No abstract

This study investigated the effect of experimental Trypanosoma brucei infection on the placentome diameter (PD) of twenty four gestating West African dwarf does. The does were randomized into 4 equal groups with 'G1' as control while 'G2', 'G3' and 'G4' were intravenously inoculated with 5 x 10 8 trypanosomes on days 25, 51 and 101 post breeding (PB), respectively. Real-time trans-abdominal scan was carried out with 3.5-5MHz convex transducer. The differences between the mean PD readings on days 60, 75 and 132 for 'G1' (1.18 ± 0.32, 1.63 ± 0.83 and 2.43 ± 0.69) cm, 'G3' (1.20 ± 0.82, 0.49 ± 3.13) cm and 'G4' (1.19 ± 0.26, 1.65 ± 0.05 and 2.39 ± 1.16) cm, respectively were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). At day 60, the mean value for does in 'G1' (1.18 ± 0.32) cm was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than for 'G2' (0.88 ± 1.53) cm. At day 75, the mean value for does in 'G1' (1.63 ± 0.83) cm was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than for 'G3' (0.49 ± 3.13) cm. At day 132, the difference between the mean values of PD for does in 'G1' (2.43 ± 0.69) cm and 'G4' (2.39 ± 1.16) cm was not significant (P ≥ 0.05). The placenta tissue loss following infection for 'G2' and 'G3' were 25.4% and 69.9% at 36 DPI and 25 DPI, respectively. No values were obtained at days 75 and 132 for does in 'G2' and at day 132 for does in 'G3' either due to abortion or death. These findings indicate that experimental T. brucei infection led to reduced placentome diameter during critical periods of increased foetal development.

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Physiological whelping occurs at the end of gestation and involves the expulsion of fetus/pups through the genital tract aided by natural forces. These reports draw the attention of practitioners and breeders to the possibility of some unusual events during whelping and precautions to be taken in its management. They also highlight some unethical practices by breeders that may put in jeopardy processes and outcome of whelping. Two bitches separately presented to a Veterinary Hospital with history of dystocia were investigated. The dystocia was characterized by prolonged inter-whelping interval (more than 72 hours) in the first and unproductive labour in the second. Administration of appropriate doses of oxytocin led to the relief of the dystocia in both cases. The misuse of oxytocin by breeders was probably responsible for alteration in whelping events. The above reports suggest that dystocia should be thoroughly evaluated, an appropriate obstetric management regimen be established, strict enforcement of regulations guiding drug handling by non-professionals should be recommended.Keywords: Bitch, Dystocia, Oxytocin, Unethical practices, Unusual whelping