A retrospective study on findings of canine hip dysplasia screening in Kenya

Research (Published online: 22-11-2015)

10. A retrospective study on findings of canine hip dysplasia screening in Kenya - Peter Kimeli, Susan W. Mbugua, Roger M. Cap, Gilbert Kirui, Tequiero O. Abuom, Willy E. Mwangi, Ambrose N. Kipyegon and John D. Mande

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1326-1330

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1326-1330

Abstract

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Aim: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the findings of canine hip dysplasia screening in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: Records for 591 dogs were included in this study. The data was obtained from the national screening office, Kenya Veterinary Board, for the period between the years 1998 and 2014. Monthly screening records were assessed and information relating to year of evaluation, breed, sex, age, and hip score captured. Descriptive statistics of hip scores was computed based on year, sex, age, and breed.

Results: A total of 591 records from the year 1998 to 2014 were retrieved at the National Screening Centre, the Kenya Veterinary Board. Each record was examined and data pertaining to year of screening, the breed, sex, age of the dogs, and the total hip score were recorded. The highest number of dogs screened for hip dysplasia (HD) was in the year 2009 and the lowest in the year 1998. More females than males were screened for HD and the mean age of all the dogs was 22.9±12.7 months. The most common breeds of dogs screened during the study period were German Shepherd (67.0%), Rottweiler (15.6%), and Labrador Retriever (12.2%). The mean hip score for the 591 dogs was 15.1±10.9 and the median 12.0. The mean hip scores per breed were; German Shepherd (16.3±12.1); Golden Retriever (16.0); Hungarian Vizla (15.0); Labrador Retriever (3.0±6.7); Great Dane (13.3±3.2); Rottweiler (12.2±8.2); Doberman (10.3±4.2); Rhodesian Ridgeback (9.6±3.8); and Boxer (9.3±0.6). Based on the hip score, moderate to severe HD was diagnosed in 16.6% of the dogs, mild HD in 32.7%, Borderline HD in 37.7%, fair HD in 6.9%, and good HD in 6.1%.

Conclusion: Canine HD is a common occurrence in Kenya with most dogs suffering mild to border line HD. In addition, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever appear to be the most affected breeds. It is therefore recommended that stringent measures be imposed to dog breeding programs to avoid transmission of this undesirable trait and consequently improve the welfare and the quality of dog breeds in Kenya.

Keywords: dogs, hip dysplasia, hip score, Kenya.

Staining of Platyhelminthes by herbal dyes: An eco-friendly technique for the taxonomist

Research (Published online: 22-11-2015)

9. Staining of Platyhelminthes by herbal dyes: An eco-friendly technique for the taxonomist - Niranjan Kumar, Jadav Mehul, Bhupamani Das and J. B. Solanki

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1321-1325

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1321-1325

Abstract

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Aim: An environment compatible technique to stain Platyhelminthes, Fasciola gigantica, Gastrothylax crumenifer, Taenia solium, andMoniezia expansa using aqueous and alcoholic extract of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), China rose (Hibiscus rosasinensis), and red rose (Rosa hybrida) were described to minimized the deleterious effects of the synthetic dyes.

Materials and Methods: Aqueous/ethanolic extracts of roses were extracted from the flowers while red beet was extracted from the roots.

Results: Stained helminthes acquired a comparable level of pigmentation with the distinction of their internal structure in these natural dyes. The flukes (liver and rumen) internal structure, oral and ventral/posterior sucker, cirrus sac, gravid uterus, testes, ovary, and vitallaria were appeared pink color in aqueous and alcoholic extract of either China or red rose and yellow to brown color in sugar beet stain. The interior of the proglottid of T. solium and M. expansa took yellow to brown color with good contrast in sugar beet stain and of pink to pink-red in China and red rose stain.

Conclusion: The extract of roses (red rose followed by China rose) followed by red beet possess the potential to replace the conventional stains in the taxonomic study of Platyhelminthes parasites.

Keywords: herbal dyes, Platyhelminthes, rose, sugar beet.

Electrocardiogram pattern of some exotic breeds of trained dogs: A variation study

Research (Published online: 22-11-2015)

8. Electrocardiogram pattern of some exotic breeds of trained dogs: A variation study - Joydip Mukherjee, Pradip Kumar Das, Prabal Ranjan Ghosh, Dipak Banerjee, Tripti Sharma, Debananda Basak and Sagar Sanyal

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1317-1320

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1317-1320

Abstract

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Aim: The present study has been conducted to evaluate the variation in electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters among different trained breeds of dogs (viz. Labrador, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever) used for security reasons.

Materials and Methods: The ECG was recorded by single channel ECG at a paper speed of 25 mm/s and calibration of 10 mm=1 mV. The recordings were taken from all the standard bipolar limb leads (Lead-I, II, and III) and unipolar augmented limb leads (Lead-aVR, aVL, and aVF).

Results: Heart rate was found to be highest in Labrador and lowest in German Shepherd. P-wave duration was maximum in Golden Retriever breed and lowest in Labrador. Maximum amplitude of P-wave was found in Labrador followed by German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. There was significantly (p<0.05) higher values of PR interval in German Shepherd compared to other breeds. The variation in QRS duration, ST segment duration, T-wave duration, and T-wave amplitude was found to be non-significant among breeds. Inverted T-waves were most common in Golden Retriever and German Shepherd, whereas positive T-waves were found in Labrador. There was significant (p<0.05) variation in mean electrical axis of QRS complex among different breeds and it ranges from +60° to +80°.

Conclusion: The present study provides the reference values for different ECG parameters to monitor the cardiac health status among Labrador, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever breeds.

Keywords: dog, electrocardiogram, mean electrical axis.

Comparative efficacy of different estrus synchronization protocols on estrus induction response, fertility and plasma progesterone and biochemical profile in crossbred anestrus cows

Research (Published online: 21-11-2015)

7. Comparative efficacy of different estrus synchronization protocols on estrus induction response, fertility and plasma progesterone and biochemical profile in crossbred anestrus cows - A. J. Dhami, B. B. Nakrani, K. K. Hadiya, J. A. Patel and R. G. Shah

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1310-1316

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1310-1316

Abstract

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Aim: To evaluate estrus induction response and fertility including plasma progesterone and biochemical profile following use of three standard hormonal protocols in anestrus crossbred cows.

Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 true anestrus and 10 normal cyclic cows. 10 anestrus cows each were treated with standard intravaginal controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device, Ovsynch (GPG) protocol, and Norgestomet ear implant with fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). 10 anestrus cows were kept as untreated control while 10 cows exhibiting the first estrus within 90 days postpartum without any treatment served as normal cyclic control. Blood samples were obtained from treated cows on day 0, 7, 9 (AI) of treatment and day 21 post-AI, and from control groups on the day of AI and day 21 post-AI for estimation of plasma progesterone, protein, cholesterol, calcium, and inorganic phosphorus profile.

Results: The use of CIDR, Ovsynch, and Norgestomet ear implant protocols resulted in 100% estrus induction with conception rates at induced estrus of 60%, 50%, and 50%, and the overall of three cycles as 80%, 80%, and 70%. In untreated anestrus control (n=10), only three cows exhibited spontaneous estrus within 90 days of follow-up and conceived giving the first service and overall conception rates of 66.66% and 30.00%, respectively. In normal cyclic control (n=10), the conception rates at first and overall of three cycles were 50% and 80%. The overall mean plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations in anestrus cows studied on day 0 (initiation), 7 (prostaglandin injection and/or removal of implant), 9 (FTAI) of treatment and on day 21 post-AI revealed that the values on day 7 and 21 were significantly (p<0.01) higher than other two periods in all three groups. The concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) higher in conceived than non-conceived group on day 21 post-AI in CIDR (4.36±0.12 vs. 1.65±0.82 ng/ml) and Ovsynch (4.85±0.62 vs. 1.59±0.34 ng/ml), but not in Norgestomet ear implant (4.50±0.53 vs. 3.02±1.15 ng/ml) or normal cyclic group (5.39±0.67 vs. 3.13±0.37 ng/ml). The cholesterol and protein levels were significantly higher, but not the calcium and phosphorus, in normal cyclic control than in anestrus groups. The influence of treatment days and pregnancy status was not significant for any of the biochemical constituents in any of the groups.

Conclusion: Ovsynch and/or CIDR synchronization protocol can be effectively used to improve fertility up to 80% in anestrus cows, as compared to 30% in anestrus control, combined with plasma progesterone to delineate the reproductive status before and after treatment.

Keywords: anestrus, conception rate, cow, estrus induction, fertile estrus induction interval,treatment protocols.

Therapeutic management of botulism in dairy cattle

Research (Published online: 21-11-2015)

6. Therapeutic management of botulism in dairy cattle - S. Jegaveera Pandian, M. Subramanian, G. Vijayakumar, G. A. Balasubramaniam and K. Sukumar

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1305-1309

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1305-1309

Abstract

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Aim: To report the successful recovery of few dairy cattle from botulism in response to a modified therapeutic strategy.

Materials and Methods: Seventy four naturally-occurring clinical cases of bovine botulism encountered during the period of 2012-2014 which were confirmed by mouse lethality test became material for this study. Affected animals were made into three groups based on the treatment modifications made during the course of study.

Results and Discussion: With the modified therapeutic regimen, 17 animals recovered after 7-10 days of treatment. Clinical recovery took 2-30 days. Animals which were not given intravenous fluid and calcium recovered uneventfully. Cattle which were already treated with intravenous fluids, calcium borogluconate, and antibiotics did not recover. They were either died or slaughtered for salvage.

Conclusion: In cattle with botulism, administration of Vitamin AD3E and activated charcoal aid the clinical recovery. Besides, strictly avoiding anti-clostridial antibiotics, fluid therapy, and calcium therapy may facilitate the clinical recovery. Upon fluid administration, the pulmonary congestion existed in the ailing cattle might have worsened the anoxia. Administration of antibiotics like penicillin, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines further worsen the neuronal paralysis by increasing the availability of botulinum neurotoxin. Cattle in early botulism have fair chances of recovery with the modified therapy.

Keywords: botulism, cattle, neurotoxin, paralysis, therapy.

Prevalence and epidemiology of Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum from poultry in some parts of Haryana, India

Research (Published online: 14-11-2015)

5. Prevalence and epidemiology of Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum from poultry in some parts of Haryana, India - Devan Arora, Suresh Kumar, Naresh Jindal, Gulshan Narang, P. K. Kapoor and N. K. Mahajan

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1300-1304

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1300-1304

Abstract

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Aim: The present study was investigated to ascertain the epidemiological status of fowl typhoid (FT) in broilers in some parts of Haryana during January 2011 to December 2013.

Materials and Methods: To elucidate the epidemiological status of FT in broiler chickens for the 3 years (2011-2013) and to study the prevalence of various Salmonella serovars in poultry on the basis of culture characteristics, biochemical features, serotyping, and their antibiogram profile from some parts of Haryana (India).

Results: A total of 309 outbreaks of FT were recorded in chickens during this period. Overall percent morbidity, mortality, case-fatality rate (CFR) in broiler chicks due to FT during this period was 9.45, 6.77, and 71.55. The yearly observations were divided into quarters A (January-March), B (April-June), C (July-September) and D (October-December). Maximum number of outbreaks - 106 (34.3%) was recorded in quarter D followed by quarters B - 84 (27.3%), C - 64 (20.7%), and A - 55 (17.7%). Salmonella isolates (253) were recovered from disease outbreaks in broilers from different parts of Haryana. Typical morphology and colony characters on MacConkeys Lactose Agar and Brilliant Green agar, biochemical reactions, serotyping along with antibiogram profiles were able to group these isolates into 3 groups namely Salmonella Gallinarum (183), Salmonella Enteritidis (41) and Salmonella Typhimurium (29). The antibiogram pattern of 183 isolates of S. Gallinarum revealed that most of the isolates were sensitive to gentamicin (76%) followed by amikacin (72%), kanamycin (71%).

Conclusion: FT is prevalent in commercial broiler flocks in different parts of Haryana and is responsible for considerably high morbidity and mortality in affected flocks. Isolation of S. Gallinarum (9, 12:183) from FT cases suggest it to be the primary pathogen, however, isolation of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis from these cases is a major concern. The detection of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium from FT cases assumes significance from public health point of view.

Keywords: antibiogram, salmonella gallinarum, serotyping.

Exploring the effects of inclusion of dietary fresh Azolla on the performance of White Pekin broiler ducks

Research (Published online: 14-11-2015)

4. Exploring the effects of inclusion of dietary fresh Azolla on the performance of White Pekin broiler ducks - Parag Acharya, G. P. Mohanty, C. R. Pradhan, S. K. Mishra, N. C. Beura and B. Moharana

Veterinary World, 8(11): 1293-1299

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1293-1299

Abstract

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Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the dietary advantages of inclusion of unconventional nutrient source, i.e., Azolla in the basal diet of White Pekin broilers.

Materials and Methods: All ducklings were randomly distributed into three treatment groups with three replicates each and each replicate having 12 ducklings and were reared in deep litter system. Groups were subjected to three dietary treatments such as G1: Basal diet, G2: Basal diet + 5% fresh Azolla of basal diet, G3: Basal diet + 10% fresh Azolla of basal diet. During experimental period, parameters, such as bodyweight, bodyweight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and economic of production, were recorded.

Results: The result showed that body weights in every week, except the 5^th week, did not differ significantly between groups. However, no significant difference was observed between the groups in any week in terms of absolute body weight gain and feed consumption. As regard to FCR, the 10% Azolla group (G3) showed the best feed efficiency followed by the 5% Azolla group (G2) and the control group (G1). On the basis of profit/bird or profit/kg live weight, each of the Azolla-fed group showed a higher economic efficiency than the control.

Conclusion: From the experiment, it was concluded that Azolla at 5 or 10% level can be included in the diet to economize the White Pekin broiler farming, and it can be great impetus to poultry farming to include unconventional nutrient source as a dietary supplement.

Keywords: Azolla, body weight gain, economic efficiency, feed conversion ratio, White Pekin broilers.