Arun Anand

Propofol and thiopentone sodium as induction agents in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): a comparative study

Propofol and thiopentone sodium as induction agents were evaluated in 12 healthy water buffaloes of either sex (3–5 years; 350–500 kg). Midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) + butorphanol (0.02 mg/kg) intravenously was used for premedication in both groups. After 5 min of premedication, anaesthesia was induced by 1% propofol (3 mg kg−1) in PRO group and by 5% thiopentone sodium (10 mg kg−1) in THIO group and maintained with isoflurane-oxygen mixture up to 30 min. Anaesthetic efficacy was assessed on the basis of quality of induction and recovery, time taken for induction and recovery and incidence of side effects. Heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature and mean blood pressure were also monitored. Propofol provided rapid and smooth induction of anaesthesia along with satisfactory conditions for endotracheal intubation. Propofol was associated with lesser respiratory depression than thiopentone sodium. Side effects like apnea and regurgitation were lesser and recovery was faster and smoother following propofol administration. Propofol was shown to be superior than thiopentone sodium and can be used as an alternative to thiopentone sodium for induction of general anaesthesia in water buffaloes.

Differential diagnosis and surgical management of cecal dilatation vis-a-vis cecal impaction in bovine

Aim: The present study was undertaken to study the clinical and hemato-biochemical alterations, ultrasonography, and surgical treatment of bovine suffering from cecal dilatation and cecal impaction. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 11 bovines (9 buffaloes and 2 cattle) suffering from cecal dilatation (n=6) and cecal impaction (n=5). The diagnosis of surgical affections of cecum was made on the basis of clinical examination, hematobiochemistry, ultrasonography, and exploratory laparotomy. Results: A marked decrease in serum total protein, albumin, chloride, potassium, and calcium levels while an increase in lactate concentrations was recorded. Peritoneal fluid examination revealed an increase in total protein concentration. Per rectal examination along with ultrasonography was used as a confirmatory diagnostic tool for cecal dilatation and cecal impaction. Ultrasonographic features of cecal dilatation and cecal impaction were recorded. Left flank laparorumenotomy was performed in six animals with dilated cecum along with colonic fecalith. Post-rumenotomy, these animals were treated with massage of cecum along with kneading of colonic fecalith. Right flank typhlotomy was done in the remaining five animals having impacted cecum for decompression of the dilated cecum. 9 of 11 animals survived which underwent surgery and remained healthy up to 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: Ultrasonography was reliable in the diagnosis of cecal dilatation and cecal impaction in bovine. Left flank exploration after laparorumenotomy is an ideal surgical technique for the management of cecal dilatation, while right flank typhlotomy is ideal for the management of cecal impaction in bovine.