Physical, Biochemical, Cytological, Bacteriological Screening of Carpal hygroma Fluid vis-a-vis Surgical Management of Carpal hygroma in Cattle and Buffaloes- A report of 15 Cases

Fifteen animals affected with unilateral 9 and bilateral 6 carpal hygroma were presented with the history of swelling on the anterior aspect of the carpus since 3-18 month. Hygroma fluid samples from all the cases were aseptically collected for physical, biochemical, cytological and bacteriological investigations. The colour of hygroma fluid was pale yellow with slight deposits. Glucose, chloride and total protein levels were 43±4.08 mmol/dL, 107±6.50 mmol/dL and 3.20 g/dL, respectively. Cytological examination revealed cell count of 150 cells/µL, 20% neutrophils and 80% lymphocytes. Moreover, mild (+) cellular degeneration changes were also seen. The hygroma fluid samples from all animals were screened for brucellosis. Two cows were found positive for Brucella in tube agglutination test with antibody titres of 160 and 320 IU, respectively. Whereas, the hygroma fluid samples from other animals showed no growth on culture. Surgical excision of carpal hygroma in all cases was done under xylazine sedation (@ 0.02mg/kg body wt) and intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA). In brucella infected cows (n=2), hygroma sacs were excised en mass. Skin sutures were applied and the limb was put in fiber-glass cast for 10 days. In bilateral cases, the hygroma of one limb was treated at first instant followed by counter limb after 15 days. In all cases, the wound healing occurred by first intention without any complication. It was concluded that brucella organism may be present in hygroma fluid and due precaution are required while collecting fluid samples. The presence of hygroma may be considered as evidence of brucellosis in the herd. The owners should be advised not to breed such animals in future.