperature were found to be within the normal range. The haemogram showed leucocytosis and an increase in the neutrophil count. The affected structures were identified as umbilical vein that was extending towards the liver and as urachus which was extending towards the bladder by retrograde contrast radiography. The causative organisms were identified and the calves were successfully treated by surgical excision of the affected structures along with the umbilicus.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation and management of urolithiasis in dogs(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Reshma, Damodaran; KAU; Sarada Amma, TTen clinical cases of canine urolithiasis were studied for age, breed and sex incidence, clinical signs, radiological evaluation, site of obstruction, effect of surgery and its complications, urine analysis, urolith composition and recurrence. The mean age of incidence was found to be 6.3 years. Incidence were more in German Shepherd Dog followed by Pomeranian and Labrador. There were nine males and one female in the study. Urethral obstruction was seen in all cases including one female. Out of ten animals one animal (D8) was dull and weak in appearance and all others were active. Difficulty in urination was reported in all the animals. Haematuria was present in five animals (D3, D5, D6, D7 and D10). Moderate abdominal distention was noticed in nine animals. Palpation of the abdomen revealed distended urinary bladder in all animals except in one animal (D8), where bladder could not be palpated and fluid thrill was felt on abdominal palpation indicating rupture of urinary bladder. Radiographic study revealed that the most common site of obstruction was in the groove of the os penis. The ten clinical cases of urolithiasis were subjected to fourteen operations viz., nine urethrotomy, two urethrotomy and cystotomy (four operations) and one cystotomy. The study revealed that relieving obstruction by surgical correction was effective, as it ensures immediate relief of obstruction and stress. Urethrotomy was found to be satisfactory in removing urethral calculi in males and compression and flushing of bladder enabled to remove small cystic calculi through the urethrotomy incision. Cystotomy was required to remove large cystic calculi. The surgical intervention adopted was found effective in relieving obstruction. The pH of the urine collected during surgery ranged from 6.5 to 8, colour varied from straw coloured to dark red. Consistency of the urine was turbid in all the animals. On microscopical examination of urine, sediments were present in all the animals. In one dog (D5) crystals were present and identified as triple phosphate and oxalate. In all animals urine samples showed growth of the microorganisms were more sensitive to ciprofloxacin followed by ampicillin and amoxycillin. Catheter tolerance was poor in all the animals. Catheter was found removed on the same day itself by all the animal. Healing of the surgical wound by granulation was good except in two animals where swelling and oedema of the scrotal sac was seen ( D1 and D8) which were subjected to post scrotal urethrotomy. In all these animals swelling subsided and healing was completed by 30th post operative day. Bleeding was noticed during and after completion of the surgery in two dogs D4 and D7. In dog D7, injury to cavernosus tissue during the removal of calculi was the cause and was controlled by suturing. In animal D4 bleeding was controlled by administering ethamsylate 1 ml intramuscular for two days. Recurrence was observed in two cases (20%). In these cases numerous cystic calculi were present when it was originally presented for treatment which might be due to migration of cystic calculi. The haematological examination showed low haemoglobin content, erythrocyte count, volume of packed red cell in all cases before surgery which increased significantly and reached towards normal by 30th post operative day. There was leucocytosis with shift to left and increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate which decreased significantly and were normal by 30th post operative day. The biochemical examination showed elevated blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, phosphorus, serum calcium and potassium levels in all the cases before surgery and lowered significantly by 30th day. The fall in serum sodium level seen before surgery showed rise by 30th day and attained near normal value. Composition of the urolith were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, calcium formed the major component of the calculi followed by phosphorus and magnesium. Histopathological study of the urinary bladder revealed inflammation and haemorrhage in the submucosa indicating chronic irritation and injury produced by the calculi to the bladder wall. Electron microscopic study of one of the calculi (D9) was conducted which revealed deposition of concretions around the nidus in concentric rings of varying density and the outer surface showed porosity of varying diameterThesisItem Open Access Midazolam in combination with glycopyrrolate and xylazine as a preanaesthetic for general anaesthesia in dogs(Department of Veterinery Surgery and Radiology, college of Veterinery and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2007) Narayanan, M K; KAU; Rajankutty, KThe anaesthetic study was conducted in 24 female dogs of different breeds subjected to elective surgical procedures (oopherectomies). They were randomly divided into four groups viz., I, II, III and IV, each consisting of six animals and were numbered serially from 1 to 6. Animals of all the groups were administered intramuscularly, glycopyrrolate (0.011mg/kg body weight) followed by xylazine (1.0 mg/kg body weight) at 15 minutes interval. In addition, animals of Group III and IV were also administered intravenously midazolam (0.3 mg/kg body weight) 10 minutes after the administration of xylazine. Fifteen minutes after premedication to all animals ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg body weight) was administered intramuscularly to effect anaesthesia and to the animals of Group II and IV, isoflurane was also administered for the maintenance of anaesthesia. The common clinical signs manifested by the dogs after premedication with glycopyrrolate and xylazine were winking of eyes, yawning, inco-ordination of movement and assumption of sternal recumbency with head down posture. All the dogs were in lateral reccumbency following the administration of midazolam. The other symptoms noticed were vomiting, licking, urination and defecation. Salivation was scanty in all the dogs and the induction of anaesthesia was smooth in all the animals. Endotracheal intubation was easy in animals premedicated with midazolam. During recovery vocalization was not observed in those animals premedicated with midazolam. All the animals had an uneventful recovery, though the dogs showed varying degree of dullness, which lasted for two to six hours. All the dogs had normal food intake from the next day onwards. The induction time of anaesthesia in ketamine/ketamine-isoflurane combination was quicker in dogs premedicated with combination of glycopyrrolate-xylazine-midazolam than with glycopyrrolate-xylazine. The duration of anaesthesia was more or less similar, but prolonged with the supplementation of isoflurane. The muscle relaxation time was prolonged with isoflurane maintenance. The degree of muscle relaxation during anaesthesia was good in animals premedicated with midazolam and excellent with isoflurane supplementation. The depth of anaesthesia achieved with a combination of xylazine-ketamine at the dose rate of 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg respectively was found not satisfactory for major surgical procedures like laparotomy. But it was satisfactory with midazolam premedication and good with the supplementation of isoflurane. The recovery time was prolonged in dogs in which midazolam was included for premedication. A marginal decrease in rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate was noticed after premedication and during anaesthesia in all the groups. The colour of mucous membrane was pale roseate throughout the observation. In both ketamine and ketamine –isoflurane anaesthesia, oxygen saturation level and blood coagulation time were increased. Significant increase in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures was noticed in all the groups. Electrocardiogram revealed mild to moderate tachycardia following the administration of glycopyrrolate and sinoatrial block, sinoatrial arrest, ST segment depression/elevation, ST coving, increased R amplitude, peaked T wave and ventricular tachycardia following the administration of xylazine. All the abnormalities were observed for a short period of ketamine/ketamine-isoflurane anaesthesia and disappeared during recovery. Significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration, volume of packed red cells and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and marginal variations in total leukocytes and differential leukocyte counts were noticed after premedication, during anaesthesia and recovery in all the groups. The variations in total protein, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate amino transferase, alamine amino transferase, sodium, potassium and chloride parameters were within the normal physiological limits, but the increase in glucose concentration was significant. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed decreased pH with increased partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and marginal variations in bicarbonate level were observed during anaesthesia. All the dogs had the normal food intake from the next day onwards.ThesisItem Open Access Radiographic evaluation of pyometra and its surgical management in dogs(Department of veterinary surgery and radiology, College of veterinery and animal science, Mannuthy, 2007) John Martin, K D; KAU; Sarada Amma, TRadiographic techniques for diagnosis and comparative efficacy of transcervical drainage with or without prostaglandin F2 therapy and ovariohysterectomy for the management of pyometra were studied in 18 dogs. All the dogs were subjected to detailed clinical, physiological, haematological, biochemical and hormonal and detailed radiographic evaluation before and after the treatment. The dogs were divided into three groups, viz., Group I, II and III, of six each and were subjected to different surgical management viz., transcervical drainage, transcervical drainage with PGF2 and ovariohysterectomy respectively. The dogs selected for the study belonged to various breeds with a high proportion of Spitz (37%) and German Shepherd Dog (19%). The age ranged from four to 15 years (9.7 ± 3.5 years) and body weight from six to 37 kg. Of these dogs, 62% were nulliparous and 38 % uniparous. Symptoms of pyometra were noticed on an average of 63.4 days after the onset of previous oestrus. Commonly observed symptoms were vomiting and polydipsia (56%), polydipsia alone (33%) and vomiting alone (11%) with purulent or sanguineopurulent discharge was present (83%). All the dogs had slight to severe abdominal distension and oedema of vulval lips, which reduced postoperatively in recovered cases. Vulval discharge reduced by 14th day, and absent by 28th day in Group I and II and by seventh day in Group III. In recovered dogs of Group I and II polydipsia and vomiting disappeared by 14th day and in Group III by seventh day. Physiological parameters like respiratory and pulse rate were normal throughout the period of observation. Rectal temperature had shown an initial elevation and returned to normal by seventh day postoperatively. Colour of mucous membrane, which was congested or pale in a few, resumed to pale roseate at the end of observation period in recovered dogs. Extreme leucocytosis and neutrophilia with shift to left, decreased haemoglobin concentration and volume of packed red cells, and severely elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate were noticed in all the dogs. These values had shown an earlier tendency to return to normal ranges in Group III than Group I and II. Extreme elevations of blood urea nitrogen and moderate elevation of creatinine and alanine aminotransferase were noticed preoperatively. These were reduced subsequent to the treatments in all the groups. In dogs subjected to ovariohysterectomy an early recovery was noticed. Serum potassium levels remained within normal range throughout the observation period. Formol gel test that was positive 88.8% of the dogs initially became negative by14th postoperative day. Plasma oestradiol and progesterone concentrations had shown a vide variation between and within the groups, but shown a gradual decreasing tendency towards the end of observation in Group I and II. But the decrease was sharp following ovariohysterectomy in Group III. Survey radiography was found satisfactory in diagnosis of pyometra. For hysterography transcervical cannulation was attempted in all dogs before the treatment using techniques viz., I, II and III. Technique II using Scandinavian AI catheter was found feasible, despite the penetration at vaginal fornix in one case. Technique III employing an illuminated proctoscope as vaginal speculum was found more practicable than Technique I. In seven dogs out of 18, only in which hysterography was successful, uterine lumen could not be completely outlined. Transcervical drainage of uterus through the catheters was successful in two cases each from Group I and II. Concurrent administration of PGF2 did not produce any appreciable difference in uterine drainage, while the dogs received it had shown various degrees of side effects. All the dogs except one subjected to ovariohysterectomy recovered uneventfully. Three dogs died during the period of observation had exceptionally high haematological and biochemical values. One dog each among the recovered in Group I and II had shown oestrus symptoms subsequently and that belonged to Group I developed pyometra after eight months.ThesisItem Open Access Scleral approach for extracapsular cataract extraction in dogs(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinery and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Tessy Mathew; John Martin, K DThe effectiveness of scleral approach for extracapsular cataract extraction was studied in six dogs (seven cases). Dogs presented with the history of impaired vision were clinically examined and cases with cataract were selected for the study. All dogs were put on to medication with azathioprine orally and ciprofloxacin, flurbiprofen and tropicamide topically three days prior to surgery. General anaesthesia was induced with atropine - xylazine - ketamine given intramuscularly and maintained with xylazine - ketamine - diazepam combination given intravenously. A scleral incision, two millimeters away and parallel to the limbus on the dorsolateral aspect was used to access the anterior chamber. Anterior capsulotomy was performed and lens was extracted. Collapse of anterior chamber was prevented by infusing the visco-elastic material, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose. Sterile isotonic balanced salt solution was used to irrigate the anterior chamber. Scleral incision was sutured with 8/0 silk in simple interrupted pattern. Postoperatively all the dogs were maintained on cephalexin, azathioprine orally and ciprofloxacin, flurbiprofen and tropicamide topically. Scleral wounds were healed uneventfully and sutures were removed on 10th postoperative day. Major intraoperative complications encountered during the study were haemorrhage from the conjunctival incision, prolapse of iris, miosis and remnants of lens material in the anterior chamber. Out of the seven cases, four achieved functional vision by one month and corneal clarity except at the dorsolateral aspect near the suture line and in the remaining three, cornea remained opaque. Postoperative complications encountered were persistent corneal oedema in three cases, mild increase in intraocular pressure in two and vitreous prolapse in one.ThesisItem 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 AmmaThe 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.ThesisItem 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, TThe 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.ThesisItem 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, VenugopalLong 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.ThesisItem 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, KThe 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.