The study was conducted to record and compare the occurrence and pattern of simple (closed) and compound (open) fractures in different domestic animals. All the cases of limb bone fractures reported during the period from April 2001 to March 2007 were screened. Among the total 986 fracture cases, more number of compound fractures were observed in dogs, followed by cattle, goats, horses and buffaloes; however, the per cent compound fractures in a particular species was more in cattle (47%), followed by horses (32%) and buffaloes (24%). Among different breeds of dogs, no significant difference was observed in simple and compound fractures. In dogs, significantly more fracture cases were recorded in males than females; whereas in cattle and buffaloes, female animals were more significantly affected with fractures. However, the per cent compound fractures did not differ significantly between the males and females in different domestic animals. Fall/jump from height and road traffic accidents were the common causes of fractures in different animals; the per cent of compound fractures caused by road traffic accident was significantly more than other causes. In femur, simple fractures were significantly more than compound fractures in all animal species; and in metatarsals/metacarpals relatively more compound fractures were recorded than other bones. Compound fractures were significantly more common at the distal third of long bones and were more frequently comminuted/multiple in nature than simple fractures.

Eighteen male buffalo calves aged 7–8 months and weighing 60–75 kg were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lumbosacral spinal analgesia produced by bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg, xylazine 0.05 mg/kg and buprenorphine 20 μg/kg in groups A, B and C, respectively. The onset of analgesia was significantly (P<0.01) faster in group A as compared to groups B and C. Moderate analgesia spread from thorax to tail in groups A and B. Buprenorphine produced mild analgesia of tail and perineum only. Ataxia was severe in groups A and B. Xylazine produced maximal sedation. Plasma glucose increased significantly (P<0.05) after administration of bupivacaine or xylazine. Plasma urea nitrogen decreased significantly (P<0.05) in all groups. Plasma creatinine increased significantly (P<0.05) in group A. Plasma cortisol increased in all groups, group C had significantly higher cortisol levels than group B. It was concluded that bupivacaine and xylazine have similar analgesic potency on spinal administration in buffaloes. Both drugs produced only transient alterations in haematobiochemical parameters and therefore, may be considered for spinal use in buffalo calves. Buprenorphine is a poor analgesic agent when used spinally in buffalo calves.

The objective of the study was to report an epoxy-pin external skeletal fixation system for treatment of open fractures/dislocations, and outcome in 36 dogs. Epoxy-pin fixators were used to repair open fractures (n=30)/dislocations (n=6) distal to the stifle/elbow joints, using 1.2–2.0 mm K-wires fixed at different levels. Fixation wires in the same plane were bent and joined; and using additional wires scaffolds for connecting bars/rings were constructed. Thoroughly mixed epoxy putty was applied over the scaffold to create permanent connecting bars and rings. Dogs were evaluated clinically and radiographically at regular intervals until healing. Results showed that epoxy-pin fixation provided stable fixation with early weight bearing. Open wounds generally healed within 10 days and full weight bearing observed within 3 weeks in most of the dogs. With two exceptions, there was no appreciable damage or deformation of fixator components, and fixation maintained until healing occurred. The technique was easy, inexpensive, lightweight, and versatile to provide stable fixation of open fractures and dislocations below the stifle and elbow in dogs.

Aim:The study was undertaken to compare the clinical efficacy of lumbosacral spinal analgesia produced using bupivacaine, xylazine and buprenorphine with ketamine combination in buffalo calves Materials and Methods: 36 male buffalo calves of seven to eight months of age and weighing 60 to 75 kg were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lumbosacral spinal analgesia produced by bupivacaine 0.25mg/kg, xylazine 0.05 mg/kg and buprenorphine 20 µg/kg in combination with ketamine 2.5mg/ kg and divided into groups A, B and C, respectively with 12 animals in each group.Results: The onset of analgesia in animals of group A (bupivacaine + ketamine) was 3.0±0.3min, group B (xylazine + ketamine) was recorded as 2.6±0.4 min and group C (buprenorphine + ketamine) 4.0±0.4min.Ketamine-bupivacaine in animals of group A produced complete analgesia of almost all the dermatomes for varying lengths of time.So also the group B except that it produced only moderate analgesia of thorax, abdomen and flank.Animals of group C produced only mild analgesia of thorax, abdomen and flank and moderate analgesia of digits , perineum, inguinal, himd limbs and tail region.The longest (>180 min.)duration of complete analgesia was recorded in animals of group A. The heart rate and respiration rate significantly decreased in group A and B than group C, so also the rectal temperature.Sedation recorded was maximum in group B fallowed by group A and least sedation scores were given by group C animals.Similiarly the scores of motor incordination was higher in group B and group A than group C. Conclusion: It was concluded that the combinations viz.Bupivacaine+ Ketamine and Xylazine + ketamine when given intraspinally at the lumbosacral space have similar analgesic potency on spinal administration in buffaloes.The synergism is more pronounced in xylazine-ketamine combination,whereas Buprenorphine +ketamine combination in the above said dose is a poor analgesic agent when used intraspinally at the lumbosacral space in buffalo calves.

Tube cystostomy was performed in 16 goats suffering from urethral obstruction. Urethral calculi were dissolved by administration of oral ammonium chloride, intracystic ammonium chloride, oral extract of Pashan Bhed (Bergenia ligulata or Saxifrage ligulata) and Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris). The effect of the drugs were evaluated by clinical, haematological, biochemical, urinalysis and radiographical parameters. The study suggested that intracystic ammonium chloride was a better drug for dissolution of urethral calculi owing to absence of systemic side effects and early recovery. The combination of Pashan Bhed and Gokhru also has the potential for dissolution of urethral calculi.

The hospital incidence of urolithiasis in different species for a period of 2 years at referral Veterinary Polyclinic, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar was 7.56%. Species wise occurrence of urolithiasis was higher in buffalo calves (57.95%) and goats (43.29%) than other species. Among the bovine species, buffalo calves (81.25%) suffered more frequently than the cow calves (9.82%) and bullocks (8.92%). Male uncastrated buffalo calves below 6 months of age were more prone to obstructive urolithiasis in winter season. Most of buffalo calves had complete urethral obstruction and ruptured urinary bladder.

The study was conducted at surgical OPD of IVRI, Izatnagar, during a period of 3 years (2002-2005). During this period 294 cases of urolithiasis were reported, which constituted a hospital incidence of 6.22%. Caprine were the most affected species followed by buffaloes and canine. Male young caprine and buffaloes were mostly affected in the peak winter or peak summer. Rupture of the urinary bladder was very com~on in buffalo calves (48.28%) and not uncon1mon in goats (12.15%). Castration at an early age may contribute to obstructive urolithiasis in goats and cattle but most of the buffaloes and dogs were un-castrated. Feeding of concentrate diet, rich in phosphorus and extreme climatic conditions were considered as important causes of urolithiasis in ruminants.

The technique of tube cystostomy was compared by ventral (paramedian) (group A) and lateral (group B) approaches in 18 goats suffering from urethral obstruction. The techniques were evaluated and compared by clinical and physiological parameters. The median time taken for surgery in group A was 23 min and in group B was 27 min. The Foley's catheter was well tolerated by all the animals in both groups. Mild swelling and pain was recorded in animals of both groups. No exudation and urine leakage was noticed in both groups. In almost all the animals, the urine flow was continuous through the Foley's catheter. Physiological parameters did not show any change in both groups during the period of the study. The Foley's catheter was blocked in one animal (group B). In almost all the animals oozing of small amount of urine through the subcutaneous tunnel at the time of removal of the catheter was noticed, which stopped within a few min. It was concluded that the paramedian approach for the placement of Foley's catheter was a better technique as it was found easier with fewer complications than the lateral flank approach, though both techniques were helpful in the management of urethral obstruction.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the haemodynamic and electrocardiographic changes following spinal administration of combinations of ketamine with bupivacaine, xylazine or buprenorphine in buffalo calves. Eighteen buffalo calves were used in three equal groups A, B and C. The combinations of ketamine (2.5 mg/kg b.wt.) with bupivacaine (0.25 mg/kg b.wt.) were administered spinally at lumbosacral space in group A, B and C, respectively. The MAP, CVP and ECG were recorded at different intervals up to 180 min of drugs injection.

Six male buffalo calves aged from six to eight months and weighing 100 to 120 kg were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of caudal epidural analgesia produced by doses of 37.5 mg (5 ml) and 75 mg (10 ml) ropivacaine (0.75 per cent). The study was completed in two phases. In phase 1, all the animals were used twice to evaluate the analgesic and clinical effects of two doses of ropivacaine. In phase 2, the animals were divided into two groups of three to evaluate the effects of two doses of ropivacaine on some haemodynamic and acid-base parameters. Signs of analgesia, as evidenced by a loss of response to pinprick stimulation, were recorded only at the tail, perineum and hindlimbs of the animals given 5 ml ropivacaine, but they extended from the tail to the thorax (T9) in the animals given 10 ml ropivacaine. The duration of analgesia was five to six hours in the animals given 5 ml ropivacaine and seven to eight hours in the animals given 10 ml ropivacaine. Animals of both groups became recumbent, but the score for ataxia was higher in the animals given 10 ml ropivacaine. The respiratory rate decreased significantly (P<0.05) below the baseline in the animals given 10 ml ropivacaine, but the rectal temperature, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure and acid-base and electrolyte parameters did not change significantly in either group.

Xylazine–ketamine combination was evaluated for its efficacy and safety after epidural administration in uraemic and healthy goats. The combination (xylazine 0.025 mg/kg and ketamine 2.5 mg/kg) was administered to uraemic (n = 6) and healthy (n = 6) animals in the lumbosacral epidural space. The combination was evaluated in terms of clinical, physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters. The onset of analgesia was faster in healthy animals than in uraemic animals. Xylazine and ketamine produced complete analgesia of tail, perineum, inguinal and thigh regions in all animals of both groups. However, healthy animals showed longer duration of complete analgesia than did uraemic animals. Greater ataxia was recorded in healthy animals than in uraemic animals. The heart rate showed a significant decrease in both groups; however, respiratory rate and rectal temperature did not show any significant changes. Haemoglobin, packed cell volume and total leukocyte count decreased non-significantly in both groups. Total leukocyte count was significantly higher in uraemic animals. A significantly higher value of urea nitrogen and creatinine was recorded in uraemic animals. The blood electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl−) and blood gases (P o 2 and P co 2) did not show any significant changes in both groups; however, base excess was significantly higher in uraemic animals. The effects produced by the combination on different systems were transient and values normal as the effect of the drugs wore off. The results suggest that the combination when used epidurally in uraemic goats produced effective and safe surgical analgesia.

The study was carried out on 12 male goats aged 6-9 months, weighing 10-15 kg, divided into 4 groups (n=3), to evaluate the suitability of polyglycolic acid (PGA) suture, cyanoacrylate glue (CA) and their combination for the repair of urethral incision. Post-scrotaI urethrotomy was performed under lumbosacral epidural analgesia and urethral incision was closed using PGA suture in group 1, CA in group 2 and combination of both in group 3. In control animals of group 4, urethra was left unsutured after putting an indwelling catheter. The animals were observed for clinical, haematological, biochemical and radiographic parameters. Mild to moderate pain and swelling at the incision site were observed for I week in the animals of treatment and 2 weeks in control animals. Leakage of urine from the incision site and significant leukocytosis characterized by neutrophilia and lymphocytopaenia, increase in aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were observed in control animals. Plasma glucose increased significantly for short period post-operatively in all the treatment groups and for more than 2 weeks in control group. Contrast urethrograms showed complete urethral healing in the animal of all treatment groups. It was concluded that both PGA suture and CA glue when used alone are equally effective in the repair of urethral incision in goats.

In the present study a comparison of two techniques of tube cystostomy i.e. percutaneous tube cystostomy using Foley's catheter and Supracath was made in goats suffering from obstructive urolithiasis under lumbosacral epidural analgesia. The technique of tube cystostomy using Foley's catheter was a better one as compared to that of Supracath technique in terms of tolerance by the animal and overall out-come of the patients.

The study was carried out on 12 male goats (6-9 m, 10-15 kg), divided into 4 equal groups, to evaluate the suitability of cyanoacrylate and fibrin glue for the repair of urethral incision. Post-scrotal urethrotomy was performed under lumbosacral epidural analgesia in all the animals. The urethral incision was then closed using silk in group I, cyanoacrylate adhesive in group II and fibrin glue in group III. In the animals of group IV, urethra was left unsutured after putting an indwelling catheter (control). Mild leakage of urine was seen in one animal of group I and two animals of group III. Leakage of urine was severe in all the animals of group IV. Significant (P < 0.01) increase in total leucocytes (TLC) characterized by neutrophilia and lymphocytopaenia was recorded in animals of groups III and IV. There was complete urethral healing in all the animals of group II, two animals of group I and one animal of group III. It was concluded that N-butyl-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive and not the fibrin glue can be used for the repair of urethra.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of xylazine alone (0.05 mg/kg), lignocaine alone (2.0 mg/kg) and a combination of xylazine and lignocaine (0.05 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg, respectively) after lumbar epidural administration in water buffalo calves. Fifteen nondescript, male water buffalo calves of 6-8 months of age and weighing between 55 and 75 kg were randomly placed in 3 groups (A, B and C). The agents were administered at the 1st lumbar epidural space. Clinico-physiological parameters such as analgesia, ataxia, sedation, salivation, heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature were studied. Other haematological and biochemical parameters monitored were haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocyte count, plasma glucose, cortisol, protein albumin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, ALT, sodium, potassium and chloride. The onset of analgesia was faster in groupC(3.0 + 0.44 min) compared with that of group B (4.4 + 0.40 min) and group A (34.0 + 1.86 min). Analgesia of the thorax, flank, inguinal region, hind limbs, perineum and tail was complete in group C, but mild to moderate in groupsAand B.Ataxia was severe in groups B and C and mild in group A. Mild to deep sedation were produced by groups A and C animals. Longer duration and greater depth of analgesia was produced in animals in group C. Heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature decreased in groups A and C. The haematological parameters decreased in all the groups. The biochemical parameters like glucose, cortisol, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, ALTincreased in all the animals. However, total proteins and albumin decreased in the 3 groups. The plasma electrolytes sodium, potassium and chloride did not show any significant change. The results of this study indicated a possible additive analgesic interaction between epidurally administered xylazine and lignocaine, without causing any marked systemic effects in water buffalo calves.

Fifteen healthy male goats of 6–9 months of age were used to compare the efficacy of two suture materials and two tissue adhesives in the repair of urethral incision. Post-scrotal urethrotomy was performed in all the animals under lumbosacral epidural analgesia to create a 2 cm long urethral incision. The goats were randomly divided in 5 groups of three animals each depending upon the suture material(s) and tissue adhesive used for closing the wound viz. polyglycolic acid suture (group I), silk suture (group II), cyanoacrylate glue (group III), fibrin glue (group IV) and a combination of polyglycolic acid suture and cyanoacrylate glue (group V). Animals of all the groups were sacrificed on 30th postoperative day and urethral samples were collected from the site of surgery to evaluate the healing by histopathological examination. Histopatholigical findings in group I were suggestive of complete healing as evidenced by the presence of fibroblasts with collagen phenotype. In group II almost complete healing was seen in 1 case, however, detachments, necrosis, roughening and thinning of the mucosa near the suture site was seen in two cases together with mild to moderate infiltration of mononuclear cells in the erectile tissue and tunica albugenia. In group III, the incision through serosa to mucosa in penile urethra indicated good amount of healing tissue with little neutrophils and mononuclear cell infiltration in propria and albugenia connective tissue. However, penile urethral lining was intact. In group IV, no healing reaction was noticed. However, the connective tissue around the incision site showed mild infiltration of cells. In combination group healing tissue was more as compared with cyanoacrylate alone, but it contained more number of inflammatory cells and necrotic debris in the tunica albugenia. It was concluded that polyglycolic acid induced better healing than the silk. Cyanoacrylate glue also induced good healing, which was comparable to that induced by polyglycolic acid. Cyanoacrylate glue may be recommended for easy and complication free repair of urethra in goats.