Effect of duration of dystocia on haematobiochemical alterations in buff aloes

Abstract

Dystocia leads to death of the dam and the calf especially in delayed cases. The present study was undertaken to
assess certain haematobiochemical alterations in thirty three dystocia affected buffaloes, divided into four groups with
labour pains less than 12 hours (group A; n=07), 12-24 hours (group B; 11=12), 24-36 hours (group_C; n=06) or more than
36 hours (group D; n=08). Haemoglobin (8.6-9.93 g/dl) and packed cell volume (30-36%) remained within the normal
physiological range in different groups. Glucose, insulin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations increased
significantly from initial values of 98.77 mg/di, 8.25 mU/ml, 10.51 mg/di and 2.21 mg/di , respectively, in group A to
180.22 mg/di, 61.03 mU/ml, 20.51 mg/di and 3.96 mg/di, respectively, in group D. Total plasma protein (5.72 g/dl) and
plasma (4.36%) and blood (6.42%) volumes were significantly lower in group D as compared to other groups. It is concluded
that increased concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and decreased circulatory volumes over the passage of
time in buffaloes following dystocia indicated the progression of dehydration and toxaemia in protracted cases.