Changes in certain blood components of buffaloes naturally infected with foot and mouth diseases

ABSTRACT

The changes in certain blood components of buffalos, naturally infected with foot and mouth disease, were studied. Hematological studies revealed the presence of hemoconcentration, represented by significant increase in hemoglobin percentage and hematocrit values. Leucopenia, neutrophilia together with lymphopenia and eosinopenia were also observed in infected buffalos. Biochemically, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and hypoalbuminemia were the prominent features in affected animals, while the changes in serum calcium and total protein were insignificant. From this study, it appears that the importance of administration of fluid therapy and balanced electrolytes to the affected animals during the course of the disease beside the symptomatic treatment to correct blood abnormality and prevent circulatory failure resulting from hemoconcentration and dehydration