Search

Ethnoveterinary medicine focuses on the practical use of community or area based traditional and indigenous knowledge including the collection, preparation and administration of medicinal plants or plant parts for curing diseases of animals. Hydnocarpus pentandra is a plant endemic to South India which is traditionally known for the antileprotic activity of its seed oil. Diverse pharmacological activities of the plant extracts depend on the presence of its secondary metabolites. The present research was conducted to explore the phytochemical constituents present in the acetone solvent extract of the seeds of H. pentandra. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract using colorimetric reactions revealed the presence of steroids, triterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids and carbohydrates. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of different compounds which included paromomycin, D-streptamine, carnegine, 4-propyl acridine and R-limonene. The acetone extract could be considered as a potent source of new molecules with different pharmacological actions. Keywords: Hydnocarpus pentandra, phytochemical screening, secondary metabolites

A seven-year-old male Dachshund was presented with a history of chronic regurgitation and weight loss for two months. On clinical examination, dry and rough hair coat with alopecia on nose bridge and rat tail appearance were observed. Elevated rectal temperature and increased respiratory rate were noticed. Auscultation of lung field revealed mild crackles. Leucocytosis and mild anaemia were evident on complete blood count. Hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and elevation of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed in serum biochemistry. The total T4 (TT4) value was low and canine-specific thyroid stimulating hormone (cTSH) was elevated. Megaoesophagus was confirmed by plain radiography. Barium contrast radiograph revealed generalised dilatation with pooling of barium in the oesophagus. The animal was treated with levothyroxine sodium at 0.02 mg/kg BW PO BID and bethanechol at 10 mg PO TID. Supportive therapy included antibiotics, antacids and antiemetics. Elevated feeding was advised. The animal had no episodes of regurgitation even after one month Keywords: Megaoesophagus, hypothyroidism, bethanechol, elevated feeding

Feline hepatic lipidosis (FHL), characterised by an accumulation of triglycerides in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, is a common and potentially fatal liver disorder in cats. Hepatic lipidosis in cats can develop due to any condition that will impair nutrient uptake and is often presented with non-specific clinical signs. The present study describes the diagnosis of FHL based on clinicobiochemical, ultrasonographic, and cytological changes and evaluates the diagnostic utility of blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid (βHBA) estimation in FHL. Anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, and jaundice were the common clinical findings in cats with hepatic lipidosis. Serum biochemical evaluation revealed elevations in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglycerides, glucose, and total bilirubin. Ultrasonography revealed an enlarged hyperechoic liver. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the liver revealed mild to severe vacuolation in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid levels were found higher in cats with hepatic lipidosis than in healthy cats and cats with other hepatic disorders. Therefore, βHBA estimation, being a quick and non-invasive method, could be considered as a diagnostic marker in the early diagnosis of FHL.

An incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB) associated with coagulation disturbance in mitral valvular disease was diagnosed in a five-year-old female Dachshund. Morphologically moderate mitral valvular thickening and nodularity could be noticed on echocardiography. Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombocytopaenia supported the probable underlying mechanism for myocardial infarction and RBBB. The animal showed clinical improvement after one month of therapy with enalapril and torasemide for mitral valve insufficiency.

The fatty liver syndrome was confirmed by haemotobiochemical and hepatic ultrasonographic investigations in 12 Malabari goats within six weeks after kidding. Animals were divided into two groups with six does each which received two different treatments. Ketonex bolus, which contains nicotinic acid, disodium hydrogen phosphate, and live yeast was given to the goats in Group I. The animals in Group II received syrup Bexoliv, which contains tricholine citrate, methionine, inositol, vitamin E, biotin, selenium, silymarin, iron, copper, and B12. In addition to this, animals of both groups received glycerin orally. On the fifteenth day of treatment, the animals were reevaluated. Six apparently healthy adult female goats within six weeks of kidding were selected as control. Before treatment, the neutrophil count showed a significant increase and lymphocyte and monocyte counts showed a decrease in the study groups. Blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), serum non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) levels showed a significant increase before treatment and reduced after treatment among both groups. Hepatic ultrasonography showed hyperechogenicity of parenchyma before treatment when compared to after treatment. The animals showed improvement with both treatments.

The study was undertaken to evaluate serum mineral status, specifically zinc, copper and selenium in dogs affected with dermatological disorders in comparison to normal healthy dogs. The study included 40 dogs of 2-5 years of age with skin diseases presented to University Veterinary Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkalai under the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and ten apparently healthy dogs brought to the hospital for routine health check-up which served as control. Serum concentrations of the three minerals were compared not only between normal and dogs with skin diseases as a whole but also between individual skin diseases- six different skin diseases- with the control group. On comparing the dogs with skin ailments (n=40) and control group, the serum mineral levels analysed through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) revealed that the concentration of zinc was significantly lower (p

The present study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the response to a combination therapy of enalapril and torasemide in dogs with mitral valve disease (MVD). Dogs diagnosed with stage C of MVD as per the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine guidelines were included in the study. Treatment was initiated with enalapril at 0.5 mg/kg BID and torasemide at 0.2 mg/kg OD orally on 0th day. Detailed clinical examination with special reference to the cardiovascular system including measurement of blood pressure, radiographic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters of the animals were performed on 0th and 30th day of treatment. The treatment was well tolerated by all the animals. Amelioration of clinical signs with a noticeable reduction in cough was noticed in all the animals. On 30th day of treatment, a significant decrease was noticed in the vertebral heart score and left ventricular internal diameter during diastole and a non-significant decrease was noticed in left atrium to aortic root ratio, left ventricular internal diameter during systole, with a considerable reduction in severity of mitral regurgitation. Post- treatment clearing of lung fields was noticed in dogs with radiographic evidence of pulmonary oedema on 0th day. In addition to this, ventricular premature complexes noticed in three animals pre- treatment was not noticed post treatment.

Canine pyometra is a hormonally mediated life-threatening uterine disease of canines, associated with bacterial infection and inflammation. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the uterus and systemic illness. The study was undertaken to assess the relevance of band cells in circulation and Doppler ultrasonography in the prognostic evaluation of medically managed canine pyometra. A significantly higher band of neutrophils were recorded among bitches presented with pyometra, which reduced to the physiologically normal range as treatment progressed in the animals which responded to the treatment. The resistive index, which was lower than the threshold value of 0.72, increased as the treatment progressed in the responsive animals and proved to be a reliable tool as a recovery marker.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes multiple ailments and diseases associated with bladder and urethra of cats. A total of 37 cats presented with clinical signs pertaining to lower urinary tract disorders were evaluated in the current study. There were 96.3 per cent males and 3.7 per cent females with maximum distribution in the age group between one to two years (p

The present study was conducted to evaluate the alterations in oxidative stress parameters in dogs suffering from haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). Dogs presented with vomiting and diarrhoea were screened and fifteen animals with signs suggestive of HGE were included in the study. The oxidative stress parameters, serummalondialdehyde (MDA) level, total antioxidant status (TAS) and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were studied. The values were compared with the values from six apparently healthy dogs. A significant increase was noticed in the mean values of serum MDA and TAS of diseased animals at the time of presentation when compared to healthy animals whereas the activity of plasma GSH-Px was found to be lower than in healthy dogs. Supplementation with N-acetyl cysteine @ 70 mg/kg or five days was found effective in managing the oxidative injury in the affected animals.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an integral part of regenerative medicine as the platelets possess a good healing capacity owing to the presence of a wide variety of growth factors in the platelet granules found in the cytoplasm of the platelet. Autologous PRP was prepared from the blood of the patient itself, without any preservatives. Storage of PRP was one of the main hurdles of the treatment modality. During storage, the platelet counts may get reduced, undergo activation or get contaminated with bacteria as no preservatives are used in the preparation of autologous PRP. Cytological changes and microbial quality of the PRP during storage at 4oC and -20oC for seven days were analysed in this study. Reduction in platelet count and the chance of microbial contamination were less when autologous PRP was stored at -20°C compared to 4°C.

Hyperkalaemia is a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance because it affects cardiac conduction and can lead to fatal arrhythmias if left untreated. The present study describes the occurrence of hyperkalaemia in cats and the electrocardiographic changes associated with this electrolyte imbalance. Hyperkalaemia was identified in 83.33 per cent of the study group subjects. Acute kidney injury and obstructive uropathy were the main clinical conditions associated with it. Electrocardiographic findings in hyperkalaemia in different cats under study included peaked T waves in lead II and the precordial lead CV6LL, atrial standstill and sino-ventricular rhythm, normal sinus rhythm, ventricular tachycardia, first-degree atrio-ventricular block, bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, and atrio-ventricular dissociation. Electrocardiography should always be performed in cases suspected of electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalaemia, so as to identify any fatal arrhythmias and initiate treatment at the earliest.

The present study was carried out with the objectives of assessing oxidative stress in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and evaluating response to treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Dogs diagnosed with stage III CKD as per the guidelines of the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) were included in the study. The animals were divided into two groups. Animals of one group were given standard therapy for CKD and the animals of the second group were administered NAC along with standard therapy. Oxidative stress parameters such as total antioxidant status (TAS), serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were studied. On the day of presentation, a significant increase in the mean values of serum MDA and TAS were observed in diseased animals compared to healthy animals, whereas a significant decline was noted in plasma GSH-Px activity. After treatment, a significant decline in serum MDA and TAS were recorded in animals of group II receiving NAC therapy. A significant increase in plasma glutathione GSH-Px activity was recorded in this group. N-acetyl cysteine therapy was found to be effective in the management of oxidative stress in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

Present study was conducted in Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University farms, various organized and unorganised farms and individual households in Thrissur district during the period of May 2021 to April 2022 with the objectives of estimation of prevalence of subclinical ketosis (SCK) by screening dairy cows on 14th and 28th day post-partum. Multiparous cows with a blood beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) value ≥ 1.2 mmol/L without any overt clinical signs were considered as positive for SCK. One hundred and fourteen animals from second to seventh lactation were screened for SCK. Prevalence of SCK was 23.7 per cent on 14th day and 14.04 per cent on 28th day with a total prevalence of 27.2 per cent. Occurrence of SCK was highest in animals in second lactation (54.8 per cent) with more occurrence in crossbred Holstein Friesian cows. Maximum number of positive cases were observed in dairy cows of age between four to six years (54.8 per cent). Body condition score of diseased animals were higher than normal animals. Prevalence was highest in animals calved between months of July to September and 58.1 per cent of affected animals had male calf. Concurrent abnormalities during transition period were also assessed based on clinical examination and farm records.

Doppler ultrasonography is relatively a new method for evaluation of the renal diseases in dogs. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of renal resistive index (RRI) in diagnosis and prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in dogs and to ascertain its correlationwith other renal parameters. Twenty-seven dogs with AKI along with ten clinically healthy dogs were evaluated. The aetiology of AKI was multifactorial which included viper snake envenomation, pyometra, Babesiagibsoni infection, canine parvo viral infection, Ehrlichiacanis infection, leptospiral infection, bone meal poisoning and tetracycline-induced nephrotoxicity. Dogs with AKI were characterized into five gradesas per the guidelines provided by International Renal Interest Society.Parameters such asblood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urine output, urine protein-creatinine (UPC) ratio and blood pressure were estimated. Both BUN and creatinine was significantly higher in affected dogs. Majority of the dogs with AKI were oliguric and had the presence of proteinuria, occult blood and leucocytes on urine dipstick examination. Urine Protein-Creatinine ratio was increased whereas no significant variation was noticed in blood pressure of dogs with AKI.B-mode ultrasonography of kidneys revealedrenomegaly, hyperechoic cortex, decreased cortico-medullary differentiation and loss of architecture in majority of the dogs with AKI. Renal resistive index was significantly increased inAKI and a positive correlation was established between RRI and serumcreatinine but not with UPC ratio, blood pressure and size of kidneys. Re-evaluation of RRIseven days post treatment showed considerablereduction. It wasconcludedthat an increase in RRIwas associated with severity of renal parenchymal injuryin AKI and reduction of RRI post-treatment indicated favorable prognosis.

Anaemia and thrombocytopenia are the common clinical features of blood parasite infection in dogs. Blood parasites previously identified in dogs in Kerala were Babesia gibsoni, Babesia canis vogeli, Ehrlichia canis and Trypanosoma evansi. A two-year old female Labrador Retriever was brought to the University Veterinary Hospital, Mannuthy, Thrissur, with a complaint of anorexia for the past two weeks. A thorough clinical examination did not give any evidence of involvement of other body systems, except for a splenomegaly which was confirmed by radiography. The dog was negative for microfilaria and intestinal parasites. Haematological findings revealed moderate anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Anaemia was classified as non-regenerative based on reticulocyte count. Blood smear was positive for basophilic intra-erythrocytic inclusions suggestive of small babesia and basophilic inclusions in platelets suggestive of morula of Anaplasma spp. Species-specific PCR on whole blood genomic DNA-showed specific amplification for B. gibsoni and A. platys organisms and negative for B. canis vogeli, E. canis and T. evansi. The present study reports a case of non-regenerative anaemia due to B. gibsoni and A. platys co-infection in a dog and its successful therapeutic management. This is the second report of A. platys infection in dogs in Kerala, India.

A study was conducted to assess the suitability of citrate phosphate dextrose adenine / saline adenine glucose mannitol as a storage media for packed RBCs of goats. Samples collected from ten apparently healthy goats were utilized for the study. Biochemical studies were carried out on day 0, 14, 28 and 42 days of storage using the parameters, viz. pH, glucose, potassium malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione. The pH was stable throughout the study, whereas glucose showed significant reduction. Rest of the parameters increased significantly from 0th day to 42nd day. Based on the results, the storage media can be considered to be suitable for storing caprine packed RBCs.

Oxidativestressmanagementhasbeenfoundtohavebeneficialeffects in the management of several disease conditions. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the total antioxidant status and lipid peroxides levels in dogs with chronic valvular heart disease.Total antioxidant status was measured by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay and level of lipid peroxides in serum was determined by estimating malonaldialdehyde level. Ten dogs with chronic chronic valvular heart disease were administered with coenzyme Q10 @ 45mg q12h orally for 60 days along with the treatment for management of valvular heart disease.A significant decline in Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power value was recorded at the end of the study. The malonaldialdehyde levels declined in animals with chronic valvular heart disease by day 60, though reduction was not statistically significant.The administration of Coenzyme Q10 in chronic valvular heart disease may be beneficial in improving the quality of life of the patient.

Haematological evaluation of pyometra-affected dogs, treated under different medical protocols revealed, decreased TEC (4.34±0.31 to 4.92±0.19×106 /mm3 ), leucocytosis (26.68±1.38 to 39.30±4.49×103 /mm3 ),neutrophilia(82.50±0.63to 83.38±0.46%), lymphopenia(10.25±0.41 to 11.88±0.61%), reduced VPRC (26.38±1.21 to 29.85±1.17 %) and decreased Hb (8.11±0.14to 9.04±0.45g/dL) on the day of admission. Other differentials and thrombocyte counts were within normal limits. All parameters returned to normal after medical treatment within 15 days of initiation of treatment, except TEC and Hb, which also showed improvement on different days of observation during and after treatment. Haematological changes were parallel to clinical recovery

The present study was conducted in anaemic cats presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy. They were subjected to a detailed physical examination, blood smear and faecal sample examination and haematology to reach an etiological diagnosis and to assess the severity of anaemia. Xenotransfusion with dog blood was carried out in 10 severely anaemic cats. Clinical outcome and variation in haematological parameters before and 24 hours after the transfusion was evaluated.

Arterial blood gas analysis helps to assess the patient’s ventilation and oxygenation status. Arterial blood gas variations in 12 awake Labrador retriever dogs with respiratory diseases were studied. The animals were further divided on the basis of clinical signs and radiography into those with upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. Arterial blood samples were collected from the dorsal pedal artery. The results were compared with arterial blood gas values of control dogs.nSignificant evidence of hypoxemia was noted with abnormal mean values in partial pressure of oxygen (P < 0.01), oxygen saturation (P < 0.01) and alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient (P < 0.01) in dogs with upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. However, there were no significant changes in these values between animals with upper and lower respiratory tract affections.

The present study was carried out to evaluate cardiac function in hypothyroid dogs. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 12 dogs based on clinical signs, normal or low serum triiodothyronine (T3), low tetraiodothyroxine (T4) beyond the reference range. The electrocardiographic changes noted were reduced PR interval, sinus arrhythmia, ventricular premature complex and low R wave amplitude in hypothyroid dogs. The major echocardiographic findings were increased interventricular septum thickness at end diastole, posterior wall thickness at end diastole and end systole. Mitral valvular insufficiency was diagnosed in five out of twelve cases on colour doppler study. The electrocardiography and echocardiography was done again on 30th day of treatment with oral levothyroxine. Electrocardiography revealed persistence of low amplitude R wave and sinus arrhythmia. The echocardiographic parameters such as left ventricular internal diameter at diastole, end diastolic volume, stroke volume and cardiac output were lowered after one month of treatment.

The potential of biomarkers as diagnostic or prognostic tool in canine pyometra is under investigation. The CRP evaluation of pyometra-affected dogs revealed very high levels (128.51 ± 4.07 to 136.64 ± 6.77 μg/mL) on the day of admission. The levels returned to normal after medical treatment (10.00 ± 0.28 to 12.01 ± 2.49 μg/mL) in all the treatment groups by day 15 after initiation of treatment, which was in parallel to clinical recovery. The present study revealed that CRP can be considered as effective end point marker to evaluate efficacy of the treatment

Corneal swabs were brought to the Department of Veterinary Microbiology from Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy for cultural isolation and identification. By biochemical characterization, the most predominant organism was identified as Staphylococcus aureus. The isolate was subjected to molecular confirmation by Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Two types of cardiac disorders, viz Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and acquired valvular disease, were diagnosed in dogs. Thirty nonazotemic dogs with clinical signs suggestive of cardiovascular dysfunction formed part of this study. Standard treatment regimens as required were administered during the study. Serum inosine, urine specific gravity, and microalbumin were the renal biomarkers evaluated to diagnose these dogs' cardiovascular renal axis disorder subtype H (CvRDH). A decline in serum inosine values on day 45 as compared to day 0 was suggestive of reduced renal functional status. Lowered urine-specific gravity in these non-azotemic dogs indicated renal dysfunction. Urine microalbumin values documented were consistent with microalbuminuria,which proved to be a reliable biomarker of glomerular damage and developing nephropathy. The renal biomarkers aided in the diagnosis of CvRDH in these dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proinflammatory response, procoagulation and direct cell damage will aggravate multi-organ dysfunction. N Department O f Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College O f Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, Kerala Heat stroke is a life threatening condition in animals which demands prompt attention. It is a condition caused by elevated core body tem perature in response to an increased environmental temperature (non exertional/classical heat stroke) or associated with exercise (exertional heat stroke). [Extracted from the article]

Osteodystrophia fibrosa is a condition associated with fibrous replacement of the resorbed bony matrix. In India, it is commonly reported in horses, and is most often associated with bran feeding, leading to higher availability of phosphorus and imbalance in the calcium phosphorus ratio. Low calcium or high phosphorus diet can result in secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism leading to osteodystrophia fibrosa (Ozmen et al., 2017). Bone resorption of calcium occurs associated with low calcium level in circulation. Deformities of the bone manifests associated with the severity of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theileriosis can be manifested in appreciably variable clinical forms among domestic ruminants and may often become life-threatening. The present report narrates, the quick remarkable clinical recovery of a lactating goat infected with Theileria spp., exhibiting acute insulin-responsive hyperglycemia and hypocalcemia, by providing intensive therapy. A four year old doe was presented with the complaint of acute manifestation of weakness, ventroflexion of neck with flaccid muscles, recumbency, hypersalivation, severe abdominal breathing, anorexia and polyuria since last eighteen hours. The animal kidded three kids one month before, out of which one was mummified. Clinical examination revealed severe depression, dehydration, dyspnoea, congested mucous membrane, sluggish rumen motility and reduced pupillary light reflex. Laboratory investigation revealed severe granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia and Theileria spp. infection. The animal showed significant improvement within a few minutes of initiating the evidence-based stabilization therapy to correct hydration status, cellular glucose uptake, calcium levels and Theileria spp. infection. This case indicates the significance of investigating the metabolic status of animals suffering from theileriosis for achieving better clinical responses. Also, future studies may focus on the endocrinological perspectives of metabolic impact of Theileria spp. infection in goats., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)