Veterinary College, Bengaluru Monthly e-Bulletin
Newsletter Date : 31st March 2017
Volume No: 06 Issue: 03
Nishanth.C, P. K. Kapoor, Naveen Kumar, Riyesh. T, Sanjay Barua And Naresh Jindal Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, LUVAS, Hisar, National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, Hisar email: nishanthvet@gmail.com Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute, highly contagious viral infection of poultry causing heavy mortality and immune suppression in young chickens worldwide. The virus mainly affects chicken at 3-6 week of age and has a predilection for the bursa of fabricius where in it affects the actively dividing and differentiating B-lymphocytes, however the Infectious bursal disease virus also affects adult birds and reveals its subclinical condition. IBD was first described as “avian nephrosis” by Cosgrove in 1962, because it caused extreme kidney damage in birds. Since the first outbreak occurred in the area of Gumboro, Delaware, the disease was named as “Gumboro disease”. Due to the high mortality rate, reduced growth, excessive condemnation of carcass and severe immune suppression; IBD is of major economic importance to the poultry industry. History: The IBD first described as “Avian Nephrosis”Later, Winterfield and Hitchner (1962) successfully isolated an agent in embryonating eggs. Hitchnerthen proposed the term “Infectious bursal disease” as the name of the disease causing specific pathognomonic lesions of the cloacal bursa. Incidence in India: In India the disease for the first time was reported by Mohantyet al. (1971). Outbreaks of this disease have been reported in chickens in different states of India such as Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana etc. Aetiology: The IBDV belongs to the family Birnaviridae of the genus Avibirnavirus. The virus is double stranded RNA, bi-segmented (segments A and B), non-enveloped and icosahedral in nature. Two serotypes: serotype-1 and serotype-2 have been reported on the basis of virus neutralization test. Serotype-1 has variation in virulence and pathogenicity that causes disease and immunosuppression in chickens. On the basis of heterogenous antigenicity and sequence analysis, serotype-1 viruses are classified as attenuated, classical virulent, intermediate virulent, very virulent (vv) and antigenic variant strains. Viruses of serotype-2 were isolated from turkeys and are non-pathogenic to both turkeys and chickens. Host range: Only chickens develop IBD after infection by serotype-1 viruses. Turkeys may be asymptomatic carriers of serotype 2 . The Pekin duck can also be asymptomatic carrier of serotype-1
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viruses. Anti-IBDV antibodies have been detected in guinea-fowl, common pheasants and ostriches which have also been demonstrated to carry serotype 2 viruses. Transmission: Only horizontal transmission has been described, with healthy subjects being infected by the oral or respiratory pathway. Infected subjects excrete the virus in faeces as early as 48 h after infection, and may transmit the disease by contact over a sixteen-day period. The disease is also transmitted by indirect contact with any inanimate or animate (farm staff, animals) contaminated vectors. The virus can survive for four months in contaminated bedding and premises, and upto 56 days in lesser meal worms (Alphitobius sp.) taken from a contaminated building. Clinical signs and post mortem lesions: The incubation period of the IBD is about 2-4 days. Clinically the IBD characterized by acute onset of depression, vent pecking, whitish watery diarrhoea, trembling and severe prostration. Bursa of fabricius is the primary organ affected which is initially oedematous, enlarged and haemorrhagic. At a later stage, bursa becomes turgid and atrophied. Gelatinous and yellowish transudate covering serosal surface appears during post-mortem. The infected bursa also shows necrotic foci and petechial haemorrhages on the mucosal surfaces. In addition to bursal changes, dehydration, nephrosis and swollen kidneys, thymic atrophy and congestion, ecchymotic haemorrhages in muscles of thigh, pectoral regions and mucosa of proventriculus are also observed. In an affected flock of 3 and 6 weeks of age, the clinical disease is responsible for losses due to impaired growth, excessive condemnation of carcasses because of skeletal muscle haemorrhages and death (Lukert and Hitchner, 1984).
HaemorragicBursa Haemorrhages on thigh Oedematous bursa Diagnosis Clinical and differential diagnosis: The clinical diagnosis of the acute forms of IBD is based on disease evolution (a mortality peak followed by recovery in five to seven days), and relies on the observation of the symptoms and pathognomonic lesions in the bursa of fabricius. The conditions most liable to be clinically mistaken for IBD are avian coccidiosis, Newcastle disease in some visceral forms, stunting syndrome, chicken infectious anaemia, mycotoxicoses and nephropathogenic form of infectious bronchitis. In all acute cases, the presence of bursal lesions allows for a diagnosis of IBD. In subclinical cases, an atrophy of the bursa may be confused with other diseases such as Marek's disease or infectious anaemia. Virological diagnosis: The IBDV may be detected in the bursa of Fabricius of chicks in the acute phase of infection, ideally with in the first three days following the appearance of clinical signs. Isolation of virus: A filtered homogenate of the bursa of fabricius is inoculated in 9-to 11-day old embryonated eggs originating from hens free of anti-IBDV antibodies through Chorio-allantoic membrane route.
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Histological diagnosis: Histological diagnosis is based on the detection of modifications occurring in the bursa. The ability to cause histological lesions in the non-bursal lymphoid organs such as the thymus, the spleen or bone marrow has been reported as a potential characteristic of hypervirulent IBDV strains. The histological approach has the advantage of allowing for diagnosis of both the acute and chronic or sub clinical forms of the disease. Test for detection of IBDV: The commonly employed tests for detection of IBDV and antibodies against IBDV includes agar gel precipitation test (AGPT), serum neutralization test (SNT), fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). More recently, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique and nucleic acid probes are used for the diagnosis of IBD. Molecular techniques: Molecular techniques have the potential to differentiate IBD viruses directly from the clinical samples in less time and in an efficient manner. The real time PCR, RT-PCR and sequencing are highly sensitive, extremely specific and versatile. These techniques not only have the potential to detect minute quantity of the infectious agent, even when pathogen has lost its infectivity but can also differentiate closely related viruses directly from clinical samples without going for virus isolation. Nucleotide sequencing: Nucleotide sequencing is the most precise and reliable technique for the genomic characterization, taxonomic classification and molecular epidemiology of the pathogens. Nucleotide and amino acid sequencing has been extensively used by many workers for the molecular characterization of IBDVs. Prevention and Control: Currently there are three types of vaccine used in India: Mild strain (Lukert type): These vaccine virus have low potency which can be easily neutralised. Intermediate or mildly pathogenic (Georgia type): They have good vaccine efficacy which can even show good response in the presence of maternal antibodies. Inactivated vaccines: These vaccines are usually prepared along with the adjuvants, which has long lasting actions. Supportive treatment with antibiotics and supplementation of hepatotonics and immunotonics Conclusion: The determination of the antigenicity of IBDV field isolates plays a critical role and is necessary for successful vaccination. Vaccination programme and presence of field virusesprobably lead to emergence of antigenically or pathogenically different IBDVs due to changes in the viral genome caused by an intrinsic missing proof-reading of the viral replicasethereby leading to repeated outbreaks.
Kamal Hasan, Rathnamma. D and M.A.Kshamma Department of veterinary Microbiology, Hebbal, Bengaluru, email: kamalmicrobiology@gmail.com Introduction: Parvoviral gastroenteritis is a highly contagious viral disease which causes severe acute haemorrhagic enteritis in puppies over the age of 3-4 months. It is caused by Canine parvovirus belongs to the genus Parvovirus and family Parvoviridae. Canine parvovirus infection leads to a rapid loss of condition of the animal and if not treated timely (at an early stage) will eventually lead to the death of the animal. Thus, disease diagnosis is of great concern to the dog owners, dog breeders. There are four antigenic types of CPV reported worldwide viz. CPV 2, CPV 2a, CPV 2b and CPV 2c.
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The CPV-2 has been shown to naturally infect wide variety of dogs and some cats including other members of canidae such as coyotes and Asiatic raccoon. Any breed of dog and wild Canines can be infected with any types of CPV, but Rottweiler, American pit bull, Small terrier, Doberman pinschers and German shepherd are more susceptible. In India, the first report of occurrence of CPV-2 was reported by Ramadass and Khader in 1982. After that, the incidence of CPV-2 variants in dogs were reported from different states. The prevalence of new CPV-2a and new CPV-2b has been documented in Southern India. The disease is spread from dog to dog mainly through exposure to contaminated faeces. It is also spread through contact with fomites. Within an infected litter, 70 per cent pups will die due t o heart failure by 8 weeks of age and the remaining 30 per cent will have pathological changes which may result in death i n a few months or even years later. Clinical signs : Intestinal form: The intestinal form is the most common form characterized by yellowish watery diarrhea with blood. Faeces can vary from simply soft in mild cases to grossly hemorrhagic in severe cases. Death ensues due to dehydration, leading to the peripheral circulatory failure. Cardiac form: The cardiac form of disease is much rarer. The characteristic manifestations of myocarditis is the sudden death in young pups usually about 4 weeks of age, the collapsed dying pup may have cold extremities, pale mucosa and show terminal convulsions. Post mortem findings : Haemorrahges in the Intestine Myocarditis, Pale mucosa Diagnosis: Lateral flow assay (M/s. Ubio Quick VET Kits ) kits are available, used as a preliminary screening test. The test is rapid and easy. Molecular Techniques like Polymerase chain reaction. Isolation of virus by Cell culture Technique. Enzyme linked Immunosorbent aasay to detect the antigen. Control :Effective vaccines are available for the prevention of CPV-2 infections. Both modified live and inactivated parvovirus vaccines have been used to fully protect susceptible seronegative pups. Attenuated strains of CPV have been derived by passage of the viruses in cell culture. In India, most of the vaccines contain CPV-2 strain. There is a growing concern that the vaccines used currently to prevent CPV infection in dogs may fail to protect pups against the new CPV antigenic variants. Along with any vaccination strategy, it is also important to isolate pups to minimize their chances of becoming infected during their vulnerable period. It is especially important in kennels to isolate pups from other dogs beginning at 4 to 6 weeks of age and continuing until their vaccination series is complete. Veterinarians usually administer the CPV vaccine as part of a combination shot which includes, among others, the distemper and corona virus vaccines. These vaccines are given at 6 weeks of age with boosters of 3 weeks of interval till 16 weeks of age. Commercially available vaccines are : 1) Nobivac DHPPi and Nobivac® Puppy DP Vaccine -strain C 154 2)CANIGEN DHPPi/L Vaccine - Cornell strain 3)Mega Vac-6 Vaccine – Attenuated Parvovirus of canine origin
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However, there is minimal level of cross protection between field strains , so there is a need to incorporate the field strains in the vaccine to give complete protection.
Dr. R. Jayashree, Associate Professor & Head, Dept. of LPM, Veterinary College, Hassan, Email: jayavet@gmail.com Plant nutrients can be supplemented from different sources viz., organic manures, green manures, fertilizers, chemical fertilizers etc. Choice of manures and fertilizers and their application at right quantity and time are important in increasing the fodder production. Among the plant nutrients required for the plant to grow normally or complete its life cycle the required elements like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are derived from air and water. The other essential elements including nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium which are used in large quantities have to be supplemented as primary nutrients. The other nutrients like iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, molybdenum and chlorine are required in small quantities as micronutrients. In addition to the above certain fodder varieties need to be supplemented with microelements like iodine, selenium and aluminium. Farm yard manure (FYM) which is available as a byproduct of livestock enterprise serves as a good source of the above said major essential elements for fodder production. But the FYM has to be properly stored and utilized appropriately to enrich the soil thereby improving fodder productivity. N, P, K values of manure from different species (%) Sl. No
Manure from
N
P
K
1
Cattle
0.3
0.2
0.1
2 3
Buffalo Poultry
0.3 1.5
0.2 1.2
0.2 0.6
4
Goat
2.4
1.3
2.0
5
Sheep
1.9
1.3
2.3
6
Pig
3.7
3.3
0.4
7
Horse
0.5
0.3
0.3
Equivalent of FYM in tones from different species of livestock with certain chemical fertilizers Fertilizers* Urea Ammonium sulphate Phosporous Potassium murate
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Cattle 15 6.067 8.89 22.2
Buffalo 17.69 7.69 8.89 23.53
Sheep 6.57 2.86 3.2 13.33
Pig 7.8 3.39 4 100
Horse 9.89 4.26 3.2 13.33
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FYM recommended for different fodder crops and stage of harvest & Yield Fodder Maize Bajra Sorghum Pearl millet Oats Ragi Fodder grasses Hybrid napier Para grass Guinea grass
FYM (t/ha) 15-25 15-25 10 20 25 25
Harvest 50-80 days 90-100 days 50% flowering 4-6 weeks 50% flowering 60-80 days
Yield (t/ha) 40-50 35-45 35-40 15-20 35-45 10-15
20 20-25 16-22
60-75 75-80 6-8 weeks
180-250 80-100 24-30
Rudresh G N, Sudha G, Sandeepa K H and Vijay V M Dept. Veterinary Gyanecologyand Obstetrics, Veterinary College, Bangalore Email: gn.rudresh6@gmail.com Quality control of semen can be defined as single test or set of tests to determine structural and functional integrity of frozen thawed spermatozoa in order to determine the suitability of the dose to be used in artificial insemination. Traditionally semen quality control involves subjective assessment of motility, sperm morphology assessment and an estimate of the concentration of spermatozoa. Since the inception of frozen semen technology, the search is on for a proper marker for fertility of the frozen semen. Several tests has been developed and correlated with fertility. Few of them become regular quality control test for measuring suitability of the frozen semen doses for artificial insemination. 1. Post thaw motility: The most widely used quality control of frozen semen is done through visual observation of percentage of motile spermatozoa in a semen sample. This has become popular laboratory as it is quick, easy to perform and correlated with fertility. The most critical part of the test is the subjectivity and depends on the expertise of the evaluator. For a minimum concentration of 20million per dose, minimum acceptable post thaw motility shall be 50%. Semen doses below 50% progressive motility shall be discarded. 2. Sperm concentration: Number of spermatozoa in semen dose is critical in attaining fertility with frozen semen. The required number of spermatozoa in semen doses varies with standards of the country and ranged between 10-20 million spermatozoa/ frozen semen doses. The concept behind maintaining specific concentration is that there is need of certain number for synergistic facilitation of spermatozoa movement in female reproductive tract. Traditionally, the concentration is measured using Haemocytometer or Makler counting chamber after diluting the semen. Sample dilution, charging of the sample in counting chamber and finally counting are the possible point of possible error introduction. 3. Sperm morphology: Semen doses possessing greater number of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa have lesser chances of fertilizing the oocyte. Studies indicate that semen doses with higher percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm lead to reduced fertility. Morphology evaluations can be
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conducted visually or using automated image based morphometry. The morphological abnormality has also been further classified into major/ primary (acquired in the testis during spermatogenesis) and minor/ secondary (acquired after spermatozoa left testis) abnormality considering the part of the spermatozoa which is abnormal and type of abnormality. Although sperm morphology affects fertility, some of these traits appear to be compensable, meaning that fertility can be improved if more sperm are inseminated, while others are uncompensable, making correlations between morphology evaluations and fertility difficult. 4. Incubation/ thermo resistance test: Sustaining the motility in female reproductive organ is prerequisite to attain successful fertilization. This prerequisite is mimicked in the incubation or thermos resistance test and spermatozoa are subjected to incubation in 370C. The viability reflected in terms of motile spermatozoa is a good indicator of in vivo viability. The ease of performing the assay has made this a choice of test for quality control of frozen semen. 5. Acrosomal integrity: A spermatozoa must maintain an intact acrosome up to the time it binds to the zona pellucida of the oocyte and undergoes the acrosome reaction, which releases the acrosomal enzymes permitting the sperm to digest a hole through the zona pellucida, thereby allowing the spermatozoa access to the oolemma. Structural and functional intactness of acrosome is one of the prerequisite to attain high fertility. There is damage of acrosome during cryopreservation due to physical wear and tear. Therefore measuring the acrosome intactness has become a useful tool to estimate the fertilizing ability. The acrosome integrity is traditionally measured using Giemsa staining. Studies have reported high correlation between fertility and percentage of spermatozoa with normal acrosome. The limitations with the assay labour intensiveness and fixing & staining requires expertise to avoid artifact. 6. Plasma membrane integrity: The integrity of the sperm plasma membrane is often synonymous with the viability of the spermatozoa though it is actually assess whether or not the cell plasma membrane is intact or not. In order to fertilize an oocyte, a sperm must have an intact and competent plasma membrane. Hypo-osmotic swelling test is also used to determine the plasma membrane integrity. For this assay, sperm are incubated in a hypo osmotic medium, and then assayed, using light microscopy. Due to hypo osmotic medium outside there will be influx of fluid inside spermatozoa. membranes will not swell. Sl no. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8
QC Parameters Post thaw motility Sperm concentration Sperm morphology
Cut-off values ≥ 50% 20 million spermatozoa per dose (0.25ml) Total abnormality not more than 20% and head and tail abnormality(alone) not more than 7% Incubation / Thermo standard drop in motility by 10% after every 30 minresistance Test utes Acrosome Integrity (Fresh ≥ 70% Semen) Percent Intact Acrosome ≥ 65 % (PIA) Hypo Osmotic Swelling ≥ 40% Test (HOST) Bacterial Load (FSD) 5000 CFUs /ml
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If the plasma membrane over the principle piece is intact, the membrane will swell causing the tail to coil, while spermatozoa with damaged principle piece 7. Microbial load estimation: Disseminating disease free frozen semen doses for artificial insemination is prerequisite for its success and therefore estimation of microbial load in the frozen semen dose is also considered as quality control test for cryopreserved semen. Standard plate count using nutrient agar is regularly used for microbial load assessment. A summary of quality control tests to be conducted for frozen semen and their cut-off values are given in the following table (as per MSP):
Sagar, R.S., SarasiMirajkar and Arun George Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, KVASU. E-mail ID: drsagarrs@gmail.com Introduction: Advancements in communication and information technology provide opportunities for new approaches to the delivery of veterinary medicine. The College recognizes the value of utilizing developments in technology to improve access to the provision of veterinary medicine, where appropriate, and supports innovations in the delivery of veterinary medicine. Telemedicine refers to the delivery of veterinary medicine using information and communication technologies where the veterinarian and the patient are not in the same physical location. Telemedicine generally refers to the use of communications and information technologies for the delivery of clinical care. It may be as simple as two health professionals discussing a case over the telephone, or as complex as using satellite technology and video-conferencing equipment to conduct a real-time consultation between medical specialists in two different countries. Care at a distance (also called in absentia care), is an old practice which was often conducted via post. The terms e-health and tele-health are at times wrongly interchanged with telemedicine. Telemedicine often refers only to the provision of clinical services while, the term Tele-health can refer to clinical and non-clinical services such as medical education, administration, and research. History: Telemedicine started from the mid of 19th century. The first dedicated service was the use of a trans telephonic electrocardiogram (ECG) transmitter to connect veterinarians across America to specialist cardiologists at the Animal Medical Centre in New York in the 1980s. The first interactive Telemedicine system, operating over standard telephone lines, for remotely diagnosing and treating patients in cardiac arrest (defibrillation) was developed and marketed by MedPhone Corporation in 1989. A year later, the company introduced a mobile cellular version, the MDPhone. Twelve hospitals in the U.S. served as receiving and treatment centres. Video conferencing has been successfully inducted as a mode of distance learning for veterinary students as well as practicing veterinarians at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee (USA). Branches of Telemedicine Tele-radiology: Teleradiology is another area where teleservices are easily rendered. Tele-radiology is the ability to send radiographic images (x-rays) from one location to another. The most typical implementation is two computers connected via Internet. It has a relatively long history, with CT scanners linked to academic hospitals and more recently with the development of e-mail services.
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Papageorges states that there is a 20–30 % error rate in the interpretation of radiographs by non-specialists and that there is an up to 50 % radiograph retake rate in veterinary practice. The error rate can be reduced by specialist interpretation. In new digital radiography, has phosphor plates and large dedicated radiograph scanners. To optimise digital photographic images captured for teleradiology, issues such as: Resolution, Bit depth, Dynamic range, File format, Compression need to be addressed. No standards have been defined for veterinary radiology. Papageorges’s recommendation of 640 × 480 pixels by bit for veterinary radiology is easily obtainable with comparatively cheap digital cameras. Tele-ultrasonography: It can be performed both synchronously and by store and forward telemedicine. Many veterinary radiologists believe the interpretation of still images is less accurate than interpretation of real-time examination and the need for adequate training is stressed. Tele-cytology: It is a branch of telepathology provide for concentrating on areas of an image and could be be practiced using store and forward telemedicine, with images captured using a digital camera attached to the microscope eyepiece with a suitable adaptor. While filming skin lesions for onward transmission by e-mail, it is suggested that the macro feature, which allows close-up focussing should be considered. Care should also be taken to ensure that the colours of the photograph are a true representation. Tele-cardiology: The Cardiopet, transtelephonic ECG service was the earliest example. Tele-ECGs can also be transmitted live, recorded as a video clip, digital photographs can be taken of the print out and sent by-mail or print outs can be faxed. Echocardiography can also be transmitted over distances and heart or breath sounds derived from dedicated stethoscopes can be transmitted live or can be recorded for later transmission. Tele-ophthalmology: In this pictures of the anterior chamber can be obtained with a digital camera and a slit lamp in humans dedicated ophthalmoscopes are required for anterior and posterior chamber work in animals. Standard digital photography is useful in teleophthalmology of the surface of the eye. Tele-psychiatry: Video-conferencing can be used to interview owners and see their animals. Dodman has shown the efficacy of remote consultations in the management of aggressive behaviour in dogs. In this study owners completed a behaviour assessment form which was submitted to the behaviourist and advice and treatment options were mailed back to the owners who were asked to share the information with their veterinarian. Tele-endoscopy: It could be achieved through the attachment of digital still or video cameras to endoscopes. Tele-neurology: It has been facilitated by transmitting EEGs electronically and also by evaluating video footage of an animal’s gait and then discussing the video over the telephone. Benefits of Telemedicine Providing a better service to patients in both urban and rural areas, By offering specialist services at a distance, Increasing access to specialists, Supporting isolated doctors & reducing cost and saving time by not having to travel to another centre after referral. It should also be able to be used to overcome shortages of veterinarians in some areas, deliver education and facilitate research.
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Uses of Telemedicine: In veterinary practice, a Digital Veterinary Diagnostic tele-consultancy service has been established. The service allows large amounts of laboratory data to be submitted by fax, e-mail or via the D-V-D website. It has also been suggested that video-conferencing can be used to interview owners and see their animals. Two interesting viewpoints emerge regarding the use of telemedicine: Telemedicine will improve the standard of care and Lower the risk of liability The use of telemedicine in veterinary practice, several themes emerge in the papers reviewed. These include: The benefits and remarks that can and are derived from the use of telemedicine, Areas of practice in which telemedicine is being used, Ethical and legal issues around the practice of telemedicine, Image standards required for telemedicine, The equipment that is required for the practice of telemedicine, Advice on ways in which digital images can be obtained and educational aspects of telemedicine. Problems Related to Telemedicine: Standardized systems need to be developed for the transmission of data like case history, ECG, ultrasound, radiograph, laboratory test reports etc. in order to minimize errors due to mis-communication. Solution: Creation of a website where field vets can upload their case details in a standard format and experts from Veterinary Colleges or anywhere across the globe can give their opinion would go a long way towards disseminating information on complicated cases and ensuring best possible veterinary care. example: whatsapp as a media for telemedicine. There are currently no appropriate laws or guidelines for the practice of veterinary telemedicine. The need to obtain informed consent for a telemedicine consultation is stressed. This allows for the maintenance of patient/client/practitioner confidentiality. Another problem related to confidentiality is that of data protection. There is the possibility of ‘hackers’ accessing data stored on hard drives or e-mails being intercepted and read. Technological safeguards such as encryption and message authentication should be used for data transmissions. Opponents argue that the use of telemedicine will raise the expectation of clients and increase the risk of malpractice claims. The ethical and legal issues of veterinary telemedicine, the most recent i.e; the issue of trans-state practice and the need to be licensed to practice in the state or province in which the referral originates, is a focus. Further concerns over prescription are usually covered by existing guidelines and policies on telephonic, faxed and posted prescriptions. Ethical concerns have been raised about the storage and confidentiality of patient electronic records and data and these need further debate. It is documented in telemedicine that teleconsultation is a learning experience for the referring practitioner - After several teleconsultations elicit the same diagnosis and treatment options, the referring doctor learns how to recognise the condition and knows the treatment options, which does not make them a perfectionist, therefore depend on the suggestion.
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Conclusion Telemedicine is not a technology, a separate new branch of medicine. The preserve of computer nerds, new, or a mature discipline. It is an evolving field. Telemedicine will in time become an integral part of the practice of certain aspects of veterinary medicine. For those enthusiasts who lead the way, it is necessary to adopt some of the sound principles of IT change management that have been established over the years. The 1st and most fundamental principle is to use technology to solve a problem, and not for the sake of using technology. In some instances a pencil and a piece of paper is still more appropriate than a state of the art laptop or PDA. Telemedicine is also useful as a communication tool between a general practitioner and a specialist available at a remote location. Monitoring a patient at home using known devices like blood pressure monitors and transferring the information to a caregiver is a fast growing emerging service. Telemedicine is most beneficial for populations living in isolated communities and remote regions and is currently being applied in virtually all medical domains Veterinary practice has lagged behind its human counterpart in producing research on the validity and efficacy of telemedicine. This is an important field which requires further research. In the Indian context, asynchronous telemedicine involving sending of case details and images/lab reports via e-mail to experts for a second opinion is gaining ground. Real-time telemedicine involving text/video chats with the experts has also become more feasible with the availability of broadband internet connections in rural areas also.
HUMP-BACKED MAHSEER
monthly e-Bulletin Published and circulated by Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bengaluru. Editor: Dean, Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bengaluru Dr. H.N. Narsimha murthy (Ex-Officio)
Associate Editior: Head, Dept. of Vety.& Animal Husbandry Extension Education Dr. K. Satyanarayan (Ex-Officio)
Contact : Dept of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education Veterinary College, Hebbal Bangalore email: pashubandhavch@gmail.com Blog: pashubandhavch.blogspot.in
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