Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that is encountered in small animal practice during the summer months. Heatstroke can be classified into nonexertional (classic) and exertional (exercise-induced) types. Although classic heatstroke is more commonly recognized by veterinarians, exertional heatstroke may occur in animals that are forced to exercise in hot, humid environments. With the failure of thermoregulatory mechanisms to maintain core temperatures below 43-degrees-C (109-degrees-F), severe major organ damage and death may result. This article discusses the pathophysiology and clinical signs of heatstroke as well as current recommendations for treatment and prevention. A combination of evaporative cooling techniques and ice packs placed over large superficial veins should be started as soon as possible. Recognition and treatment of the dangerous sequelae of heatstroke improve a patient's chances of survival.
Schistosomus reflexus is seen most commonly in cattle as anomalies of the trunk of the foetus causing dystocia in cattle (Roberts, 1971). Perusal of available literature revealed a few reports on the occurrence of Schistosomus reflexus in bovines in India (Rao et al., 1993; Jana and Ghosh, 2001). Hence, the present communication reports a case of dystocia due to Schistosomus reflexus in a crossbred cow.
