Perspectives of parturient hemoglobinuria (pph) in buffaloes

PPH is a sporadic phosphorous deficiency metabolic disorder affecting adult buffaloes around the world both during advanced pregnancy and post partum period. Feeding of cruciferous plants, sugar cane tops, sugar beets exacerbate phosphorous deficiency either due to their low phosphorous content or an account of certain inhibitor factors that prevent proper absorption of dietary phosphorous. The serum phosphorous levels in affected buffaloes are as low as 0.9 mg/dl and usually half of the normal (5.0 mg/dl) values. The low phosphorous disrupts the phospholipid layer of RBCs resulting in hemoglobinuria, loss of appetite, reduction in milk production and death if animals are unattended. Buffaloes can be treated by the IV infusion of a 20% solution of sodium acid phosphate (60-80 gm dissolved in 300-400 ml of dw) along with supportive therapy. The more severely affected buffaloes require blood transfusion and supportive therapy. It is safe to terminate pregnancy to save the buffalo. The epidemiology, possible etiological factors, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical findings, clinical pathology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention are mentioned in this manuscript.