Synovial fluid changes in Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide induced arthritis and evaluation of intra-articular dexamethasone therapy in buffalo calves

Consistent development of lameness alongwith other signs of acute arthritis was proudeced by intraarticular injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (E.coli LPS) in buffalo calves @ 0.4 μg/kg b.wt. Synovial fluid examination revealed significant reduction in MPQ, glucose and lymphocyte percent while significant increase was observed in TLC, TP, neutrophil percent and AKP and ACP enzyme activity at various stages of arthritis. The animals, treated with 4 mg of dexamethasone intra-articularly, five minutes following injection of E. coli, showed nonsignificant alteration in synovial glucose and ACP activity whereas other parameters were altered only for a short duration and showed a trend of early normalization.