G N Purohit

Ovarian and oviductal pathologies in the buffalo: Occurrence, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

Abstract Ovarian pathologies observed in the buffalo include developmental anomalies, inflammatory conditions and neoplasms, the usual incidence of which has been observed to be low (0.1%–19.0%) in abattoir studies. Ovarian functional disorders are the most frequently observed clinical entities in buffalo and include conditions such as sub estrus, (7.4%–55.8%), persistent corpus luteum (0.54%) and ovarian cysts (0.5%–1.4%). The diagnostic approaches for ovarian hypofunction and ovarian pathologies include transrectal palpation and transrectal ultrasonography the efficiency of which continues to be suboptimal especially for unilateral small sized pathological conditions. Techniques such as laparoscopy have been utilized for visualization of buffalo ovaries however; their clinical use appears to be uncommon. The therapy of most ovarian pathologies except the functional disorders appears to be difficult. The prospects of surgical removal of ovaries in neoplastic ovarian pathologies are limited owing to the costs and loss of reproductive function under bilateral conditions. Oviductal pathologies in buffalo have been mentioned largely from abattoir studies and include salpingitis (0.2%–14.2%), hydrosalpinx (0.7%–14.2%), pyosalpinx (0.6%–11.9%), adhesions (1.5%–1.7%), congenital defects (0.2%) and oviductal blockage (1.2%–37.8%). The diagnosis of most oviductal pathologies in buffalo appears to be difficult except under conditions of gross enlargement. Under situations of bilateral involvement the therapy of most oviductal pathologies currently seems impractical as the reattainment of fertility appears to be difficult.

Prognostic tests for uterine torsion affected buffaloes

Twenty-five female buffaloes suffering from uterine torsion were presented to the clinic of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, CVAS, Bikaner for treatment. Three times blood samples were obtained from 25 buffaloes with uterine torsion (at the time of presentation of the animal, 1 h and 24 h after fetal delivery) and 5 healthy buffaloes to investigate the relationship between concentrations of SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), SGPT (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase), Bilirubin, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The aim of this study was to investigate related alterations in these blood constituents. There were significant (P < 0.01) increases in SGOT, SGPT, Bilirubin, serum creatinine and BUN in the affected buffaloes, possibly due to high uterine tissue damage. It may be inferred that torsion may lead to imbalance in biochemical profiles that affect the proper functioning of the uterine musculature. Buffaloes subjected to uterine torsion are associated with hepatic and renal dysfunction. In conclusion, concentration of above parameters can be used as a prognostic indicator for the occurrence of uterine torsion in buffaloes.

Efficiency of hysteroscopic visualization of bubaline uterus

Abattoir derived buffalo genitalia (n=98) were evaluated for uterine pathology employing palpable, ultrasonographic and hysteroscopic visualization. A high proportion (45.92%) of genitalia evidenced uterine pathology including endometritis (14.29%), pyometra (7.14%), hemorrhages in the endometrium (14.29%) and mucometra (6.12%). The sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy was 100% for endometritis and hemorrhages whereas for same conditions ultrasonography and palpation had low sensitivity and specificity. For pyometra and mucometra the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography and hysteroscopy was similar. It was concluded that for the diagnosis of minor pathological changes in the uterus such as endometritis and hemorrhages which can hamper fertility hysteroscopy is more efficient technique.

Prevalence of Uterine Torsion and Its Management in Buffaloes

This case study discussed the successful method of management of buffalo uterine torsion. A number of 25 buffaloes with showing colic were taken suspected for uterine torsion at the Clinics of veterinarygynaecologyand obstetrics, CVAS, Bikaner. Uterine torsion was diagnosed by per rectal and per vaginal examinations. Priorly, we used plank method for manage torsion in buffaloes. Eighty percent buffaloes were successfully corrected by this method. 1–2 rolls were sufficient to detort in 60% buffaloes. After detorsion most cases were accompanied with closed or insufficient dilated (48%) than dilated or open cervix (32%) which were altered after drug therapy into opened (64%) and indilated cervix (16%). Caesarean section was needed in 36% cases including failed cases of detorsion by rolling (20%) and indilated cervix (16%) after successful rolling. After long-term follow-up, the study reported 88% and 4% survival rate for buffaloes and fetus, respectively in uterine torsion cases. On the basis of this study it was concluded that rolling with plank method is a satisfactory technique to detort the uterus.

Perspectives of cesarean section in buffaloes

Abstract Cesarean section in buffaloes is an emergency operative procedure being performed prinicipally for uncorrectable uterine torsions and for delivery of fetal monsters. Left paramedian (lateral and parallel to the milk vein) and oblique ventrolateral (above arcus cruralis) are the two common operative sites used for buffalo caesarean section. Although many anesthetic combinations including intravenous and inhalation anesthetic procedures have been experimented in the buffalo species yet most caesarean sections in buffaloes are satisfactorily performed in right lateral recumbency under mild sedation and local infiltration analgesia or paravertebral nerve blocks. The history, indications, anesthesia, operative procedures, post operative complications and future fertility following caesarean section in buffalo are described.