Plasma and blood volume in dystocia affected buffaloes

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess the degree of dehydration through plasma and blood volume in 15 dystocia affected buffaloes. The buffaloes were divided into 2 groups based upon the way the foetal delivery was effected; by either mutations/fetotomy/rolling (group 2a; n=05) or caesarean section (group 2b; n=10). Three normally calved buffaloes served as control (group 1). The plasma/blood volume was determined by dye dilution method using T-1824 (Evan's Blue). Average plasma and blood volumes in normally calved buffaloes were 5.41±0.20 (54.1 ml/kg b wt) and 8.20±0.21% (82.0 mlkg b wt), respectively, at the time of calving. The dystociac buffaloes had significantly lower plasma and blood volumes as compared to the controls. In group 2% initial plasma and blood volumes were 4.64±0.36 (46.4 ml/kg b wt) and 6.74±0.45% (67.4 ml/kg b wt), respectively, at the time of presentation to clinics, whereas, in buffaloes undergoing caesarean section (group 2b) initial plasma and blood volumes were 4.52±0.54 (45.2 ml/kg b wt) and 6.70±0.53% (67.0 ml/kg b wt), respectively, which improved to 4.91±0.53 (49.1 ml/kg b wt) and 7.33±0.53% (73.3 ml/kg b wt) by day one post caesarean section following intravenous fluid therapy. Thus, it may be concluded that variable degree of dehydration occur in dystociac buffaloes that require immediate fluid therapy for rehydration. The,dye dilution method is a good measure to assess degree of dehydration in dystociac buffaloes.