Surgical affections of horn in Mehsani buffaloes and their management

The available information regarding horn affections during last 10 years (1997 to 2007) was obtained from Department of clinics and observed high incidence of horn fracture (77.85%) followed by avulsion of horn cases (10.74%). The cases of horn fracture in buffaloes, presented to college hospital were selected for the clinical study. For detailed systematic comparative study, 6 healthy animals from slaughter house were selected for control (Group-I). Then available cases grouped as per the treatment followed i.e. Group-II (N=6, Clerodendron phlomidis) and Group-III (n=6, Antibiotics). The assessment of infection control from septic horns was done on the basis of clinical examination, cultural isolation and histochemical study; gradual reduction in the exudates and process of clear pink granulating tissue deposition were main clinical criteria adopted for the evaluation of infection control. Before treating the septic horns the sterile swabs were used for sample collection from 12 clinical cases. On bacteriological culture, gram positive cocci (6), gram negative bacilli (4) and mixed infection (2) were noticed with ceftriaxone, Clerodendron phlomidis, gentamicin and tetracycline drug sensitivity in majority of cases. The exudates or discharge from septic horns was gradually reduced in volume from 2^nd-3^rd day of treatment in all the animals of both groups (Group-II and III). Then no discharge noticed on 5^th-6^th and 4^th-5^th day of the treatment in Clerodendron phlomidis and antibiotic group, respectively. The clear pink granulating tissues were seen in Clerodendron phlomidis and antibiotic treated horns on 3^rd-4^th day. Though, the non-significant decrease in haemoglobin and packed cell volume values of both the treatment groups were noticed, they were remained in normal range. However, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and Iymphopaenia were observed in both groups of affected animals. Hydroxyproline and ascorbic acid values were significantly increased in both groups as compared to group-I (Control), which showed that the healing process was in progress. The amputation of horn in clinical cases (Group-II and III) was performed by flap method under sedation with xylazine hydrochloride 0.1 mg/kg b.wt and local anaesthesia achieved with cornual nerve block and ring block in lateral recumbency proved satisfactory. Post-operative treatment comprised of consecutive 3 days parenteral administration of antibiotics selected on the basis of antibiotic sensitivity test was enough to check the secondary infection expect one case which required change of antibiotic on the basis of another test. Looking to the encouraging results of crude extract of Clerodendron phlomidis leaves for infection control, it can be recommended to farmers and clinicians to use in field conditions.