Haemato-biochemical changes following treatment of infrared and ultraviolet rays in induced carpal arthritis in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalus)

Twelve buffalo calves induced with carpal arthritis were randomly divided in to three groups. All the animals were irradiated with infrared rays in group T1 and Ultraviolet rays in group T2 from 3^rd day onward till 14^th day. However conventional therapy comprising anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam@1mg/4kg body wt.) and antibiotic (Gentamicin@5mg/kg body wt.) were given intramuscularly daily for seven consecutive days in all the groups including group T3 which acted as control. Haematological (PCV, Hb, TEC, TLC and DLC), biochemical (total protein, blood glucose and alkaline phosphatase) and electrolyte (sodium and potassium) were estimated before and at 3,5,7,10 and 14 day post arthritis. Hb, PCV and TEC revealed non-significant alteration whereas, marked leucocytosis and neutrophilia on 10^th day post arthritis. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly (P<0.05) higher in UV treated group whereas, sodium and potassium did not reveal any significant alterations. It is concluded that the changes in haematobiochemical and electrolytes were transient and returned towards the base line after treatment with ultraviolet and infrared rays. Hence these modalities can be considered for treatment of osteoarthritis.