<div>Rabbit is widely used as an experimental animal model in infectious and non-infectious diseases. The haematologic data can be helpful in evaluating the health status of animals over time. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and differential leukocyte counts in 5 nulliparous and 5 multiparous females, i.e. in young and older animals, at mating and at delivery. The values of RBC did not change with age, but WBC and lymphocytes decreased with age, a -33% and a -60% less in multiparous females than nulliparous ones. Monocytes count was double at delivery than at mating. In conclusion, aging on the immune system is manifested as reduction in production of mature lymphocytes and as a result, older females would not respond to immune challenge as robustly as the young ones. Physiological status is only related to production of monocytes.</div>


<div>Reference Values for Selected Blood Parameters in Rabbits: Effects of Age and Physiological Status</div>


<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maternal behaviour and neonatal responses are key factors for kid survival and growth in goats. This study was carried out with an objective to evaluate the influence of parity and season on maternal care, neonatal behaviour, growth performance and survivability of Black Bengal goat kids in eastern India.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>Pre and post parturition behaviour of goats (N=70) and neo-natal behaviour of their kids were studied during a period of 15 months. A systematical record of maternal care indices, including latency to groom, nursing, licking, sniffing and acceptance of suckling attempts, along with neonatal behavioural responses such as latency to stand, udder-seeking behaviour and suckling attempts were observed. Growth and kid survivability were evaluated up to weaning and data were analyzed.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>Parity of does and season of kidding significantly influenced some of the maternal and neonatal behaviours. First-parity goats showed more maternal separation (p&lt;0.001), their kids had fewer suckling bouts and shorter suckling durations as compared to those of higher order parities. Maternal care improved with the increase in parities. Kids&rsquo; from primiparous does took longer time to stand and locate the udder compared to those from multiparous does (p&lt;0.05). Kids from multiparous mothers showed quicker neonatal behavioral development as compared to kids of nulliparous goat. Kids&rsquo; born from nulliparous does had the lowest survival rate (78.57%), while &ge;4<sup>th&nbsp;</sup>parity had the highest (91.30%). Winter born kids&rsquo; had higher birth weight (14.45%) and more growth rate (13.85%) and better kid survivability (90.77% vs 80.85%) compared to summer season. Maternal behaviours like grooming and nursing were exhibited better in summer, while winter provided better conditions for kid survival, neonatal behavioural development, body growth and successful suckling. The results indicate that multiparous mothers&rsquo; kidding and nursing experience and good weather conditions during winter are key factors for mother-kid bonding, neonatal survival, post-natal growth and development of kids.</p>


<p>Effect of Kidding Season and Parity on Maternal Care, Neonatal Behaviour, Kid Survivability and Growth Performance of Black Bengal Goats</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Pyometra is the most common genital affections observed in bitches around the globe in-spite of advancement of disease diagnosis and treatment. Paucity of available literature regarding pyometra in canines in Odisha prompted to undertake an in-depth analysis on determinants linked to epidemiology, haemato-biochemical, clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging in pyometra bitches.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> During the period 2019-20, a total of 148 bitches were screened for canine pyometra in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha on the basis of clinical signs, haematology and diagnostic imaging. Uterus was collected after ovario-hysterectomy and processed for histopathology through routine haematoxylin and eosin staining.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> The overall incidence of pyometra was 15.54% with 4% mortality rate. Present study recorded a significant higher occurrence of pyometra in older bitches (&gt;7 year, 78.26%), smaller breeds like Spitz (47.82%), nulliparous bitches (60.86%) and dogs in dioestrus stage (82.60%). Haematological examinations revealed anaemia with marked leucocytosis and neutrophilia. There was significant increase in AST, ALT, ALP and BUN concentrations in affected bitches. Enlarged uterus with hypo echoic tubular structures containing mostly echogenic fluids were constant findings through ultrasonography. Flabby uterine horns with thick and corrugated endometrial wall containing profuse mucopurulent exudates were seen during necropsy. Chronic inflammatory response leading to intense haemorrhages and hyperaemia were constant microscopic changes. The most common isolated pathogen in canine pyometra was <em>Escherechia coli</em> (67.5%).</div>


Reference Values for Selected Blood Parameters in Rabbits: Effects of Age and Physiological Status

Effect of Kidding Season and Parity on Maternal Care, Neonatal Behaviour, Kid Survivability and Growth Performance of Black Bengal Goats

​Pathomorphological, Haemato-biochemical and Diagnostic Imaging Studies in Canine Pyometra

Pathomorphological, Haemato-biochemical and Diagnostic Imaging Studies in Canine Pyometra