Veterinary College, Bengaluru

Monthly e-Bullletin

Newsletter Date : 31st Aug 2013 Volume No : 2 Issue : 08

Dr. B. N. Nagaraja , Dr. A. S. Patil and Dr. Ramesh Rathod

Department of Veterinary Surgery & Radiology, Veterinary College Hebbal, Bangalore
(E mail: settihallynag@rediffmail.com)

When the nerve supplying the muscle is the injured it leads to neuropathic paralysis. The loss of
muscle function may be sensory, motor or both. It may be partial (paresis/ palsy) or complete (paralysis).
The peripheral nerves supplying muscles of limbs are prone for injuries and cause lameness and or gait
abnormalities. The early diagnosis and differentiation from other skeletal abnormalities is important and
has a marked effect on prognosis and treatment line. The commonly observed neurologic disorders causing
lameness / gait abnormalities in large animals are

SUPRASCAPULAR NERVE PARALYSIS / SWEENY / ATROPHY OF SHOULDER: This rare

condition results from paralysis of the suprascapular nerve supplying supraspinatus and infraspinatus
muscles.
Etiology: a) Acute trauma to the prescapular area at anterior border of distal scapula.
b) Over stretching /compression of the nerve (eg, an abscess or fracture, pressure of collar).
Symptoms: a) Difficulty in extending shoulder joint.
b) A specific gait aberration develops. The stride is
shorter than normal; when weight is borne on the limb,
it tends to swivel i.e. Marked outward bulging of
shoulder joint occurs when weight is borne on the limb
- Shoulder slip.
c) Marked wasting and atrophy of the supraspinatus and
infraspinatus muscles muscles within weeks (Fig. 1).

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2. RADIAL NERVE PARALYSIS: This nerve locted in the musculospiral groove of humerus and
supplies tricps and extensors of carpus and digits.

Etiology: a) The distal radial nerve is vulnerable to injury in the musculospiral groove
of the humerus, either from fractures or deep soft-tissue trauma.
b) The damage is frequently associated with casting an animal with ropes on rough surface
without proper bedding or with any situation in which the forelimb is accidentally restrained
and the animal struggles violently to free itself.
c) Fracture first rib
Symptoms:

a)In proximal radial complete paralysis, the elbow drops

(dropped elbow), the carpus and fetlock are in partial flexion,
and the limb is usually dragged (Fig. 2).
b) In distal radial paralysis, because the triceps muscles remain
functional, dropping of the elbow is minimal. However,
paresis affecting carpal and fetlock position is present.

3. ISCHIATIC PARALYSIS / SCIATIC NERVE PARALYSIS: All muscles of the hind limb except
the Quadriceps Femoris muscle are supplied by this nerve.
Etiology: a) Acute trauma.
b) Over stretching /compression of the nerve

Symptoms: a) Hind limb loosely hangs.

b) When forced to move the limb is dragged with toe of the foot and fetlock dragged along
the ground but simultaneously stifle is lifted forward and upward at each step because of
action of Quadriceps Femoris Muscle.

4) CRURAL PARALYSIS: The Quadriceps Femoris muscles (all four parts) are supplied by this nerve.
Etiology: a) Acute trauma / fall on quarter.
b) Over stretching /compression of the nerve
Symptoms: a) Stifle remains dropped
b) when the animal tries to put weight on the limb, the stifle and hock flex automatically. So
no weight bearing.

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 c) When forced to move the limb is dragged with toe of the foot
and fetlock dragged along the ground but simultaneously stifle is
lifted forward and upward at each step because of action of
Quadriceps Femoris Muscle (Fig. 3).

5) OBTURATOR NERVE PARALYSIS: the adductors of hind

limb are innervated by this nerve.
Etiology: a) Acute trauma to the nerve caused by passage of a calf through the pelvis during
parturition.
b) Fracture of pelvis

Symptoms: a) Failure to adduct the limb following parturition

b) Animal adopts a base-wide stance or,
in recumbency, a sitting position with both hind
limbs extended forward (Fig. 5).

6) PERONEAL NERVE PARALYSIS / EXTERNAL POPLITEAL PARALYSIS: This nerve supplies

the muscles that flex the hock and extend the digits.
Etiology: 1. It passes superficially over the lateral femoral
condyle and the head of the fibula, which makes it
vulnerable to external trauma or pressure from
recumbency..
2. Fracture of pelvis
Symptoms: 1. An affected animal stands with the digit knuckled
over onto the dorsal surface of the pastern and fetlock.
The hock may appear to be overextended (Fig. 6). But stifle and hip flexion are normal.

7) TIBIAL NERVE PARALYSIS/ INTERNAL POPLITEAL PARALYSIS: This nerve supplies the
extensors of the hock and flexors of the digits.
Etiology: a) Distally, it progresses beneath the tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle and can be
damaged when the tendon is traumatized.
Symptoms: a) The hock joint is overflexed (dropped hock syndrome) and the fetlock is partially flexed.

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The gastrocnemius appears to be longer than normal and gives the
impression that it or its tendon could be ruptured (Fig. 6).

b) The animal can walk and bear weight, although its attempts to do so
are awkward. During progression the limb is lifted up from the
ground in swift and jerky fashion and brought to the ground with a
characteristic tapping sound- resembling stringhalt.

NURSING AND MANAGEMENT: The table below lists the essential pointers of nursing the affected
cow until recovery. All these pointers aim to alleviate the symptoms of syndrome.
a) Move the cow to clean dry comfortable lying area:
This must be done IMMEDIATELY
Out to grass is the best option when the weather is suitable
Bedding material must provide good purchase for when the animal attempts to stand
Deep straw bed which must be kept clean (reduce mastitis risk) and replenished regularly
Sand is a good option (20cm depth) if you can get hold of it as provides excellent purchase and is
inert so less of mastitis risk .

b) Provision of adlib good quality feed and fresh water:

Provide good quality forage with limited concentrate
If the cow is crawling around the pen, make sure she is checked regularly and water and food
moved to her.

c) Hobbling hind limbs

Animals with bilateral obturator nerve paralysis/paresis may be hobbled this may help prevent
the splits (abduction) while the animal attempts to rise .
Hind limbs should be hobbled approximately less than 50cm apart using purpose designed
hobbles or thick soft rope.

d) Padding and splinting

To prevent injuries to the limb being dragged give cotton padding and splinting especially for the
fetlock and pastern region.

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e) If the animal is recumbent -Turn at least every 3 hours.
One of most important factors of nursing the down cow to prevent development of downer cow
syndrome.
This alternates the hind limb bearing the weight.
Lactating cows must be milked twice daily if down for over 12 hours for comfort and to reduce
mastitis risk - Put cow into lateral or lift and milk if appropriate sling available

f) Assist the animal back onto feet (if necessary). The animal may be lifted to aid diagnosis and prognosis
and also to assist in nursing the down cow (i.e. massage of limbs, rebedding, milking). Methods of lifting
include:

Tail lift
Nets/slings/cradles/harnesses
Bagshaw hoists
Inflatable bags
Flotation tanks.

PROGNOSIS: Varies according to the causes of the condition, the seriousness of the lesion, duration and
degree of degeneration / atrophy undergone by the muscle.

TREATMENT LINE:
a) If the cause is Compression due to callous/ tumor- surgical removal.
b) If cause is Minor injury - Application of Counter Irritants and Administration of KI.
c) Administration of:
- Calcium and Phosphorous
- Corticosteroids
- Neurotonics - Vit B1, B6 and B12
-Nervine stimulants - Strychnine HCl
- Anti oxidants- Vit E and Se
d) Physiotherapy mild exercise, passive movements, vigorous massage, swimming, hydrotherapy
etc
e) Infra Red Ray Lamp
f) Laser therapy
g) Acupuncture

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 Dr. Madhukar,* Prof. H. A. Upendra, # Prof. M. Narayana Bhat$
*
Assistant Professor, #Director, Institute of Wildlife Veterinary Research, KVAFSU,
Doddaluvara, Kodagu 571232. (madhukar262@mail.com )

Periodic assessment of the health of a population is an essential and integral component of the
management practices. Veterinarians rely on measurement of haematological, biochemical, and physical
parameters to assess the body condition. However, unlike for livestock, a veterinarian cannot use these
parameters routinely for free living elephants (applicable to captive elephants also, albeit to a lesser extent)
as handling and sampling procedures require elaborate preparations, skilled manpower and expenses. Here,
we present two simple and practical body condition scoring methods which can be used by a field
veterinarian to quickly assess the health of captive as well as free living elephants. Both methods can be
used to assess Asian elephants of all the ages irrespective of the sex. Note that these methods can be
modified and used for African elephants or other wild animal species also.

I. Visual assessment of the body condition

Visual scoring method was developed by Wemmer in 2006 and is recommended by the Asian
Elephant Specialist Group (http://asesg.org/PDF- les/2009/Asian Elephant Body Condition Index.pdf). This
method is based on scoring of 7 visible bony characters as below. The minimum total score can be 0 where
as maximum score can be 14. Scores ranging from 0-5 can be considered as good, 6-10 as medium and
11-14 as poor condition.

HEAD temporal depression

0-Full and convex in outline when viewed and frontal ridge vaguely outlined at best
1-Moderately concave and defined frontal ridge
2-Deeply concave; frontal ridge forms a crater-like rim around the temporal depression
FLANK AREA- immediately in front of the pelvic girdle
0-No depression visible and flank bulges outwards in front of the pelvis
1-Moderate depression visible
2 Depression visible as a sunken area immediately in front of the pelvis
LUMBAR VERTEBRAE - behind ribs and in front of the pelvis
0-Not visible, lower back smooth and rounded
1-Visible as a ridge
2-Visible as a knife-like blade
PELVIC GIRDLE- external angle of the ilium
0-Invisible, rump region between the ilium and caudal vertebrae filled with tissue
1-Visible but not pronounced and the rump is a slightly depressed zone between the ilium and
caudal vertebrae

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 2-Visible as a jutting bone; rump is a pronounced sunken zone between ilium and caudal
vertebrae
THORACIC REGION
0-Invisible ribs, smooth barrel
1-Some ribs are visible, but the extent and demarcation are not pronounced
2-Many ribs strongly demarcated with pronounced intercostal depressions
LUMBAR SHELF
0-No depression in shelf and appears almost round from behind
1-Slight depression on either side
Depression on either side
TAIL CONTOUR
0-Deformity in the tail is invisible
1-Slight deformity in the cut tail with drooping hair
2-Prominent deformity in the cut tail with drooping hair

II. Picture based assessment of the body condition

This method was developed by Prithviraj Fernando in 2009. This method is simpler, can be
conducted more rapidly and is a better option for scoring free ranging elephants. In this method, a good
photograph of the animal is taken and scored by comparing with standard pre-scored photographs on a
scale of 1 to 10 (Figure 1 to 5). Note that the standard photographs consist of 5 animals and other animals
can be having condition intermediate to these animals, for example an elephant in worse body condition
than 1 would be assigned 0 and one in better condition than 9
would be assigned 10.
Figure 1. Reference for score 1- All ribs (shoulder to pelvis)
visible, some ribs prominent (spaces in between sunken in).

Figure 2. Reference for score 3 - Some ribs visible (spaces in

between not sunken in), shoulder and pelvic girdles prominent.

Figure 3. Reference for score of 5 - Ribs not visible, shoulder and pelvic girdles visible.

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Figure 4. Reference for score of 7 - Backbone visible as a ridge, shoulder and pelvic girdles not visible.

Figure 5. Reference for score of 9 - Back rounded, thick rolls of fat under neck

V Girish Kumar1 and S Nandi2

1
College of Veterinary Sciences, KVAFSU, Bangalore campus, Hebbal, Bangalore
2
National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bangalore

Water is the most abundant, cheapest, and most neglected of all nutrients required for livestock
production. Livestock will suffer more quickly from the lack of water than any other nutrient. Water is the
most abundant component in all living organisms. The typical body and blood composition of an adult
mammal contains about 60% and 80% of the water respectively. Loss of only about 20% of total body
water is fatal. There is a positive relationship between access to clean drinking water and performance
factors such as growth, reproduction, and milk production. Animals that drink clean, contaminant-free
water are generally less prone to illness and disease, gain more weight, and produce more milk. We
generally become concerned with water only when there is shortage and any contamination is suspected.

Water is essential for a number of physiological functions. Water is essential to maintain adequate
feed consumption. This is most important for animals which are in productive states such as growth,
lactation, work, or exercise. Water in the body performs many functions. Water helps to:
Eliminate waste products of digestion and metabolism,
Regulate blood osmotic pressure,

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 Produce milk and saliva,
Transport nutrients, hormone and other chemical messages within the body, and

Aid in temperature regulation affected by evaporation of water from the skin and respiratory tract.
The quantity of water required by livestock depends upon many factors including:
Species
Environmental factors
Water quality
Type of feed
Animal's physiological condition

The two main sources of water are that which is consumed and the water present in feedstuffs. Salt,
either in the water or in the diet, can influence water requirements. It is usually a problem only if total salt
intake is high and water intake is limited. All species of animals can tolerate water containing 0.10 to
0.30% total dissolved salts and all except poultry should tolerate up to 0.50%. If a problem is suspected,
have water supplies tested. The pH of water (6 to 9 range), calcium, magnesium, and hardness of water are
not believed to affect the intake of water or animal performance.
Guides for use of saline waters by dairy cattle; total dissolved solids (TDS)

(mg/liter or ppm) Comment

Less than 1,000 Presents no serious burden to livestock.
[fresh water]

1,000 - 2,999 Should not affect health or performance, but may

[slightly saline] cause temporary mild diarrhea.

3,000 - 4,999 Generally satisfactory, but may cause diarrhea, espe-

[moderately saline] cially upon initial consumption.
5,000 6,999 Can be used with reasonable safety for adult rumi-
[saline] nants.
Should be avoided for pregnant animals and baby
calves.
7,000 10,000 Should be avoided if possible.
[very saline] Pregnant, lactating, stressed or young animals can be
affected negatively.
>10,000 Can be used with reasonable safety for adult rumi-
[approaching brine] nants.

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 Water requirements are influenced by Physiological and Environmental Conditions. Consumption
may vary greatly depending on the
Kind and size of the animal, physical state, level of activity
Dry matter intake
Quality of water
Temperature of water
The environmental temperature

The minimum requirement of water intake is reflected in the amount needed for body growth, fetal
growth or lactation and that lost by excretion in urine, feces or perspiration. Water requirements for
domestic livestock species are as follows:
Lactating dairy cattle will consume on the average between 50 and 125 lts per day;
Non-lactating dairy cows and beef cows require approximately 50 lts per day;
Adult horse will consume between 40 and 60 lts per day;
Adult sheep/goat between 5 and 12 lts per day;
Adult swine between 5 and 15 gallons per day;
Adult hen about 1 lit per day.
A quick rule of thumb is that for every 1 kg of dry feed intake, an animal should receive 3 lit of
water. This will vary with stress, weather conditions, disease, productive state, work, or exercise, as well as
the water and salt content of the feed.

Signs of dehydration or lack of water are tightening of the skin, loss of weight and drying of
mucous membranes and eyes. Stress accompanying lack of water intake may need special considerations.
Newly arrived animals may refuse water at first due to differences in palatability. One should allow them to
become accustomed to a new water supply by mixing water from old and new sources. If this is not
possible, then intake should be monitored to be sure no signs of dehydration occur until animals show
adjustment to the new water source.

Common Contaminants of Drinking Water

Livestock drinking water may be contaminated by a number of factors including minerals (total
dissolved solids, or TDS), manure, microorganisms, and algae.
These contaminants can impact the appearance, odor, and taste of drinking water as well as its
physical and chemical properties.
When the mineral content of water exceeds safe levels, animal performance can suffer. High levels
of sodium (salt) depress water intake and result in weight loss and diarrhoea.
Animals exposed to water that is high in sulfur have increased incidences of polioencephalomacia

(PEM) and experience higher mortality rates.

Manure is a common contaminant in cattle drinking water, particularly when the primary source of
water is a pond where cattle may spend a good deal of time loitering. Manure is carried into drinking
water on the cattle's hooves and is deposited directly when the animals defecate.

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 Livestock drinking water that is contaminated with manure can become a hotspot for bacterial
growth, which in turn can cause animal disease. High levels of bacteria have been found in cattle
watering ponds where they may contribute to outbreaks of coliform related illnesses caused by E. coli,
E. aerogenes, and Klebsiella species. These can lead to mastitis, urinary tract infections, diarrhea and
numerous other unsavory and often lethal infections.
Summary
Monitoring water intake and quality for livestock is mandatory for a good farm management.
Ad lib supply of good quality water is necessary for maximum production.
Consumption of water is determined by many factors and basic life functions depend on water.
Assessing whether or not water intake is normal must be done by measuring water intake of groups
of animals with specific definable characteristics (e.g., dry matter intake rate, milk yield, dry matter
content of the ration, and sodium intake). Specific approaches for measuring water intake are
suggested.
If water intake, feed intake, and animal performance are sub-optimal; careful evaluation of the
quality of water should be initiated by conducting a laboratory analysis for anti-quality factors.
Anti-quality factors (constituents in excess or unwanted compounds) that may affect water intake and
animal performance include: total dissolved solids, sulfur, sulfate, iron, manganese, nitrate, toxic
compounds (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides), and deleterious microorganisms.
Easy access to good quality and plentiful water supplies may increase livestock productivity.
Good management of the water source can lead to more uniform distribution of nutrients in the body.
Sound environmental and managemental practices may be enhanced by correct use of a water source.

Dr. M.C. Anil Kumar*, Dr. S. Prasanna Kumar and Dr. M. Shivakumar
*Assistant Professor, Dept of Medicine,
Veterinary College, Vidyanagar, Hassan

Synonym: Wooden tongue

Definition: It is the infectious disease of cattle caused by Actinobacillus lignieresi and is characterized by
chronic supporative granulomatous inflammation of the tongue and less commonly oesophageal groove
and pharyngeal lymph nodes.

Etiology : It is caused by Actinobacillus lignieresi

It is Gram negative bacilli interpersed with cocci which is known as Morse code appearance.

It is non motile, non capsulated and non spore forming organism.

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Epidemiology :
Occurence: Worldwide in occurrence
Sporadic in nature.
Commonly cattles are affected. It can affect buffaloes and sheep.
In sheep tongue is not affected and only soft tissues of head and neck are affected
Transmission: The organisms are commonly found in mouth and rumen. Whenever there is trauma
they will get into the tongue. The trauma may be due to ingestion of breaded grasses, thorns, wires
and awns.

Pathogenesis: The organisms will get into the tongue and caused acute inflammation leading to marked
swelling of the tongue and salivation. Later on chronic suppurative granulomatous inflammation of the
tongue occurs which results in hardening and shrinking of the tongue giving the wood like appearance of
the tongue.

Then it spreads to lymph nodes of throat region and results in swelling of the lymph nodes which
may come in the way of deglutition and respiration. Ripening of the lymph nodes may occur which may
break open discharging thin non odorous pus.

Clinical Signs: In the beginning, tongue is swollen and may be protruding from the mouth, excessive
salivation and unable to ingest feed and water properly .

Due to involvement of retro-pharyngeal lymph nodes there will be interference in swallowing and loud
snoring respiration.

The sub maxillary and parotid lymph nodes will be swollen and visible. The lymph nodes will ripen, break
open and discharge thin non-odorous pus.

As the condition becomes chronic the tongue becomes hard, shrunken and immobile leading to inanition,
starvation and death.

Diagnosis:

Based on clinical signs tongue and lymph nodes are affected

Examination of sulphur granules: Collect pus in a test tube and add normal saline. Mix the contents and
pour into a petridish. Search for sulphur granules which are yellow coloured small tiny granules. Pick
one or 2 sulphur granules and put it on a slide and add 1 or 2 drops of distilled water. Then place
another slide over it and applying pressure crush the granules. Then draw both the slides in opposite
direction so that both the slides will have the smear. Then air dry it, heat fix it and do Grams staining.

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Differential Diagnosis: Since salivation is there it has to be differentiated from

Rabies
FMD
Since lymph nodes are enlarged it has to be differentiated from:
Tuberculosis
Abscesses of the throat region.

Treatment:

To overcome the etiological agent administer Streptomycin drug of choice @ 5-10 mg/kg b.wt, b.i.d,
i/m for 5-10 days.
To reduce fibrous tissue reaction administer:
Potassium iodide 5-10 gm/cow, orally, once a day for 6- 10 days or
Lugols iodine 3-30 ml/cow dilute in equal quantity of distilled water and administer slow i/v once in
3 days/ 3 or 4 times.
Drain out the pus from lymph nodes by incising and pack with gauze soaked in tincture iodine or
lugols iodine.

monthly e-Bulletin
Published and circulated by Veterinary College, Hebbal Bengaluru

Editor: Associate Editior:

Dean, Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bengaluru Head,Dept of Vety & Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Dr.S.Yathiraj (Ex-Officio) Dr.K.Satyanarayana (Ex-Officio)

Contact :
Dept of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Veterinary College, Hebbal Bangalore
email: pashubandhavch@gmail.com
Website: www.pashubandhavcheb.in

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