Comparative therapeutic efficacy of oral administration of gluconeogenic precursors with nicotinamide and intravenous hypertonic dextrose solution for management of subclinical ketosis in Chilika buffaloes.

Ketosis in dairy animals originates from negative energy status, associated increased absorption, and production of ketone bodies exceeding their use by the ruminants as an energy source. The present therapeutic experiment was carried out in 29 herds of Chilika buffaloes in 16 villages of three adjoining districts of Chilika Lake, Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. Twenty Chilika buffaloes, detected positive for subclinical ketosis, were randomly selected for the study and divided into 2 groups, groups II and III, and were treated with hypertonic dextrose solution intravenously or gluconeogenic precursors along with nicotinamide orally, along with other supportive drugs in both the groups. Ten lactating Chilika buffaloes with no signs of ketosis and detected negative on Rothera test were included in the study as healthy controls (group I). Blood and milk samples were collected from all the 30 recruited buffaloes on days 0 (pre-treatment), 7, 14, and 28 for haematological and biochemical analysis. The subclinical ketosis in Chilika buffaloes did not have overt clinical signs. However, close examination revealed gradual drop in milk yield (100%), inappetence (59%), debility (46%), and uncoordinated gait (10%) without excitatory nervous signs. On day 7 following treatment, blood glucose concentration increased significantly. The mean serum triglyceride concentration of group III, treated with gluconeogenic precursors with nicotinamide, continued to decline significantly on subsequent observations. The serum enzyme activity, indicating status of liver function, declined following treatment in both the therapeutic groups. The intravenous administration of hypertonic dextrose solution compared to use of oral gluconeogenic precursors along with nicotinamide efficiently restored recovery from the subclinical ketosis in Chilika buffaloes.

Comparative efficacy of ivermectin and fenbendazole against ancylostomiasis in dogs.

The present experiment was carried out to assess the comparative efficacy of ivermectin and fenbendazole individually for anthelmintic therapy for the hookworm infested dogs. Dogs presented to the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine or Veterinary Clinical Complex, Bhubaneswar were randomly screened for Ancylostoma caninum infection and the positive dogs were selected for the therapeutic trial Faecal samples were collected randomly from presented dogs immediately after defaecation or from the rectum directly using a faecal scoop. The collected sample was examined by floatation technique to detect the positive cases of Ancylostoma caninum infection. The dogs with normal clinical parameters and no eggs or ova in the faeces were included in in group 1 (n = 12). Dogs with faecal sample positive for Ancylostoma caninum ova were recruited for the comparative study (n = 24) which were grouped into two groups consisting of 12 dogs in each (group 2 and 3). Group 2 dogs (n = 12) were treated with ivermectin at 200 µg/kg body weight once orally repeated after 15 days with proper supportive therapy each time. Group 3 (n = 12) were treated with fenbendazole at 50 mg/kg body weight once orally repeated after 15 days with proper supportive therapy each time. Haematological examinations and serum biochemical tests were carried out in all groups each time on day 0, 15 and 30 of the experiment. The therapeutic efficacy of both the drugs was calculated on the basis of number of animals found free of Ancylostoma infection as determined by reduction in EPG count of the faeces of the group following the treatment. The reduction in eggs per gram (EPG) count on day 15 and day 30 was more significant in group 2 than group 3. The mean EPG count reduced significantly to 24.17 ± 11.44 on day 15 from day 0 level of 1650.00 ± 247.25 in fenbendazole-treated dogs. On day 30, the mean value further reduced to become nil.The 15th day after treatment, mean (± SE) value of protein, albumin and globulin was changed to 5.63 ± 0.12, 2.64 ± 0.12 and 2.99 ± 0.15 g/dl, respectively. The 30th day after treatment, the values were 6.23 ± 0.14, 3.20 ± 0.18 and 3.03 ± 0.21 g/dl, respectively. The total protein and albumin values were significantly changed from day 0 level in group 2 and 3 by 15th day and 30th day, respectively, at 1% level of significance. Following treatment with ivermectin, the 15th day haematological values increased significantly at 1% level (P < 0.01) of significance. There was significant increase in the values at 1% level on the 30th day compared to day 0 and the mean values were non-significantly comparable to the healthy control group except PCV and TEC.

Molecular epidemiology, risk factors and hematological evaluation of asymptomatic Theileria annulata infected cattle in Odisha, India.

BACKGROUND: Theileria annulata is a tick-borne apicomplexan parasite that affects bovine and causes severe economic losses. Aims: Our study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of T. annulata infection in asymptomatic carrier cattle in Odisha, India, to study the association of potential risk factors with theileriosis, and to investigate the effect of the parasite infection on hematological parameters in naturally affected animals. METHODS: A total of 226 cattle blood samples were collected from seven districts of Odisha, India. Molecular diagnoses of tropical theileriosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of isolated parasites were performed. Potential risk factors were investigated by univariable and multivariable logistic regression statistical analysis. Hematological parameters were compared between positive and negative animals. RESULTS: All animals included in our study were clinically normal, however, 54.86% (124/226) of examined animals were positive by PCR for T. annulata. The multivariable logistic regression showed that contact with other cattle from different herds during grazing (P<0.0001; OR: 12.75; 95% CI: 5.21-31.21), previous history of clinical signs (P=0.002; OR: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.53-6.31), and frequency of a ectoparasiticides application pre year (P<0.0001; OR: 9.22; 95% CI: 3.03-28.09) were the potential risk factors for the occurrence of tropical theileriosis. Nucleotide sequence identity data demonstrated that T. annulata strain (MN818858) Odisha shared homology of 99.6%, 99.49%, and 99.36% with Uttar Pradesh, India (MF346035), Bahrain (AF214797), and Hyderabad, India (MK034702), respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to gain insight into the molecular epidemiology, risk factors, phylogeny, and hematological analysis of asymptomatic T. annulata infected cattle from India.

Hemato-biochemical alterations and urinalysis in dogs suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia.

AIM: The study was designed to evaluate the hemato-biochemical alterations, urinalysis along with histomorphological and histological changes of prostate glands in dogs affected with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In toto, 445 dogs presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex of the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, one Government Veterinary Hospital and two pet clinics in and around Bhubaneswar screened for the presence of BPH. Most of the 57 dogs were 6 years and above as reported by the owners. Only 57 dogs found positive for BPH basing on the presence of typical clinical signs subjected for a detailed hemato-biochemical study. Most of the 57 dogs were 6 years and above as reported by the owners. Routine and microscopic urinalyses were done as per the routine procedure. Histomorphological evaluations of prostate glands were done through manual rectal palpation. Histological examinations of prostate tissue sections of two dead dogs were conducted with routine hematoxylin and eosin stain. RESULTS: The study revealed about 12.8% (57/445) of dogs was suffering from BPH. Typical clinical signs - such as passing small thin tape-shaped feces, holding tail away from backward, tenesmus, and straining during urination and defecation - were seen in most of the cases. Urine samples of affected dogs were positive for glucose, occult blood, and protein. A significant decrease in lymphocytes and increase in eosinophil counts in dogs with BPH was recorded. Serum biochemical analysis showed a nonsignificant increase in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen with a significant decrease in total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio. Histology of prostate glands collected during postmortem was characterized by fibrosis of prostate gland, and hyperplasia of the acinar epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: High rate of the prevalence of BPH in dogs poses an alarming condition which if diagnosed at an early stage can certainly prolong the longevity of the dogs.

Successful therapeutic management of canine Isosporosis in puppies.

Four labrador male puppies were confirmed for the Isospora spp infection by direct smear and flotation method following complains of anorexia, haematemesis and haematochezia. The puppies were treated with trimethoprime and sulphamethoxazole @ 40 mg/kg body weight in combination with metronidazole @ 10 mg/kg body weight twice daily for 5 days which was supported with fluid therapy, aniemetics and plasma expanders. All the animals showed completed clinical recovery along with clearing of faecal oocyst.

Effect of Tamarindus indica leaf powder on plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, and iron in fluorotic cows.

AIM: The main objective of the study was to determine the deleterious effect of fluoride on plasma trace minerals of fluorotic cattle and to evaluate the effect of Tamarindus indica leaf powder toward correction of the same. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 cattle exhibiting chronic sign of fluorosis and 10 healthy cattle from nonfluorotic area were incorporated in this study. Fluorotic cattle were divided into three equal groups consisting of 10 cattle each. Group I from fluoride free area served as healthy control. The Group II received no treatment and served as disease control. Groups III and IV were supplemented with tamarind leaf powder at 15 g and 30 g/day with feed for 60 days. Plasma mineral status was evaluated after 60 days of treatment with double beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of data revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in mean plasma copper (Cu) (0.344±0.007 ppm), zinc (Zn) (0.692±0.06 ppm), and iron (Fe) concentration (1.100±0.01 ppm) in fluorotic cattle in comparison to healthy cattle (0.58±0.010, 2.342±0.04, 1.406±0.04 ppm, respectively). Significant (p<0.05) increase in Cu, Zn, and Fe was recorded after supplementation of tamarind leaf powder to the fluorotic cattle. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that fluorotic cattle might be supplemented with T. indica leaf powder with feed for the correction of the decreased level of certain plasma minerals.

Concurrent infestation of Notoedres, Sarcoptic and Psoroptic acariosis in rabbit and its management.

Acariotic mange in rabbits is one of the important constraints in rabbit husbandry. Sarcoptes scabies var. cuniculi and Psoroptes cuniculi are most common mites prevailed in rabbits, but Notoedres cati, is the rarest mite ever been reported in rabbit. Two New Zealand white rabbits were presented with clinical signs of pruritus, alopecia, scab and crust formation and lichenification on the upper lip, ear pinnae, eyelids, lower jaw and limbs. Deep skin scraping was taken separately from 4 to 5 different skin lesions from each rabbit, revealed mixed infestations of N. cati, S. cuniculi and P. cuniculi. Subcutaneous injection of ivermectin at weekly intervals for four weeks resulted in remission of clinical signs and improvement of health condition in rabbits. This is the first report of N. cati infestation of rabbit in Odisha.

Comparative anthelmintic efficacy of ivermectin delivered through different routes in gastrointestinal nematode infected dogs.

Ivermectin is one of the most effective and widely used antiparasitic agents ever discovered because of its broad spectrum activity against nematodes and arthropods. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the comparative anthelmintic efficacy of ivermectin by giving through oral and subcutaneous routes in clinically infected dogs and also to check the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode in dogs in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Total 154 dogs with clinical signs of gastroenteritis were examined for the presence of nematodal ova in their faecal sample and 64 were found positive (41.56 %). The screened dogs were divided in to two groups (n = 10 each), first group of animals were treated with ivermectin @ 0.5 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous route and the second group with same dose of ivermectin through oral route. Efficacy of ivermectin was evaluated based on egg per gram (EPG), haematological and biochemical parameters. It is concluded that, Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes are high in dogs in the climatic condition of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Ivermectin was found effective when administered through either of the routes. Haemato-biochemical parameters were restored after administration of ivermectin and also significant reduction in EPG was found in dogs treated with ivermectin by both the routes, but no significant difference was observed in EPG between oral and subcutaneous treated dogs in various intervals of study.

Epidemiological study of canine parvovirus infection in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

AIM: An epidemiological study of canine parvovirus infection in dogs in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha was conducted between December 2012 to March 2013 and prevalence rate was studied on the basis of age, breed, and sex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 71 fecal samples from suspected diarrheic dogs were collected in sterile phosphate buffer saline (10% W/V) and examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of canine parvo virus infection, followed by epidemiological study in relation to age, breed, and sex. RESULTS: Of 71 samples analyzed, 29 (40.85%) were found to be positive by PCR assay. The infection was higher in Deshi/local breeds (34.48%), followed by German shepherd (17.24%), equal incidences in mixed and Labrador retriever (10.34%), Rottweiler and German spitz showed 6.90% each and finally lower incidences in four breeds (3.45%) such as Dalmatians, Nea politan mastiff, Pug and Great Dane. Age-wise prevalence study revealed the infection being more in the age group of 3-6 months (41.37%), followed by equal incidences of 27.59% in 1-3 months and 6-12 months age group, and a low incidence in age groups above 12 months (3.45%). The incidence was predominantly higher in males (86.21%) than females (13.79%). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological analysis revealed that the breed wise prevalence was found to be more in Deshi breeds as compared to others, age groups below 6 months were found to be more prone to parvovirus infection and males were mostly infected.

Effect of Moringa oleifera on hematological parameters of calves reared in industrial fluorotic area.

AIM: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the ameliorative potential of dried Moringa oleifera fruit powder in fluorosis affected calves reared around the vicinity of aluminium smelter plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 107 calves were screened on the basis of clinical signs and higher plasma fluoride (more than 0.2 ppm) level for evidence of fluorosis. Out of that, 90 samples found positive and from them 18 calves of 6-12 months age group were selected and divided equally into three groups named as Group II, III, and IV. Group II remained as disease control group whereas Group III calves were supplemented with dried M. oleifera fruit powder of 25 g/calve for 60 days. Group IV calves were supplemented with calcium carbonate at 100 mg/kg body weight and boric acid at 10 mg/kg for the same experimental period. Group I consisted of six numbers of healthy calves taken from the non-fluorotic zone, i.e. Bhubaneswar. Plasma fluoride level, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential count (DC), total erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and MCH concentration (MCHC) were estimated on day 0, 30, and 60 of the experiment. RESULTS: Supplementation of dried M. oleifera fruit powder to fluorosis affected calves resulted in significant reduction in plasma fluoride level and increase in Hb%, PCV, TLC and altered DC. Similar results were also recorded in calcium+boron group, except PCV and Hb. No significant changes were observed in MCV, MCH, and MCHC values. CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that supplementation of dried M. oleifera fruit powder daily for 60 days has shown protection against chronic fluoride toxicity in calves.

l-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation to optimize health and reproduction in cattle.

Cattle can synthesize L-ascorbic acid (or Vitamin C) from either D-glucose or D-galactose through glucuronic acid pathway in the liver. L-Ascorbic acid present in cattle diet is almost totally destroyed by rumen microorganisms making them essentially dependent on its endogenous synthesis, which is assumed sufficient to meet the physiological requirement. Therefore, the role of vitamin C in cattle health and disease has remained widely overlooked. However, there is mounting evidence that the level of L-ascorbic acid in blood and other tissues decreases in association with stress and disease, and Vitamin C supplementation revealed favorable response as evident from early recovery. The present review is an attempt to summarize the existing literature pertaining to the physiological role of L-ascorbic acid and the scope of its supplementation in the prevention and treatment of diseases in cattle. It should be realized that the aqueous solution of vitamin C is highly acidic and subcutaneous or intramuscular administration may cause tissue irritation and inflammation, whereas the sodium ascorbate solution is less acidic and might be used for intramuscular administration.

Oxidative stress in lead and cadmium toxicity and its amelioration.

Oxidative stress has been implicated to play a role, at least in part, in pathogenesis of many disease conditions and toxicities in animals. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species and free radicals beyond the cells intrinsic capacity to neutralize following xenobiotics exposure leads to a state of oxidative stress and resultant damages of lipids, protein, and DNA. Lead and cadmium are the common environmental heavy metal pollutants and have widespread distribution. Both natural and anthropogenic sources including mining, smelting, and other industrial processes are responsible for human and animal exposure. These pollutants, many a times, are copollutants leading to concurrent exposure to living beings and resultant synergistic deleterious health effects. Several mechanisms have been explained for the damaging effects on the body system. Of late, oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the lead- and cadmium-induced pathotoxicity. Several ameliorative measures to counteract the oxidative damage to the body system aftermath or during exposure to these toxicants have been assessed with the use of antioxidants. The present review focuses on mechanism of lead- and cadmium-induced oxidate damages and the ameliorative measures to counteract the oxidative damage and pathotoxicity with the use of supplemented antioxidants for their beneficial effects.

Ascorbic acid, garlic extract and taurine alleviate cadmium-induced oxidative stress in freshwater catfish (Clarias batrachus).

An experiment was conducted to investigate bioaccumulation potential of cadmium (Cd) and changes in oxidative stress indices in liver and kidney tissues from Cd-exposed catfish (Clarias batrachus) with or without simultaneous treatment of water with ascorbic acid, garlic extract or taurine. C. batrachus (n=324) with average length of 20+/-4 cm and weight of 86+/-5 g were used for the present investigation. Fishes were divided into nine groups (I to IX) each comprising 36 fishes. The fishes of groups II, III, IV and V were challenged with 5 ppm of cadmium chloride monohydrate (CdCl2.H2O), whereas groups VI, VII, VIII and IX were exposed to 10 ppm CdCl2.H2O solution for a period of 45 days. Group I was kept as negative control and the fishes of this group were maintained in water containing no added Cadmium. Group II and VI were maintained as Cd exposed non treated control to serve as positive controls. Fishes of III and VII, IV and VIII, V and IX received ascorbic acid (5 ppm), extract of dried garlic (5 ppm) or taurine (5 ppm), respectively during the entire experiment period. The concentrations of Cd in liver and kidney increased significantly following exposure to Cd and the level continued to rise with the increase in exposure duration. Treatment of tank water with ascorbic acid, garlic or taurine significantly reduced the Cd concentrations in tissues compared to the positive control group, but the level in Cd exposed groups was greater than the negative control group. Fishes exposed to Cd and treated with ascorbic acid, garlic or taurine had reduced oxidative stress as evidenced from lower concentration of lipid peroxides and higher activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver, kidney and erythrocytes compared to fishes exposed to Cd. The reduction in Cd induced oxidative stress was highest in ascorbic acid treated group followed by garlic and taurine treatment. The results suggest that ascorbic acid, garlic and taurine have potential to reduce tissue accumulation of Cd and associated oxidative stress in freshwater catfish.

Tamarindus indica L. and Moringa oleifera M. extract administration ameliorates fluoride toxicity in rabbits.

Aqueous extracts of T. indica fruit pulp (100 mg/kg body weight) and M. oleifera seeds (50 mg/kg body wight) orally once daily for 90 days lowered plasma fluoride concentrations in rabbits receiving fluorinated drinking water (200 mg NaF/ Liter water). Cortical indices and metaphysial width in animals receiving extracts also revealed beneficial effects of plant extracts. Changes in plasma biochemistry suggested less hepatic and renal damages in animals receiving plant extracts along with fluorinated water in comparison to that receiving fluorinated water alone. Preliminary results revealed these plant extracts have some potential to mitigate fluoride toxicity.

Oxidative stress indices in the erythrocytes from lactating cows after treatment for subclinical ketosis with antioxidant incorporated in the therapeutic regime.

The present investigation was carried out to assess the erythrocytic oxidative stress indices such as lipid peroxides level and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and some hematological parameters after treatment of subclinically ketotic lactating cows with antioxidants, vitamin E and selenium, incorporated in conventional treatment regimen. The study was carried out using lactating cows reared in small dairy herds in and around Bhubaneswar. Out of 250 urine samples examined, 42 cows were diagnosed positive for subclinical ketosis with an overall incidence of 16.8%. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (before treatment) and treatment was initiated on day 1 and the second sampling was carried out on day 7. The hematological parameters improved significantly following treatment as compared to pre-treatment level (day 0). A significant (P < 0.05) improvement was observed on day 7 with respect to hemoglobin level (8.66 +/- 0.23 vs. 9.12 +/- 0.14 gm/dl) and packed cell volume (29.7 +/- 0.56 vs. 31.1 +/- 0.50%) in the group given routine treatment along with antioxidants. The comparison of mean lipid peroxides level before (day 0) and after treatment (day 7) revealed a significant difference in group I (routine treatment, P < 0.05) and group II (routine treatment plus antioxidants, P < 0.01). The maximum reduction in SOD activity was recorded in group II animals after treatment with conventional regimes along with supplemented antioxidants (1.29 +/- 0.08 against 1.89 +/- 0.15 units/ mg of Hb, P < 0.01). The mean value of SOD activity recorded in group III animals kept as non-treated positive control (PC) on day 7 (2.59 +/- 0.14 units/mg of Hb) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the mean level recorded on day 0 (1.91 +/- 0.31 units/mg of Hb). An almost similar trend was observed in erythrocytic catalase activity where there was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in catalase activity in the group II (RT+A) but there was no significant increase in catalase activity in non-treated positive control (PC) animals.

Oxidative stress indices in gastroenteritis in dogs with canine parvoviral infection.

Gastroenteritis of viral origin has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs during the last two decades. Amongst the viral etiologies responsible for gastroenteritis in dogs, canine parvovirus (CPV) is considered as the most pathogenic. The disease is characterized by hemorrhagic enteritis, bloody diarrhoea and myocarditis in young pups. The present study was carried out to examine alterations in oxidative stress indices in the erythrocytes from dogs suffering from gastroenteritis with or without canine parvoviral infection as confirmed by CPV-DNA amplification from faeces using specific primers for CPV-2 as well as CPV-2a and CPV-2b variants by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The present investigation utilized clinical cases of dogs with signs of acute diarrhea (n=56), and 14 more apparently healthy dogs of similar age group. Erythrocytic oxidative stress indices such as lipid peroxides level and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and blood micro-mineral (iron, copper, cobalt and zinc) status were analyzed in each dog (n=70). The acute cases of gastroenteritis in dogs were associated with altered erythrocytic lipid peroxidation as evident by estimation of malonaldehyde (MDA) concentration. The activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, the first line of antioxidant defense against damaging effects of free radicals, were also altered. The alterations in oxidative stress indices were more pronounced in cases with involvement of canine parvovirus as compared to parvo-negative cases. Our results also revealed decreased blood zinc level in diarrhoea in dogs irrespective of involvement of canine parvovirus.

Milk trace elements in lactating cows environmentally exposed to higher level of lead and cadmium around different industrial units.

The present investigation was carried out to assess the trace mineral profile of milk from lactating cows reared around different industrial units and to examine the effect of blood and milk concentration of lead and cadmium on copper, cobalt, zinc and iron levels in milk. Respective blood and milk samples were collected from a total of 201 apparently healthy lactating cows above 3 years of age including 52 cows reared in areas supposed to be free from pollution. The highest milk lead (0.85+/-0.11 microg/ml) and cadmium (0.23+/-0.02 microg/ml) levels were recorded in lactating cows reared around lead-zinc smelter and steel manufacturing plant, respectively. Significantly (P<0.05) higher concentration of milk copper, cobalt, zinc and iron compared to control animals was recorded in cows around closed lead cum operational zinc smelter. Analysis of correlation between lead and other trace elements in milk from lactating cows with the blood lead level>0.20 microg/ml (n=79) revealed a significant negative correlations between milk iron and milk lead (r=-0.273, P=0.015). However, such trend was not recorded with blood lead level<0.20 microg/ml (n=122). The milk cobalt concentration was significantly correlated (r=0.365, P<0.001) with cadmium level in milk and the highest milk cadmium (>0.10 to 0.39 microg/ml) group had significantly (P<0.05) increased milk cobalt. It is concluded that increased blood and milk lead or cadmium level as a result of natural exposure of lactating cows to these environmental toxicants significantly influences trace minerals composition of milk and such alterations affect the milk quality and nutritional values.

Level of certain micro and macro minerals in blood of cattle from fluoride polluted localities of Udaipur, India.

Analysis of soil, fodder and water samples collected from some localities of Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India revealed high fluoride concentrations indicating the areas endemic for fluoride pollution. Concentration of micro and macro minerals was estimated in blood samples collected from cattle reared in these localities, and with clinical lesions suggestive of chronic fluoride toxicity. In comparison to healthy controls, zinc, copper and manganese levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower, while cobalt and magnesium concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in fluoride-intoxicated cattle. Results of the present study suggested that interaction of fluoride with other minerals possibly played a role in pathogenesis of chronic fluoride intoxication.

Erythrocytic antioxidant defense, lipid peroxides level and blood iron, zinc and copper concentrations in dogs naturally infected with Babesia gibsoni.

Babesiosis is a common tick borne disease of dogs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world caused by different species of Babesia. The present study aimed to examine erythrocyte lipid peroxide and erythrocytic antioxidant levels in dogs with clinical babesiosis, caused by Babesia gibsoni, and impact of the disease on blood iron, zinc and copper levels. The study was conducted on 10 naturally occurring cases of canine babesiosis with the history of tick infestation, erratic pyrexia, and prolonged illness. Microscopic examination of Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears confirmed B. gibsoni infection in the erythrocytes. Six apparently healthy dogs of different age, sex and breeds, brought for either health checkup or vaccination were used for comparison. Levels of erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes were significantly (P<0.01) higher in sick dogs than those of cytologically negative dogs (catalase: 0.192+/-0.024 units/mg Hb vs 0.074+/-0.004 units/mg Hb; superoxide dismutase: 0.014+/-0.0009 units/mg Hb vs 0.006+/-0.0008 units/mg Hb and lipid peroxide: 6.01+/-0.30 nmol MDA/mg Hb vs 1.89+/-0.10 nmol MDA/mg Hb). The levels of blood micronutrients were significantly low in these dogs (iron: 89.87+/-8.12 microg/g vs 126.44+/-14.65 microg/g; zinc: 3.67+/-1.85 microg/g vs 5.62+/-1.83 microg/g and copper: 0.55+/-0.63 microg/g vs 0.65+/-0.04 microg/g). The study demonstrated oxidative damage in dogs naturally infected with B. gibsoni. Low level of blood iron, zinc and copper seems to have an additional role in the genesis of anaemia and oxidative stress.

Haematology and serum biochemistry of chital (Axis axis) and barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) reared in semi-captivity.

Haematological and serum biochemical values of clinical significance that could serve as reference data for deer kept in captivity were measured for chital (Axis axis) and barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak). The venous blood from four each of chital and barking deer (n = 8) reared in semi-captivity was collected after proper restraint of the animals. The mean blood haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count and total leukocyte count of all the eight deer of the two species were 15.90 +/- 0.44 g/dl, 51.44 +/- 0.60%, 20.83 +/- 0.57 x 10(6)/microl and 2.37 +/- 0.20 x 10(3)/microl. Serum total protein, albumin, bilirubin, cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen irrespective of species were 6.83 +/- 0.19 g/dl, 3.90 +/- 0.11 g/dl, 0.33 +/- 0.08 mg/dl, 106.81 +/- 3.59 mg/dl and 24.79 +/- 2.11 mg/dl, respectively. Serum enzyme activities indicative of liver function such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were 30.38 +/- 4.67 units/ml and 42.88 +/- 5.97 units/ml, respectively. The serum calcium and phosphorus levels of all the eight deer were 10.27 +/- 0.36 mg/dl and 8.31 +/- 0.68 mg/dl, respectively. This is the first report on baseline values in barking deer. The distribution of haematological and serum biochemical values was fairly normal, suggesting that the mean values could be representative of normal values for two different deer species.