Epidemiology, clinico-biochemistry and evaluation of treatment modalities for the management of osteomalacia in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study was planned for investigations on epidemiology, clinco-biochemical and radiological aspects and therapeutic management of osteomalacia in buffaloes. Overall hospital incidence of osteomalcia in buffaloes was 8.31 percent with higher incidence during mid lactation in high yielding buffaloes exclusively fed on dry fodder. The characteristic clinical signs observed were progressive loss of body weight, shifting lameness, stiff gait, arching of back as well as difficulty in lifting chest portion and keeping on knee joint for longer time while getting up. Significant decrease in hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count and haematocrit while increase in MCV and granulocyte count was observed in affected buffaloes as compared to healthy buffaloes. Highly significant decrease in mean plasma inorganic phosphorus, significant decrease in calcium and highly significant increase in alkaline phosphatase levels was observed in osteomalacia affected buffaloes. Radiographic examination revealed proliferation of osteophytes in carpal bones, demineralization of canon bones and osteolytic changes indicated by decreased radiographic density in last few coccygeal vertebrae. For evaluating the efficacy of different treatment modalities in osteomalacia, ailing buffaloes were divided in to three groups (n=10). Group I, II and III buffaloes were treated with mineral mixture, buffered phosphorus and buffered phosphorus with mineral mixture respectively. The overall recovery period was significantly lower (27.1+-4.05 days) in Group III compared to Group II (39.2+-4.2 days) and Group I (40.5+-3.72 days) buffaloes. On the basis of recovery period and restoration of biochemical parameters combined treatment with parenteral buffered phosphorus preparation and mineral mixture proved most effective in management of osteomalacia in buffaloes.