PATHO-BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN BUFFALOES (BUBALUS
BUBALIS) SUFFERING FROM PARTURIENT HAEMOGLOBINURIA
M. ZUBAIR AKHTAR, AHRAR KHAN, M. ZARGHAM KHAN AND ASIF
JAVAID1
Department of Veterinary
Pathology,
Institute
of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad,
Pakistan
Abstract
The
objectives of this study were to assess the role of glucose, bilirubin,
cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase as aetiological factors in parturient
haemoglobinuria (PHU) in buffaloes and gross and histopathological changes
taking place in this disease. For this purpose, 120 buffaloes, including 60 PHU
affected and 60 apparently healthy buffaloes were used. These animals were
subjected to collection of blood, urine and tissue samples. Blood glucose, serum
total bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations in PHU affected
buffaloes were significantly higher (P<0.05) than in healthy buffaloes. The
colour of urine in PHU affected buffaloes ranged from red, dark red to coffee
coloured and its pH was strongly alkaline. Urine of affected buffaloes was
positive for haemoglobin (100%) and albumin (95%) but negative for sugar and
ketone bodies. Microscopic examination of urine of affected buffaloes revealed
no intact erythrocytes. Grossly, carcasses of buffaloes died of PHU were anaemic
and jaundiced. Kidneys, liver and spleen were pale, enlarged and congested.
Liver was friable and swollen. Epicardium and endocardium showed ecchymotic
haemorrhages. Lungs were emphysemated and oedematous. Histopathologically,
kidneys showed necrosis of tubular epithelium and deposition of casts alongwith
atrophy of glomeruli. Liver exhibited centrilobular necrosis, haemorrhages and
congestion. There was haemosiderin deposition in kidneys liver and spleen. Heart
muscles showed degenerative changes, whereas lungs were haemorrhagic, congested
and emphysemated. It was concluded that significantly high blood glucose, serum
total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were found in PHU affected buffaloes.
Histopathologically,
necrosis of tubular epithelium, deposition of casts along with atrophy of
glomeruli, centrilobular necrosis and haemosiderin deposition were the main
findings.