Browsing by Author "Usha Narayana Pillai"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10

Clinical and ultrasonographic investigations of ascites in dogs
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2005) Jegaveera Pandian, S; Usha Narayana Pillai
Study entitled “Clinical and Ultrasonographic Investigation of Ascites in Dogs” was conducted in ten dogs. The study aimed at understanding the etiopathogenesis of ascites in dogs. The parameters observed were signalment, history and detailed clinical examination, electrocardiography, ultrasonography of liver, kidney and heart, course of illness, estimation of haemoglobin concentration packed cell volume(PCV), total plasma protein, albumin, A: G ratio, liver enzymes like alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), protein content in ascitic fluid , ascitic fluid to plasma protein ratio, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, sodium and potassium. Inappetance and lethargy were observed in dogs with liver diseases. Cardiac palpitation, loud heart sounds and strong femoral pulse were noticed in dogs with CHF. Non- specific and vague signs were noticed in dogs with nephrotic syndrome. Deep ‘Q’ waves in leads I, II and aVF, prolonged ‘QRS’ duration, S-T slurring, tall ‘R’ waves, mild sinus arrhythmia and S1, S2 and S3 pattern were the abnormal ECG findings in dogs with CHF. No marked changes could be observed in the ECG of dogs with ascites of hepatic and renal origin. Ultrasonography of liver revealed hyperechogenicity of parenchyma, specks of hyperechogenicity and mildly echogenic gall bladder contents in three out of five dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. Two dogs had uneven and eroded borders along with hyperechoic liver parenchyma in dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. Nephrosonogram was unremarkable in all the ten dogs. Ultrasonographic findings and serum biochemical findings were coinciding with each other. Ultrasonography was an efficient tool in studying the changes of liver parenchyma and portal vasculature. ECG in cardiac diseases was complementary to echocardiography. Echocardiography was efficient in diagnosing DCM (two dogs) and HCM (one dog). All the dogs with liver diseases had mild to marked elevation in serum levels of ALT and/ or ALP. Hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed in dogs with liver and kidney diseases. Liver and kidney function tests were unremarkable in dogs with nephrotic syndrome and heart diseases. Treatment regimen involved administration of furosemide and/ or furosemide + spironolactone, silymarin, Liv- 52 Vet, enalapril, digoxin and prednisolone as the case may be. Six out of 10 dogs survived beyond 30 days following the therapy instituted. Nephrotic syndrome in dogs could be concluded by progressing hypoproteinemia especially hypoalbuminemia, low- protein ascites, negative ECG and echocardiographic findings and non- responsiveness to therapy. Nephrotic syndrome can be confirmed by biopsy and / or urine protein: creatinine ratio. Liver diseases can be confirmed and characterized only with biopsy.
Clinical evaluation and management of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs
(Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Dhanya V Pai; Usha Narayana Pillai
Clinico-biochemical and ultrasonographic evaluation of diseases of prostate in dogs
(Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sindhu K Rajan; Usha Narayana Pillai
The study on “Clinico - biochemical and ultrasonographic evaluation of diseases of prostate in dogs” was conducted in fifteen dogs. The parameters studied were signalment, history, clinical signs, clinical observations, perectal digital palpation of prostate, ultrasonography of prostate gland, prostatic fluid cytology, hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, and response to treatment, autopsy and hisopathology. The prostatic disorders studied were classified into benign prostatic hyperplasia with prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated hernia, acute prostatitis, suppurative prostatitis, prostatitis associated with herpes viral infection, prostatic abscess, fibroadenoma with paraprostatic pseudocyst and papillary adenoma. The major clinical signs noted in the study were constipation, inappetance, purulent urethral discharge, dysuria, vomiting, pyuria, hematuria, pyrexia and caudal abdominal pain. Perectal palpation revealed enlarged, smooth and isothermic prostate in BPH and prostatic neoplasia where as, warmness could be felt in prostatitis. Ultrasonographically, prostatomegaly was the most common feature. Intraparenchymal cyst formation in BPH, diffused increase in echogenisity in prostatitis, focal hyperechoic areas in prostatic neoplasia, multiple hypoechoic cavitary lesions with irregular borders in prostatic abscess were also noted. Prostatic fluid cytology revealed large number of neutrophils including bacteria- laden neutrophils in prostatitis, degenerated neutrophils and bacteria in prostatic abscess, hyperplastic round to oval prostatic epithelial cells with reticulated chromatin and unaltered nucleus cytoplasmic ratio in BPH. Hematological changes such as neutrophilia was observed in prostatitis and left shift in acute prostatitis. The serum creatinine and BUN was elevated in dogs with secondary renal failure. The level of acid phosphatase was elevated but there was no significant difference between different prostatic diseases. Serum testosterone was within normal range except in BPH where it was slightly elevated. The common abnormalities observed on urinalysis were pyuria, low specific gravity, proteinuria and presence of blood pigments. It was concluded from this study that prostatic disease was a major problem in old aged male dogs and was one of the major etiology for renal failure in them. Specific therapy with accurate dosage will cure prostatitis and BPH provided there is no advanced renal failure. This study also revealed the fact that ultrasonography is an excellent diagnostic tool for diagnosing prostatic disorders
Clinico-therapeutic studies on canine microfilariasis
(Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Ambily, V R; Usha Narayana Pillai
Clinico-therapeutic studies on canine pyoderma
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Udayasree, V J; Usha Narayana Pillai
Prevalence of pyoderma was studied among the dogs presented with dermatological problems at the University Veterinary Hospitals, Mannuthy and Kokkalai during the period from May 2003 to April 2004. Among the 409 dermatological problems in canines, bacterial dermatitis was 12.71 per cent (52 . cases). Incidence of surface pyoderma, superficial pyoderma and deep pyoderma were 26.92,53.85 and 19.23 per cent respectively. Surface pyoderma were more in age groups between one and four years, superficial pyoderma were more in age group below six months and deep pyoderma was more in age group between six and 12 months. The most frequent lesions were pustules, papules, erythema, alopecia and epidermal collarette and distributed mostly on axilla, abdomen, flank and trunk region. A significant increase in eosinophil count, with decrease in monocytic count and serum zinc level was observed in the affected dogs. Out of the 26 bacterial isolates 21 (80.77 per cent) were gram positive and five (19.23 per cent) were gram negative. Staphylococcus intermedius (12) was the major pathogen isolated from canine pyoderma followed by Staphylococcus aureus (8), Staphylococcus epidermidis (1), Escherichia coli (3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1) and Klebsiella spp. (1). Ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and erythromycin were found to be the most effective antibiotics against bacterial isolates of canine pyoderma, ampicillin and cloxacillin the least effective. Based on the antibiogram result, ciprofloxacin was used to treat ten cases of pyoderma, enrofloxacin for nine cases and erythromycin was used to treat a single case of pyoderma. All the cases recovered within a period of three weeks. Six confirmed cases of pyoderma were treated with the paste of leaves of Cynadon dactylon and all six cases shown good clinical improvement.
Ecg and biochemical changes in induced rumen acidosis in goats
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Shihabudheen, P K; Usha Narayana Pillai
An experiment was carried out with twelve adult goats of either sex to study the clinical manifestations of ruminal acidosis, changes in the rumen liquor, haematology, serum biochemistry, changes in the urine, electrocardiogram variations and postmortem lesions. The goats were maintained under identical management and feeding cond'itions at University Goat Farm, Mannuthy and were selected at random. One group of six animals served as healthy controls and the other group was subjected to rumen fistulation by standard surgical procedures. Acidosis was induced by intraruminal administration of crushed rice at the rate of 80 g/kg. Clinical signs were recorded, samples of rumen liquor, blood and urine were collected and electrocardiogram was recorded at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of experiment. Clinical signs noticed were anorexia, increased pulse and respiratory rate, depression, cessation of ruminal contractions, oliguria, diarrhoea, sunken eyes, thick nasal discharge and grinding of teeth. Rumen liquor was creamy coloured, watery with sour odour and the pH was 4.16 ± 0.05 and without any protozoa. There was no sedimentation activity and MBRT was prolonged. initially increased and then reduced. TVFA There was nonsignificant increase in haemoglobin, haemotocrit and cell:fluid ratio with significant increase in ESR, leukocytosis with significant neutrophilia and lymphopenia were also present. A significant increase in the serum glucose, phosphorus, magnesiu~, sodium, potassium lactate, pyruvate and lactate:pyruvate ratio were observed after induction. Significant r educ t i.on in calcium level also noted. Urine pH reduced and there was protein, RBC cast, leukocytes, renal epithelial cells and tripple phosphate crystals in the urine. ECG showed increase in heart rate, reduction in 'P' amplitude, P duration, QT interval and PR interval. 'T' amplitude increased nonsignificantly with a significant increase in 'T' duration. Sinus tachycardia, ST elevation and ST depression were also observed. Post mortem lesions included sloughing of rumen mucosa, abomasal ulcers, severe enteritis, focal necrosis of liver, cholestasis, congestion of lungs and kidney, dilatation of heart and oedema of brain.
Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac disorders in dogs
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Anju Eliz Ben; Usha Narayana Pillai
Dogs presented with the signs suggestive of cardiac disorders were included in the present study. Based on the tests conduted, which included clinical examination, electrocardiography, radiography, echocardiography and haemato - biochemical assays, cardiac disorders were confirmed in twelve cases. According to the present study, 41.67 percent cases had mitral valve insufficiency. The mean age of diseased dogs was 6.2 years and 60 percent were male dogs. Breed wise, Spitz were more affected (40 percent) followed by Labradors, Dachshunds and Rottweilers. The main clinical signs included weakness, lethargy, cough, tachypnoea, cold extremities, cachexia and syncope. Upon echocardiographic evaluation, the common finding in all the patients of this group was the deformed or thickened mitral valve, left atrial and left ventricular dilatation and hyperdynamic systolic function. The mean values of the haematological parameters (Hb, VPRC and TEC) were within the normal range, where as the serum biochemical values revealed elevated levels of LDH and CPK – MB. Pericardial effusion was noted in 16.67 percent of the cases and the affected animals were seven year old Spitz and four year old Labrador. The main clinical signs were lethargy and syncope. Echocardiography revealed anechoic areas surrounding the ventricles in both dogs. Haematology was insignificant, but the enzyme values were above the normal range. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was seen in a six year old male Spitz with the presenting complaints of mild dyspnoea, lethargy and difficulty to climb stairs. M – mode echocardiogram revealed increased thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW = 5.9 mm). Hematology was unrewarding in the diagnosis of the disease. The enzyme values were above the normal. Dilated cardiomyopathy was noted in 33.33 percent of the total dogs with cardiac disorders and all of them were males. The mean age of the affected animals was 4.5 years and the major breed in which DCM occurred in the present study was Boxer. Salient clinical signs included abdominal distension, ascites and oedema of various body parts, syncope and weight loss. Atrial tachycardia was an important ECG finding in the affected dogs. Two dimensional four – chamber view revealed left ventricular enlargement as well as marked dilation of all the chambers in a few cases. The mean values of EF and FS were 42 percent and 21 percent respectively. The hematological parameters were towards the lower limit and the enzyme values were elevated.
Electrocardiographic studies on arrhythmia in dogs
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Ranimol Antony; Usha Narayana Pillai
Study entitled “Electrocardiographic Studies on Arrhythmia in Dogs” was conducted in eight dogs. It was conducted to study the incidence and to delineate the etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestation of arrhythmias in dogs. Out of 11,230 canine patients, cardiac disease observed in 0.22 per cent and arrhythmia observed in 0.07 per cent of cases. The parameters observed were signalment, history and detailed clinical examination, electrocardiography, radiography, echocardiography, haematology and serum biochemical assays. Dog between the groups of seven to ten years were more frequently affected and it was more commonly observed in males. Arrhythmia was recorded more in Dobermann Pinschers followed by German Shepherd, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel and Mongrel. The types of arrhythmia observed in the present study included supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular premature complexes, first degree atrio- ventricular block and right bundle branch block. In supra ventricular tachycardia typical ECG findings in lead II were morphologically abnormal P waves and very short P-R intervals. In ventricular premature complexes, typical ECG findings were wide bizarre QRS complexes and T waves directed opposite to QRS complexes. Prolonged P-R interval was the typical finding in first degree atrio-ventricular block. In right bundle branch block typical ECG findings were prolonged QRS complexes with prominent slurred S waves. The frequently observed clinical signs of arrhythmia were lethargy, weakness, exercise intolerance, cough and dyspnoea. Syncope and cardiac cachexia were also observed. Pulse deficits and haemic murmurs were also noticed in a few cases. Arrhythmias were noticed in association with cardiac diseases and secondary to renal diseases. Radiography and echocardiography were useful to find out cardiac chamber enlargement and mitral valve insufficiency. Haematological and serum biochemical values did not show any significant changes in arrhythmias.
Etiopahtogenesis and therapeutic management of thiamine responsive caprine polioencaphalomalacia
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Usha Narayana Pillai; Alex, P C
Evaluation of liver function in ruminal acidosis in goats
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1988) Usha Narayana Pillai; Alikutty, K M
The results and conclusions drawn from a study on ruminal acidosis carried out to determine the incidence of disease in the field and clinical signs, changes in rumen liquor, blood and urine during the course of induced disease are presented, Based on the results effect of ruminal acidosis on the functional status of the liver was assessed to strengthen the diagnostic – therapeutic approaches hither – to adopted. The available data on the incidence of disease collected from field Veterinary hospitals were utilized for analysis of digestive disorders in goats. Twenty apparently healthy cross – bred goats of either sex weighing 15.0 to 25.0 kg and of 1 – 3 years in age maintained under identical conditions of feeding and management at the University Livestock Farm (AICRP on Goats for Milk Production), Mannuthy were selected at random and utilized for the present study. They were divided into two groups of eight (Group – 1) and twelve (Group – 11) and fistulated by suitable surgical techniques. Animals of Group – 1 were used as healthy control for this study. Ruminal acidosis was induced in Group – 11 animals by intraruminal administration of crushed raw rice at @ 80 g/kg body weight. Course of the disease was followed and clinical observations were made daily. Rumen liquor, blood and urine samples were collected at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of the experiment and analysed. Similarly samples were collected at 24 hourly intervals from animals of group – 1 and analysed to obtain the normal values. Digestive disorders constituted 57.69 per cent of all diseases in goats. The incidence of primary digestive disorders was 29.37 per cent with acid indigestion forming 18.07 per cent. Seasonal variations in the incidence of ruminal acidosis were significant , the highest incidence was recorded during summer followed by rainy and winter seasons. General depression, dullness, mild tympany, absence of reticulo – ruminal contractions, firm and doughy rumen on palpation, foul smelling diarrhoea, purulent nasal discharge, increased rates of pulse and respiration and signs of dehydration were the important clinical signs noticed in the study. Rumen liquor samples collected from Group – 11 animals at 24 hours after induction of the disease were creamy, faintly sour to distinctly sour odour and watery in consistency. These physical characters of rumen liquor persisted during the rest of the period of observations. Complete absence of protozoal motility and SAT could be observed by 24 hours after induction of the disease. Significant decrease in the pH and NH3 – N with associated increase in lactic acid level were observed in all the samples of rumen liquor while decrease in the TVFA level was significant from the 48th hour of experiment. Significant increase in the blood glucose, lactic acid, GOT, LDH, GDH and T ½ of BSP with associated decrease in A:G ratio, cholesterol and fractional clearance of BSP from plasma were observed in animals in which ruminal acidosis was induced. However, total protein, albumin, GPT and NH3 – N levels in blood did not show any significant variations. Changes in the A:G ratio, GOT, LDH, GDH levels in the blood and fractional clearance of dye from the plasma indicated hepatic insufficiency. Urine samples did not reveal presence of any pathological constituents but a linear relationship was maintained between the pH of urine and rumen liquor. Postmortem findings included peeling of rumen mucosae, congestion all along the gastro – intestinal tract, cardiac dilatation, petechial haemorrhage on myocardium, degeneration and necrosis of liver, distension of gallbladder with greenish – yellow tinged fluid and degeneration of kidney.