jul2014
Post on 03-Apr-2016
218 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
Girish Kumar, S Nandi, Mohammad Farman and Shiv Kumar Tripathi
Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bangalore, India
2National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bangalore (E-mail id-kumargir@rediffmail.com)
• Balanced nutrition plays a major role on enhancing reproductive efficiency in domestic animals.
• Energy and protein are the major nutrients required in the greatest amounts and are the topmost priority
in order to optimize reproduction.
• Minerals and vitamins also cannot be neglected and must be balanced in the diet.
• These nutrients should not be under fed or over-fed as these may cause reproductive failures.
• Under feeding results in the loss of body weight and body condition, delays the onset of puberty,
increases the post-partum interval to conception, interferes with normal ovarian cyclicity and increases
infertility. Similarly overfeeding may also leads to similar reproductive problems.
Energy
• Energy balance is the single most important nutritional factor related to poor reproductive function in
animals.
• Reproductive functions are compromised because available energy is directed towards meeting
minimum energy reserves and milk production.
• Reducing energy intake during late gestation increases the length of postpartum anestrous and reduces
subsequent pregnancy rate.
• Excess energy intake during late lactation and the dry period may cause “fat cow” syndrome.
• High energy intake decreased duration of estrus (standing heat), increased double ovulation rate
(increased twining), decreased conception rate and increased pregnancy loss.
Protein
• Inadequate protein intake reduces reproductive performance.
• Post-partum cows are often fed with a diet containing high levels of protein (17-19 %) to meet the
energy demand.
Newsletter Date : 31st July 2014 Volume No: 3 Issue : 07
Veterinary College, Bengaluru Monthly e-Bulletin
• S e l e n i u m
toxicity may
• A diet formulated with high levels of protein may often increase the milk production, however it also is
accompanied with reduced follicular growth and ovulation, ovarian function, fertilization and embryo
development, maternal reorganization of pregnancy and implantation and thereby decreased fertility in
dairy cows.
• Supplying adequate energy in form of gur or molasses for excretion of excess ammonia or urea may
somewhat prevent decreases in fertility.
• Diets rich in crude protein can result in elevate blood and follicular fluid ammonia and urea
concentrations which can harm the ova.
• A high level of blood urea nitrogen has a toxic effect on the sperm, the ova, and the developing embryo.
• Thus, overfeeding protein should be discouraged as it is costly and wasteful.
• Feeding protein and urea so that early and late lactating cows have a diet containing 16% and 12%
protein respectively is required to optimize the fertility of the cows.
• Cows fed a well-formulated diet should have a milk urea nitrogen ( MUN )value between 11.5 and 14.0
mg/100 ml and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or MUN values >16 to 17 mg/100 ml for cows or heifers
may indicate a risk for reduced reproductive performance.
Fats
• Rations are often supplemented with fats to increase the energy intake in the early postpartum period
and to increase fertility.
• Fats have a positive effect on egg quality and can support early embryonic survival. Increasing fat in
the diet may increase levels of reproductive hormones (progesterone, estrogen, prostaglandins).
• However, exceeding these dietary fat levels (>5%) impairs rumen function.
Minerals and Vitamins
• Minerals and vitamins are key factor for all physiological processes in animals including reproduction.
• A proper mineral balance prior to calving helps cows successfully maintaining the lactation, decreasing
the incidence of metabolic disorders postpartum, increasing early lactation production and maintaining
reproductive integrity.
• Optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus is required to decrease the occurrence of milk fever.
• Phosphorus deficiency may cause decreased fertility rate, feed intake, milk production, decreased
ovarian activity, irregular estrous cycles, increased occurrence of cystic ovaries, delayed sexual
maturity and low conception rates.
• The ration containing 0.45- 0.50 % phosphorus and 0.75- 0.80 % calcium on dry matter basis should be
provided to high producing cows.
• Selenium supplementation reduces the incidence of retained placentas, cystic ovaries, mastitis and
metritis, incidence of abortions, still births and peri-parturient recumbence.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
• Selenium toxicity may produce abortions, stillbirth and weak and lethargic calves. Diets should contain
at least 0.1 ppm selenium on a dry matter basis.
• Zinc deficiency results in development of low competent oocytes in female and poor semen quality,
reduced testicular size and libido in males. The recommended dietary content of zinc for dairy cattle is
between 18 and 73 ppm depending upon the stage of reproductive cycle and dry matter intake.
• Copper deficiency may cause early embryonic death, resorption of embryo, increased retained and
necrosis of the placenta, weak and silent heats.
• A deficiency in manganese may be associated with suppression of estrus, cyclic ovaries and reduced
conception rate.
• Reduced fertility and sub-optimal conditioning of the offspring are noted in a cobalt deficiency.
Inadequate cobalt levels in the diet increase early calf mortality. The required dietary content of cobalt
for dairy cattle is 0.11ppm.
• Iodine deficiency impairs reproduction and iodine supplementation is recommended when necessary to
insure that cows consume 15-20 mg of iodine each day.
• Chromium deficiency in lactating cows may increase the incidence of ketosis and decreased milk
production.
• Deficiency of Vitamin A can cause delayed uterine involution, delayed first estrus after calving,
delayed ovulation and increased incidence of cystic ovaries.
• Vitamin E and selenium deficiencies reduced ovulation rate, uterine motility, sperm motility and
transport, conception rate and post-partum activities, fetal membrane expulsion, embryo survival, milk
production, post natal growth.
Recommendations
• Nutrition is directly related to reproduction in the dairy cow.
• Proper balancing of energy and protein is required to ensure optimum reproductive efficiency.
• Overfeeding of protein is detrimental to reproductive performances.
• Nutrient either in deficient amount or in higher amount is capable of altering reproduction.
• Supplementation with minerals and vitamins is extremely important for optimal reproduction.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
p r o d u c e
a b o r t i o n s ,
Dr. Madhukar * and Prof. H. A. Upendra#
*Assistant Professor, #The Director, Institute of Wildlife Veterinary Research, KVAFSU, Doddaluvara, Kodagu – 571232.
(E-mail: madhukar262@gmail.com )
• To the untrained eye, African elephants
(Loxodonta africana) and Asian
elephants (Elephas maximus) can be
indistinguishable, but there are key
physical features that make these two
species relatively easy to tell apart.
• The most noticeable physical differences
can be seen in the ears, tusks and head
shapes of the two species.
African elephants have large ears,
shaped much like the continent of Africa
itself. The larger surface area of their ears
helps to keep African elephants cool in the
blazing African sun. Asian elephants have less
to worry about heat-wise, as they tend to live
in cool jungle areas, so their ears are smaller.
Asian and African elephants have very
distinct head shapes. African elephants have
fuller, more rounded heads, and the top of
their head is a single dome. Asian elephants have a twin domed head with an indent in the middle.
The African elephant’s stomach slopes diagonally downward towards its hind legs, while the Asian
elephant’s stomach tends to be straight or sags in the middle. Similarly the back also shows a remarkable
difference, with the Asian elephant having either a
straight or slightly convex back, the African ele-
phant’s back has a concave shape.
There's another thing sets them apart:
Only male Asian elephants grow tusks and even then,
not all males will have them. In African elephants,
both sexes generally (but not always) exhibit tusks.
Beyond these larger, more noticeable details,
there are many other, smaller features that distinguish
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
-the two elephant species: number of toenails, how wrinkled
their skin is, the feel of their trunk, and even the shape of their
teeth.
Asian elephants carry five nails on forefoot and four on
hind foot, whereas African elephants carry four nails on forefoot
and three on hind foot.
Asian elephant’s skin is much more dynamic compared
to African elephants. Asian elephants have a smooth skin which becomes de-pigmented with age. Experts
can even estimate the age of elephants based on the degree of de-pigmentation. On the contrary, skin of the
African elephants is coarse, loose and never gets de-pigmented.
The flexibility of trunk varies between Asian
and African elephants. Asian elephants have a longer
rigid trunk with less number of rings, and single finger
at the tip. African elephants have a relatively smaller
trunk with two fingers at the tip, flexibility of which is
assisted by large number of rings. The Asian elephants
can hold objects with the trunk twice the size as
compared to African elephants; however latter has
double the grip on the objects it holds.
The shape of teeth also varies between African and Asian
elephants. While African elephants have a semi-lunar structure,
structure, Asian elephants have a elliptical arrangement of tooth
of tooth laminae.
Owing to the structure of habitat which governs the body
size, Asian elephants are significantly smaller and compact when
compared to African elephants. A male Asian elephant measures
from 2.25 to 2.75 meters whereas its African counterpart can grow up to 3.6 meters. Similarly, a female
Asian elephant grows 2.1 to 2.4 meters high, whereas an African female can average 2.3 to 2.7 meters.
These differences are reflected in their overall size and weight. For instance male and female Asian
elephants weigh 3.7-4.5 tons and 2.3 to 3.7 tons; whereas African elephants can easily weigh up to 4 tons.
Various reproductive features show remarkable differences between these species. The temporal
glands (or Musth gland), which secretes a testosterone rich tarry fluid is carried by only male Asian
elephants, whereas both the sexes of African elephants have an active temporal gland. Asian elephants
have one offspring at a time, while African elephants can give birth to twins. A female Asian elephant will
typically bear her young every three or four years, with the baby reaching complete independence at about
four years of age. On the contrary, a female African elephant will typically only bear young once every
four to nine years, and it takes up to 13 years for the baby elephant to reach complete independence.
Despite these physical differences, both species of elephant are very similar socially. Both species
of elephant are herd animals living within defined social structures. The herds are usually led by the oldest-
female, and are made up of her daughters, sisters and their offspring. Once they reach puberty, male calves
leave the mother's herd and join other young males in bachelor groups. Older males tend to be solitary.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
• A diet for-
mulated with
As Asian and African elephants do not come in contact in the wild,
there has only been one incident of cross-breeding between the two species.
In 1978, at the Chester Zoo in England, the Asian elephant cow Sheba gave
birth to a calf with an African elephant bull named Jumbolino. Their calf
was named Motty, who had features of both his parents. Sadly he was
premature and died of stomach complications two weeks later.
The Asian elephant’s diet primarily consists of grass, while the
African elephant favours leaves. Although both African and Asian elephants can be trained, the Asian
elephants are gentler towards humans and are more predictable.
Asian elephants are categorised as endangered as its population is decreasing, whereas African
elephants are labelled vulnerable. Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are the major threats to
Asian elephants, whereas poaching for ivory and meat have been major traditional threats to African
elephants, with habitat loss and fragmentation becoming important only recently.
The differences in African and Asian elephants have been selected to achieve adaptability to the
distinct habitats of these regions. For instance, the Asian elephants live in a hilly habitat, which would not
have been possible if it would have been bigger in size and larger in weight. Many interesting questions
remain to be answered. Like, the reason behind both the sexes of African elephants having tusks compared
to only males in Asian elephants; the need for different number of nails in these species and so on. Human
activities are also having a significant impact on these species Studies have showed that Asian elephants,
due to high pressure of hunting for larger tusks, are being selected negatively for the size of their tusks,
which is believed to lead to a reduction in their size with coming generations.
B. N. Nagaraj, A. S. Patil, R. Rathod , M. S. Vasanth and L. Ranganath
Department of Veterinary Surgery & Radiology, Veterinary College Hebbal, Bangalore-560024; KVAFSU - Bidar; Karnataka state
(E-mail id-settihallynag@rediffmail.com)
Vertebral fractures and luxation are a common cause of neurologic injury in cats, most frequently
because of road traffic accidents, animal attack and falling from a height. They usually occur at the
junction between stable and more mobile areas of the spine. The terminal thoracic region is most affected
followed by sacrococcygeal, lumbar and cervical.
Whether your dog has had spinal surgery due to injury or disease, it is imperative to deliver
suitable post-operative care once you bring him home. Keeping him confined to reduce movement as
much as possible, providing him with adequate food and water, checking his incision site regularly,
monitoring his waste elimination and knowing when to contact your veterinarian are essential parts of
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
-home medical care after spinal surgery. Following are the essential things a dog owner should know for
nursing and rehabilitation of a paralytic patient.
Crate Rest:
After spinal surgery, it is important to keep your dog as still as possible for at least three weeks.
This requires confining him to a crate, carrier or dog playpen. The enclosure should be large enough for
the dog to lie down comfortably, stand up in and turn around, but not so large that he is able to stand on his
hind legs or jump up. Your dog may whine to be let out, but don't give in. A new injury to the spine will
lengthen the recovery time or may even undo the surgical correction. If you have properly crate-trained
your dog, this confinement should not be too stressful for him, as long as you take him out two to three
times a day to eliminate waste.
Surgical Site:
The incision area should be kept clean, but removing forming scabs is not necessary. Scabs and
bruises are normal and will resolve in one to two weeks. You can relieve any discomfort and hasten the
healing process by applying hot compresses three times a day for about 10 minutes. Warm a clean, wet
washcloth in the microwave for a few seconds, testing it on your own skin for the appropriate temperature,
then press it gently against the irritated area. Check the incision site carefully (two to three times a day) for
any signs of infection. If it becomes swollen, redder, increasingly painful to the touch, or starts oozing,
contact your veterinarian right away.
Feeding and Nutrition:
A dog is usually kept overnight or longer at the veterinarian's office after spinal surgery to monitor
his readiness to return home. If, however, he is still recovering from the anesthesia when you take him
home, don't be surprised if he does not eat for a day or even two days. Offer him smaller, more frequent
meals than usual so his digestive system has time to readjust. He may be quite thirsty so provide plenty of
water. If he does not resume eating or drinking in a day or two, contact your veterinarian.
It is extremely important and enteral feeding should be
instigated in in appetent animals within 72 hours.
Oesophagostomy tubes (Fig.-1) are preferred for enteral feeding
in animals with intracranial disease, as nasogastric tubes can
cause sneezing and an associated increase in ICP. In animals with
brainstem lesions resulting in dysphagia and megaoesophagus,
gastrostomy tubes are preferred in order to prevent regurgitation
and aspiration. Feeding should be commenced slowly.
In animals that are interested in eating voluntarily, water
and food are introduced gradually in the postoperative period (small amounts every 1-2 hours) with strict
attention to the ability to swallow. Once it has been ascertained that these animals can swallow normally
without regurgitation, normal feeding routines can be resumed. Intravenous fluid therapy is necessary until
oral intake has reached recommended maintenance levels. When oral intake is reduced, supplementation
with potassium chloride (KCI) is required in order to maintain normal serum potassium levels of about
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
3.5-5.5 mmol/l.
Fluid therapy:
It is required in the neurological patient to ensure normovolaemia and normotension and to
minimize alterations in electrolyte and acid-base balance. Water restriction was previously thought to
decrease brain water content but it is now known that the adverse effects of this action on blood viscosity
result in decreased oxygen delivery, which stimulates vasodilation and increases cerebral blood volume
and intracranial pressure.
Elimination:
Remove your dog very gently from the crate three times a day and take him outside for waste
elimination. You may have to support him by putting your arm under him or creating a sling out of a
towel. Be patient and careful during this process. Do not move him with quick, jerky movements because
that will aggravate his healing spine. Make a note of how often and about how much he urinates. If he
does not urinate at least two times a day (or if you notice a swollen bladder or urine leaking while he is in
the crate), contact your veterinarian because urine retention will make your pet uncomfortable and may
cause damage to his bladder and kidneys. Prolonged and repeated staining with urine hastens skin
infection and also causes urine scalding. Use absorbant cotton to remove urine stains and take advantage
of gravity to provide draiage or keep the animal on a mat with holes in it.
Bladder care, infection and prevention:
The downer pet is often inefficient at keeping the bladder empty. This strongly predisposes the pet
to the development of bladder infection that can ascend to the kidney and cause very big problems.
Animals with spinal lesions at the level of the waist or higher will have excessive bladder tone (the
so-called upper motor neuron bladder). This means that the bladder will require manual expression by
pressing or squeezing. Your vet will show you how to do this. Emptying the bladder should be done a
minimum of three times daily. If the bladder is allowed to remain over-filled, it will stretch out and
become flaccid. After a couple of weeks, the upper motor neuron bladder develops into an "automatic"
bladder, which means that when it fills, it will empty on its own. If the bladder has over-stretched in the
first 2 weeks after the spinal injury, it will not be able to empty itself (Atonic bladder) when it develops the
neurologic capability to empty later on.
Spinal injuries of the lower back produce a lower motor neuron bladder, which simply leaks and
never has enough tone to fill. It is important not to assume that an animal can empty his own bladder
simply because there is urine in the bedding. The full bladder may simply be overflowing. Regular
emptying of the bladder (once in every 6-8 hours) is one of the best ways to prevent bladder infection.
If the dog is heavy or totally recumbent- Use of urinary catheters with closed collection systems
not only assists with monitoring fluid balance but also helps keep the animal comfortable and reduces the
need for manual expression of the bladder. However, this has to be balanced against the increased risk of
developing a urinary tract infection. Placement of indwelling catheters should be performed using sterile
Catheters are then attached to sterile closed collection systems.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
To prevent tension on the bladder and urethra, the
collection system is bandaged to the hind limb (Fig-2).
Thermoregulation:
Animals with neuromuscular disease have an impaired
ability to thermo regulate. In cold climates, the inability to
shiver can lead to hypothermia. In hot climates, the inability to
pant adequately can lead to hyperthermia. As a result, the
temperature of these animals needs to be monitored closely at
all times.
To warm animals, passive heating with heat lamps, hot-air blankets and warmed intravenous fluids
is preferred. For small dogs and cats, incubators are also useful. Direct heat should be avoided, as poor
circulation prevents heat dissipation and can lead to serious burns.
In severely hypothermic animals (32°C), more aggressive methods of warming may be required,
including gastric lavage with warm water, warm-water enemas or peritoneal lavage with warm sterile
saline. For hypothermic animals that are also hypovolaemic or dehydrated, aggressive warming should be
avoided as warming causes peripheral vasodilation and worsening of hypovolaemia. ln these animals,
warming should be performed slowly and in conjunction with appropriate fluid therapy, as previously
discussed. Warming should cease when the rectal temperature reaches 1°C below target body temperature
(37.0°C) to prevent excessive increases in temperature and hyperthermia.
To cool animals, passive cooling with fans and the shaving of hairy dogs is generally effective. For
severe hyperthermia (>42°C), intravenous fluid therapy should be instigated. The animal can be sprayed
with cool water over the neck and medial surfaces of the upper limbs. Cooling peripherally is not
recommended as blood vessels are more prone to vasoconstriction, which predisposes to 'sludging' of the
blood and disseminated intravascular coagulation. It is important to remember that aggressive and rapid
cooling also results in peripheral vasoconstriction, which increases the risk of the animal developing
disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thus, the temperature should be monitored closely; cooling should
cease and the ani mal be dried when rectal temperature reaches 1°C above target temperature (39.5°C), to
prevent excessive reduction in body temperature and hypothermia.
Bedding:
Suitable bedding depends on the circumstances (as illustrated in
Fig. - 3).
• Animals that can maintain sternal recumbency should be on a
grate or a sling bed that allows drainage of urine away from the
animal. Such flooring and beds do not always provide adequate
padding for recumbent large-breed, thin animals. These animals
should be placed on a porous, well padded surface so that the
skin does not get moist and urine can drain away.
• If the animal is trying to rise, it is important that the floor is
non-slip and that area is confined to minimize the risk of falling.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
Skin care:
The paralyzed pet will probably have some ability to drag himself or change positions somewhat
but be aware of sores developing on pressure points. Especially vulnerable areas include: elbows, ankles,
and hips. Similarly, the paralyzed pet may be very strong in the forelegs and move around with the rear
quarters dragging. This can lead to scraped skin, especially if the pet does not have sensation to the rear
limbs and cannot feel what would normally be quite painful. If sores develop, see your veterinarian for
care. Padding or bandages for these areas may be needed.
Animals with neurological diseases also develop skin problems as a result of recumbency, urinary
incontinence, sensory dysfunction and boredom (stereotypical behaviour). Problems range from mild skin
irritation to decubital ulcers, severe urine scald and self-mutilation. General skin care of the recumbent
animal involves keeping the animal clean and dry. Incontinent animals with long hair coats should be
clipped in the perineal and inguinal regions so that the underlying skin can be cared for appropriately.
However, if possible, the coat should be left over the common pressure points to provide some natural
padding. A waterproof barrier cream can be placed on clean dry skin to protect it from urine scalding.
Decubital ulcers - develop over pressure points such as the greater trochanter of the femur as a result of
prolonged periods of obstruction to the local circulation. Ulcers can develop in small as well as large dogs,
but are unusual in cats. The affected tissue undergoes ischaemic necrosis, and inconsequential lesions can
rapidly develop into large, deep ulcers as the dead tissue sloughs. Prevention of ulcers is better than cure,
and this can be achieved by:
• The regular turning of recumbent animals (every 4-6 hours)
• Pressure point massage to promote circulation every 4-6 hours
• Suitable bedding
• Daily sling-supported walking ('slinging') of recumbent animals is also important to take the weight off
the affected area. This also increases the general circulation.
Treatment of decubital ulcers includes:
• Providing appropriate bedding and pressure relief
• Clipping the hair to show the full extent of the problem
• Surgical debridement of ischaemic tissue
• The application of wound dressings to promote healing by second intention
Self-mutilation - It occurs in animals with a complete lack of sensation (i.e. deep pain negative animals),
as a result of paraesthesias, and in bored or stressed animals as a stereotypic behaviour. If an animal starts
to lick or bite a part of its body, this should be prevented by the use of an Elizabethan or bite collar. In
addition the patient should be assessed for an obvious trigger (e.g. a decubital ulcer) and treated
appropriately. The environment should be made as stimulating as possible in case the problem is a
reflection of stress and boredom.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
Care of the respiratory system:
Neurological, particularly recumbent, animals are at risk of: Hypoventilation, Aspiration
pneumonia, Pulmonary atelectasis and Non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Any tetraplegic animal is at
risk of hypoventilation as a result of paralysis of the muscles of respiration. This paralysis can be a result
of lower motor neuron (e.g. botulism, polyradiculoneuritis) or upper motor neuron (e.g. cervical fracture,
atlantoaxial subluxation, brainstem disease) problems.
Physiotherapy:
Passive range of motions - Muscles are more comfortable when kept flexible. As long as there are no
dislocations or healing fractures, passive flexion and extension and light massage are good for the
paralyzed limbs. The joints of the leg are moved through the full range of natural motion and relaxed. This
is repeated for about 5 to 10 minutes two to three times daily. Massage and passive range of motion can
usually begin almost immediately after recovery from surgery. Massage should be performed in a distal to
proximal direction in order to promote venous return.
Hot packing is useful to reduce swelling, pain and muscle spasm. Hot packs should be insulated from the
animal’s skin; treatments should last 10–20 min repeated every 8–12 hr.
Sling or Towel walking a paraplegic dog by
supporting its hindquarters with a towel placed under
the abdomen just in front of the pelvic limbs. The
tail can also be used to provide support provided that it
is held at the base to avoid injury. Keep in mind that a
dog supported from the rear may be difficult to lead. A
second person steering in front may be helpful. Ask
your veterinarian to show you how to do the exercises.
The use of slings and hoists to get dogs into a normal
standing position should be attempted at least for 30
minutes twice a day (Fig. - 4), although this may not be
possible in animals that have suffered severe trauma. In
general, dogs are placed in their sling for as long as
they will tolerate it: this can range from a minute to half
an hour, depending on the stage of recovery and the individual. When the patient puts its entire
bodyweight on the sling instead of supporting it themselves or shows signs of discomfort, it should be
taken down from the sling. This walking is helpful physical therapy to keep muscles flexible and strong.
Ultrasound is another way of applying warmth to deeper tissues and is useful to prevent and treat muscle
spasm. Ultrasound is converted to heat, mainly at the bone–tissue interface; it causes little temperature rise
in superficial tissue. Intensities from 0.5 to 4 W/s are used.
Low Power, Cold Laser is also used immediately after surgery to stimulate healing by evoking an
intracellular, photochemical response; it also causes release of serotonin to provide pain relief.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
Swimming in a whirlpool bath or a bathtub (Fig. - 5) is invaluable but the animal must be dried
thoroughly afterwards.
Carts - Mobility carts are especially important for the paralyzed dog that is strong in the front legs
(Fig.- 6). A dog with a strong upper body will be able to run and exercise in a cart, which is not only
healthy but psychologically good as well. Carts are fitted according to specific measurements. The use of
cart to get dogs into a normal standing position should be attempted at least for 30 minutes twice a day.
Care of the downer dog requires commitment and dedication. If the dog is too big for one person to
move, the effort needed is that much more. Still, for the right dog and human family, paralysis need not
interrupt the bond.
M.A.Kshama and A.Muralidhara Dept. of TVCC, Veterinary College, Bangalore, KVAFSU
(E-mail id:kshamabopanna@rediffmail.com) The Doberman Pinscher is among the most common of pet breeds, well known for its
intelligence, alertness, and loyalty, originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann,
a tax collecttook him through many bandit-infested areas.or from Germany.
Doberman Pinschers were first bred in the town of Apolda, in
the German state of Thuringia around 1890, following the
Franco-Prussian War by one, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.
These dogs helped him in the dangerous role of local tax collection,
and he ran the Apolda dog pound. With access to dogs of many
breeds, he aimed to create a breed that would be ideal for protecting
him during his collections that took him through many
bandit-infested areas. He set out to breed a new type of dog that
would be the perfect combination of strength, speed, endurance, loyalty, intelligence and ferocity.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
Later, Otto Göller and Philipp Gruenig continued to develop the breed to become the dog that is
seen today. The breed is believed to have been created from several different breeds of dogs that had the
characteristics that Dobermann was looking for, including the German Pinscher, the Beauceron,
the Rottweiler, the Thuringian Sylvan Dog, the Greyhound, the Great Dane, the Weimaraner, the German
Shorthaired Pointer, the Manchester Terrier and the Old German Shepherd Dog. After Dobermann's death
in 1894, the Germans named the breed Dobermann-pinscher in his honor, but a half century later dropped
the 'pinscher' on the grounds that this German word for terrier was no longer appropriate. The British did
the same a few years later. During World War II, the United States Marine Corps adopted the Doberman
Pinscher as its official War Dog, although the Corps did not exclusively use this breed in the role.
Description
The Doberman Pinscher male weighs about 34-41 kgs and female
weighs about 27-36 kgs. The males reach a height of 68 cms and females
about 63 cms. Their average life span is about 10-13 years. It is a
medium sized, squarely built dog with compact, muscular body. The head
is long and when viewed from the side looks like a blunt wedge. The
top of the skull is flat and turns into the muzzle with a slight stop. The
color of the nose depends on the color of the dog’s coat i.e. black on
black black dogs, dark brown on red dogs, dark grey on blue dogs and
dark tan on fawn dogs. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The color of the
almond shaped eyes is various shades of brown depending on the coat
color of the dog. The ears are cropped (cut at the age of about 12 weeks- controversial now, banned in
several countries) and stand erect. The pups ears have to be taped for a couple of months to make them
stand up. A lot of breeders and dog owners are now leaving the ears natural which develop into ears
resembling that of a hound and is partially drooping. The tail is docked at
about 3 days of age which is again not advocated these days and if
allowed to grow naturally, develops similar to that of a hound. The chest
is broad and the legs are perfectly straight. The coat is short, hard, thick
and glossy and sometimes there is a gray undercoat at the neck region.
They come in different colors like black, black with tan, red and fawn.
There is also said to be a solid white color. When markings appear, they
are above each eye, on the muzzle, throat, fore chest, legs, feet and tail.
White markings if present are considered a fault in some clubs but are
accepted in others.
Temperament
Doberman Pinschers are super energetic with tremendous strength and stamina. They are not suited
to kennel or backyard life and need to be with people. They need constant human interaction and
leadership. They are tolerant, loyal, dedicated and affectionate with the family and determined, bold and
assertive while working. They are also very adaptable, highly skilled, versatile, intelligent and very easy to
to train. They are said to be outstanding as guard dogs and watch dogs and do not require additional
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
-protection training. However this breed is not suited for everyone and needs an owner who is able to
display a natural authority over the dog. All the members of the family should be firm, confident and
consistent in setting rules and sticking to them. Otherwise they can become stubborn and wilful if allowed
to have their own way. They require mental stimulation and a lot of daily exercise to be happy and content
and they should be socialized right from puppyhood. Though they have a reputation of being very
aggressive dogs, this is not true and happens only when they are not handled with authority. In fact, they
are said to make great therapy dogs, being sweet and gentle with patients.
Issues regarding health
The Doberman may suffer from a number of health concerns.
Common serious health problems include dilated cardiomyopathy,
Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI), cervical spondylitis (wobbler
syndrome), Von Willebrand's disease (a genetic bleeding
disorder) and prostatic diseases. Other common less serious health
c o n c e r n s i n c l u d e h y p o t h y r o i d i s m a n d h i p
dysplasia. Canine compulsive disorder is also common.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major cause of death
in Doberman Pinschers. This disease affects Dobermans more than any other breed. This serious disease is
likely to be fatal in most Doberman Pinschers affected. Across multiple studies, more than half of the
Doberman Pinschers studied develop the condition. Following diagnosis, the average non-Doberman
has an expected survival time of 8 months whereas for Doberman Pinschers, the expected survival time is
less than 2 months. Although the causes for the disease are largely unknown, there is evidence that it is a
familial disease inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
Dr.Shrikant Dodamani, Dr.Shankar Bhajantri, Dr.Naveen Kumar.G.S, Dr Sunilkumar.M.A, & Dr.Shranabasava Badami Dept. of AGB, Veterinary College, Hassan, Karnataka (E-mail: shri537@gmail.com) Introduction
The famous medicinal book written during the Ming Dynasty titled “Compendium of Materia
Medica” says that "Taihe Old Chicken is a tonic and nourishing food to treat women's diseases.”It
enriches blood and builds up the health". It means that the usage of various species of poultry have been
used for medicinal purpose because of their high nutritive and medicinal values. Properties of egg and
meat of different poultry species viz, chicken, turkey, emu, duck and ostrich have been widely used in
preparation of medicines that are helpful in improving health status of human beings.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
Medicinal importance of chicken
An egg contains 9gm of high quality protein which has all the essential nine amino acids &
carotenoids content in egg has lutein and zeaxanthin that prevents macular degeneration and lowers the
risk of developing cataract, regular consumption of egg prevents blood clotting. Choline in egg prevents
nervous and cardiovascular disorders, sulfur in egg improves hair and nail growth. Egg consumption by
women prevents the risk of breast cancer.
Chicken meat is often used in the treatment of chronic disease in human beings and it is
considered as an aphrodisiac, has special medicinal value in homeopathy in preventing nervous
disorder.Chicken contains certain hormones, blue pigment and amino acids required by the human body
and are considered to be very useful to increase blood cells. Presently there are abundant clinical
experiences indicating chicken meat being effectively used in treatment of woman's ailments like sterility,
menoxenic (abnormal menstruation), habitual abortion, blood leucorrhoea, metrorrhagia, and sickness
after giving birth to offspring. This meat is also know to be useful in curing of pulmonary problems –
tuberculosis (TB), heart diseases, neurasthenia (a condition of nervous debility supposed to be dependent
upon impairment in the functions of the spinal cord), and osteomalacia in children.
Medicinal importance of Ducks
The protein found in eggs is of a higher quality than the protein found in meat and fish. The high
protein white of a duck egg averages only about 21 calories and has no fat or cholesterol, making it an
excellent diet food. There are nutrients in eggs that are beneficial in preventing macular degeneration,
which is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly ones. Eggs are rich in choline which is helpful in
pregnancy& fetal brain development.
Duck egg helps preventing varicosity of blood vessels/haemorrhoidal veins in the rectum of
humans having piles.
Medicinal importance of Quails
In children consumption of egg either cooked or raw for their physical and mental balance helps in
improving the IQ, stimulates growth and metabolism rate, regenerates nerves and central nervous system.
In adults quail eggs help renewing the state of health and brings the body to equilibrium, combats the
degenerative process and rejuvenates the body, revives memory and protects nerve cells, improves sexual
potency, reinforces organs weakened by physical work or stress, fortifies the body. Quail eggs also
improve the quality of breast milk. The consumption of quail eggs by HIV AIDS patients improves CD4.
Consumption of quail meat is helpful in treatment of allergic conditions like Asthama, skin rashes,
Eczema, conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis, gastric ulcers, poor digestion and excess secretions of stomach
acids and in treatment of liver diseases, renal diseases, circulatory diseases (anemia and arterial
hypertension), metabolic diseases (gouts, obesity and diabetes), nervous diseases (neurasthenics).
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
high levels
of protein
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
Medicinal importance of Turkey
Turkey meat is rich in nutrition with the characteristics of high protein, low fat, low cholesterol
content. Turkey meat contains a variety of aminoacids, methionine and lysine were higher than of other
meat. Meat contains vitamin E (tocopherol), the substance which helps to maintain normal function of cells
and hematopoietic activity, with anti-aging property and improves the human immune function & it also
contains B vitamins, an important component of many enzymes, and prevents the neurological disorders.
Often eating turkey meat on hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease have
shown preventive effects. Cholesterol is contained in turkey meat is the lowest of all other poultry species
helping the patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Medicinal importance of Emu
Emu oil has good moisturizing and significant epidermal proliferative activity and widely used in
many moisturizing creams, used in preparation of anti obesity drugs as it is an potent Cholesterol reducer.
It is believed to be an excellent bacteriostatic agent, and hence used in the treatment of wounds as an
healing agent which promotes faster healing of burns with less pain and reduces scarring. It has good
anti-arthritic activity.
Medicinal importance of Ostrich
Ostrich oil has been used extensively in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical Industries. This oil is very
high in essential fatty acids, omega 3, 6 and 9 and is completely non-comedogenic (will not clog pores).
Because the molecules are almost identical to human skin and are even smaller than the molecules in
human skin, the oil is quickly absorbed and does not sit on top of the skin as do so many moisturizers. Oil
is said to be of great use to treat burns, bedsores, eczema, insect bites, skin rashes and dry skin. Ostrich oil
has been found to be both anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. Because ostrich oil is anti-inflammatory, it
can be used for conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and even gouty arthritic joints.
The researchers say & they strongly believe that the ostrich egg may be an excellent antibody
source for industrial and medical purposes, and that their study results suggest that the use of ostrich
antibody-impregnated filters might be a powerful way to prevent the transmission of H1N1.
In addition to their meat, skin and feathers of ostriches are being explored for medicinal purposes.
The tendons of the ostrich leg are used to replace torn tendons in humans as they are long and strong
enough for the human leg, and recent research in ophthalmology points to the possible use of ostrich eyes
in cornea transplants. Ostriches are able to see clearly for over 12 km, and the cornea is large enough to be
trimmed down to fit the human eye. Furthermore, the ostrich brain produces a substance that is being
studied for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Ostrich nails are used in
impotency medicine.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
Siddhartha S.Pathak*, Prasoon S*, Malathi, V*.Venkatareddy, K *and Mohankumar, S**
*Dept. of Poultry Science and ** Dept. of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education
(E-mail: siddharthapathak83@gamil.com)
All birds are susceptible to infestation by external parasites. In fact, diseases and parasites are the
chief hindrances to the success in raising poultry. Most common health problems can be avoided through
preventative management; nevertheless, sooner or later every flock experiences its share of maladies.
External parasites in large commercial poultry flocks have been almost eliminated due to the bird’s limited
contact with wild birds and other parasite vectors. In small flocks it is more difficult to control contact
with wild birds and rodents that may be carrying external parasites that can infest chickens. The poultry
farmer must be ever vigilant in monitoring the condition of the flock. The most common external parasites
effecting poultry are: Mites, lice, Fleas, Ticks
1.Mites: a) Scaly Leg Mites: Scaly leg mites (Knemidocoptes mutans) live and burrow into the skin of
bird’s legs and causes scales disfiguring crusts and scabs to form.
Clinical signs: Chicken suffering from mite infestation show thick scaly
legs. Severe infestation may result in lameness and disfiguration of the
feet.
Control: Scaly leg mites are difficult to treat. Soften the scales in water,
then scrub them off and treat the legs with kerosene, mineral oil, Vaseline
or an insecticide. This procedure should be repeated at least thrice weekly. If this procedure do not control
the situation, then cull the bird.
b) Skin mites: Skin mites (Epidermoptes bilobatus) are tiny (about 1 mm long), fast-moving, dark para-
sites. They are commonly seen in less feathered parts such as under wings or head. There are several types
of mites. Species like Dermanyssus gallinae hide in nests or cracks in the buildings where birds are living
and emerge to suck blood only at night whereas, species such as Ornithonyssus bursa and O. sylviarum
remain in the bird. Skin mites can live up to 8 months without a blood meal.
Clinical signs: Birds look irritated and emaciated, Fall in egg production, Damaged feathers and feather
loss, Paleness of skin, comb and wattles due to blood loss, Severely infested chicks may die.
Fig. Leg infestation
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
Control: Liming of the floor. One must ensure that lime reaches all the cracks and crevices on the floor as
well as walls and following general control measures.
2.Lice: Lice are wingless insects with dorso-ventrally flattened bodies, broadly
rounded heads, light yellowish-brown, cigar-shaped parasites of various sizes
that can be found all over the body on the feathers. They stay permanently on
the bird, and their small greyish eggs are attached in clusters to the feathers.
Most lice feed on feathers but some species suck blood. Many species of lice
can affect the skin of birds usually without feather damage. Eggs are laid on
feathers. Lice are larger than mites and are usually apathogenic although they
may cause a mild pruritis.
Clinical signs: Damaged feathers, dull plumage, Birds look irritated if the infestation is severe., Pruritis.
Control: The general control measures for external parasites should be followed.
3.Fleas: The most common flea found on chickens in tropical and subtropical areas is the “stick-fast
flea” (Echidnophaga gallinacea), a small, dark parasite that clumps in clusters
to the skin mainly around the eyes. The eggs and young ones of the flea are
found in the surroundings of the birds, where they feed on dry blood, faeces or
other organic material. Adult fleas stay on the bird permanently and feed on
blood. Fleas can survive without blood for several weeks.
Clinical signs: Restlessness, scratching of the eyes, Paleness of skin, comb
and wattles due to blood loss., Crusted skin lesions., Severely infested chicks
may die.
Control: Kerosene, paraffin or petroleum jelly should be applied to the lesions. Within a short period, the
fleas will die. Dead fleas might remain attached to the chicken for several days or even weeks. Brooding
hens should be kept free from fleas to prevent infestation of young chicks.
4. Ticks: Ticks are Oval flattened when fasting, round after eating, brownish or bluish, blood-sucking
parasites that can be seen on the skin and on few feathers, such as the head and under the wings. They live
in cracks, nest boxes etc. Nymphs (larvae) usually feed at night. Nymphs can
survive without blood upto 15 months, whereas the adult ticks can survive for
more than 4 years. Argas persicus – the fowl tick can affect many bird spe-
cies by causing blood loss and is a vector (Borrelia anserina) for avian
spirochaetes, the cause of tick fever. In tropical areas they can be the most
important ectoparasites of poultry.
Fig. Cluster of Lice on the tip of feathers
Fig. Cluster of fleas around the eyes
Fig. Argas persicus
Contact :
Dept of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Veterinary College, Hebbal Bangalore
email: pashubandhavch@gmail.com
Blog: pashubandhavch.blogspot.in
monthly e-Bulletin
Published and circulated by Veterinary College, Hebbal Bengaluru
Editor: Associate Editior:
Dean, Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bengaluru Head, Dept of Vety & Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Dr.S.Yathiraj (Ex-Officio) Dr.K.Satyanarayana (Ex-Officio)
• PELVIC
Clinical signs: Birds look irritated and emaciated., drop in egg production, paleness of skin, comb and
wattles due to blood loss.
Control: Follow the general control measures for external parasites.
General control measures: Regularly and thoroughly cleaning of the sheds and the nests.
• Overcrowding of the houses to be avoided.
• Use of smoke to fumigate sheds and nests regularly.
• Spreading ash or lime on the floors and walls of the sheds and nests.
• Carbaryl chemical treatment; treating the floors, walls, nest boxes, and the birds simultaneously.
• Severe lice or mite infestations can be treated initially with pyrethrin-based medicated spray on the
birds to reduce the initial numbers.
• Allow the chickens to bathe in fire ash.
• Routine examination of birds for signs of infestation.
Points to be remembered: All birds must be treated at a time.
• Apply insecticidal spray or powder to the nests and the chicken house as well, since ticks, some mites
and fleas do not live constantly on the bird.
• Repeat the treatment weekly. (Insecticides do not kill the eggs of mites).
• Use of Organophosphorous compounds, Deltamethrin etc.
Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 01 Pashubandha 2014 Volume No : 3 Issue : 07
top related