Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex Research Articles

Therapeutic Management of Canine Ehrlichiosis: Lesson Learned from Bareilly, India

The study was conducted on 5 dogs presented at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Indian Veterinary Research Institute with history of anorexia, lethargy, weakness, high fever, vomiting, severe panting and heavy tick infestation. Physical examination of dogs revealed increased respiratory rate, pale mucus membrane and conjunctiva, dehydration and enlarged lymph nodes. Haematological finding showed marked anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Sonographic and radiographic investigation of the abdomen revealed splenomegaly and partial hepatomegaly. Parasitological examination found it positive for Ehrlichia canis and confirmed the ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Dog was treated with doxycycline @ 10 mg/kg for 28 days in divided dose with supportive therapy. Dog showed marked recovery after 2 dose of doxycycline and re-examination of blood after 20 days gave negative results in rapid test kit.

Dystocia Due to Secondary Partial Uterine Inertia in a New Zealand White Rabbit

A one-year-old Doe weighing 1.2 kg was brought to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, FVAS, BHU-Mirzapur, with a history of giving birth to three dead bunnies 3 days before and after that not show any signs of kindling. Vulvul lips were swollen, congested and edematous. The Perineal area was smeared with uterine discharge. Doe had Inappetence dehydration for 3 days. Doe was previously treated with inj. oxytocin @ 1 to 3 IU I/M and inj. Epidosin @ 8mg/ kg I/M along with calcium gluconate @ 0.25 ml/kg slow I/V before 24 hrs. Abdominal palpation revealed the presence of fetal mass. Lateral abdominal radiograph showed the presence of one fetus’s skeleton located in the pelvic cavity. Based on the history and obstetrical examination it was diagnosed as a case of dystocia due to secondary partial uterine inertia. A male dead bunny was relived through exploratory laparotomy under general anaesthesia (premeditated with inj. xylazine 5 mg/kg body weight and induction with isoflurane 3-5%). Doe had an uneventful recovery following exploratory laparotomy with proper postoperative care. Dystocia due to secondary partial uterine inertia is a rare case in rabbits and it can be managed through exploratory laparotomy with proper post-operative care.

Therapeutic management of pseudomalaria in a flock of pigeons with chloroquine.

Two Indian rock pigeons aged 2-3months presented to the Referral Veterinary Polyclinic and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Utter Pradesh with a history of decreased feed intake, twisting of the neck, and inability to fly. The same symptoms also caused the deaths of two other birds from the same flock. The bird seemed dull and depressed during a clinical examination, had ruffled feathers, a tilted head and circling. Examination of a faecal sample showed no intestinal parasites. Upon observation of a blood smear, many intracytoplasmic characteristic halter-shaped Hemoproteus columbae gametocytes could be detected. The case was diagnosed as pigeon pseudomalaria. The treatment was initiated with chloroquine@10mg/kg body weight in drinking water for 5days along with the multivitamin supplementation for one week. Permethrin spray was applied externally to the whole flock in the house to get rid of the fly vector. The clinical state of the birds was evaluated one week after initiation ofthe therapy. The pigeon had an uneventful recovery and the blood smear examination revealed no haemoparasites.

A Surgical Management and Histopathological Study of an Extensive Perianal Sebaceous Gland Adenitis in a Jersey Crossbred Cow

Introduction: Sebaceous gland adenitis is a rare condition found in large ruminants, eluding diagnosis and potentially progressing into neoplastic states if left untreated. The aim of the current study was to indicate the benefits of surgical excision of sebaceous gland adenitis in a Jersey crossbred cow. Case report: A 6-year-old Jersey crossbred cow weighing 300 kg was admitted to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India, in December 2022 with a soft tissue mass in the right vulval lip. Initially observed as a small skin bump, the condition had progressively worsened over 2 months, becoming an extensive mass contaminated with external debris and live maggots. Palpation revealed the mass to be firm without eliciting pain. The physiological parameters, such as rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were within normal limits. The hematological and serum biochemical parameters were normal. The mass was resected surgically, and the vulval lip was reconstructed. Postoperatively, the cow received a 5-day course of enrofloxacin (Enro, India) at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight, along with 3 days of intramuscular meloxicam at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg body weight and topical application of antiseptic ointment (Lorexane, India). The animal had an uneventful recovery after 2 weeks. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis as sebaceous gland hyperplasia and chronic adenitis. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that timely diagnosis and excision of the vulval tissue mass resulted in a complete recovery and preserved the animal's value. Chronic sebaceous gland adenitis may have a tendency to transform into a benign tumorous condition. The early presentation of the animal and successful surgical intervention prevented this transformation of sebaceous gland adenitis to a benign or malignant condition.

Selamectin Spot-on: A Cure for Scabies in Rabbits

Introduction: Mange in rabbits is a highly contagious zoonotic disease. The disease is caused mainly by Sarcoptes scabiei, Psoroptes cuniculi, Cheyletiella parasitovorax, and Notoedres cati. The most common forms of this disease in rabbits are body and ear mange. Mites infest animals through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated. Case report: An 8-month-old non-descript female rabbit weighing about 700 g was presented to the Teaching Veterinary clinical complex, Mettupalayam, Puducherry, India, with a history of scratching, pruritus and dried crusty lesions on the margins of the ears, snout, around the eyes and legs and patchy hair loss for the past 15 days. Rectal temperature was 38.4°C, heart rate was 210 bpm, respiratory rate was 40 breaths/minute, and the color of the conjunctival mucous membrane was pink. Other signs included inappetence with normal voiding habits and a thin body condition. The collected skin scraping from the affected areas was examined under the microscope with a 10x objective lens, confirming the presence of live motile Sarcoptes spp. Mite species could be determined through the morphological characteristics (adult mites are nearly circular with short legs, and the third and fourth pairs do not project beyond the margin of the body with terminal anus) under the microscopic examination of the skin scrapings. Therefore, 6% selamectin was applied topically on a single spot at the base of the neck. Supportive therapy with multivitamin (vitamin A, D3, E, B12) drops was given orally at 1 ml per day. Conclusion: The rabbit responded well to the treatments within 2 weeks.

Clinical management of mammary carcinoma in dogs: Current scenario

Mammary carcinoma is one of the most common skin tumors of mammary gland area in canine. Fifty cases of mammary carcinoma were reported during the period of study at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex and Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology. Eighty animals were screened for selecting fifty mammary carcinoma and these are the subjects of present study population. The prevalence of tumors across the age groups were highest among 8 to 12 years, followed by 12 years and least in dogs below 8 years. Breed wise predisposition was highest among Labrador (36.67%), followed by Spitz and German shepherd (20% each), Mongrel (10%), Dachshund (6.67%), Rottweiler and beagle (3.33% each). More cases of mammary carcinoma were malignant (70%) with metastasis to regional lymph node a common finding. Malignancy criteria were size, hardness, of the tumor and metastasis to regional lymphocenter. Axillary lymph node for 1st, 2nd mammary gland tumor and inguinal, medial iliac lymph node for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th mammary gland were common site of regional metastasis. Most of the patient had clinical stage III tumor (30%) followed by stage II (23.33%). Three cases of stage IV mammary carcinoma were recorded in which three view thoracic radiography showed nodular opacities of the thorax and confirmed as positive sign of metastasis. Histopathologically, solid mammary carcinoma, fibroadenoma, adenocarcinoma were common types of carcinomas. Malignant mammary tumor dogs had significantly (p

Infrared Thermography as an Adjunct Tool for the Diagnosis of Fracture in a Racing Buffalo Bull: A Case Report

Introduction: Lameness is a severe clinical issue in racing animals, which can severely affect their health. Therefore, identifying the cause of the lameness is a crucial step in its diagnosis. Animals with subclinical etiologies are difficult to be identified in field conditions. Infrared thermal imaging is an advanced diagnostic tool for locating the injury site. Although sports injuries are regular in buffalo bulls used for traditional racing in villages, fracture diagnosis is challenging when regular clinical examination, lameness evaluation, and palpation of suspected areas fail to detect a sign. Hence, infrared red thermography can accurately localize the lameness region and locate the radiography area. Timely intervention with this technological tool can prevent further aggravation of the condition and relieve pain in the animal. 
 Case report: A 5-year-old buffalo bull was presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex at Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India, on September 2021, with intermittent lameness exhibited in the right forelimb. However, the animal appeared healthy on detailed clinical, physiological, and hematological examinations. Using infrared thermal imaging, increased thermal activity was detected at the distal aspect of the right forearm region. The radiograph of the right forelimb revealed a hairline fracture in the distal part of the radius. The animal completely recovered after the treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and rest for three months.
 Conclusion: Infrared thermography is a simple and non-invasive method to identify the diseased location based on its thermal activity. In the present study, the correct location of the fracture site was discovered using infrared thermography.

Assessment of quinolone resistance in bacteria isolated from corneal ulcers in dogs

Corneal ulcers or ulcerative keratitis is the loss of continuity of corneal epithelium leading to exposure of corneal stroma. It is a highly painful condition in dogs. The common aetiological agents responsible for this condition are bacteria and for treatment, antibiotics are widely used. Indiscriminate and prolonged use of antibiotics can cause antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria. The present communication deals with the isolation of bacteria from corneal ulcers in dogs and the assessment of quinolone resistance. A total of 15 corneal swab samples were collected from dogs suffering from corneal ulcers, presented to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy. They were inoculated on to brain heart infusion agar as well as blood agar and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h for the isolation of aerobic bacteria. Eighteen isolates obtained were then subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test by disc diffusion method using the quinolone group of antibiotics, viz. ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin and moxifloxacin. Majority of the isolates exhibited varying resistance to these antibiotics. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify gyrA gene, which is reported to be one of the reasons responsible for quinolone resistance with respect to its mutation. Seven out of the 18 isolates amplified gyrA gene. The amplicon obtained corresponding to a representative sample, which was found resistant by disc diffusion method was sequenced and a single point mutation was detected.

Fresh preserved canine amniotic membrane (CAM ) as graft for surgical management of melting corneal ulcer/ keratomalacia in a dog

A four-year-old female Spitz with signs of blepharospasm, ocular discolouration, corneal oedema, gelatinisation of cornea and epiphora from the right eye, for 20 days was presented at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Pookode. Fluorescein dye test (FDT) revealed intense staining of the cornea. The condition was diagnosed as keratomalacia. Under general anaesthesia, fresh preserved canine amniotic membrane (CAM) transplantation was performed along with a third eyelid flap. Antibiotic eye drops and supportives were initiated. Monitoring of corneal healing was done on the 10th, 20th, 30th and 45thdays, post-surgery. FDT turned negative on day 20. Conjunctival hyperaemia, pannus, corneal opacity and oedema improved postoperatively, resulting in good corneal clarity, fundic reflection and normal vision by day 45. The present article reports the successful management of keratomalacia using CAM as graft.

Epidemiological study of pyoderma in dogs of Thrissur district

Pyoderma, refers to any clinical picture that results in the accumulation of neutrophilic exudates of varying degrees in conjunction with a bacterial infection. A longitudinal study was conducted among 178 dogs brought to the small animal dermatology unit of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy and University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, Thrissur, Kerala to document the age, breed and sex predispositions and to identify any environmental influence or managemental practice that predisposes to pyoderma. The overall prevalence of pyoderma was 7.5 per cent. Statistical analyses using Chi square test revealed that there was significant difference in the proportion of animals affected with pyoderma among different categories of age, breed, housing system, bathing practices, kennel hygiene, access to oral coat conditioners and feed supplements. The distribution of animals affected with pyoderma was statistically significant between different seasons also. The condition was commonest in dogs between one to three years of age (46.07 per cent). The Labrador retrievers were more predisposed to developing pyoderma. More females (53.37 per cent) were infected when compared to males (46.63 per cent). Majority of the cases (52.25 per cent) were housed outdoors in a separate kennel and were bathed (68.54 per cent) regularly and groomed (36.52 per cent) at least once a month. The analyses of the epidemiological profile of dogs affected with pyoderma revealed that apart from the host factors, the environmental and managemental aspects also plays an important role in the occurrence of pyoderma.

Canine parvo viral enteritis in dogs: Diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation

A total of 110 dogs presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, CSKHPKV, Palampur (H.P.), India with the history of enteritis/gastroenteritis were screened for Canine Parvovirus (CPV). Out of these 110 dogs, 48 dogs were found positive for CPV by using Scanvet - a rapid antigen detection kit. All the 110 samples were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to check whether there were some cases that were false positive or false negative by Scanvet. Positive cases were, then, divided into 4 groups of 12 dogs each, with 4 different treatment regimens followed for each group. In addition to standard treatment protocol, our study tested effect of immunomodulators (Vitamin E & Selenium) and antiviral “Oseltamivir” on recovery of dogs. This type of study (using Oseltamivir and immunomodulators) was not done previously in the state and hence, our aim was to test whether this treatment increases survivability and recovery rate for dogs with Parvoviral enteritis in Himachal Pradesh. Groups containing immunomodulators were more efficacious than their counterparts without immunomodulators. Addition of Oseltamivir and immunomodulators to standard therapy resulted in reduced mortality, cessation of diarrhoea and vomiting earlier than routine therapy. Scanvet diagnostic kit was found to be a quick alternate method for diagnosis of Parvo Viral Enteritis. Overall, the group treated with antibiotic+ supportive+ symptomatic+ antiviral treatment along with immunomodulator displayed promising results.

Successful Management of Left Sided Post-Cervical Uterine Torsion in Goat with Modified Schaffer’s Method

A Non-descript doe with completion of gestation period with the history of straining, restlessness and engorged udder was brought to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Udgir. Per-vaginal examination revealed that the Goat has post-cervical left sided uterine torsion of more than 180° which was successfully treated by modified Schaffer’s method. The live female kid was delivered with gentle traction. An uneventful recovery was seen after the kidding and treatment with Antibiotic and Supportive therapy for three days.

Clinico-pathological Alterations of Pyometra in Cat

Background: Pyometra is an infectious condition characterized by a pus-filled uterus, which basically developed due to hormonal, anatomical and physiological changes and the inside environment of the queen uterus help to grow the opportunistic pathogen. The aim of the present study was made to assess the haemato-biochemical changes of pyometra in infected queens. Methods: The study was carried out in 12 clinical cases of cat with a history of lethargy, depression, inappetence, polydipsia, occasional vomition and vaginal discharge, presented for treatment at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Sciences and A.H., Central Agricultural University, Aizawl, Mizoram. The presumptive clinical diagnosis of pyometra was made based on history, clinical signs and imaging techniques. The involvement of the pathogen was further confirmed by microbial examination of the pus-filled uterus after the ovariohysterectomy. Result: The study revealed alterations in the total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume in pyometra cases. The leucogram revealed leucocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Biochemical analysis revealed hyperprotenemia, increased liver enzymes and BUN and creatinine. The major pathogens involved in pyometra infected queens are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Proteus and Pasteurella. The analysis of various parameters indicated that haemato-biochemical analysis may be good prognostic markers for feline pyometra.

Dystocia due to bull dog calf in a Murrah buffalo heifer

A rare case of dystocia due to bull dog calf in a Murrah buffalo heifer was presented at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya with the history of 8 months pregnancy, restlessness, reduced feed and water, continuous straining and labor pain. The bull dog calf was delivered per-vaginum successfully under epidural anaesthesia with 2% xylocaine hydrochloride.

Intussusception resemble to rectal prolapse and its surgical management in cats: Report of two cases

Two cats were presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy with a complaint of rectal prolapse from the past two days. The presented animals were weak and emaciated. A small sausage shaped structure could be palpated on abdominal palpation, and the animal exhibited pain on palpation. Due to the oedema of the prolapsed mass, it could not be reduced to a normal position. The ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen produced a target sign suggestive that the condition was intussusception. I decided to correct the condition surgically. Opened the abdominal cavity through the Linea alba and exteriorized the affected portion from the remaining segments. Manually reduced the affected portion under general anaesthesia. Closed the abdominal cavity and skin incision as per the standard manner. Animals were exhibited successful recovery.

Clinico-haematobiochemical Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Hernia and its Surgical Management in Cattle and Buffaloes- A Retrospective Study of 32 Cases

Background: Diaphragmatic hernia is an emerging threat in dairy animals due to accidental ingestion of potential foreign body via feed or fodder leads to traumatic reticulo pericarditis and net results into loss of milk production. Loss of milk production due to diaphragmatic hernia in dairy animals is worrying situation among the milkman and it needs to be addressed in early stage. Considering the livelihood of poor to marginal farmers on dairy animals, the present study aimed to evaluate the clinico-haematological changes and surgical management of diaphragmatic hernia in cattle and buffalo. Methods: The present retrospective study was carried in thirty two clinical cases of diaphragmatic hernia in cattle (17) and buffaloes (15) presented to teaching veterinary clinical complex from the rural area irrespective breeds, age and no. of lactation of animals. Result: The incidence was higher in recently parturited followed by advanced pregnant animals aged between 3.5-14 years (7.109±0.406) with duration of illness ranged between 4-35 days (16.563±1.627). All animals showed recurrent tympany, suspended rumination, constipation, neutrophilia, alkaline ruminal pH, lymphopenia and increased level of muscle enzymes and non-responsive to medicinal therapy. Plain radiography of thoraco-abdominal region showed break in continuity of diaphragmatic line and herniation of reticulum into thoracic cavity. All animals were subjected to surgical correction of diaphragmatic hernia under isoflurane general anaesthesia. Out of 32, 27 animals were recovered uneventfully and remaining five animals were succumbed during surgical repair of hernia due to cardiovascular failure. The present study concludes that, diaphragmatic hernia is common wasting disorders in dairy animals characterized by scanty faeces, recurrent tympany, neutrophilia, increased level of muscle enzymes due to chronic inflammatory changes and it can be treated successfully with herniorrhaphy under isoflurane general anaesthesia.

Evaluation of Ketamine Hydrochloride in Combination with Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol as Balanced Anaesthesia in Cats

Background: As cats undergo stress at the time of presentation before surgery and therefore sedation is required often. It is very difficult to choose a balanced anaesthetic protocol during the surgical intervention in the case of a cat. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of ketamine hydrochloride in combination with midazolam, dexmedetomidine and butorphanol as balanced anaesthesia on clinico-physiological, haematological, serum biochemical profile in the surgical management of cats undergoing neutering. Methods: The study was performed on 18 clinical cases of cats which were brought to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (CVSc and AH), Central Agricultural University (CAU), Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram for elective surgery such as neutering. Cats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups, i.e. Gr. A, Gr. B and Gr. C. Animals were premedicated with glycopyrrolate @ 0.01 mg/kg, i/m. After 10 minutes of premedication, in Gr. A ketamine hydrochloride @15 mg/kg and midazolam @ 0.5 mg/kg, in Gr. B ketamine hydrochloride @10 mg/ kg and dexmedetomidine@ 5 mcg /kg and in Gr. C ketamine hydrochloride @ 5 mg/kg, dexmedetomidine@ 5 mcg/kg and butorphanol @ 0.2 mg/kg was administered intramuscularly. Clinico-physiological and haemato-biochemical profiles were evaluated at 0 minute (baseline), then at 15, 30 and 60 minutes after administration of anaesthetic agents to evaluate their anaesthetic effect. Result: In the case of time for induction, the quality of induction, assessment of peri-operative analgesia, depth of anaesthesia and quality of recovery there was no significant difference among all three groups. In Gr. B, animals showed significantly higher duration of recumbency (DOE) and recovery. The assessment of peri-operative analgesic effect among the groups revealed that analgesia during the perioperative period appeared best in Gr. C protocol. In regards to depth of anaesthesia, ketamine hydrochloride in combination with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol group showed a better result. Rectal temperature decreased significantly (P greater than 0.05) up to 60th minutes in Gr. A, but it remained within the physiological range. Heart rate raised significantly (p less than 0.05) from the baseline (0 minutes) onwards and decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) till the end (60 minutes) of the study in Gr. C. The respiration rate was significantly (p less than 0.01) different in between time intervals for all three groups. No significant difference was observed on haemato-biochemical observation except glucose level which significantly increased after induction of anaesthesia. In conclusion, treatment with ketamine hydrochloride in combination with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol led to acceptable sedation and mild changes in clinico-physiological, haematological, serum biochemical profile in comparison to the other two groups.

Comparative evaluation of darbepoetin therapy in non-regenerative anaemia associated with Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs

The present study describes a comparative evaluation of haemato-therapeutic response to darbepoetin therapy in non-regenerative anaemia associated with Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs. A total of 68 dogs, presented at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy with signs of anaemia, weakness, anorexia and pallor of mucous membranes were screened for nonregenerative anaemia. Twenty dogs with a reticulocyte count of < 60,000/μL, haematocrit of < 30 per cent and positive for B. gibsoni were selected for detailed study. The twenty dogs were divided into two groups of ten animals and were subjected to estimation of complete blood count and analysis of serum protein and iron status. Ten dogs brought to the hospital for vaccination or health check-up served as healthy control. Haematological examination revealed significant anaemia and thrombocytopenia in both the groups. Serum total protein, albumin and total iron binding capacity revealed no difference between diseased groups with the healthy control. Serum iron and percentage transferrin saturation were similar in Group I and II, but significantly higher than healthy control. To compare darbepoetin efficacy, Group I dogs were administered with clindamycin and doxycycline for three weeks, whereas Group II was given with darbepoetin at the dose rate of 0.5 μg/kg body weight at weekly intervals for three weeks in addition to clindamycin-doxycycline as in Group I. Dogs of both groups showed complete remission of clinical signs within 10 days of therapy. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in haematological parameters between the treatment groups. It can be concluded from this study that there is no added advantage of darbepoetin therapy over conventional therapies against non-regenerative anaemia associated with B. gibsoni infection in dogs.

Surgico-therapeutic management of hoof affections in goats

A study was conducted to evaluate the incidence and efficacy of two treatment protocols for hoof affections in goats. A total of 129 goats from organised farms located in and around Akola city and cases presented in Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, PGIVAS, Akola (Maharashtra) were screened for hoof affections. The overall incidence of hoof affection was 52.7% with predominance (35.29%) of sole erosion. Depending on the severity of the lesions, 20 goats were included in the present study and divided into two equal groups. Goats from group T, were subjected to corrective hoof trimming using manually operated hoof trimmer and local application of Abrus precatorius ointment, whereas, goats from group T2were subjected to hoof trimming, footbath with 10% zinc sulphate, parenteral administration of non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and antibiotics (enrofloxacin). It was observed that recovery of goats from group T2 was faster and better than T. Thus, it can be concluded that hoof affections in goats can be clinically managed successfully with hoof trimming, footbath with 10% zinc sulphate, parenteral administration of NSAID and antibiotics.

Epidemiological study of bacterial dermatitis in dogs of Wayanad district

A survey was undertaken to determine the epidemiology of bacterial dermatitis in dogs presented at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), College of Veterinary and Animal sciences Pookode, from April 2017 to June 2018. Dogs of all age groups, breeds and both sexes with clinical signs of dermatitis were included in the study. Sterile swabs were used to collect samples aseptically from the dogs that showed clinical lesions of canine bacterial dermatitis. Samples were taken for culture and isolation of bacteria was done. There was no statistically significant difference among different age groups, however the highest occurrence was observed among dogs between 1-3 years (39.44 %) and out of 71 animals, 39 (54.93 %t) male dogs were positive for bacterial dermatitis, but no statistically significance among different sexes was observed. Among the various breeds studied, the highest occurrence was noticed in Labrador retrievers (23.94 per cent) when compared to other breeds but no statistically significance difference among different breeds was observed. Identification of bacterial isolates was done based on colony character, Gram’s staining, oxidase test, catalase test, oxidative fermentative test and growth in specific media. A total of 71 bacterial isolates were obtained. Bacterial isolates obtained were Staphylococcus species (84.51 %), Streptococci (7.04%), Micrococci (5.63 %), and Pseudomonas species (2.82 %).