P. Kinjavdekar

Comparison of autogenic and allogenic bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells for repair of segmental bone defects in rabbits.

Autogenic and allogenic bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were compared for repair of bone gap defect in rabbits. BM-MSCs were isolated from bone marrow aspirates and cultured in vitro for allogenic and autogenic transplantation. A 5mm segmental defect was created in mid-diaphysis of the radius bone. The defect was filled with hydroxyapatite alone, hydroxyapatite with autogeneic BM-MSCs and hydroxyapatite with allogenic BM-MSCs in groups A, B and C, respectively. On an average 3.45×10(6) cells were implanted at each defect site. Complete bridging of bone gap with newly formed bone was faster in both treatment groups as compared to control group. Histologically, increased osteogenesis, early and better reorganization of cancellous bone and more bone marrow formation were discernible in treatment groups as compared to control group. It was concluded that in vitro culture expanded allogenic and autogenic BM-MSCs induce similar, but faster and better healing as compared to control.

Physiologic and biochemical effects of subarachnoidally administered xylazine and medetomidine in goats.

Clinicophysiological, haematological and biochemical effects of xylazine (0.05mgkg(-1)) and medetomidine (0.01mgkg(-1)) were studied in nine adult goats after lumbosacral subarachnoid administration. The onset of analgesia by xylazine and medetomidine was observed in 9.11+/-1.07 and 8.66+/-2.37min (mean+/-S.E.), respectively. Both alpha(2)-agonists produced moderate analgesia of hind quarter, perineum and flank, mild ataxia and sedation. The duration of analgesia after xylazine administration was 134.44+/-8.87min and that after medetomidine was 158.33+/-9.96min (mean+/-S.E.). Xylazine and medetomidine induced significant (p<0.05) decrease in heart rate, respiratory rate and hypothermia. Haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and total leukocyte count (TLC) decreased significantly. Changes in the physiological and haematological parameters were transient in nature. Xylazine and medetomidine produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in creatinine and glucose levels. However, these parameters fluctuated within normal range and started to recover within 120min. However, serum urea nitrogen (SUN), serum chloride, sodium and potassium did not show any significant change. The effects produced by xylazine and medetomidine were however, comparable at these dose levels. The study indicates that xylazine at 0.05mgkg(-1) and medetomidine at 0.01mgkg(-1) did not induce any serious alteration in the physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters and can be safely used in inducing hind quarter, flank and perineal analgesia in goats.

Evaluation of autologous bone marrow‐derived nucleated cells for healing of full‐thickness skin wounds in rabbits

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of autologous bone marrow‐derived nucleated cells to enhance the rate of healing of full‐thickness excisional skin wounds in rabbits. The study was conducted on 20 New Zealand white rabbits of either sex. Two, 2 × 2 cm full‐thickness skin (thoracolumabar region) excisional wounds were created; one on each side of the dorsal midline in each animal. The wounds were randomly assigned to either injection of autologous bone marrow‐derived nucleated cells into the wound margins (BI), or topical application of sterile saline solution (normal saline, NS), which served as control. The wound healing was assessed by evaluation of granulation tissue formation, wound contraction, epithelisation and histopathological and histochemical changes up to 28 days after creation of the wound. Granulation tissue appeared significantly faster in BI‐treated wounds (3.22 ± 0.22 days) than in NS‐treated wounds (4.56 ± 0.47 days). Better epithelisation was seen histologically in BI wounds than in NS‐treated wounds. Wound contraction was significantly more in BI wounds when compared with NS wounds on 21 post‐surgery. Histopathological examination of the healing tissue showed early disappearance of inflammatory reaction, significantly more neovascularisation, and more fibroplasias and early lay down and histological maturation of collagen in BI wounds than in control wounds. It was concluded that injection of autologous bone marrow‐derived nucleated cells in the wound margins induced faster and better quality healing of excisional skin wounds in rabbits when compared with normal saline. The injection of autologous bone marrow‐derived nucleated cells can be used to promote healing of large full‐thickness skin wounds in rabbits.

Medetomidine with ketamine and bupivacaine for epidural analgesia in buffaloes.

The efficacy of ketamine and bupivacaine in enhancing the epidural analgesia induced by medetomidine was evaluated in 10 buffalo calves utilized repeatedly after a gap of 10 days so that each drug combination was tested in 4 randomly selected animals. In group A, medetomidine (15 μg/kg), in group B ketamine (2.0 mg/kg), in group C bupivacaine (0.125 mg/kg), in group D medetomidine and ketamine (15 μg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg), and in group E medetomidine and bupivacaine (15 μg/kg and 0.125 mg/kg) was administered epidurally.Onset of analgesia was significantly earlier in animals of groups B and D compared to the animals of groups A, C and E. Medetomidine alone or in combination with ketamine/bupivacaine produced complete analgesia of the tail, perineum, inguinal region and upper parts of hind limbs. Ketamine produced a very short duration of complete analgesia at the tail and perineum. Bupivacaine alone produced only mild to moderate analgesia. Both ketamine and bupivacaine prolonged the duration of analgesia. Motor incoordination was mild to moderate in animals of all the groups, but animals remained standing throughout the period of observation. Animals of groups A, D and E showed mild to moderate sedation during the observation period. Ruminal movements decreased nonsignificantly in animals of groups A and E. Mild salivation was observed in animals of all the groups except group C.Significant decrease in heart rate (HR) was recorded after epidural administration of medetomidine or bupivacaine; however, ketamine caused short duration of tachycardia. The administration of ketamine with medetomidine caused lesser decrease in HR compared to medetomidine alone or in combination with bupivacaine. Significant fall in respiratory rate (RR) was recorded after epidural administration of medetomidine or bupivacaine alone, but an increase in RR was recorded after ketamine administration. The fall in RR was less pronounced in animals in which medetomidine was used with ketamine compared to the animals in which medetomidine was used alone or in combination with bupivacaine.Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased and central venous pressure (CVP) increased significantly after epidural administration of medetomidine in combination with ketamine or bupivacaine. The ECG changes included tall T wave, QS pattern, RS pattern and ST elevation and heart blocks at different intervals, which were more frequent and pronounced in animals given bupivacaine with medetomidine.It can be concluded that epidural administration of medetomidine can produce complete analgesia of the tail, perineum, inguinal region and upper hind limbs in buffaloes. However, significant depression of cardiovascular parameters was recorded. Administration of ketamine along with medetomidine resulted in significantly early onset and slightly longer duration of analgesia with lesser cardiopulmonary side-effects compared to medetomidine alone or medetomidine with bupivacaine. Addition of ketamine to medetomidine thus seems to be useful for producing epidural analgesia; however, addition of bupivacaine failed to provide any advantage over medetomidine alone.

Autologous bone marrow-derived cells for healing excisional dermal wounds of rabbits

The wound-healing potential of autologous bonemarrow-derived nucleated cells was evaluated infull-thickness skin wounds in the thoracolumbarregion of 20 clinically healthy rabbits. Three woundsof 2 x 2 cm, one on the left side and two right of themidline, were created on the dorsal lumbar regionof each rabbit under xylazine-ketamine anaesthesia.The wounds of each animal were randomly assignedto one of three treatments: injection of autologousbone marrow-derived cells into wound margins (BI),topical application of bone marrow-derived cellsover the wound surface (BT) or 5 per cent povidoneiodine solution (PI) (control). Wounds were observedfor 28 days for granulation tissue formation, woundcontraction, histomorphological and histochemicalevaluation, and time to complete healing. The mean(se) time to appearance of granulation tissue wassignificantly less in BI-treated wounds (3·22 [0·22] days)than the BT-treated (3·89 [0·40] days) and PI-treated(4·89 [0·47] days) groups. On days 14 and 21 aftersurgery, wound contraction was significantly (P<0·05)higher in BI-treated wounds (73·00 and 97·35 per cent)than in those treated with BT (58·75 and 84·87 per cent)and PI (54·84 and 84·60 per cent). Histomorphologicalfindings showed an earlier disappearance ofinflammatory reaction, better epithelialisation,significantly more neovascularisation, more fibroplasiaand collagenation, and earlier histological maturation inBI- and BT-treated wounds than in control wounds.

Clinicophysiological effects of spinally administered ketamine and its combination with xylazine and medetomidine in healthy goats.

The study was conducted in 9 healthy adult goats of either sex, weighing 15–20 kg, to evaluate and compare the clinicophysiological effects of spinally administered ketamine alone and in combination with xylazine and medetomidine. Nine trials each of the three treatments were conducted randomly by injecting ketamine (2.5 mg/kg) (n = 9), ketamine and xylazine (2.5 mg/kg and 0.05 mg/kg) (n = 9) and ketamine and medetomidine (2.5 mg/kg and 10 μg/kg) (n = 9). The drugs were administered at the lumbosacral subarachnoid space under strict aseptic conditions. The treatments were evaluated on the basis of clinicophysiological, haematological, biochemical and haemodynamic observations. Ketamine produced mild to moderate analgesia of the hindquarters. Its combination with either xylazine or medetomidine produced complete analgesia of the hindquarters for 45–60 min. Ataxia was moderate in the ketamine group, whereas animals attained sternal recumbency in the combination groups. A moderate degree of sedation was recorded in the combination groups. Heart rate and respiratory rate depression in the combination groups and heart rate and respiratory rate stimulation in ketamine group were recorded. Haematological parameters decreased in all the groups. Increase in serum glucose, creatinine and urea nitrogen was recorded in all the groups. Serum electrolytes did not show any significant change. The results showed that the combination of ketamine with xylazine or medetomidine at these dose rates produced a comparable degrees of analgesia of hindquarters with transient and minimal cardiopulmonary side effects.

Management of tibial fractures using a circular external fixator in two calves.

OBJECTIVES To report the repair of tibial diaphyseal fractures in 2 calves using a circular external skeletal fixator (CEF). STUDY DESIGN Clinical report. ANIMALS Crossbred calves (n=2; age: 6 months; weight: 55 and 60 kg). METHODS Mid-diaphyseal tibial fractures were repaired by the use of a 4-ring CEF (made of aluminum rings with 2 mm K-wires) alone in 1 calf and in combination with hemicerclage wiring in 1 calf. RESULTS Both calves had good weight bearing with moderate lameness postoperatively. Fracture healing occurred by day 60 in 1 calf and by day 30 in calf 2. The CEF was well maintained and tolerated by both calves through fracture healing. Joint mobility and limb usage improved gradually after CEF removal. CONCLUSIONS CEF provided a stable fixation of tibial fractures and healing within 60 days and functional recovery within 90 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE CEF can be safely and successfully used for the management of selected tibial fractures in calves.

Comparison of two doses of ropivacaine for lumbosacral epidural analgesia in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)

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.

Management of fractures near the carpal joint of two calves by transarticular fixation with a circular external fixator.

A four-ring circular external skeletal fixation device was evaluated for transcarpal fixation of compound fractures in two calves. Case 1 was an eight-month-old female Holstein-Friesian × indigenous breed calf weighing 72 kg, which had a Salter-Harris type II fracture at the distal metaphysis of the right radius/ulna with an open contaminated wound on the medial aspect of the carpus. Case 2 was an 18-month-old crossbred Haryana heifer weighing 105 kg, which had a comminuted fracture at the proximal end of its left metacarpus with severe soft tissue trauma and an open wound on the medial aspect. In both cases, the fractures were repaired with four-ring circular fixators by fixing the proximal two rings in the distal radius/ulna and the distal two rings in the metacarpus. Postoperatively, both calves were treated with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotic, and the pin-bone interfaces and the open wound were cleaned regularly with povidone-iodine solution. In both animals weight bearing was good to excellent in the immediate postoperative period. The fixator was well maintained and tolerated by the animals until the fractures healed after 45 to 60 days. The movement of the carpal joint was slightly affected when the fixator was removed on day 60, but a follow-up examination after one year showed that both calves had normal functional usage of the limbs.

Effect of bupivacaine on epidural analgesia produced by xylazine or medetomidine in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare the effect of epidural bupivacaine on analgesia produced by epidural xylazine or medetomidine in buffaloes. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, blinded study. ANIMALS Ten male buffalo calves (6-8 months of age; body weight 70-90 kg) were used on two occasions to conduct a total of 20 investigations. METHODS Caudal extradural analgesia was produced in four buffalo calves each by the injection of either xylazine (0.05 mg kg(-1)), medetomidine (15 microg kg(-1)) or 0.5% bupivacaine (0.125 mg kg(-1)), or combinations of xylazine and bupivacaine (0.05 and 0.125 mg kg(-1)), or medetomidine and bupivacaine (15 microg kg(-1) and 0.125 mg kg(-1)) at the first intercoccygeal extradural space. Analgesia was tested using deep pinprick stimuli. RESULTS Extradural administration of xylazine or medetomidine resulted in complete analgesia of the tail, perineum, inguinal region and the upper parts of the hind limbs, which was faster in onset and longer in duration in the medetomidine group than in the xylazine group. Addition of bupivacaine increased the intensity of the analgesia produced by xylazine, but not that produced by medetomidine. All the drugs caused mild to moderate ataxia, but signs of sedation were apparent only in animals which received xylazine or medetomidine. The extradural injections of all the drugs caused significant decrease in heart rate (p = 0.024), respiratory rate (p = 0.026) and rectal temperature (p = 0.036) from the respective baseline values, but the differences between the groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Medetomidine produced a longer duration of analgesia than that produced by xylazine. Bupivacaine prolonged the analgesia produced by xylazine, but the analgesia produced by the combination of medetomidine and bupivacaine was not superior to that produced by medetomidine alone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Bupivacaine may be used to prolong the extradural analgesia produced by xylazine, but not that produced by medetomidine in buffaloes.