Mohan Acharya’s scientific contributions

The objective was to compare the relative advantage of adopting two ovariohysterectomy techniques: keyhole right flank laparotomy or ventral midline celiotomy, for ovariohysterectomy in bitches. Clinically healthy non pregnant bitches (n = 20; 2 ± 0.5 year age; 25 ± 5 kg weight) were used for the study. Bitches were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n = 10) bitches were ovariohysterectomized adopting keyhole right flank laparotomy, whereas in group B (n = 10) bitches were ovariohysterectomized adopting ventral midline celiotomy. Time required for completion of surgery, and length of suturing materials required was recorded, blood hematology and fibrinogen levels were analyzed, and post-operative wound healing was monitored. Length of chromic cat gut No. 1-0 (Ethicon; P < 0.01), and vicryl No. 3-0 (Ethicon; P < 0.001) used was more in ventral midline celiotomy compared with keyhole right flank laparotomy; however, similar length of chromic cat gut No. 2-0 (Ethicon; P = 0.47) was used in both the surgical techniques. Longer time (P < 0.001) was required to complete surgical procedure following ventral midline celiotomy compared with keyhole right flank laparotomy. Blood packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, monocytes, and fibrinogen levels were statistically similar between the two surgical techniques. Wound healing was better in keyhole right flank laparotomy compared with ventral midline celiotomy. Conclusion: Keyhole right flank laparotomy required less time for surgery, less suturing materials and better wound healing compared with ventral midline celiotomy for ovariohysterectomy in bitches. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(2): 198-202

Objective of the study was to find the prevalence of major health problems among street dogs in Pokhara Valley, Nepal. Data were taken from the rescued street dogs brought for the treatment at Himalayan Animal Rescue Team (HART), Nepal, from January to December, 2011. A total of 171 sick or injured dogs were brought for the treatment. All the preliminary diagnosis was done by the veterinary officer and confirmatory diagnosis were limited. Data were analyzed using Microsoft excel program 2013 (Microsoft Corporation, New York, USA) and results are presented as number and in percentage. Mange infestation (40.35%) was the most prevalent problem, followed by general wound (18.12%), respiratory tract infection (7.60%), gastrointestinal parasites (5.26%), and general nervous signs (4.09%). Two dogs were suspected with rabies. Maggot infestations, tick infections, poisoning, bone fractures, otitis, pyometras, bite wounds, mammary tumors, hernias, abscesses, and anemic conditions collectively accounted for nearly 24.58%. Results presented in this study can be a reference for non-government organizations involving in rescue and treatment of sick and injured street dogs to plan their activities.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(1): 53-56

A survey was carried out to determine the population of street dogs and people’s opinion about their persistence in Pokhara Valley, Nepal. Information of street dog population was necessary to construct a future animal birth control (ABC) plans. For this, mark-resight survey method was used. Further, local residents were interviewed to know their opinion about the persistence of street dog population in that area. Among total 1767 dogs, 1072 (60.66%) were male, 641 (36.28%) were female and 54 (3.06%) were puppies. About 367 (57.25%) of the female street dogs were already spayed. A total of 371 local residents were interviewed to know their opinion about the causes of persistent street dogs in Pokhara Valley. Numerous reasons were put forward including unmanaged slaughter house (24.5%), abandoned due to disease (15.4%) and abandoned due to unmanageable estrus behavior (10.2%). Future ABC programs may need to consider these factors responsible for maintaining persistent street dog population, to enable control over street dog population in an efficient and sustainable manner.