Management of recurrent tympany due to Gastrothylax crumenifer infection in buffaloes

Abstract

Three buffaloes were presented to the hospital with the history of suspended rumination, reduction in feed and water intake, persistent bloat for three to six days. Clinical examination revealed distension of the left paralumbar fossa, watery foetid dung, absence of rumination and tympanic sounds on left para lumbar fossa. Haematology revealed reduced haemoglobin and packed cell volume. Microscopic examination of the dung revealed presence of the amphistomes ova. The rumen fluid extraction pump was passed into the rumen to collect the rumen fluid and while taking out intensity of tympany was reduced and different stages of amphistomes were attached to the end portion of stomach tube. Based on the morphological study of the stained processed parasites, the amphistomes was identified as Gastrothylax crumenifer. Buffaloes were successfully treated with oxyclozanide along with fluid therapy. Uneventful recovery was noticed by the third day of therapy and no recurrence of bloat was recorded for the eight months of post treatment observatory period.