Clinical Findings, Laboratory Results, Electrocardiography and Echocardiography Findings in Dairy Buffaloes with Theileriosis

Abstract

Purpose

Tropical theileriosis is a tick-borne haemoprotozoan disease, and cardiac function assessment in buffaloes with theileriosis was poorly documented.

Methods

The Present study was carried out from April 2022 to December 2022. Theileriosis was confirmed by microscopic examination of stained blood smears and lymphnode smears further confirmed by PCR assay. Electrocardiography was performed by using the base apex lead system, and echocardiography was performed by using the right parasternal view.

Results

The incidence of theileriosis was 16.25% by examination of stained blood smears, and 30.42% by PCR examination in 240 buffaloes. Repeatedly noted clinical signs were the absence of rumination, anorexia, loss of milk yield, depressed demeanour, emaciation, hyperthermia, lymphadenopathy, tick infestation, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, and increased intensity of heartbeat. Haematological findings disclosed decreased haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, and neutrophils; increased eosinophils and monocytes. Serum biochemical findings revealed decreased albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, glucose, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, and chloride; increased globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and creatine kinase myocardial band isoenzymes. Electrocardiography explorations were sinus tachycardia, broad T wave, and sinus arrhythmia. Echocardiography examination showed ventricular wall thickening, cardiac chamber dilatation, valvular defects/valvular regurgitation, and pericarditis/cardiac tamponade.

Conclusion

The present research proposes the changes in the electrocardiography and echocardiography findings in buffaloes with theileriosis, which are essential in clinics to identify the secondary complications during theileriosis and formulate therapeutics.