Clinical and physical evaluation of infrared and ultraviolet treatment in arthritic buffalo calves

Abstract

Acute traumatic arthritis of the radiocarpal joint was induced by injecting turpentine oil intra-articularly in 12 male calves divided into 3 equal groups. The arthritic animals of different groups were treated from 3^rd day onward to 14^th day by conventional therapy (Meloxicam inj. + Gentamicin inj.) along with infrared rays (Group T₁) and ultraviolet rays (Group T₂). Group T₃ served as treated control which included conventional therapy only.

Animals following induction of arthritis leads to recumbency, anorexia, dehydration, elevated rectal temperature as well as increased heart rate and respiration rate. Following application of various treatment these symptoms disappears almost in all groups. Recovery from pain after treatments was observed better in Group T₁ where almost 3/4^th of the animals of these groups had no sign of pain on palpation on day 14. A progressive improvement in flexion response towards normalcy was observed on 14^th day in Group T₁ followed by T₂ and T₃. In Group T₂ and T₃, the mean joint circumference remained significantly increased as compared to the base value till the end of observation period as compared to other treated groups. It is concluded that animals of Group T₁ treated with infrared rays exhibited faster relieve of pain, high reduction in joint circumference, better weight bearing, better flexion (reduction in stiffness) as compared to T₂ (Ultraviolet) and T₃ (conventional therapy). Hence infrared rays could be considered as better therapeutic modalities over ultraviolet rays.