PATHO-BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN BUFFALOES (BUBALUS BUBALIS) SUFFERING FROM PARTURIENT HAEMOGLOBINURIA

The objectives of this study were to assess the role of glucose, bilirubin, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase as aetiological factors in parturient haemoglobinuria (PHU) in buffaloes and gross and histopathological changes taking place in this disease. For this purpose, 120 buffaloes, including 60 PHU affected and 60 apparently healthy buffaloes were used. These animals were subjected to collection of blood, urine and tissue samples. Blood glucose, serum total bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations in PHU affected buffaloes were significantly higher (P 0.05) than in healthy buffaloes. The colour of urine in PHU affected buffaloes ranged from red, dark red to coffee coloured and its pH was strongly alkaline. Urine of affected buffaloes was positive for haemoglobin (100%) and albumin (95%) but negative for sugar and ketone bodies. Microscopic examination of urine of affected buffaloes revealed no intact erythrocytes. Grossly, carcasses of buffaloes died of PHU were anaemic and jaundiced. Kidneys, liver and spleen were pale, enlarged and congested. Liver was friable and swollen. Epicardium and endocardium showed ecchymotic haemorrhages. Lungs were emphysemated and oedematous. Histopathologically, kidneys showed necrosis of tubular epithelium and deposition of casts alongwith atrophy of glomeruli. Liver exhibited centrilobular necrosis, haemorrhages and congestion. There was haemosiderin deposition in kidneys, liver and spleen. Heart muscles showed degenerative changes, whereas lungs were haemorrhagic, congested and emphysemated. It was concluded that significantly high blood glucose, serum total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were found in PHU affected buffaloes.Histopathologically, necrosis of tubular epithelium, deposition of casts along with atrophy of glomeruli, centrilobular necrosis and haemosiderin deposition were the main findings.