Dermatophytosis is one of the most common skin diseases in dogs caused by keratinophilic fungi of the family Arthrodermataceae.Dermatophytes of veterinary importance belong to genus Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton.Lesser treatment options and frequent use of non-prescription antifungal drugs resulted in development of resistance to the commonly used drugs.The research was conducted to study the epidemiology of cases of localized canine dermatophytosis and to assess the antifungal sensitivity pattern of the isolated organisms.Animals tentatively diagnosed with dermatophytosis based on the presence of endothrix or ectothrix on trichogram were selected for the study.Occurrence rate of dermatophytosis was 17.66% during the study period.The dermatophytes isolated in the current study were Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum.The sensitivity pattern of the dermatophytes varied depending on the species isolated.Majority of the M. canis isolates were mainly sensitive to nystatin, M. gypseum to amphotericin B and T. mentagrophytes to itraconazole, whereas resistance was shown by all three isolates against fluconazole.Statistically significant difference was noticed in the culture results obtained on two different fungal specific medias viz, dermatophyte test medium and sabouraud dextrose agar.

Benign theileriosis, caused by the members of the Theileria orientalis complex, can develop fatal clinical outbreaks characterized by acute respiratory manifestation in stressful conditions. This report describes the molecular diagnosis and clinical management of a recently transported buffalo calf with severe Theileria buffeli infection and associated acute pneumonia. A five-month-old male buffalo calf having an inter-state travel history three days back was presented with pyrexia, anorexia, weakness, mucoid rhinorrhoea, dyspnoea and diarrhoea from the day of procurement. The history and physical examination revealed a clinical presentation similar to shipping fever. Whereas, severe parasitemia of Theileria spp. with anaemia, thrombocytopenia and granulopenia were evident on laboratory investigation. The Theileria spp. infection was confirmed by PCR method using specific primers and the authentication was made by detailed sequence analysis. The small subunit rRNA was amplified using universal apicomplexan primers and the phylogenetic analysis was carried out for further characterisation. The animal was stabilized by steroid nebulization therapy and the specific chemotherapy was instigated using buparvaquone and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim combination. Supportive medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, antidiarrhoeals and vitamins were provided symptomatically. The animal showed a good response to therapy and recovered from parasitemia by day 10 and the molecular clearance was later confirmed on day 70 of therapy. The present case of Theileria buffeli infected buffalo calf with acute respiratory signs points towards the possible hemoparasitic outbreaks in transport-stressed animals with the signs of shipping fever-associated syndrome. First report of a Theileria buffeli infected buffalo calf with immediate travel history manifesting acute respiratory sickness similar to shipping fever. Complete clearance of Theileria spp. organisms obtained by combination therapy of buparvaquone and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Subclinical carrier status of benign theileriosis may cause obscure production loss and unexpected life-threatening clinical flare-ups in buffaloes.

The environment is the most important stratum in the epidemiological triad of a parasitic disease and any variations in the environmental factors may decide the dynamic occurrence and existence of different lifecycle stages of these parasites. The present study investigated the correlations between key biometeorological and demographical parameters with the incidence of different gastrointestinal parasites and hemoparasites among goats. Four hundred and thirty-two goats were screened for parasitic infection in a yearlong survey conducted from July 2022 to June 2023 in the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy, Kerala, India. The weather parameters (Tmax, Tmin, RH, THI, and bright sunshine hours), air quality parameters [AQI, PM2.5, and PM10], and demographic parameters (gender and age) were recorded along with the test positivity of different categories of gastrointestinal parasites and hemoparasites in goats by routine fecal sample examination and blood smear examination, respectively. The infection level was ranked based on the severity of the infection. The mean and daily variations in biometeorological parameters were calculated and the data were statistically analyzed to figure out the pertinent correlations in host-parasite-environment interaction patterns. High levels of parasitic infections with significant month-wise variations and climate-correlated peak infection patterns were noticed. The incidence of parasites was negatively correlated to all parameters except humidity, indicating more severe parasitism during monsoon months. The significant variations in the host-parasite interaction dynamics point towards the need for detailed explorations concerning the lifecycle of each specific parasite with a focus on the possible environment-favourable and resistant lifecycle stages. Future studies may be designed from a biometeorological perspective to develop a crucial understanding of host-parasite-environment interactions in goats ensuring sustainable goat farming.

Primary uterine inertia is the inherent inability of the uterus to contract and expel a fully grown foetus after the end of the gestation period, through a normal birth canal, in the absence of obstructive dystocia.There are conflicting reports regarding the blood parameters in parturient animals, and animals with dystocia and its role in uterine inertia are not well documented. Haematology analysis was performed in dogs with Complete Primary Uterine Inertia (CPUI, n=9) and Partial Primary Uterine Inertia (PPUI, n=6), as well as control animals with the Foetal Cause of Dystocia (FCD, n=7).Blood samples were collected from the study population and total leucocyte count (TLC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), differential leucocyte count (DLC), erythrocytic indices, haemoglobin and haematocrit values were estimated in an autoanalyzer. Haematology analysis revealed no significant difference between the groups. Differential leucocyte counts exhibited lymphocytosis across the groups suggestive of the active immune response related to CL lysis, a characteristic associated with the termination of the pregnancy in canines. Erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit revealed anaemia across the group. The study characterised the haematology profile of prepartum canines, which indicated anaemia associated with haemodilution and lymphocytosis associated with active immune status. It also proved that the haematology profile doesnot have any significant role in the pathogenesis of canine uterine inertia.

A study was conducted to determine the antibiogram of Escherichia coli isolated from cases of neonatal calf diarrhoea in Thrissur and Wayanad districts of Kerala. A total of 101 isolates were tested for susceptibility against 12 antibiotics. The antibiotics to which the isolates were most susceptible were Streptomycin (49.51%) and Chloramphenicol (47%). The isolates showed varying degrees of susceptibility to the other antibiotics tested such as Enrofloxacin (8.92%), Ciprofloxacin (15.85%), Gentamicin (23.77%), Tetracycline (20.8%), Amoxicillin/sulbactam (8.92%), Co-trimoxazole (20.8%), and Nitrofuratonin (25.75%). All the isolates were resistant to Cefpodoxime, Penicillin G and Cefotaxime/Clavulanic acid. Many of the isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant which has serious implications for the control of these infections through antibiotic therapy.

Babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are highly morbid vector-borne diseases causing fatal conditions among dogs of the tropics and the pertinent association of the environmental determinants on their epidemiology remains unexplored. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of biometeorological factors like climate and air quality parameters on the molecular incidence of babesiosis and ehrlichiosis in clinically anemic dogs. The dogs having clinical signs suggestive of hemoparasitism were randomly screened from July 2022 to June 2023 for the molecular incidence of Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis, and B. canis organisms. The weather parameters [maximum and minimum temperatures, mean daily temperature, daily variation in temperature, average relative humidity, Temperature Humidity Index-THI and bright sunshine hours] and air quality parameters [Air Quality Index-AQI, Particulate Matter 2.5 μm-PM2.5 (minimum, maximum, average, daily variation), and Particulate Matter 10 μm-PM10 (minimum, maximum, average, daily variation)] of the sampling days were recorded and statistically evaluated for identifying any correlation with the molecular incidence of each organism. The results depict an evident correlation between the studied parameters and the molecular incidence of these hemoparasites in dogs. Out of 448 samples screened, the high prevalence of hemoparasitism (28.35

Dystocia is an obstetrical emergency, and primary uterine inertia (PUI) is the major etiological reason among the more prevalent maternal causes in dogs. The present study involved the relative expression analysis of genes associated with myometrial contraction in medium-sized dog breeds with uterine inertia. Dogs without any progress in the parturition process even after four hours of the onset of labor and the absence of uterine contractions were considered to have complete primary uterine inertia (CPUI, n = 9). Dogs that had expelled at least one fetus and made no further progress in parturition in the absence of active uterine contraction were considered to be experiencing partial primary uterine inertia (PPUI, n = 6). Dogs with the fetal cause of dystocia (FCD), i.e., obstructive dystocia, were taken as the third (n = 7) group. Uterine tissue samples were collected during cesarean section in each group, RNA was isolated, and the relative expression of myometrial ACTA2, ACTG2, MLCK4, MYH2, and PKC genes was analyzed. The MLCK4 gene expression was downregulated in CPUI (P ≤ 0.05) and PPUI (P ≤ 0.01) when compared to FCD. The MYH2 gene expression was downregulated in PPUI in comparison to CPUI (P ≤ 0.01) and FCD (P ≤ 0.05). The PKC gene expression was upregulated in PPUI in comparison to FCD and CPUI (P ≤ 0.05). The downregulation of MLCK4 and MYH2 gene expressions recorded in PPUI indicated the possibility of myometrial defects. The possibility of myometrial defects was also observed in CPUI, but to a lesser degree, suggesting other etiologies.

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy is the important myocardial disease and one of the most common cause of death in the medium to large size dog breeds worldwide. The disease is characterized by dilatation of cardiac chambers and thinning of walls leads to systolic failure. Mutations in some sarcomere genes leads to cardiomyopathy in humans. Sarcomere is an important multifunctional protein network involved in the signal reception and transduction. Mutations in β-MYH7, MYBPC3 and TCAP genes produce alterations in the morphology of heart (hypertrophy or dilatation). Methods: In this study twenty apparently healthy and twenty five dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were selected from patients reported or referred to University Veterinary Hospital and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy (2015-2017) based on the clinical examination, radiographic, electrocardiographic, haematobiochemical and echocardiographic studies cardiac disorders (Dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) were confirmed. Result: In the present study we investigated genetic alterations of exon 12 of β-MYH7, 16 of MYBPC3 and 2 of TCAP gene in dogs by polymerase chain reaction -single stranded confirmation of polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). Polymerase chain reactions were analysed using acrylamide gel and samples with different pattern of bands were sequenced. Polymerase chain reaction-SSCP showed different migration of band pattern in the intron 1 of TCAP gene in one sample.

The present paper describes the diagnosis and therapeutic management of Hepatozoon canis in dogs.Two male Labrador dogs of 1 year age with history of weakness, lethargy and inappetance were presented to University Veterinary Hospital.Clinical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, enlargement of lymph nodes, weakness, lethargy and infestation of ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).The blood smears examination showed typical gelatin capsule shaped gamonts within the neutrophils suggestive of H. canis in one dog, whereas, other dog was found negative.Low haematocrit values and thrombocytopaenia were recorded in haematology.The species specific polymerase chain reaction assay targeting 18SrRNA gene yielded amplicons of 666 bp suggestive of H. canis from the DNA from the blood of both the dogs.Even though H. canis infection is generally in apparent in dogs, severe disease can occur in immunosuppressed dogs or those with concurrent infections.So control of vectors has to be considered as an important measure to reduce this vector borne disease.

Sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cattle is a disorder of ruminal fermentation caused by the ingestion of large amounts of concentrates with inadequate amounts of fibre. The condition is characterized by sustained and marked decrease in rumen liquor pH ≤5.5 for at least three hours of each day. Rumen buffers and direct fed microbials (DFM) are dietary supplements that had been used in the management of SARA. Rumen liquor samples of dairy cows from the organized farms and households of Wayanad district which were at the risk of SARA were collected by rumenocentesis for rumen pH estimation. Blood samples were collected from cows positive for SARA and subjected to haemato-biochemical evaluations. Three different therapeutic protocols involving oral administration of sodium bicarbonate, Lithothamnium calcareum extracts as rumen buffers and a mixture Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus oryzae as direct fed microbial were compared in SARA positive cows for 14 days and the efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by the improvement in rumen liquor pH after the treatment period. Rumen buffer like sodium bicarbonate was found to be more efficient than Lithothamnium calcareum and DFMs like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus oryzae mixture in improving the rumen pH values in cattle positive for SARA.

Oriental theileriosis is a major haemoprotozoan disease of cattle and causes huge economic losses to the farmers. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of anaemia and subsequent complications associated with theileriosis. The present study was conducted to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant status of cattle infected with Theileria orientalis. In the present study, 16 animals which were positive for theileriosis by blood smear examination were selected. Confirmation of oriental theileriosis was done with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Assessment of oxidative stress and antioxidant status were done by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced glutathione activity respectively. Both MDA levels and reduced glutathione activity did not indicate any significant difference in animals infected with T. orientalis from control animals.

Early detection of uterine inertia is very crucial for the life of the foetus as well as that of the dam. Suitable methods for early detection of uterine inertia are lacking in canines compared to humans.Non-invasivetocodynamometry is a promising method, which is widely used in humans for the management of uterine inertia.In the present study non-invasive uterine contraction monitoring using the tocodynamometry was performed in dogs with Complete Primary Uterine Inertia (CPUI) and Partial Primary Uterine Inertia (PPUI), as well as in control animals with the Foetal Cause of Dystocia (FCD).In all the dogs belonging to CPUI and PPUI, the contractions were mild and infrequent with force near to the baseline, i.e., less than 15 mm of Hg. There were no reflex contractions in response to the feathering of the vaginal wall in a majority of dogs belonging to these two groups. In the FCD group, there were strong and frequent contractions lasting for two to three minutes with contraction force above 15mm of Hg, reaching up to 30-40 mm of Hg. Those dogs with less than 15 mm of Hg pressure and feeble or infrequent contractions without delivery for more than 30 min, could be considered as uterine inertia and suitable therapeutic options could be considered judiciously. Tocodynamometry was found to be an effective tool for the early detection of uterine inertia,whichhelped arriving at a quick judicious decision which is pertinent for better foetal and maternal survival.

A prospective study on haemato-biochemical aspects of canine atopic dermatitis was conducted in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy during the period from 2019 to 2021. Sixteen dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis using characteristic clinical (Favrot’s) criteria with exclusion of other pruritic skin diseases, together with elevated Ig E levels and ten healthy animals formed the subjects for the present study. Whole blood samples were collected from atopic and healthy controls and haematobiochemical parameters were estimated. Haemato-biochemical studies of atopic dogs revealed anaemia with leukocytosis, neutrophilia and eosinophilia and hypoalbuminaemia with reduced AG ratio. Absolute eosinophil count that was found positively correlated with neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in atopic dogs, is of diagnostic significance in quantifying inflammatory response which helps in instituting customized treatment to atopic animals in clinical practice. Hypoalbuminaemia observed in atopic animals in the present study indicates the need for nutrient supplementation in the therapeutic protocol of the disease.

Infectious kerato-conjunctivitis (IKC) is a worldwide, highly contagious bacterial disease of goats caused primarily by Mycoplasma conjunctivae.In the present study, eye swabs were collected from goats with clinical signs like conjunctivitis, lacrimation, blepharospasm, corneal opacity and ulceration to detect Mycoplasma conjunctivae by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).PCR was performed using primers specific to 16S rRNA gene of Mycoplasma spp.The amplicons obtained were then sequenced and identified as Mycoplasma conjunctivae by BLAST analysis.Treatment was done using Oxytetracycline @ 15 mg/kg/day intravenously and the clinical signs resolved successfully within five days of treatment.

Allergic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease manifested as itchy skin rashes, caused as a result of hypersensitivity reactions elicited in the body due to exposure to various allergens. Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a widespread skin condition characterized by an inherited propensity to develop pruritic inflammatory skin disease linked to IgE antibodies, which usually target environmental allergens. The study was conducted on 245 cases of allergic dermatitis in dogs presented to the small animal dermatology unit during the period from 2019 to 2021. Out of the total 2,032 dermatological cases in dogs presented to the clinics from different parts of Kerala, 245 cases were diagnosed as various allergies over a period of three years, and out of which, 63 cases were recorded as canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). All the 63 cases diagnosed as CAD were utilized for age-wise, gender-wise and breed-wise occurrence of disease. The occurrence of allergic dermatitis in the present study was recorded as 13 per cent. The highest occurrence rate recorded was that of flea allergy followed by atopic dermatitis, contact allergy dermatitis and food allergy. In the current study, higher incidence (66.7 per cent) of atopic dermatitis was found in dogs below 3 years of age, followed by dogs older than 5 years and of the age group >3 to 5 years. Gender-wise occurrence of atopic dermatitis revealed a male predominance with a sex ratio of 1.74: 1 in the present study. Labrador breed of dogs were more prone to atopic dermatitis followed by Beagle, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Pug, Pit bull, German Shepherd dog, Dachshund, Rottweiler and Golden Retriever.

A five year old cross bred cow, 24 hours post calving was presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), Pookode, with the history of recumbency 24 hours post calving. The serum biochemical parameters of calcium, phosphorus and potassium on the first day of presentation were 7.93 mg/dL, 3.82 mg/dL and 3.67 mEq/L, respectively. Tentatively the condition was diagnosed as downer cow with metabolic origin. The cow was treated with calcium borogluconate, flunixine meglumine and inj. Vitamin B1 , B6 , B12, sodium acid phosphate, vitamin ADE, Selenium, Biotin liquid for 7 days. Along with this, potassium chloride was administered for two days. The supportive treatment was done with lifting of cow using cow sling. Sand bedding was provided along with physiotherapy of rolling of the recumbent cow alternate ways six times a day. The serum biochemical parameters became normal on 8th day and the cow recovered by 13th day

Mycoplasmosis in goats is one of the challenging and continuous threats to small ruminant farming causing huge economic losses. This study was carried out to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of oxytetracycline against caprine respiratory mycoplasmosis. Nasal swabs collected from fourteen goats showing clinical signs like cough, nasal discharge and abnormal breath sounds were screened for the presence of Mycoplasma spp. by polymerase chain reaction. The severity of the disease as well as the clinical improvement was recorded using a clinical score card. Oxytetracycline was administered intravenously at 15 mg/kg/day for 5 days along with supportive medications. Significant reduction in clinical score was observed after treatment and complete recovery was attained in 62.5 per cent animals

Out of 34 caprine dermatological cases examined, 12 were detected positive for Chorioptes texanus. Pruritus, alopecia, crusts, thickening, wrinkling, cracks and fissures on legs, axillae, inguinal region and perineal region were the symptoms noticed in caprine chorioptic mange. In affected animals, reduction in haemoglobin concentration and per cent lymphocytes were noticed, along with elevation in the values of the total leukocyte count, per cent neutrophils and per cent monocytes. Values of serum glucose, zinc and copper were normal. All the 12 cases were treated with ivermectin at 10 days interval till two consecutive skin scrapings were negative for mites. In addition, all goats were treated with vitamin A supplements throughout the period. Six goats were treated topically with permethrin spray while other six animals were treated topically with lime sulphur spray. Both treatment protocols caused recovery of the animals from clinical symptoms, however, a skin scraping after 1 year revealed the presence of mites.

Malassezia spp. are commensals of the normal cutaneous microbiota of humans and animals. These yeasts may become opportunistic pathogens under certain conditions and cause dermatitis and otitis externa in dogs. Malassezia pachydermatis is the most common cause of malasseziosis in dogs. In this study skin and ear swabs from suspected cases were cultured on Modified Dixon’s Agar (MDA). The isolates obtained were initially characterized on the basis of colony characteristics, result of Gram staining and microscopic morphology. Total DNA was extracted from the pure cultures of the isolates and subjected to confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting large subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Positive cases were treated with oral itraconazole at 5 mg/kg bodyweight, orally once daily for 28 days.

The present study was conducted in anaemic cats presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy. They were subjected to a detailed physical examination, blood smear and faecal sample examination and haematology to reach an etiological diagnosis and to assess the severity of anaemia. Xenotransfusion with dog blood was carried out in 10 severely anaemic cats. Clinical outcome and variation in haematological parameters before and 24 hours after the transfusion was evaluated.