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Periparturient period is the most important and critical period in the life of dairy cows, as various alterations are seen in physiological and hormonal mechanism of dairy animals during this period due to which there is development of Negative energy balance in the body of animal resulting in various metabolic diseases in the animals. So for preventing these diseases it is important to predict these diseases well in advance. In order to predict these diseases, various prediction equations were created by using the values obtained from various metabolic parameters from the healthy and diseases animal during the periparturient period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary airway sampling is always considered the chief diagnostic test for respiratory problems in dogs. The trans tracheal wash (TTW) technique is commonly used for collecting airway aspirates for cytological analysis and bacteriological examination. Tracheal lavage being the least invasive technique, requires local anesthesia or mild to moderate sedation and has been found beneficial in dogs with pulmonary diseases including pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy, neoplasia, etc. In the present study, TTW was performed on ten clinically healthy adult dogs weighing more than 10 kg, using a 14 gauge IV cannula and disposable dog catheter (4FG, OD 1.30 MM) replacing the costly designed catheter. The study was performed with mild sedation using diazepam (0.5mg/kg) and ketamine (5mg/kg) combination intravenously in six dogs and only local anesthesia in another four dogs. Transtracheal wash fluid revealed low cellularity with alveolar macrophages as the predominant cell type, followed by respiratory epithelial cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and other cells (mast cells, plasma cells, goblet cells, basophils). This article summarizes an indigenous cost-effective TTW procedure for obtaining a representative cytological sample from the pulmonary airways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acral lick dermatitis (ALD) is a chronic irritating skin disease in dogs caused by excessive licking of specified skin areas. The objective of the present study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and diagnostic approach and to classify the possible etiologies of ALD in dogs. Case investigation for ALD included a recording of thorough history presenting, clinical signs and signs associated with the lesion, laboratory and orthopedic investigations, cytological examination, and biopsy/histopathology and hematology. Among the dermatological cases, the overall prevalence of ALD was 7.27%. Prevalence of ALD was higher in young (1-3years) age group dogs predominantly in male dogs during winter months with temperature <200C and Labrador retriever was the most commonly affected breed. Possible etiologies in 30 cases diagnosed with ALD were psychogenic triggers (19 cases, 63.33%) followed by only organic triggers (9 cases, 30%) and a combination of primary organic triggers with perpetuating psychogenic triggers (2 cases, 6.66%). The left forelimb (40%) followed by the right forelimb (13.33%) were the most affected limbs with ALD. Lesion characteristics observed were alopecia in 27 dogs (90%), circumscribed lesions in 16 dogs (53.33%), induration and firmness in 15 dogs (50%), ulceration in 14 dogs (46.66%), and moist lesions in 14 dogs (46.66%). The most common clinical signs associated with the disease were licking of paws in both organic and psychogenic triggers and additionally pruritus and erythema. Cytological examination of the lesions revealed chronic active inflammation in 24 cases and purulent inflammation in 6 cases. Histopathological findings of ALD lesion illustrated hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and dermal fibrosis with vertical streaking. Stress polycythemia was a consistent finding recorded with only psychogenic triggers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic diarrhoea is a frequently presenting complaint by the cattle owners and some presents as non-responsive to routine treatment. Such cases are often a diagnostic challenge because of wide ranging etiologies. In Indian context few data is available on prevalent causes of chronic diarrhoea in bovines. Salmonellosis is one of the important cause of chronic diarrhoea in crossbred cattle. Therefore, the study was conducted to investigate the role of Salmonella in chronic diarrhoea of crossbred cattle and to determine microbiological profile of bile in cattle with chronic idiopathic diarrhoea. Methods: Twenty (n=20) adult dairy cattle presented with the history of chronic diarrhoea at Large Animal Clinics, GADVASU, Ludhiana from September 2015 to June 2016 were selected for the study. Case histories were recorded, faecal, blood and bile samples were collected from 20 animals. Bile was collected through ultrasound guided cholecystocentesis (PUC) from 20 cattle and five healthy cattle. The faecal and bile samples were cultured for isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens using selective and nonselective media with special emphasis on isolation of Salmonella spp. Microscopic examination of faeces were done to rule out parasitic cause of diarrhoea and for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). The serum samples were employed to detect antibodies against Mycobacterium avium spp paratuberculosis using serum ELISA. Result: Investigations have showed culture of bile and faecal did not yield Salmonella spp; however E.coli was isolated from 6 cows (30%), Klebsiella spp in 9 cows (45%) and Pseudomonas spp from 1 cow (5%) from bile culture of diarrhoeic cattle. PCR results of E.coli culture from bile showed hlyA virulence genes which expected band at 534 bp however these isolates were negative for other virulence gene of E.coli. It was observed in this study that bactibilia was associated with chronic diarrhoea in three fourth of the diarrhoeic cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of novel biomarkers is the need of hour for prediction and early diagnosis of bovine production diseases such as hepatic lipidosis (HL). Liver ultrasonography and estimation of liver specific enzymes activities have been successfully used for diagnosis of HL. However, use of inflammatory mediator like tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) or acute phase proteins (APPs) like C reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) as biomarkers of HL has not been elucidated. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate liver ultrasonography and serum APPs concentrations as early predictive biomarkers of bovine HL. Methods: This study included one hundred one (101) multiparous crossbred cows in advanced pregnancy from dairy farm in Punjab, India. The cows were grouped according to their transition stage i.e., Far off dry (FOD), close up dry (CUD) and Fresh (F). Liver ultrasonography along with hemato-biochemical analysis and estimation of acute phase proteins was carried out during different stages of transition period. Result: This study included 101 cows, of which 71 (70.3%) had ultrasonographic features of normal liver and 30 (29.7%) had ultrasonographic features of HL (Grade I, 10 cows; Grade II, 12 cows; Grade III, 8 cows). Cows with HL had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total plasma protein (TPP), glucose, total calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) and significantly higher levels of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta hydroxyl butyric acid (BHBA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), TNF-a, CRP, SAA and Hp compared to the negative controls. The APPs, liver ultrasonography, liver enzymes along with NEFA and BHBA could be used as biomarkers for prediction and early diagnosis of HL in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted on 768 dermatological cases of dogs presented and pododermatitis recorded in 99 (12.89%) dogs. Diagnostic evaluation conducted randomly in 50 dogs with pododermatitis revealed that 24 (48%) dogs suffered from bacterial dermatitis, 14 (28%) were positive for atopic dermatitis, 6 (12%) suffered from demodicoisis, 3 (6%) had dermatophytosis, 2 (4%) had mixed infection and one (2%) suffered from superficial necrolytic dermatitis. The most common clinical signs of pododermatitis observed were licking (69.69%), erythema (29.29%) and were maximally present in all four paws (61.61%). Pododermatitis was observed mainly in dogs between 1-3 years of age (34.34%) and male dogs (71.71%) suffered more as compared to female dogs. Prevalence was more in Labrador breed (30.30%) followed by Pug (18.18%) and Beagle (13.13%) breeds. The highest prevalence of pododermatitis was recorded in autumn season (33.1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In peritonitis, hemato-biochemical alterations revealed neutrophilia and increased levels of serum aspartate amino-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, fibrinogen, total protein, globulin and decreased levels of serum sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride. Rumen liquor analysis showed microbial inactivity, increased methylene blue reduction time and ammonia nitrogen level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken in twenty three (23) dogs with cardiac insufficiency. The dogs showing signs of chronic cough, exercise intolerance, abdominal distension and syncope were selected and on the basis of electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography were diagnosed to be suffering from cardiac diseases (dilated cardiomyopathy-19 and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy- 4). ECG findings in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were supraventricular tachycardia, P mitrale, P pulmonale and increasd R amplitude. M mode changes in DCM were significant increase in left ventricle (LV) dimensions, thinning of interventricular septum (IVS) and LV posterior wall, significantly reduced fractional shortening (FS%) and ejection fraction (EF%). M mode changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) were decreased lumen of ventricles and increased thickening of walls and IVS. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common cardiomyopathy in dogs and echocardiography is the most efficient procedure for differentiation between dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was planned to determine the current status of selenium in animal-plant system in Punjab with special reference to selenosis. A total of 112 crossbred cows and 187 buffaloes from 22 districts of Punjab were sampled randomly. Mean Selenium levels in 20 districts on basis of plasma, hair, water and fodder analysis were within normal range and significantly high in two districts viz. Nawansheher and Hoshiarpur. Clinical manifestations of chronic selenosis were poor health, unthriftiness, emaciation, overgrown hooves with visible horizontal cracks leading to shedding in severe cases, associated with cracking of horns followed by avulsion of horn corium. Alopecia with generalized or patchy alopecia of trunk and tail switch hair loss, inappetance and decreased productivity along with various forms of reproductive problems were also observed. Fast growing, soft and brittle hooves and hair loss was also seen. Non significant alterations were recorded in mean values of Hb, PCV, TLC and TEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Labrador retriever was presented for weakness, anorexia, progressive weight loss (cachexia), polyuria and polydipsia. Physical examination revealed jaundice of mucus membranes and sclera, acholic feces, dehydration, hepatomegaly, hepatodynia and sweet fruit smell from oral cavity. Blood chemistry tests revealed hyperglycemia, hepatic dysfunction, cholestasis and inflammatory leukogram. Hematology revealed absolute neutrophilia with moderate left shift and marked toxic changes in neutrophils, microcytic hypochromic anemia with some evidence of regeneration. Urinalysis revealed glucosuria, bilirubinuria, proteinuria, ketonuria and isosthenuria. Liver ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of liver were consistent with focal hepatic necrosis. The focal hepatic necrosis was successfully treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in 25 crossbred cows comprising of heifers (n=10) and pregnant animals (n=15). Heifers served as control group. Pregnant cows were further divided into three groups far off dry (FOD), close up dry (CUD) and fresh cows. The oxidative stress, antioxidant status and serum biochemical parameters were monitored during periparturient period. The erythrocytic lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly high in fresh cows (3-30 days in milk) as compared to cows in advanced pregnancy. In fresh cows, blood glutathione levels (GSH) were significantly lower than in others. In contrast, superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were higher than control. Total protein, albumin and glucose values decreased FOD stage upto fresh cows period of periparturient cows, while decrease was significant for albumin and glucose, as compared to control. Mean BUN values showed a significant increase, while a significant decrease was found in creatinine values from FOD stage upto fresh period in periparturient period cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which assess the haematobiochemical profiles of cows shedding acid-fast bacilli. The cows were tested positive for Johne's disease (JD) in Johnin test and acid-fast bacilli in rectal pinch. The study suggests the prevalence of anemia, in normocytic-normochromic type, in clinically JD cows. It also indicates that biochemical parameters, plasma urea nitrogen, and total cholesterol were low in JD cows.

The article presents a study of the ultrasonographic features of pericarditis and pleural effusions in bovines and its correlation with clinical, haematobiochemical and radiographic findings. Symptoms include reluctance to move, had muffled heart sounds and brisket oedema. It cites some haematobiochemical changes, one of which is increased total leukocyte count. Among the most common radiographic findings are indistinct line of diaphragm, loss of thoracic detail and loss of cardiac silhouette.

The article discusses a study assessing the haematobiochemical alterations in crossbed cows which tested positive for Johne's Disease (JD) using the Johnin test, and for acid-fast bacilli using the rectal pinch. The haemotological parameters that were studied from collected blood samples of 45 infected cows included hemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV) and total erythrocyte count (TEC). Results of the study are presented in a table which compare the parameter values exhibited by acid-fast bacilli (AFB) shedding cows against those of normal cows.

The article presents a study on the prevalence of iron deficiency in crossbred cow calves reared on pucca floor in India. For the study, researchers initiated a survey to note the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in 115 crossbred cow calves in the age group of 1-3 months reared on pucca floor. They found 45.2 percent of the calves had iron deficiency, in which 27.8 percent of them had iron deficiency anaemia and 17.4 percent of them had latent iron deficiency.

The article discusses a study which compared the clinical, haematobiochemical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic features of traumatic reticuloperitonitis in bovines. The researchers note a decreased plasma concentration of sodium, potassium, and chloride in majority of the clinical cases. The study also reveals the presence of multiple metallic foreign densities in the reticulum of the bovines.

The article discusses clinical research which aims to examine the presence of gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in the faeces of crossbred cows with anemia. Clinical symptoms such as weight loss and urine discoloration were recorded and blood samples were collected. Anemia was classified on the basis of hemoglobin and packed cell volume. The study concluded that the major etiology of anemia evolved as anemia of chronic inflammatory diseases.

The article presents a study on the plasma mineral status of buffaloes in Punjab, India in order to recognize mineral inadequacies. The study revealed that plasma calcium concentration below 2.0 mmol/l were 78.2% and 87.3% at the organized and rural dairy units respectively, while hypophospathemia was detected in 26.7% in rural compared to 11.1% in organized farm. Manganese and cobalt plasma concentration were low in 48.4% and 19% of rural and dairy animals respectively while iron and zinc are within normal limits in all animals.

The article presents a study on the hematology and iron metabolism profile in crossbred cattle in relation to age, season and lactation. The study was conducted on well-fed, regularly dewormed crossbred cattle from four different age groups. Results revealed that plasma iron concentration was lowest in heifers, plasma iron and total iron binding capacity were lower in the lactating group, and hematologic indicators are higher during winter and spring season as compared to summer and rainy seasons.

The article presents a study which examined the effect of seasonal dietary changes on hemogram and iron biochemistry of crossbred cattle in Punjab, India. Blood samples were collected from each group of crossbred cows to estimate red cell parameters and iron metabolism analytes to represent six-periods. The prevalence rate of seasonal anaemia was 40 percent during July to August, 34.2 percent during September to October and 8.82 percent during November to December period. Results revealed that plasma iron concentrations were highest during September to October and November to December and lowest during May to June in all groups. However, the values of total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were highest during May to June and lowest during September to October and November to December periods.

The article examines the electrocardiographic characteristics of clinically healthy dogs. Topics covered include 24.5 percent of dogs with P wave duration outside the reference range, 44.1 percent of dogs with QRS complex duration outside the reference range and cardiac diseases indicated by electrocardiographic abnormalities including atrioventricular blocks, conduction disturbances and ventricular and atrial hypertrophy.

The article discusses a study on the use of parenteral enrofloxacin along with zinc supplementation for treating diarrhea in buffalo calves. The economic losses caused by the disease to dairy farmers is mentioned. The results showed a shorter average recovery period and better treatment efficacy in zinc supplemented calves. Decreases in mean packed cell volume (PCV) and total lymphocyte count (TLC) values are also described.

The article discusses the study that compares the bone marrow aspirate examination of anemic and acid fast bacili shedding anemic cows with those of healthy cows for access to the type of anemia on basis of regeneration and bone marrow iron stores. The study found that there was a discrepancy in morphological classification of anemia as determined from calculated red cell indices and from peripheral blood smear examination in the study on chronic anemia in crossbred cattle of Punjab in India.

The article focuses on a study which described the haemato-biochemical profile of Bubalus bubalis buffaloes with leucoderma. The study utilized methylene blue stained blood smears from buffaloes. The smears showed the presence of Heinz bodies in the red blood cells (RBC) of the leucodermic buffaloes. Using scanning electron micrograph, the RBC were found to have poikilocytosis. The leucodermic buffaloes were also found to have higher plasma activities in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatine kinase N-acetyl-L-cysteine (CK-NAC) enzymes.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate blood copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) status of healthy goats (209) of different age groups, managed under semi intensive system in the different zones of Punjab. Blood Cu and Zn concentration were significantly influenced by the age of goats. In goats of below one year age the mean Cu concentration was 2.18 ± 0.10 mg/l which decreased significantly with the advancement of age. Zn levels were significantly (P<0.05) lower in goats below one year of age as compared with adult goats of more than one year. Subclinical deficiency of copper followed by zinc and iron was observed in goats. Trace mineral deficiencies of small ruminants have not been worked well especially in Punjab state where a lot of work has been carried out in cattle and buffaloes. Trace mineral deficiencies cause ill thrift, abortion, placental retention, reduction in immunity and increased susceptibility to infections (Suttle 2010). Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) are major essential micro-minerals. Age, breed, productivity, physiological state of animals affects mineral requirements and status (Khan et al 2007). Young animals absorb minerals more efficiently than older animals (McDowell 2003). The objective of the present work was to evaluate and compare micro-minerals status of goats of different age groups on the basis of mineral concentrations in blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]