Caudal vena cava thrombosis in cows

Background: Caudal vena cava thrombosis (CVCT) is a serious disease that affects cattle. Due to being commonly a fatal pathology, it causes economic losses for producers and national livestock. Thus, the present study describes the epidemiological, clinical, ultrasonographic imaging and pathological findings in 4 cattle with CVCT attended at the Veterinary Hospital (HV) of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine (IMV) of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). Cases: The animals were crossbreds of the Gir x Holstein and Jersey x Holstein breeds, aged between 4 and 8 years old, raised in semi-extensive and intensive systems. The main clinical signs were pale mucous membranes, reluctance to move, markedly positive venous pulse, engorged jugular with positive stasis test, and serous to mucopurulent nasal exudation. The auscultation of the lung fields revealed tachypnea, silent areas, wheezing, and pleural friction, in addition to coughing, expiratory dyspnea, mouth breathing, and expiratory grunts. One animal had severe hemoptysis. The ultrasound examination performed on a bovine revealed a circular and dilated caudal vena cava in cross-section. Laboratory tests in 3 cattle revealed anemia, leukocytosis with neutrophil left shift, and increased liver enzymes. At necropsy, all cattle had thrombi in the hepatic segment of the caudal vena cava. In the lung, multiple abscesses and areas of parenchymal consolidation, crateriform areas, as well as thrombi in the arteries were observed. Pleural effusion and ascites were seen in all cattle. Clotted blood was seen in the trachea, bronchi, and on rumen contents of an animal. Histopathological alterations seen in the liver were centrilobular hepatocytes with frequent intensely eosinophilic cytoplasm, and pyknotic, karyorrhexic, or absent nuclei and cell borders barely distinguishable. In the lung were nodular and random formations, with a thick wall of mature connective tissue and a central area full of cellular debris, necrotic cells, and intact and degenerated neutrophils (abscesses). Discussion: The set of diagnostic tools that include epidemiology, clinical signs and clinical examinations, ultrasound, necropsy, and histopathology were efficient in the diagnosis of CVCT. The possible causes that led the animals to develop CVCT were diffuse septic pododermatitis in the medial nail of the right pelvic limb associated with traumatic reticuloabomasitis and liver abscesses. In 1 cow, it was not possible to establish the probable cause of CVCT, but for the other cattle in the present study, the probable causes are in agreement with studies that have shown that this disease can occur as a sequel to several septic conditions such as jugular phlebitis, mastitis, hoof rot, enteritis, pneumonia, traumatic reticulopericarditis, acidosis and rumen laminitis, as well as omphalophlebitis in calves. The tachypnea, serous to purulent nasal exudation, pulmonary wheezing, pleural friction, coughing, and expiratory dyspnea, usually with open mouth breathing and expiratory grunts evidenced in the animals of this study, occurred as a result of embolic abscess pneumonia. The presence of multiple lung abscesses, areas of parenchymal consolidation, crateriform foci, and thrombi in the pulmonary arteries and chronic suppurative pneumonia, found at necropsy of the animals in the present study, are related to the development of a thrombus in the caudal vena cava that detaches and embolizes and lodges in the pulmonary arteries. The histopathological findings in 1 cow are compatible with lesions found at necropsy and draw attention to embolic pneumonia and liver lesions, which, are related to thrombi in pulmonary arteries and abscesses formed from CVCT, as well as venous stasis exerted in the return circulation.

Adrenal glands of Chinchilla lanigera - study of anatomical features with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Background: Since chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is frequently used as a laboratory animal, satisfactory data about the imaging anatomical appearance of its adrenal glands, such as their anatomical location and closeness with other abdominal soft tissue and vessels, are important. The aim of this study to determine anatomical features of the chinchilla adrenal gland's using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Materials, Methods & Results: We used 12 chinchillas (6 males and 6 females), aged 18 months. The animals were in supine recumbency when contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed. Transverse, sagittal and dorsal images of the adrenal glands were obtained with iodinated contrast medium, and 3D reconstruction of the obtained images was applied. The craniocaudal (CrCc - length), dorsoventral (DV - height) and lateromedial (LM - width) diameters were measured using an electronic calliper. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, and coronal T1-weighted images were obtained. The transverse CT anatomical image at the level of the 3rd lumbar vertebra demonstrated the location of the both adrenal glands in accordance with the grey-white scale's variation. The right adrenal gland was hypo-attenuated and elliptic compared to the right kidney and in close contact to it and to the caudal vena cava. The left adrenal gland was oval and at a distance to the abdominal aorta. The dorsal MRI anatomical study of the chinchilla's abdominal organs at a distance of 10 mm from the spine and in a T1-weighted sequence showed that both adrenal glands were retroperitoneal organs. Discussion: Post-contrasted CT defined the topography of both glands. The right adrenal gland has an oval shape and is cranially situated to the left gland, whose shape is cylindrical and elongated. The LM diameter of the right gland is higher than that measured in the left gland. Both DV and CrCc diameters of the right gland are lower compared to those of the left gland. The right adrenal gland is in close contact to the caudal vena cava, the right kidney and the liver, and the left adrenal gland is in a distance to the abdominal aorta. The right adrenal gland was close to the caudal vena cava and the right kidney and medially to the left kidney. The successful comparative analysis of the images in 3D reconstruction and post-contrast CT in 2D allowed us to conclude that 3D reconstruction is suitable to obtain detailed information in a summary form regarding the closeness of the glands and their shape, mainly because the results are in a real time and highly comprehensive. Our data are in in agreement with previous findings about the advantages of 3D reconstruction. The research algorithm applied was based on the dorsal visualization of the glands in T1-weighted sequence, achieving a comprehensive and high-quality MRI imaging of the examined organs in chinchillas. Both adrenal glands were retroperitoneal organs and with low signal. The dorsal MRI anatomical study of the chinchilla's abdominal organs at a distance of 10 mm from the spine and in a T1-weighted sequence showed the whole profile of the right and left glands and the cranial position of the right gland to the left one, the close contact between the right gland and the kidney and the distance between the left gland and the left kidney. The MRI results are detailed and comprehensive for interpretation. In conclusion, the results of the present study are comprehensive, detailed and with high resolution. We present data for the anatomical relationships of the studied organs, their shape and macrometric parameters, concluding that the above mentioned modalities are very important tools for studying the chinchilla's adrenal glands to create a morphological base, which is necessary to investigate specific diseases.

Clinical, laboratory and anatomopathological study of caudal vena cava thrombosis in cattle / Estudo clínico, laboratorial e anatomopatológico da trombose da veia cava caudal em bovinos

This paper aimed to describe the main clinico-epidemiological, laboratory, and anatomopathological findings in 10 cattle affected with caudal vena cava thrombosis. The main clinical signs observed were decreased milk production, reduced appetite, apathy, impairment of ruminal motility, cardiorespiratory disorders (tachycardia and tachypnea), epistaxis, hemoptysis, and ascites. Intercurrent diseases such as mastitis, metritis, and phlebitis were verified. The hematological findings were mild anemia, leukocytosis due to neutrophilia with regenerative left shift, and hyperfibrinogenemia. The pathological exams revealed thrombi in the caudal vena cava, hepatomegaly, ascites, liver abscesses, pulmonary edema and emphysema, and abscesses in the lungs. The association of epidemiological information, clinical signs such as respiratory distress, epistaxis or hemoptysis, in addition to anemia and leukocytosis due to neutrophilia, as well as the occurrence of thrombus in the caudal vena cava as pathological findings, are indicative elements of the clinical picture of vena cava thrombosis in cattle. It is reiterated that this disease has an unfavorable prognosis and, when diagnosed, the animal must be culled.(AU)

Este trabalho teve por objetivo descrever os principais achados clínico-epidemiológicos, laboratoriais e anatomopatológicos de 10 bovinos diagnosticados com trombose da veia cava caudal. Os principais achados clínicos foram redução da produção leiteira, diminuição do apetite, apatia, comprometimento da dinâmica ruminal, alterações cardio-respiratórias (taquicardia e taquipnéia), epistaxe, hemoptise e ascite. Foi constatada a ocorrência de doenças intercorrentes como mastite, metrite e flebite. O hemograma revelou discreta anemia, leucocitose por neutrofilia com desvio para esquerda regenerativo e hiperfibrinogenemia. No exame anatomopatológico revelou trombos localizados na veia cava caudal, hepatomegalia, ascite e abscessos hepáticos; além de abscessos, enfisema e edema pulmonares. A associação de informações epidemiológicas, sinais clínicos como desconforto respiratório, epistaxe ou hemoptise, além de anemia e leucocitose por neutrofilia, bem como a ocorrência de trombo na veia cava caudal como achados patológicos são elementos indicativos do quadro clínico de trombose de veia cava em bovinos. Reitera-se que essa doença tem prognóstico desfavorável e, quando diagnosticada, o animal deve ser abatido.(AU)

Clinical, laboratory and anatomopathological study of caudal vena cava thrombosis in cattle / Estudo clínico, laboratorial e anatomopatológico da trombose da veia cava caudal em bovinos

This paper aimed to describe the main clinico-epidemiological, laboratory, and anatomopathological findings in 10 cattle affected with caudal vena cava thrombosis. The main clinical signs observed were decreased milk production, reduced appetite, apathy, impairment of ruminal motility, cardiorespiratory disorders (tachycardia and tachypnea), epistaxis, hemoptysis, and ascites. Intercurrent diseases such as mastitis, metritis, and phlebitis were verified. The hematological findings were mild anemia, leukocytosis due to neutrophilia with regenerative left shift, and hyperfibrinogenemia. The pathological exams revealed thrombi in the caudal vena cava, hepatomegaly, ascites, liver abscesses, pulmonary edema and emphysema, and abscesses in the lungs. The association of epidemiological information, clinical signs such as respiratory distress, epistaxis or hemoptysis, in addition to anemia and leukocytosis due to neutrophilia, as well as the occurrence of thrombus in the caudal vena cava as pathological findings, are indicative elements of the clinical picture of vena cava thrombosis in cattle. It is reiterated that this disease has an unfavorable prognosis and, when diagnosed, the animal must be culled.(AU)

Este trabalho teve por objetivo descrever os principais achados clínico-epidemiológicos, laboratoriais e anatomopatológicos de 10 bovinos diagnosticados com trombose da veia cava caudal. Os principais achados clínicos foram redução da produção leiteira, diminuição do apetite, apatia, comprometimento da dinâmica ruminal, alterações cardio-respiratórias (taquicardia e taquipnéia), epistaxe, hemoptise e ascite. Foi constatada a ocorrência de doenças intercorrentes como mastite, metrite e flebite. O hemograma revelou discreta anemia, leucocitose por neutrofilia com desvio para esquerda regenerativo e hiperfibrinogenemia. No exame anatomopatológico revelou trombos localizados na veia cava caudal, hepatomegalia, ascite e abscessos hepáticos; além de abscessos, enfisema e edema pulmonares. A associação de informações epidemiológicas, sinais clínicos como desconforto respiratório, epistaxe ou hemoptise, além de anemia e leucocitose por neutrofilia, bem como a ocorrência de trombo na veia cava caudal como achados patológicos são elementos indicativos do quadro clínico de trombose de veia cava em bovinos. Reitera-se que essa doença tem prognóstico desfavorável e, quando diagnosticada, o animal deve ser abatido.(AU)

Aneurisma em veia cava caudal de cão: relato de caso / Caudal vena cava aneurysm: case report

Uma paciente da espécie canina de 9 anos de idade, SRD, foi encaminhado ao serviço de oncologia, após a retirada de um hemangiossarcoma dérmico em região de abdome. Após pesquisa de metástase, constatou por meio da radiografia de tórax presença de uma formação circular, homogênea de 4 cm em hemitórax direito em topografia de lobo acessório pulmonar. Foi então realizado exames complementares cardiológicos e de imagem tais como ecocardiograma e posteriormente tomografia computadorizada com contraste, que confirmou a presença de aneurisma em veia cava caudal. A paciente apresentava-se assintomática, portanto, tendo sido considerado um achado em estadiamento clínico. O aneurisma é uma dilatação vascular, patologia rara em cães, principalmente em veia cava caudal e suas causas ainda permanecem incertas, tendo na genética como a mais provável. Embora o hemangiosarcoma não seja a causa principal para o desenvolvimento do aneurisma, serviu de gatilho para esse achado. Essa patologia ainda permanece rara na medicina veterinária, mesmo sendo os animais utilizados como principais modelos de estudos para tratamento de aneurismas em humanos.

A 9-year-old canine patient, SRD, was referred to the oncology service after removal of a dermal hemangiosarcoma in the abdomen. After searching for metastasis, he found through chest radiography the presence of a circular, homogeneous 4 cm formation in the right hemithorax in topography of the pulmonary accessory lobe. Complementary cardiological and imaging exams, such as echocardiography and later contrast-enhanced computed tomography, were performed, which confirmed the presence of aneurysm in the caudal vena cava. The patient was asymptomatic, therefore, having been considered a finding in clinical staging. Aneurysm is a vascular dilation, a rare pathology in dogs, mainly in the caudal vena cava and its causes are still uncertain, with genetics as the most plausible and probable. Although hemangiosarcoma is not the main cause for the development of the aneurysm, it served as a trigger for this finding. This pathology still remains rare in veterinary medicine, even though animals are used as the main study models for the treatment of aneurysms in humans.

Aneurisma em veia cava caudal de cão: relato de caso / Caudal vena cava aneurysm: case report

Uma paciente da espécie canina de 9 anos de idade, SRD, foi encaminhado ao serviço de oncologia, após a retirada de um hemangiossarcoma dérmico em região de abdome. Após pesquisa de metástase, constatou por meio da radiografia de tórax presença de uma formação circular, homogênea de 4 cm em hemitórax direito em topografia de lobo acessório pulmonar. Foi então realizado exames complementares cardiológicos e de imagem tais como ecocardiograma e posteriormente tomografia computadorizada com contraste, que confirmou a presença de aneurisma em veia cava caudal. A paciente apresentava-se assintomática, portanto, tendo sido considerado um achado em estadiamento clínico. O aneurisma é uma dilatação vascular, patologia rara em cães, principalmente em veia cava caudal e suas causas ainda permanecem incertas, tendo na genética como a mais provável. Embora o hemangiosarcoma não seja a causa principal para o desenvolvimento do aneurisma, serviu de gatilho para esse achado. Essa patologia ainda permanece rara na medicina veterinária, mesmo sendo os animais utilizados como principais modelos de estudos para tratamento de aneurismas em humanos.(AU)

A 9-year-old canine patient, SRD, was referred to the oncology service after removal of a dermal hemangiosarcoma in the abdomen. After searching for metastasis, he found through chest radiography the presence of a circular, homogeneous 4 cm formation in the right hemithorax in topography of the pulmonary accessory lobe. Complementary cardiological and imaging exams, such as echocardiography and later contrast-enhanced computed tomography, were performed, which confirmed the presence of aneurysm in the caudal vena cava. The patient was asymptomatic, therefore, having been considered a finding in clinical staging. Aneurysm is a vascular dilation, a rare pathology in dogs, mainly in the caudal vena cava and its causes are still uncertain, with genetics as the most plausible and probable. Although hemangiosarcoma is not the main cause for the development of the aneurysm, it served as a trigger for this finding. This pathology still remains rare in veterinary medicine, even though animals are used as the main study models for the treatment of aneurysms in humans.(AU)

Tamponamento cardíaco secundário ao hemangiossarcoma em cães / Cardiac tamponade secondary to hemangiosarcoma in a dog

Background: Nonspecific clinical manifestations such as apathy, anorexia and diarrhea are common in the clinical routine, and therefore may mask the severity of its triggering factor. When patients presenting this symptomatology are referred to the care center, it is essential that a thorough investigation is performed to clarify the primary causes of these manifestations, and for this, complementary imaging exams may be necessary. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and imaging aspects of a canine with cardiac hemangiosarcoma and to correlate with the pathophysiology of the alterations observed, in order to optimize the clinical care of patients with nonspecific clinical signs and affected by this alteration. Case: A 10-year-old Pitbull dog was treated with a history of vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Upon clinical examination, the animal presented dehydration level and distended abdomen. On ultrasound examination, hepatomegaly was observed, associated with signs of double layer in the gallbladder wall and the presence of moderate peritoneal effusion. On chest radiography, the cardiac silhouette showed an important increase in size with loss of shape and contours. Dorsal displacement of the trachea, greater contact of the heart with the sternum and displacement of the caudal vena cava were observed. In addition, an amorphous and poorly defined structure with radiopacity of soft tissues was observed in the region of the atrium and right ventricle, causing the obliteration of pulmonary fields. On echocardiographic examination, a significant amount of free anechogenic fluid was observed in the pericardial sac, confirming the suspicion of pericardial effusion, with consequent collapse of the wall of the right heart chambers during systole. Furthermore, an amorphous, poorly defined and heterogeneous structure was observed in the right atrium wall. Due to the location of the neoformation, the patient's general clinical condition, euthanasia was chosen. During the necropsy, the ocular, oral and preputial mucosae were moderately pale. In the abdomen, the presence of hydroperitoneum and hepatomegaly was observed. In the thoracic cavity, hemothorax, enlarged heart were identified and, in the right atrium, a reddish mass was identified. In addition, the lungs were whitish and hypercrepitating at the edges of the cranial lobes; the rest of the organ was moderately hyperemic, hypocrepitating. In histopathological examination of the liver, the centrilobular region showed chronic passive congestion associated with necrosis and multifocal degeneration of hepatocytes. Neoplastic proliferation of mesenchymal cells, moderately cellular, non-encapsulated, of infiltrative growth was observed in the heart. Neoplastic cells formed bundles, with a tendency to organize themselves into small blood vessels filled with red blood cells. The cytoplasm was moderate, elongated, indistinct, eosinophilic and homogeneous. The nucleus was large, unique, elongated, with finely dotted chromatin and sometimes with one or two nucleoli evident. Anisocytosis, anisocariosis and cell pleomorphism were moderate. Interwoven with neoplastic cells, a moderate presence of multifocal lymphohistioplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate was observed. The definitive diagnosis of cardiac changes was hemangiosarcoma. Discussion: Hemangiosarcoma is a vascular endothelial cell neoplasm with high metastatic power and unfavorable prognosis. When located in the heart, it is commonly found in the auricle and right atrium and the cardiovascular changes caused by this neoplasm as well as the severity of these changes vary according to size and location. Clinical manifestations can be quite nonspecific and are usually associated with hemodynamic impairment, causing signs of right or left congestive heart failure.

Caudal vena cava collapsibility index in healthy cats by ultrasonography / [Índice de colapsibilidade da veia cava caudal em gatos domésticos Saudáveis, obtido por meio de ultrassonografia]

The objective of this study was to calculate the collapsibility index (CI) in a group of 15 healthy adult mixed breed cats via right hepatic intercostal ultrasound view. The minimal and the maximal diameters of the caudal vena cava (CVC) were obtained during inspiration and expiration, respectively, then CI was calculated. The mean diameter of the CVC was 0.5cm. The mean CI was 28±3% and CI was not significantly associated with gender. As in human medicine, there is a growing need for less invasive monitoring in small animal practice. The CI enables the assessment of estimated volemia without the need for a central venous catheter. This is the first reported study investigating CI in cats.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi calcular o índice de colapsabilidade (IC) em um grupo de 15 gatos adultos, saudáveis e SRD, por meio da janela ultrassonográfica hepática intercostal direita. Os diâmetros mínimo e máximo da veia cava caudal (VCC) foram obtidos durante a inspiração e a expiração, respectivamente. O IC foi calculado, posteriormente. O diâmetro médio da VCC foi de 0,5cm. O diâmetro médio do IC foi de 28±3%, e o IC não foi significativamente associado ao gênero. Como na medicina humana, há uma necessidade crescente de monitoramento menos invasivo na prática de pequenos animais. O IC possibilita a avaliação da volemia estimada sem a necessidade de um cateter venoso central. Este é o primeiro estudo relatado sobre IC em gatos domésticos.(AU)

Caudal vena cava collapsibility index in healthy cats by ultrasonography / [Índice de colapsibilidade da veia cava caudal em gatos domésticos Saudáveis, obtido por meio de ultrassonografia]

The objective of this study was to calculate the collapsibility index (CI) in a group of 15 healthy adult mixed breed cats via right hepatic intercostal ultrasound view. The minimal and the maximal diameters of the caudal vena cava (CVC) were obtained during inspiration and expiration, respectively, then CI was calculated. The mean diameter of the CVC was 0.5cm. The mean CI was 28±3% and CI was not significantly associated with gender. As in human medicine, there is a growing need for less invasive monitoring in small animal practice. The CI enables the assessment of estimated volemia without the need for a central venous catheter. This is the first reported study investigating CI in cats.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi calcular o índice de colapsabilidade (IC) em um grupo de 15 gatos adultos, saudáveis e SRD, por meio da janela ultrassonográfica hepática intercostal direita. Os diâmetros mínimo e máximo da veia cava caudal (VCC) foram obtidos durante a inspiração e a expiração, respectivamente. O IC foi calculado, posteriormente. O diâmetro médio da VCC foi de 0,5cm. O diâmetro médio do IC foi de 28±3%, e o IC não foi significativamente associado ao gênero. Como na medicina humana, há uma necessidade crescente de monitoramento menos invasivo na prática de pequenos animais. O IC possibilita a avaliação da volemia estimada sem a necessidade de um cateter venoso central. Este é o primeiro estudo relatado sobre IC em gatos domésticos.(AU)

Uso de técnica adaptada para cavotomia em cão com feocromocitoma associado a trombo neoplásico / Adapted cavotomy technique for pheochromocytoma associated tumor thrombi in a dog

Background: In dogs pheochromocytoma usually compress and invade into the adjacent vessels and structures, whichmay lead to the occurrence of caudal vena caval tumor thrombi. The surgical approach in these cases requires adrenalectomy with caval thrombectomy. Conventionally, tourniquets and partial occlusion clamp are used to reduce intraoperativeblood loss, but in dogs with a large thrombus associated to a great local tumor invasion, the traditional technique may behindered. The aim of this study was to report the use of a purse-string suture during venotomy of the caudal vena cava forthrombectomy, as an alternative to tourniquet and partial occlusion clamp.Case: An 11-year-old male Daschound breed dog, was referred for evaluation because of the appearance of small blackenednodules in the ventral abdomen. During a search for metastatic lesions with abdominal ultrasound, the right adrenal wasidentified with significant volume increase, and presence of tumor-associate circular formation that appeared to invade thecaudal vena cava, suggestive of neoplastic invasion or thrombus. Abdominal computed tomography showed caudal venacava in its hepatic portion presenting considerable increase in diameter, with caudal dilation and presence of hypoattenuatingmaterial in its lumen. Right adrenal gland with rounded appearance and regular borders, heterogeneous parenchyma andjuxtaposed caudal vena cava suggesting invasion of this, confirming the sonographic findings. During exploratory celiotomy,adherence of the adrenal mass to the right renal vessels and invasion of the caudal vena cava were observed, leading to theneed of nephrectomy and venotomy for thrombectomy. To perform the venotomy, a Rumel tourniquet was placed looselyaround the vena cava only caudal to the invasion point of the tumor thrombus, cranially, tourniquet application was notpossible due to the presence of a large thrombus extending into the intrahepatic cava...

Uso de técnica adaptada para cavotomia em cão com feocromocitoma associado a trombo neoplásico / Adapted cavotomy technique for pheochromocytoma associated tumor thrombi in a dog

Background: In dogs pheochromocytoma usually compress and invade into the adjacent vessels and structures, whichmay lead to the occurrence of caudal vena caval tumor thrombi. The surgical approach in these cases requires adrenalectomy with caval thrombectomy. Conventionally, tourniquets and partial occlusion clamp are used to reduce intraoperativeblood loss, but in dogs with a large thrombus associated to a great local tumor invasion, the traditional technique may behindered. The aim of this study was to report the use of a purse-string suture during venotomy of the caudal vena cava forthrombectomy, as an alternative to tourniquet and partial occlusion clamp.Case: An 11-year-old male Daschound breed dog, was referred for evaluation because of the appearance of small blackenednodules in the ventral abdomen. During a search for metastatic lesions with abdominal ultrasound, the right adrenal wasidentified with significant volume increase, and presence of tumor-associate circular formation that appeared to invade thecaudal vena cava, suggestive of neoplastic invasion or thrombus. Abdominal computed tomography showed caudal venacava in its hepatic portion presenting considerable increase in diameter, with caudal dilation and presence of hypoattenuatingmaterial in its lumen. Right adrenal gland with rounded appearance and regular borders, heterogeneous parenchyma andjuxtaposed caudal vena cava suggesting invasion of this, confirming the sonographic findings. During exploratory celiotomy,adherence of the adrenal mass to the right renal vessels and invasion of the caudal vena cava were observed, leading to theneed of nephrectomy and venotomy for thrombectomy. To perform the venotomy, a Rumel tourniquet was placed looselyaround the vena cava only caudal to the invasion point of the tumor thrombus, cranially, tourniquet application was notpossible due to the presence of a large thrombus extending into the intrahepatic cava...(AU)

Reference values for biochemical parameters in Balb/c mice bred in the Faculdade de Medicina do Abc housing facilities, Santo André/SP, Brazil / Valores de referência de parâmetros bioquímicos de camundongos (Mus mus musculus) das linhagens Balb/c mantidos no biotério da Faculdade de Medicina do Abc, Santo André/SP, Brasil

The reference for biochemical parameters of laboratory animals, used in scientific research is based on the international literature. Comparing a few parameters evaluated in different studies with Balb/c mice, it was possible to observe that the reference values for these biochemical parameters vary enormously. It depends on several variables, such as sex, lineage and genotype, and are also influenced by other factors such as age, accommodation, animal handling, diet offered, sanitary conditions of the housing facilities, among others. The objective of this study is to establish a list of blood biochemical parameters of Balb/c mice (male and female) kept in the Housing facilities of Centro Universitário Saúde ABC. Thirty male and female animals weighing approximately 30g with 90 days of age were used. The animals were euthanized and blood was collected through caudal vena cava puncture, placed in collection tubes and the total cholesterol, triglycerides, transaminases (AST and ALT), urea, creatinine and glycemia parameters were determined. We did not observe a significant difference when comparing males and females in triglycerides, creatinine, urea and glycemia levels. However a significant difference was observed in the cholesterol, ALT and AST parameters. With these results, we were able to establish reference values for the Balb/c mice for comparison with future experiments, using a human semi-automatic analyzer.

A referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos dos animais de laboratório, utilizados para pesquisa científica é baseada na literatura internacional. Comparando-se alguns parâmetros avaliados em diferentes estudos com camundongos Balb/C pudemos observar que os valores de referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos variam enormemente, dependendo de diversas variáveis, como sexo, linhagem e genótipo e ainda sofrem influência de outros fatores como idade, condição de alojamento, manejo dos animais, dieta oferecida, padrão sanitário do biotério onde são mantidos, dentre outros. Desta forma o presente trabalho objetivou estabelecer uma lista de parâmetros bioquímicos do sangue de camundongos da linhagem Balb/C (machos e fêmeas) criados no Biotério da FMABC. Foram utilizados 30 animais machos e fêmeas, com peso +-30g e idade 90 dias. Os animais foram eutanasiados e o sangue foi coletado por meio da veia cava caudal, acondicionado em tubos de coleta e as dosagens de colesterol total, triglicérides, transaminases (AST e ALT), uréia, creatinina e glicemia foram analisados. Não observamos diferença significativa quando comparado machos e fêmeas em: Triglicérides, Creatinina, Uréia e Glicemia. Entretanto, observou-se diferença significativa nos parâmetros de colesterol, ALT e AST. Com estes resultados, pudemos então, estabelecer valores de referência para os camundongos Balb/C para comparação com futuros experimentos utilizando um analisador humano semi-automático.

Reference values for biochemical parameters in Balb/c mice bred in the Faculdade de Medicina do Abc housing facilities, Santo André/SP, Brazil / Valores de referência de parâmetros bioquímicos de camundongos (Mus mus musculus) das linhagens Balb/c mantidos no biotério da Faculdade de Medicina do Abc, Santo André/SP, Brasil

The reference for biochemical parameters of laboratory animals, used in scientific research is based on the international literature. Comparing a few parameters evaluated in different studies with Balb/c mice, it was possible to observe that the reference values for these biochemical parameters vary enormously. It depends on several variables, such as sex, lineage and genotype, and are also influenced by other factors such as age, accommodation, animal handling, diet offered, sanitary conditions of the housing facilities, among others. The objective of this study is to establish a list of blood biochemical parameters of Balb/c mice (male and female) kept in the Housing facilities of Centro Universitário Saúde ABC. Thirty male and female animals weighing approximately 30g with 90 days of age were used. The animals were euthanized and blood was collected through caudal vena cava puncture, placed in collection tubes and the total cholesterol, triglycerides, transaminases (AST and ALT), urea, creatinine and glycemia parameters were determined. We did not observe a significant difference when comparing males and females in triglycerides, creatinine, urea and glycemia levels. However a significant difference was observed in the cholesterol, ALT and AST parameters. With these results, we were able to establish reference values for the Balb/c mice for comparison with future experiments, using a human semi-automatic analyzer.(AU)

A referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos dos animais de laboratório, utilizados para pesquisa científica é baseada na literatura internacional. Comparando-se alguns parâmetros avaliados em diferentes estudos com camundongos Balb/C pudemos observar que os valores de referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos variam enormemente, dependendo de diversas variáveis, como sexo, linhagem e genótipo e ainda sofrem influência de outros fatores como idade, condição de alojamento, manejo dos animais, dieta oferecida, padrão sanitário do biotério onde são mantidos, dentre outros. Desta forma o presente trabalho objetivou estabelecer uma lista de parâmetros bioquímicos do sangue de camundongos da linhagem Balb/C (machos e fêmeas) criados no Biotério da FMABC. Foram utilizados 30 animais machos e fêmeas, com peso +-30g e idade 90 dias. Os animais foram eutanasiados e o sangue foi coletado por meio da veia cava caudal, acondicionado em tubos de coleta e as dosagens de colesterol total, triglicérides, transaminases (AST e ALT), uréia, creatinina e glicemia foram analisados. Não observamos diferença significativa quando comparado machos e fêmeas em: Triglicérides, Creatinina, Uréia e Glicemia. Entretanto, observou-se diferença significativa nos parâmetros de colesterol, ALT e AST. Com estes resultados, pudemos então, estabelecer valores de referência para os camundongos Balb/C para comparação com futuros experimentos utilizando um analisador humano semi-automático.(AU)

Type II retrocaval ureter causing hydronephrosis in a cat: case report / Ureter retrocava tipo II causando hidronefrose em um gato: relato de caso

Retrocaval ureter (RU) is an abnormal embryonic development of the caudal vena cava (CVC) that leads the ureter to be entrapped dorsal to the CVC. In most cases there is no clinical impact; however, it can cause hydronephrosis. We report a rare case of type II symptomatic retrocaval ureter in a feline treated with nephroureterectomy. A 4-year-old, intact male, mixed breed cat was submitted to abdominal ultrasound and severe right hydronephrosis was diagnosed, with no signs of obstruction. We performed an exploratory celiotomy, in which a displacement of the right ureter dorsal to the CVC was observed. The animal was treated with ureteronephrectomy and recovered well. No intraluminal cause was found, and a urethral catheter could be easily inserted across the ureter length. The real clinical relevance of the RU is unknown, since it is a common find in post-mortem examination without kidney impact and, when significant, is often associated to other causes of ureteral obstructions, such as calculi and strictures. Additionally, in humans, type II RU seldom develops obstruction and hydronephrosis. In our case, due to absence of other causes of obstruction, probably mechanical compression of the CVC against the psoas muscle caused the hydronephrosis.(AU)

O ureter retrocava (UR) é originado por uma falha na formação embriológica da veia cava caudal (VCC), que leva ao aprisionamento do ureter dorsal à VCC. Na maioria dos casos, não há impacto clínico; entretanto, essa anomalia pode causar hidronefrose. Relata-se um raro caso de UR tipo II sintomático em um felino, tratado com nefroureterectomia. O referido animal, sem raça definida, macho intacto de quatro anos de idade, foi submetido à ultrassonografia abdominal, que revelou acentuada hidronefrose direita, sem sinais de obstrução. Realizou-se celiotomia exploratória, na qual foi possível observar o ureter direito dorsal à VCC. O animal foi tratado com nefroureterectomia e se recuperou satisfatoriamente. Nenhuma causa intraluminal foi encontrada e um cateter uretral pôde ser facilmente inserido por todo o comprimento do ureter. A real relevância clínica do UR é desconhecida, visto que é um achado comum em exames post mortem, sem impacto aos rins e, quando significante, frequentemente está associado a outras causas de obstrução ureteral, como cálculos e estenoses. Adicionalmente, em humanos, o UR tipo II raramente desenvolve obstrução e hidronefrose. Neste caso, devido à ausência de outros motivos de obstrução, acredita-se que a compressão mecânica da VCC contra o músculo psoas foi a causa da hidronefrose.(AU)

Type II retrocaval ureter causing hydronephrosis in a cat: case report / Ureter retrocava tipo II causando hidronefrose em um gato: relato de caso

Retrocaval ureter (RU) is an abnormal embryonic development of the caudal vena cava (CVC) that leads the ureter to be entrapped dorsal to the CVC. In most cases there is no clinical impact; however, it can cause hydronephrosis. We report a rare case of type II symptomatic retrocaval ureter in a feline treated with nephroureterectomy. A 4-year-old, intact male, mixed breed cat was submitted to abdominal ultrasound and severe right hydronephrosis was diagnosed, with no signs of obstruction. We performed an exploratory celiotomy, in which a displacement of the right ureter dorsal to the CVC was observed. The animal was treated with ureteronephrectomy and recovered well. No intraluminal cause was found, and a urethral catheter could be easily inserted across the ureter length. The real clinical relevance of the RU is unknown, since it is a common find in post-mortem examination without kidney impact and, when significant, is often associated to other causes of ureteral obstructions, such as calculi and strictures. Additionally, in humans, type II RU seldom develops obstruction and hydronephrosis. In our case, due to absence of other causes of obstruction, probably mechanical compression of the CVC against the psoas muscle caused the hydronephrosis.(AU)

O ureter retrocava (UR) é originado por uma falha na formação embriológica da veia cava caudal (VCC), que leva ao aprisionamento do ureter dorsal à VCC. Na maioria dos casos, não há impacto clínico; entretanto, essa anomalia pode causar hidronefrose. Relata-se um raro caso de UR tipo II sintomático em um felino, tratado com nefroureterectomia. O referido animal, sem raça definida, macho intacto de quatro anos de idade, foi submetido à ultrassonografia abdominal, que revelou acentuada hidronefrose direita, sem sinais de obstrução. Realizou-se celiotomia exploratória, na qual foi possível observar o ureter direito dorsal à VCC. O animal foi tratado com nefroureterectomia e se recuperou satisfatoriamente. Nenhuma causa intraluminal foi encontrada e um cateter uretral pôde ser facilmente inserido por todo o comprimento do ureter. A real relevância clínica do UR é desconhecida, visto que é um achado comum em exames post mortem, sem impacto aos rins e, quando significante, frequentemente está associado a outras causas de obstrução ureteral, como cálculos e estenoses. Adicionalmente, em humanos, o UR tipo II raramente desenvolve obstrução e hidronefrose. Neste caso, devido à ausência de outros motivos de obstrução, acredita-se que a compressão mecânica da VCC contra o músculo psoas foi a causa da hidronefrose.(AU)

Duplicidad de la vena renal derecha en Didelphis aurita (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae): reporte de un caso / Double right renal vein in Didelphis aurita (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae): case report

El Didelphis aurita, conocido como comadreja de orejas negras, es un marsupial con amplia distribución en la América del Sur, frecuente tanto en los ambientes silvestres como antrópicos debido a su gran plasticidad ecológica. Animales de esta especie son comúnmente atendidos en la medicina de animales silvestres y vienen siendo empleados como modelos experimentales alternativos a especies tradicionales. El objetivo de ese trabajo fue relatar la ocurrencia de un caso de vena renal doble en un espécimen adulto, macho, de D. aurita. Para eso, se ha disecado un cadáver fijado y conservado en solución de formaldehído 10%, previamente inyectado con látex de color azul por la porción torácica de la arteria aorta para facilitar la disección. El espécimen poseía dos venas renales derechas, una vena craneal (11,3 mm) y otra caudal (10,0 mm) que drenaban distintamente para una vena cava caudal. La vena renal izquierda y las arterias renales eran únicas. Aunque la duplicidad de la vena renal es reportada en otras especies como perros, gatos y felideos silvestres, este es el primer relato en el género Didelphis. El conocimiento de las variaciones anatómicas vasculares es relevante para la correcta ejecución de procedimientos veterinarios y en la interpretación de hallazgos experimentales en relación con el sistema urogenital.(AU)

Didelphis aurita, known as black eared oposum, is a marsupial widely distributed in South America, frequently seen in both wild and anthropogenic environments due to its great ecological plasticity. This species is commonly treated in wildlife veterinary services and has been used as alternative experimental models instead of conventional species. The aim of this report was to describe a case of double renal vein in a male, adult, specimen of D. aurita. In order to make the dissection easier, the cadaver was fixed and preserved in 10 % formaldehyde solution, and previously injected with latex in blue color by the thoracic aorta to facilitate dissection. The specimen had two right renal veins, one cranial (11.3 mm) and other caudal (10.0 mm) that drained distinctly for caudal vena cava. The left renal vein and the renal arteries were single. Although double renal vein has been reported in other species, such as dogs, cats and wild felids, this is the first mention in the genus Didelphis. The knowledge of the vascular anatomical variations is relevant for the correct execution of veterinary procedures and the interpretation of experimental findings in urogenital system research.(AU)

Metastatic peripheral neuroblastoma in a dog

Background: Peripheral neuroblast neoplasms are considered as a group of tumors derived from primitive cells of the neuralcrest that are progenitors of the sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla. Reports of neuroblastoma in dogs are scarcein English literature, and there are no reports from Brazil due to its rare occurrence or missed diagnosis, because moderntechniques are often not accessible in Brazil. The aim of the present study was reported a case of metastatic peripheralneuroblastoma in a 10-month-old bitch of Canadian Shepherd breed.Case: A 10-month-old female dog, Canadian Shepherd breed, presenting prostration, inappetence, emesis, progressiveweight loss, and difficulties in the locomotion of the pelvic limbs was brought to the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital ofthe Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (HVPA / UFRRJ) for treatment. Palpation of the abdominal cavity revealeda mass of approximately 14.0-cm diameter in the thoracolumbar region. After the second visit to HVPA/ UFRRJ, therewas worsening of the clinical condition and onset of pain and dyspnea; hence, euthanasia was performed. The dog wasreferred for necropsy; the examination revealed a mass measuring 40.0 × 35.0 cm in the abdominal cavity that causeddisplacement of the intestines and compressed the liver against the diaphragm, as well as another mass that traversed thediaphragm through the esophageal hiatus and surrounded the esophagus, aorta, and caudal vena cava. The right adrenalgland was compressed and adhered to the mass, and the left adrenal gland was not visualized. Specimens of variousorgans were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and processed according to routine histological technique. Immunohistochemical examination performed on mass specimens revealed positivity for the...

Metastatic peripheral neuroblastoma in a dog

Background: Peripheral neuroblast neoplasms are considered as a group of tumors derived from primitive cells of the neuralcrest that are progenitors of the sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla. Reports of neuroblastoma in dogs are scarcein English literature, and there are no reports from Brazil due to its rare occurrence or missed diagnosis, because moderntechniques are often not accessible in Brazil. The aim of the present study was reported a case of metastatic peripheralneuroblastoma in a 10-month-old bitch of Canadian Shepherd breed.Case: A 10-month-old female dog, Canadian Shepherd breed, presenting prostration, inappetence, emesis, progressiveweight loss, and difficulties in the locomotion of the pelvic limbs was brought to the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital ofthe Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (HVPA / UFRRJ) for treatment. Palpation of the abdominal cavity revealeda mass of approximately 14.0-cm diameter in the thoracolumbar region. After the second visit to HVPA/ UFRRJ, therewas worsening of the clinical condition and onset of pain and dyspnea; hence, euthanasia was performed. The dog wasreferred for necropsy; the examination revealed a mass measuring 40.0 × 35.0 cm in the abdominal cavity that causeddisplacement of the intestines and compressed the liver against the diaphragm, as well as another mass that traversed thediaphragm through the esophageal hiatus and surrounded the esophagus, aorta, and caudal vena cava. The right adrenalgland was compressed and adhered to the mass, and the left adrenal gland was not visualized. Specimens of variousorgans were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and processed according to routine histological technique. Immunohistochemical examination performed on mass specimens revealed positivity for the...(AU)

Use of measurements from thoracic radiographs to identify high mean left atrium pressure in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease / Uso de medidas obtidas de radiografias torácicas em cães para identificar aumento da pressão média do átrio esquerdo na doença mixomatosa da valva mitral

The aim of this study was to estimate echocardiographic elevated mean left atrium pressure (MLAP) based on measurements from thoracic radiographs and to determine a cut-off value for each radiographic measurement that suggests a high MLAP. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to include cases admitted from January 2015 to December 2016. Thoracic radiographic examinations from 93 dogs with and without a high MLAP were included. Specific measurements were made from thoracic radiographs and compared with echocardiographic variables known to indicate high MLAP. This comparison was used to generate equations that allowed the estimation of echocardiographic surrogates from the radiographic measurements. The values indicative of high MLAP were obtained using a regression curve. Formulas that indicated high MLAP were generated using a number of radiographic measurements. Positive echocardiographic findings of high MLAP were used as the gold standard. These formulas helped to predict high MLAP in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) without the need for echocardiographic examination. The best formula was left atrium (LA):aorta (Ao)echo = 0.03×(vertebral heart score,VHS) + 0.14×(LA) + 0.27×(LA:caudal vena cava (CVC)rad). Values ≥ 12.2v for VHS, ≥ 4.5cm for LA, ≥ 3.3 for LA:Ao rad and ≥ 3.2 for LA:CVC rad suggested high MLAP. Thus, we propose equations, based on measurements from thoracic radiographs, to identify high MLAP. Simple radiographic thoracic measurements, such as LA:CVCrad, can be used to define overload and a high MLAP in dogs with MMVD.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi estimar o aumento da pressão média do átrio esquerdo (PMAE) na ecocardiografia usando equações baseadas em medidas obtidas das radiografias torácicas e determinar um valor de corte para cada uma dessas variáveis radiográficas. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo, observacional e transversal de casos atendidos de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2016. Foram selecionados 93 exames radiográficos do tórax de cães, com ou sem aumento da PMAE. As medidas especificas foram feitas de radiografias torácicas e comparadas com variáveis ecocardiográficas que podem indicar um aumento da PMAE. Foi gerado equações que estimam medidas ecocardiográficas a partir das variáveis radiográficas. Os valores que indicam aumento da PMAE foram obtidos por meio das curvas de regressão. Foram usadas como "padrão ouro" as medidas ecocardiográficas que indicam aumento da PMAE. As fórmulas ajudam a predizer o aumento da PMAE em cães com doença mixomatosa da valva mitral (DMVM) sem a necessidade do exame ecocardiográfico. A melhor fórmula obtida foi: Átrio Esquerdo (AE):Aorta (Ao)eco=0.03×(VHS)+0.14×(AE)+0.27×(AE:Veia Cava Caudal (VCC)rad). Os valores ≥ 12.2 para VHS, ≥ 4.5cm para AE; ≥ 3.3 para AE:Ao rad e ≥ 3.2 para AE:VCC rad sugerem um aumento da PMAE. Essas equações, a partir de medidas radiográficas torácicas, auxilia na identificação do aumento da PMAE. Algumas medidas radiográficas simples, como a AE:VCC rad pode ser usada para definir sobrecarga e aumento da PMAE em cães com DMVM.(AU)

Use of total venous inflow occlusion to enable correction of an atrial septal defect in a dog

Background: Atrial septal defects are generally classified into three types: ostium secundum, ostium primum, and sinus venosus. Diagnose is normaly confirmed with Doppler echocardiography, which can identify and classify atrial septal defects types. This cardiac anomaly may be corrected by different surgical approaches, such as cardiopulmonary bypass or transvenous approaches. Therefore, we chose to close the atrial septal defect using a total venous inflow occlusion technique (TIVO), which has been successfully used in other procedures without major postoperative complications, and are notably cheaper and requires no specialized equipment, been able to be done in different places.Case: An American Pit Bull Terrier was referred to our surgical service for ostium secundum atrial septal defect correction, by the time of surgery the patient presented dyspneic; normal capillary refill time and rectal temperature; the owner mentioned the patient exhibited exercise intolerance and delayed development compared to other dogs of the same age or from the same litter. Cardiac auscultation revealed a systolic murmur at the left base, femoral pulse was normokinetic, and patient was emaciated and prostrated at the time of clinical evaluation. Atrial septal defect was suspected and then confirmed by Doppler echocardiography that revealed a discontinuous area in the interatrial septum, and by color doppler images an aliased signal, that extended through the interatrial septum and shunted from the left to the right atria, was visualized, confirming an ostium secundum atrial septal defect. After a right intercostal thoracotomy, a subphrenic pericardiectomy was performed to provide access to the heart. Cranial and caudal vena cava as well as the azygos vein, were dissected, which allowed placement of a Satinsky’s clamp to proceed with TIVO. Before TIVO initiation, a pursestring suture with 3-0 polypropylene was applied to the right atrium.[...]