Eletrocussão em Preguiça-real (Choloepus didactylus) - abordagem clínica e cirúrgica / Electrocution in a sloth (Choloepus didactylus) - clinical and surgical approach

Background: High voltage electric shock causes serious injury to the body, which can lead to a fatal condition. Sloths are commonly the target of this type of accident and factors such as the degree of tissue impairment and late medical care can contribute to the death of the animal or the indication of euthanasia. In this way, the present study aims to describe the treatment strategies in Choloepus didactylus victim of high voltage electrocution. Case: A female sloth weighing 6.15 kg was treated at the Wild Animals Sector of the Veterinary Hospital (HV-SAS) of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) victim of high voltage electric shock with burn on the right side face, stomatitis, glossitis, lesions extensive and bullous lesions in the thoracic and pelvic limbs, in addition to an open fracture in the radioulnar joint of the left limb with signs of necrosis. After patient stabilization (fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy, pain control, cleaning and wound dressing), the patient was transfered to the impatient room. The main treatment strategies adopted were surgery, drug therapy, food and occupational therapy. The day after the patient's arrival, the amputation of the left thoracic limb was performed. On the third day of hospitalization, the right thoracic and pelvic limbs were also amputated, and on the tenth day, debridement of the right lateral face was performed. As for drug therapy, the following drugs were used postoperatively: ceftriaxone (40 mg/kg, BID, for 47 days), dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, BID, for 4 days), silymarin (15 mg/kg, BID, for 30 days), morphine (0.4 mg/kg, BID, for 14 days; 0.8 mg/kg, SID, for 22 days) and dressing wounds on the lateral face and surgical stumps with ointment of collagenase with chloramphenicol. In food management, the animal had good acceptance of a mixture of fruits, vegetables and animal protein in a pasty presentation. The treatment by occupational therapy included basic care such as exercising, sunbathing, and desensitizing the surgical stumps (massage therapy). In conclusion, after five months, the therapeutic protocol implemented resulted in the clinical improvement of the animal, as it allowed the complete healing of the lesions on the face and surgical stumps. In addition, the care taken with the surgical stumps allowed the animal to use them as support for its locomotion. Discussion: Amputation and debridement surgeries were effective in treating electrocuted patients and should be considered when tissue is compromised, which justifies the surgical protocol adopted in this study. They were based on reports in humans, since in wild animals, although many are victims of this type of trauma, little is known about the appropriate therapeutic approach for each species. Surgical interventions associated with the antibiotic ceftriaxone were efficient for controlling the infection, since this antibiotic has a broad spectrum of activity, being used mainly in skin and soft tissue and/or bone infections, which justified its use in that patient. As for nutritional therapy, supplementation with animal protein may have contributed to the clinical improvement of the animal, since they are excellent components for tissue recovery in patients who suffered losses from burns caused by electric shocks. Stump desensitization is indicated as a treatment for neuropathic pain in amputees, and in the present study, it was essential for the animal to use the limb for locomotion. The exercises in a grassy area associated with sunbathing added as a stimulus to the patient's movement.

Identification of the tributary branches of the hepatic portal vein in the common sloth, Bradypus variegatus Schinz, 1825 (Pilosa: Bradypodidae) / [Identificação dos ramos tributários da veia porta hepática na preguiça-comum, Bradypus variegatus Schinz, 1825 (Pilosa: Bradypodidae)]

Bradypus variegatus, the common sloth, belongs to the Bradypodidae family, being considered a biological model to be applied in multidisciplinary research. This study was developed with the aim of being applied to clinical medicine and to the adequate management of the common sloth. Ten sloths were utilized, obtained post-natural death. The animals were fixed and to obtain the results, they were submitted to the dissection technique. For 80% of the animals, the portal vein originated from five tributaries, which were: the resulting vein from the anastomosis of the cardia vein, fundic vein, and the pyloric branches; the mesenteric trunk; the vein formed by the confluence of the stomach body branches and the cranial portion of the cavity of the cardia; the pyloric vein and splenic vein. While in 20% of the animals, the portal vein was comprised of six tributaries, because the fundic vein and cardia vein form two direct anastomoses, arriving at the portal vein two tributary vessels. This pattern differs in number and arrangement of branches when compared to the main domestic species. Therefore, the hepatic portal system is responsible for the drainage of the stomach, spleen, pancreas and intestines.

Bradypus variegatus, a preguiça-comum, pertence à família Bradypodidae, sendo considerada um modelo biológico a ser aplicado em pesquisas multidisciplinares. Este estudo foi desenvolvido a fim de ser aplicado à clínica médica e ao manejo adequado da preguiça-comum. Foram utilizadas 10 preguiças, obtidas após morte natural. Os animais foram fixados e, para a obtenção dos resultados, submeteram-se à técnica de dissecação. Em 80% das observações, a veia porta originou-se a partir de cinco tributárias, são elas: a veia resultante da anastomose da veia cárdia, da veia fúndica e dos ramos pilóricos; o tronco mesentérico; a veia formada a partir da confluência de ramos do corpo estomacal e da porção cranial da cavidade cárdica; a veia pilórica e a veia esplênica. Enquanto em 20% dos animais a veia porta é constituída por seis tributárias, a veia fúndica e a veia cárdica formam duas anastomoses diretas, chegando à veia porta dois vasos tributários. Esse padrão difere em número e em disposição dos ramos, quando comparado ao das principais espécies domésticas. Portanto, o sistema porta hepático é responsável pela drenagem do estômago, do baço, do pâncreas e dos intestinos.

Anatomy and surgical approach to the humerus, radius and ulna of common sloth (Bradypus variegatus) / Anatomia e acesso cirúrgico ao úmero, rádio e ulna de preguiça-comum (Bradypus variegatus)

The surgical clinic of wild animals has increased in routine veterinary, where fractures by traumas are of frequent occurrence. This study determined the surgical accesses for osteosynthesis of the diaphyses of the humerus, radius and ulna of common sloth (Bradypus variegatus). Seven cadavers of B. variegatus were used for determination of the muscles of the thoracic limb, as well as the most important vessels and nerves, and better bone area for fixation of internal implants. The structural conformation of the radius and ulna in Bradypus variegatus were like those described in the literature for domestic animals but the humerus presented differences in the distal extremity because it was flattened. The musculature of Bradypus variegatus showed similarities with domestic animals. Due the different conformation of the humerus the surgical access to this bone can be performed by lateral approach, from the incision of M. triceps brachii lateral head, for fixation of the implant on the lateral side of the bone. Surgical access to the radius shaft can be performed by craniolateral approach, by incising the muscular fascia and separation of the cranially M. common digital extensor, and lateral digital extensor caudally. In ulna, a caudal access to the bone can be performed followed by release of the insertion m. flexor carpoulnar for placement of the internal implant on the lateral bone face.

A clínica cirúrgica de animais silvestres tem se intensificado na rotina veterinária, onde fraturas por traumas são frequentes. O objetivo deste estudo foi a determinação de acessos cirúrgicos para osteossíntese das diáfises do úmero, rádio e ulna de preguiça-comum (Bradypus variegatus). Sete cadáveres de B. variegatus foram utilizados para determinação dos músculos do membro torácico, bem como dos vasos e nervos mais importantes, e melhor área óssea para fixação de implantes internos. A conformação estrutural do rádio e da ulna em B. variegatus eram similares às descritas na literatura para animais domésticos, o úmero apresentou diferenças na extremidade distal pois apresentou-se achatado. A musculatura de B. variegatus mostrou semelhanças com os animais domésticos. Devido à diferente conformação do úmero o acesso cirúrgico a este osso pode ser realizado por abordagem lateral, a partir da incisão do M. tríceps braquial cabeça lateral, para fixação do implante na face lateral do osso. O acesso cirúrgico à diáfise do rádio pode ser realizado por abordagem craniolateral, por incisão da fáscia muscular e separação cranialmente do M. extensor digital comum e extensor digital lateral caudalmente. Na ulna, pode-se realizar um acesso caudal ao osso seguido de liberação da inserção do M. flexor carpoulnar para colocação do implante interno na face lateral do osso.

External macroscopic anatomy of the Bradypus variegatus heart / [Anatomia macroscópica externa do coração de Bradypus variegatus]

The sloth is known for its slow movements and arboreal habits. Most parts of its anatomy need yet to be unveiled, in order to understand the peculiarities that justify its behavior. In this sense, an investigation of the external characteristics of the heart of the three-toed sloth, Bradypus variegatus, was carried out to indicate the shape, the faces, the dimensions, the topography, and the coating of this organ. For this purpose, fifteen corpses destined for dissection and four healthy specimens were used to carry out thorax digital x-ray. Based on the obtained results, it was noticed that the heart of the species in question presents conical shape, situated obliquely in the mediastinum, is displaced to the left and has latero-lateral slight flattening. Among the animals, discrepancies were found in the organ skeletopy, which presents the tapered apex and the base, in which the large vessels can be observed, whose arrangements also proved to be variables. The heart presents faces (right and left), margins (cranial and caudal) and is surrounded by the pericardium, which gives off two ligaments, sternopericardial and phrenico pericardial. Its size is proportional to the age and length of the individual, with measurements, in general, slightly larger in males.

O bicho-preguiça é conhecido por seus movimentos lentos e por seu hábito arborícola. Muito de sua anatomia precisa ainda ser desvendada, com o objetivo de se entender as peculiaridades que justificam seu comportamento. Nesse sentido, realizou-se uma investigação das características externas do coração da preguiça-de-três-dedos, Bradypus variegatus, a fim de apontar a forma, as faces, as dimensões, a topografia e o revestimento desse órgão. Para tal, foram utilizados 15 cadáveres destinados à dissecação e quatro espécimes hígidos para realização de radiografia digital do tórax. Com base nos resultados obtidos, observou-se que o coração da espécie em questão apresenta formato cônico, situa-se obliquamente no mediastino médio, é deslocado para o antímero esquerdo e possui achatamento laterolateral. Foram constatadas, entre os animais, discrepâncias na esqueletopia do órgão, que apresenta um ápice afilado e uma base, na qual se podem observar os grandes vasos, cujos arranjos também se demonstraram variáveis. O coração apresenta faces (direita e esquerda), margens (cranial e caudal) e encontra-se envolvido pelo pericárdio, que emite dois ligamentos, esternopericárdico e frenicopericárdico. Seu tamanho é proporcional à idade e ao comprimento do indivíduo, com medidas, em geral, levemente maiores nos machos.

Fratura exposta do fêmur em preguiça-real (Choloepus didactylus) - tratamento e reabilitação / Open fracture of the femur in a two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) - treatment and rehabilitation

Background: The Choloepus didactylus is characterized by having 2 fingers on the forelimbs and 3 on the hind limbs, being found more frequently in northern South America, in countries such as Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. In Brazil, deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has threatened the survival of C. didactylus. In addition, these animals can be affected by several diseases, being those of the musculoskeletal system with limited reports. Thus, the present report aimed to describe the treatment and evolution of an open fracture of the femur in a free-living Choloepus didactylus, which after rehabilitation was released back to the wild. Case: A free-living female two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus), weighing 7.0 kg, was found in Manaus city and referred to the Wild Animal Treatment Center (CETAS - IBAMA-AM) located in Amazonas, Brazil, after initial treatment and osteosynthesis in a private clinic (CVMinasPet). According to history, the animal had suffered electrocution 30 days ago and, as a result, had an extensive wound that resulted in the exposure of the knee joint, distal fracture of the femur, and areas of necrosis in the right pelvic limb. After cleansing of the area and removal of necrotic tissues, the fracture was stabilized with the cross-pinning technique (2 Steinmann pins). Then, the stifle joint was stabilized with external skeletal fixation (Type 1b, unilateral biplanar). The external fixator and cross-pins were removed 2 months after the surgical procedure, being observed bone healing. Next, the animal underwent physical rehabilitation for 30 days. After the rehabilitation period, a microchip and a radio collar were applied, and the sloth was released back to the wild. Discussion: Electrocution has been one of the causes of wildlife rescue, with consequences varying depending on the degree of the burn. Generally, the burn is most severe at the entry and exit sites. Since suspensory quadrupedal locomotion requires that sloths have specialized hands and feet to connect with the supports, probably the animal of the current report touched the right pelvic limb on a high-tension pole. The cross-pinning technique combined with the external fixator was used because the animal had an exposed Salter-Harris type I fracture with soft tissue loss. The younger the animal presents physeal fractures, the greater is the chance of developing growth abnormalities due to growth plate closure caused by fracture type or immobilization method. Since the sloth was a free-living animal, the age was unknown. However, pelvic limb length discrepancy was not observed after removing the implants. Culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test were not done and may be considered a limitation of this report. However, the application of ceftriaxone was adequate to control the infection, since the animal did not show signs of infection or draining sinus tracts. Ceftriaxone is a third-generation antibiotic that can be used in chronic osteomyelitis. In addition, the animal in the present report showed good adaptation to captive conditions that contributed to the clinical management. The longevity of the sloth in captivity can reach more than 30 years, but the goal is always to return the animal to nature after the treatment. Surgical treatment of the fracture and physical therapy after implant removal allowed this action in the current report, confirmed by monitoring with the radio collar.

Metastatic calcification and nephrosclerosis in an adult sloth (Choloepus hoffmani)

Clinical History: Multiple fragments of various organs from the necropsy of an adult sloth (Choloepus hoffmani) were received. The animal, prior to its death, had presented decay and poor general body condition, which is why it was euthanized. Necropsy Findings: According to the referring veterinarian, at necropsy, irregular and locally extensive hard yellowish lesions, were observed in the subcutaneous tissue of the thorax and abdomen (Figs. 1 and 2). Similar lesions were observed in the tunica media of the aorta (Fig. 3). Microscopically, the kidney had the aspect shown in Fig. 4. Follow-up questions: Morphologic diagnoses Histopathologic description Pathogenesis(AU)

Hematological and biochemical profile of captive brown-throated sloths Bradypus variegatus, Schinz 1825, feeding on ambay pumpwood Cecropia pachystachya Trécul 1847 / [Perfil hematológico e bioquímico da preguiça-de-garganta-marrom Bradypus variegatus, Schinz 1825, em cativeiro alimentando-se de embaúba Cecropia pachystachya Trécul 1847]

The aim of this study was to establish reference parameters for the hematological and biochemical levels of five healthy captive sloths of the speciesBradypus variegatus(brown-throated sloth) feeding onCecropia pachystachya(Ambay pumpwood), alternating with a period of free diet in the Dois Irmãos State Park (DISP) Recife, Pernambuco - Brazil.(AU)

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi estabelecer parâmetros de referência para níveis hematológicos e bioquímicos, de cinco preguiças sadias, da espécie Bradypus variegatus (preguiça-de-garganta-marrom), em cativeiro, alimentando-se de Cecropia pachystachya (embaúba) em períodos alternados com dieta livre, no Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos (PEDI) Recife, Pernambuco-Brasil.(AU)

Anatomia macroscópica interna e avaliação elétrica do coração de Bradypus variegatus / Internal macroscopic anatomy and electrical evaluation of the Bradypus variegatus heart

The Bradypus variegatus species presents peculiar anatomophysiological properties and many aspects of its organic systems still need to be clarified, especially regarding the cardiovascular system, given its participation in vital activities. Disorderly anthropic action has had drastic consequences in sloth populations and the need to treat sick and injured animals is increasingly common. To this end, the importance of knowing its characteristics is emphasized. Therefore, this study proposed to describe the internal macroscopic structures of the sloth's heart, as well as to measure the ventricular walls and indicate the electrical activity of the organ. For the dissections, 15 Bradypus variegatus cadavers were used (1 young female, 9 adults females and 5 adult males) belonging to the Área de Anatomia of the Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recide, PE, Brazil. After they were fixed and preserved, the specimens received a midsagittal incision in the chest, followed by soft tissue folding and removal of ribs to access the heart. The organ was derived from the cavity and sectioned sagittal medially to identify its internal anatomy. Ventricular walls and interventricular septum were measured with a steel caliper (150 mm / 0.02 mm). An electrocardiogram was performed to determine the electrical profile on 5 healthy B. variegatus sloths, living under semi-livestock conditions at the Recife Zoo, PE, Brazil. The electrodes were taken from the regions, scapular and glutes of the animals that were called hugging a keeper during the procedure, carried out in the Zoo itself, using a portable device. Based on the data obtained, sloths have cardiac chambers separated by septa, however between atria and ventricles, in both antimeres, there are atrioventricular ostia, where valves are found, consisting of 3 valves on the right and 2 on the left. The atria are practically smooth inside and have their cavity enlarged by the atria, the right being larger than the left, these having a greater amount of pectineal muscles in relation to the atria. The ventricles have trabeculae and papillary muscles, 3 on the right and 2 on the left. These muscles hold the tendinous chords that connect the valves. The existence of trabeculae marginal septum was not evidenced. The thickness of the wall of the left ventricle, as well as that of the interventricular septum, proved to be greater than the thickness of the wall of the right ventricle, regardless of the age or sex of the animals. Based on the electrocardiographic recordings, the sloths presented sinus rhythm, with a heart rate between 67 and 100 bpm. The electrical axis ranged from -60º to -90º. The P wave is smoother than the QRS complex. While the S-T segment was classified as isoelectric. The T wave was shown to be + and predominantly > or = at 25% of the S wave, which characterized an rS type QRS deflection in both females and males. The general characteristics of the cardiac chambers in sloths are similar to those observe in other domestic and wild mammals. However, the presence of pectineal muscles associated with the atria and auricles differs from that observed in mammals such as the paca and raccoon and in birds such as the ostrich, which have trabecular structures in these cavities. The number of valves in sloths is equal to the anteater. However, it has a marginal trabeculae septum, not seen in Bradypus variegatus. According to the electrocardiographic findings, the rhythm was sinus, but much lower than that observed in the capuchin monkey, which also maintains arboreal habits.(AU)

Descrição anatômica da artéria carótida externa e seus ramos na preguiça-comum / Anatomical description of external carotid artery and its branches in sloth

Bradypus variegatus, espécie pertencente à família Bradypodidae e à superordem Xenarthra, pode ser considerada modelo biológico de caráter multidisciplinar. Assim, realizou-se um trabalho de descrição anatômica da artéria carótida externa (ACE) e dos seus ramos no bicho-preguiça B. variegatus. Utilizaram-se 10 animais adultos, sendo todos fêmeas, que foram submetidos à dissecação, constatando-se que a artéria (a.) carótida comum se bifurca, em externa e interna, no nível do primeiro anel traqueal. A ACE, então, segue estendendo-se até a maxila, onde emite ramos para a região temporal e para o polo posterior do olho. Em todos os animais estudados, foram observados sete ramos principais da ACE, que, segundo a sua origem e localização, foram denominados como a. auricular, a. lingual, a. facial, a. alveolar, a. inferior, a. temporal, a. maxilar e a. oftálmica. Os ramos maxilar e oftálmico correspondem aos terminais e os demais são ramos colaterais. Em 50% dos animais analisados, foi verificada a presença de anastomoses arteriais e 40% deles apresentaram o acréscimo de um ramo aos principais. Desses, 30% demonstraram a presença de um ramo traqueal e 10% de um ramo sublingual, sendo esses ramos colaterais.(AU)

Bradypus variegatus is a species belonging to the family Bradypodidae and superorder Xenarthra, which should be considered as a multidisciplinary biological model. Thus, an anatomical description of the external carotid artery (ACE) and its branches in sloth B. variegatus was studied. Ten adult animals, all of them female, were submitted to dissection, and it was observed that the common carotid artery (a.) bifurcates in external and internal at the level of the first tracheal ring. Then, ACE extends through the maxilla where it launches branches to the temporal region and posterior eye side. For all sampled animals, seven principal branches of ACE were observed, and according to their origin and location were denominated as auricular, lingual, facial, bottom alveolar, temporal, maxillary and ophthalmic arteries. The maxillary and ophthalmic branches correspond to the terminals and the other branches are collateral. Presence of arterial anastomoses was observed in 50% of the sampled animals and 40% of them had increase of a branch on the principal. In these, 30% had presence of one tracheal branch and 10% of a sublingual branch, considering these branches as collateral.(AU)

Descrição anatômica da artéria carótida externa e seus ramos na preguiça-comum / Anatomical description of external carotid artery and its branches in sloth

Bradypus variegatus, espécie pertencente à família Bradypodidae e à superordem Xenarthra, pode ser considerada modelo biológico de caráter multidisciplinar. Assim, realizou-se um trabalho de descrição anatômica da artéria carótida externa (ACE) e dos seus ramos no bicho-preguiça B. variegatus. Utilizaram-se 10 animais adultos, sendo todos fêmeas, que foram submetidos à dissecação, constatando-se que a artéria (a.) carótida comum se bifurca, em externa e interna, no nível do primeiro anel traqueal. A ACE, então, segue estendendo-se até a maxila, onde emite ramos para a região temporal e para o polo posterior do olho. Em todos os animais estudados, foram observados sete ramos principais da ACE, que, segundo a sua origem e localização, foram denominados como a. auricular, a. lingual, a. facial, a. alveolar, a. inferior, a. temporal, a. maxilar e a. oftálmica. Os ramos maxilar e oftálmico correspondem aos terminais e os demais são ramos colaterais. Em 50% dos animais analisados, foi verificada a presença de anastomoses arteriais e 40% deles apresentaram o acréscimo de um ramo aos principais. Desses, 30% demonstraram a presença de um ramo traqueal e 10% de um ramo sublingual, sendo esses ramos colaterais.(AU)

Bradypus variegatus is a species belonging to the family Bradypodidae and superorder Xenarthra, which should be considered as a multidisciplinary biological model. Thus, an anatomical description of the external carotid artery (ACE) and its branches in sloth B. variegatus was studied. Ten adult animals, all of them female, were submitted to dissection, and it was observed that the common carotid artery (a.) bifurcates in external and internal at the level of the first tracheal ring. Then, ACE extends through the maxilla where it launches branches to the temporal region and posterior eye side. For all sampled animals, seven principal branches of ACE were observed, and according to their origin and location were denominated as auricular, lingual, facial, bottom alveolar, temporal, maxillary and ophthalmic arteries. The maxillary and ophthalmic branches correspond to the terminals and the other branches are collateral. Presence of arterial anastomoses was observed in 50% of the sampled animals and 40% of them had increase of a branch on the principal. In these, 30% had presence of one tracheal branch and 10% of a sublingual branch, considering these branches as collateral.(AU)

Successful emergency treatment in Bradypus variegatus following non-hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock

Background: The brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus) occurs from the Nicaragua to Brazil. In brazilian amazonian,these animals are rescued with illnesses caused by anthropic actions. Emergencial treatment of sloths is complex becauseis a lack of specie-specific information allied to a particularly physiology. They have low metabolism and physiologicalparameters during resting time is 4-7 breaths/min, 40-100 heartbeats/min and temperature between 32-35ºC. They arealso folivores, predisposing cases of dehydration and even hypovolemic shock. This study aimed to report the emergencytreatment performed on a specimen of Bradypus variegatus affected by hypovolemic shock due to dehydration.Case: A male sloth weighing 2.7 kg was attended at the Veterinary Hospital-Wild Animals Sector of the Federal Universityof Pará (HVSAS-UFPA), victim of untreated hypovolemic shock due three days of forced eating with inadequate food,which resulted in dehydration, non-hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock, and severe apathy. Physiological parameters were 8breaths/min, heart rate 90/min and rectal temperature of 33°C. Treatment begun with fluid therapy taking account of 10%of body dehydration (270 mL Ringer lactate, 8 mL vitamin complex and 2 mL glucose), for respiratory decompensationnebulization was conducted with epinephrine (0.5 mL/kg), and intramuscular administration of vitamin B complex (1 mg/kg), metoclopramide (0.2 mg/kg), ranitidine (0.5 mg/kg), and dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg) to metabolic stimulation improvement. Physiological parameters were monitored every 10 min for the first 12 h of hospitalization. The managementwere gradually established as the clinical conditions were improved, including forced feeding, daily walks, and enclosureadapted for the minimal behavioral and biological requirements. After 14 days of intensive treatment, the animal wasconsidered ready for release...

Successful emergency treatment in Bradypus variegatus following non-hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock

Background: The brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus) occurs from the Nicaragua to Brazil. In brazilian amazonian,these animals are rescued with illnesses caused by anthropic actions. Emergencial treatment of sloths is complex becauseis a lack of specie-specific information allied to a particularly physiology. They have low metabolism and physiologicalparameters during resting time is 4-7 breaths/min, 40-100 heartbeats/min and temperature between 32-35ºC. They arealso folivores, predisposing cases of dehydration and even hypovolemic shock. This study aimed to report the emergencytreatment performed on a specimen of Bradypus variegatus affected by hypovolemic shock due to dehydration.Case: A male sloth weighing 2.7 kg was attended at the Veterinary Hospital-Wild Animals Sector of the Federal Universityof Pará (HVSAS-UFPA), victim of untreated hypovolemic shock due three days of forced eating with inadequate food,which resulted in dehydration, non-hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock, and severe apathy. Physiological parameters were 8breaths/min, heart rate 90/min and rectal temperature of 33°C. Treatment begun with fluid therapy taking account of 10%of body dehydration (270 mL Ringer lactate, 8 mL vitamin complex and 2 mL glucose), for respiratory decompensationnebulization was conducted with epinephrine (0.5 mL/kg), and intramuscular administration of vitamin B complex (1 mg/kg), metoclopramide (0.2 mg/kg), ranitidine (0.5 mg/kg), and dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg) to metabolic stimulation improvement. Physiological parameters were monitored every 10 min for the first 12 h of hospitalization. The managementwere gradually established as the clinical conditions were improved, including forced feeding, daily walks, and enclosureadapted for the minimal behavioral and biological requirements. After 14 days of intensive treatment, the animal wasconsidered ready for release...(AU)

Description of brachial plexus of sloth (Bradypus variegatus) / Descrição do plexo braquial do bicho-preguiça (Bradypus variegatus)

The species Bradypus variegatus is known as the common sloth, an endemic mammal from neotropical regions, which has been suffering from devastating anthropogenic activities. Our study aimed to describe the brachial plexus of B. variegates, regarding the origin and distribution of nerves, through the sampling of 10 adult females. Analyses were carried out at the Anatomy Section, "Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal", "Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco", under license no. 034/2015 of the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals. The results determined that the brachial plexus of the common sloth starts from the fifth cervical spine segment until the second thoracic segment. This area contains the long and suprascapular thoracic nerves, which originate immediately from the medullary segment 5 and 6, respectively, and from the pectoral, subscapular, axillary, radial, musculocutaneous, medial, forearm and ulnar medial cutaneous nerves, arising from a trunk comprised of cervical spine nerves (C) 7, C8, C9, and thoracic (T) 1 and T2. Regarding other wild and domestic animals, different suggestions were observed about the origin of the plexus in B. variegatus, however, the constituent nerves and their innervation areas did not demonstrate any discrepancies.(AU)

A espécie Bradypus variegatus é conhecida como preguiça-comum. Trata-se de um mamífero endêmico de regiões neotropicais que vem sofrendo com a ação antrópica devastadora. Esses Bradipodídeos possuem três dedos nos membros torácicos e pélvicos, são arborícolas consagrados e descem ao solo apenas para excretar e trocar de árvore. O estudo teve como objetivo descrever o plexo braquial de B. variegatus em relação à origem e distribuição dos nervos. Para tal, utilizou-se 10 fêmeas adultas. As análises foram realizadas no Pavilhão de Anatomia do Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, sob a licença nº 034/2015 do Comitê de Ética no Uso de Animais. Os cadáveres foram obtidos após morte natural, fixados em formaldeído a 20%, conservados em solução salina a 30% em tanques e dissecados para a visualização dos nervos destinados a inervar os membros e músculos torácicos. Uma vez feito, constatou-se que o plexo braquial da preguiça-comum se origina do quinto segmento espinal cervical, se estendendo até o segundo segmento torácico. Sendo formado pelos nervos torácico longo e supraescapular, de origem imediatamente do segmento medular 5 e 6, respectivamente, e pelos nervos peitorais, subescapulares, axilar, radial, musculocutâneo, mediano, cutâneo medial do antebraço e ulnar, decorrentes de um tronco formado a partir de nervos espinais cervicais (C) 7, C8, C9, e torácicos (T) 1 e T2. Em comparação a outros animais silvestres e domésticos foram observadas diferentes disposições em relação à origem do plexo de B. variegatus, todavia, os nervos constituintes e suas áreas de inervação não apresentaram discrepâncias.(AU)

Description of brachial plexus of sloth (Bradypus variegatus) / Descrição do plexo braquial do bicho-preguiça (Bradypus variegatus)

The species Bradypus variegatus is known as the common sloth, an endemic mammal from neotropical regions, which has been suffering from devastating anthropogenic activities. Our study aimed to describe the brachial plexus of B. variegates, regarding the origin and distribution of nerves, through the sampling of 10 adult females. Analyses were carried out at the Anatomy Section, "Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal", "Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco", under license no. 034/2015 of the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals. The results determined that the brachial plexus of the common sloth starts from the fifth cervical spine segment until the second thoracic segment. This area contains the long and suprascapular thoracic nerves, which originate immediately from the medullary segment 5 and 6, respectively, and from the pectoral, subscapular, axillary, radial, musculocutaneous, medial, forearm and ulnar medial cutaneous nerves, arising from a trunk comprised of cervical spine nerves (C) 7, C8, C9, and thoracic (T) 1 and T2. Regarding other wild and domestic animals, different suggestions were observed about the origin of the plexus in B. variegatus, however, the constituent nerves and their innervation areas did not demonstrate any discrepancies.(AU)

A espécie Bradypus variegatus é conhecida como preguiça-comum. Trata-se de um mamífero endêmico de regiões neotropicais que vem sofrendo com a ação antrópica devastadora. Esses Bradipodídeos possuem três dedos nos membros torácicos e pélvicos, são arborícolas consagrados e descem ao solo apenas para excretar e trocar de árvore. O estudo teve como objetivo descrever o plexo braquial de B. variegatus em relação à origem e distribuição dos nervos. Para tal, utilizou-se 10 fêmeas adultas. As análises foram realizadas no Pavilhão de Anatomia do Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, sob a licença nº 034/2015 do Comitê de Ética no Uso de Animais. Os cadáveres foram obtidos após morte natural, fixados em formaldeído a 20%, conservados em solução salina a 30% em tanques e dissecados para a visualização dos nervos destinados a inervar os membros e músculos torácicos. Uma vez feito, constatou-se que o plexo braquial da preguiça-comum se origina do quinto segmento espinal cervical, se estendendo até o segundo segmento torácico. Sendo formado pelos nervos torácico longo e supraescapular, de origem imediatamente do segmento medular 5 e 6, respectivamente, e pelos nervos peitorais, subescapulares, axilar, radial, musculocutâneo, mediano, cutâneo medial do antebraço e ulnar, decorrentes de um tronco formado a partir de nervos espinais cervicais (C) 7, C8, C9, e torácicos (T) 1 e T2. Em comparação a outros animais silvestres e domésticos foram observadas diferentes disposições em relação à origem do plexo de B. variegatus, todavia, os nervos constituintes e suas áreas de inervação não apresentaram discrepâncias.(AU)

Macroscopic morphological aspects, ecometry and rebound tonometry of the eye bulb in sloth (Bradypus variegatus) / Aspectos morfológicos macroscópicos, ecometria e tonometria de rebote do bulbo ocular em bicho-preguiça (Bradypus variegatus)

The field related to the visual system of wild animals is deeply scarce. Settling anatomical and physiological parameters for these animals is still a descriptive vision for Bradypus variegatus (Schinz, 1825). Thus, our research aimed to determine patterns of normal eye for this species. For this purpose, eight eye bulbs were dissected from the carcasses obtained by natural death, and then performed an overview of ocular anatomical. Rebound tonometry (RBT) and ocular B-mode ultrasonography were also applied for eight eyes in four animals from "Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos", situated in the city of Recife, state of Pernambuco (PE), to estimate the intraocular pressure and ocular ecobiometry. The ocular morphology of sloth is similar as described for other species, however, with some peculiarities. They present a third eyelid emerging in the nasal region of the inferior conjunctival sac and retina and also contain little differentiated blood vessels. Medium the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 4.25mmHg with no difference for both eyes. Ultrasonography of ocular anatomy is also similar regarding other species. Ecobiometric patterns were evaluated to determine the anterior chamber depth, lens width, vitreous chamber depth, and axial length (AL) of ocular globe and the averaged as shown 0.63±1.11mm, 3.73±0.24mm, 6.15±0.41mm, 3.70±0.27mm, and 8.48±0.22mm, respectively. There was no difference between the right and left eyes. The RBT and ocular B-mode ultrasonography are fast exams and easy for animal testing. This study contributed to the characterization of ocular anatomy as well as settling medium values of IOP and intraocular measures; however, further research on physiology and histology is necessary to better understand the visual function of the species.(AU)

O campo de estudo relacionado ao sistema visual de animais silvestres é muito escasso. Estabelecer parâmetros anatômicos e fisiológicos para estes animais ainda está restrito a uma visão descritiva, assim ocorre em Bradypus variegatus (Schinz, 1825). Diante deste fato, objetivou-se com este estudo determinar padrões de normalidade oftálmica nesta espécie. Para isto foram dissecados oito bulbos oculares de cadáveres obtidos por morte natural e realizada a descrição anatômica ocular. Além disso, foram realizadas tonometria de rebote (TonoVet®) e ultrassonografia em modo B em oito olhos de quatro animais provenientes do Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, Recife/PE, para avaliação da pressão intraocular e realização da ecobiometria ocular. A anatomia ocular do bicho-preguiça é semelhante à descrita para outras espécies com algumas particularidades. Apresentam uma terceira pálpebra emergindo na região nasal do saco conjuntival inferior e retina com vasos sanguíneos pouco diferenciados. A pressão intraocular média foi de 4,25mmHg não havendo diferença entre os olhos direito e esquerdo. A anatomia ocular ultrassonográfica é semelhante à encontrada para outras espécies. Os padrões ecobiométricos obtidos foram: profundidade da câmara anterior, espessura do cristalino, diâmetro do cristalino, profundidade da câmara vítrea e comprimento axial do bubo ocular com tamanhos médios de 0,63±1,11mm, 3,73±0,24mm, 6,15±0,41mm, 3,70±0,27mm e 8,48±0,22mm, respectivamente. Não houve diferença entre os olhos direito e esquerdo. A tonometria de rebote e a ultrassonografia ocular em modo B são exames de rápida e fácil execução, sendo bem tolerados pelos animais. Este estudo contribuiu para a caracterização anatômica ocular e para o estabelecimento de valores médios da pressão intraocular e das medidas intraoculares, no entanto são necessárias outras pesquisas na área da fisiologia e histologia para melhor compreensão da função visual da espécie.(AU)

Macroscopic morphological aspects, ecometry and rebound tonometry of the eye bulb in sloth (Bradypus variegatus) / Aspectos morfológicos macroscópicos, ecometria e tonometria de rebote do bulbo ocular em bicho-preguiça (Bradypus variegatus)

The field related to the visual system of wild animals is deeply scarce. Settling anatomical and physiological parameters for these animals is still a descriptive vision for Bradypus variegatus (Schinz, 1825). Thus, our research aimed to determine patterns of normal eye for this species. For this purpose, eight eye bulbs were dissected from the carcasses obtained by natural death, and then performed an overview of ocular anatomical. Rebound tonometry (RBT) and ocular B-mode ultrasonography were also applied for eight eyes in four animals from "Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos", situated in the city of Recife, state of Pernambuco (PE), to estimate the intraocular pressure and ocular ecobiometry. The ocular morphology of sloth is similar as described for other species, however, with some peculiarities. They present a third eyelid emerging in the nasal region of the inferior conjunctival sac and retina and also contain little differentiated blood vessels. Medium the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 4.25mmHg with no difference for both eyes. Ultrasonography of ocular anatomy is also similar regarding other species. Ecobiometric patterns were evaluated to determine the anterior chamber depth, lens width, vitreous chamber depth, and axial length (AL) of ocular globe and the averaged as shown 0.63±1.11mm, 3.73±0.24mm, 6.15±0.41mm, 3.70±0.27mm, and 8.48±0.22mm, respectively. There was no difference between the right and left eyes. The RBT and ocular B-mode ultrasonography are fast exams and easy for animal testing. This study contributed to the characterization of ocular anatomy as well as settling medium values of IOP and intraocular measures; however, further research on physiology and histology is necessary to better understand the visual function of the species.(AU)

O campo de estudo relacionado ao sistema visual de animais silvestres é muito escasso. Estabelecer parâmetros anatômicos e fisiológicos para estes animais ainda está restrito a uma visão descritiva, assim ocorre em Bradypus variegatus (Schinz, 1825). Diante deste fato, objetivou-se com este estudo determinar padrões de normalidade oftálmica nesta espécie. Para isto foram dissecados oito bulbos oculares de cadáveres obtidos por morte natural e realizada a descrição anatômica ocular. Além disso, foram realizadas tonometria de rebote (TonoVet®) e ultrassonografia em modo B em oito olhos de quatro animais provenientes do Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, Recife/PE, para avaliação da pressão intraocular e realização da ecobiometria ocular. A anatomia ocular do bicho-preguiça é semelhante à descrita para outras espécies com algumas particularidades. Apresentam uma terceira pálpebra emergindo na região nasal do saco conjuntival inferior e retina com vasos sanguíneos pouco diferenciados. A pressão intraocular média foi de 4,25mmHg não havendo diferença entre os olhos direito e esquerdo. A anatomia ocular ultrassonográfica é semelhante à encontrada para outras espécies. Os padrões ecobiométricos obtidos foram: profundidade da câmara anterior, espessura do cristalino, diâmetro do cristalino, profundidade da câmara vítrea e comprimento axial do bubo ocular com tamanhos médios de 0,63±1,11mm, 3,73±0,24mm, 6,15±0,41mm, 3,70±0,27mm e 8,48±0,22mm, respectivamente. Não houve diferença entre os olhos direito e esquerdo. A tonometria de rebote e a ultrassonografia ocular em modo B são exames de rápida e fácil execução, sendo bem tolerados pelos animais. Este estudo contribuiu para a caracterização anatômica ocular e para o estabelecimento de valores médios da pressão intraocular e das medidas intraoculares, no entanto são necessárias outras pesquisas na área da fisiologia e histologia para melhor compreensão da função visual da espécie.(AU)

Intestine vascularization of sloth (Bradypus variegatus SCHINZ, 1825) / Vascularização do intestino do bicho-preguiça (Bradypus variegatusSCHINZ, 1825)

Common sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is a mammal that belongs to the superorder Xenarthra, typical from neotropical regions, with geographic distribution from Honduras to northern Argentina. Our study aimed to describe the intestine blood supply of these Bradipodids in order to collaborate with the clinical-surgical for these animals. For that, ten animals, included four females and six males, were sampled from the collection of the Anatomy Division, Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco DMFA/UFRPE. Corpses received formalin, preserved in saline solution and subsequently dissected for description of the cranial (AMCr) and caudal (AMC) mesenteric arteries. Sixty percent of sloths presented AMCr and AMC, cwhile 30% of them had intestines (small and large) irrigation from the common mesenteric artery (AMCo), an arterial trunk from which AMCr and AMC originated. For 10% of the specimens, the entire intestine was vascularized only by AMCr. Along the AMCr branches, there were arched arrangements, with arches size reductionat the level of the small intestine. Therefore, B. variegatus presents anatomical variations regarding the irrigation of the intestine, which can be made from AMCr and AMC, from the AMCo arterial trunk or to a lower frequency exclusively through AMCr branches.

A preguiça-comum (Bradypus variegatus)é um mamífero pertencente à superordem Xenarthra, típica de regiões neotropicais, com distribuição geográfica de Honduras ao norte da Argentina. O estudo teve como objetivo descrever o suprimento sanguíneo do intestinodestes Bradipodídeos, com o intuito de colaborar com a clínica-cirúrgica destes animais. Neste contexto, foram utilizados dez animais pertencentes ao acervo da Área de Anatomia do Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco DMFA/UFRPE, sendo quatro fêmeas e seis machos. Os cadáveres foram formolizados e conservados em solução salina e, posteriormente, dissecados para a descrição das artérias mesentéricas cranial (AMCr) e caudal (AMC). Diante disto, observou-se que 60% das preguiças apresentaram AMCr e AMC.Enquanto que, em 30% delas, a irrigação dos intestinos (delgado e grosso) se deu a partir da artéria mesentérica comum (AMCo), um tronco arterial do qual se originaram AMCr e AMC. E em 10% dos espécimes, todo intestino foi vascularizado unicamente pela AMCr. Ao longo das ramificações de AMCr percebeu-se arranjos arqueados, com diminuição do tamanho dos arcos ao nível do intestino delgado. Portanto, B. variegatusapresenta variações anatômicas quanto a irrigação do intestino, podendo esta ser feita a partir de AMCr e AMC, do tronco arterial AMCo ou numa menor frequência através exclusivamente de ramos de AMCr.

Intestine vascularization of sloth (Bradypus variegatus SCHINZ, 1825) / Vascularização do intestino do bicho-preguiça (Bradypus variegatusSCHINZ, 1825)

Common sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is a mammal that belongs to the superorder Xenarthra, typical from neotropical regions, with geographic distribution from Honduras to northern Argentina. Our study aimed to describe the intestine blood supply of these Bradipodids in order to collaborate with the clinical-surgical for these animals. For that, ten animals, included four females and six males, were sampled from the collection of the Anatomy Division, Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco DMFA/UFRPE. Corpses received formalin, preserved in saline solution and subsequently dissected for description of the cranial (AMCr) and caudal (AMC) mesenteric arteries. Sixty percent of sloths presented AMCr and AMC, cwhile 30% of them had intestines (small and large) irrigation from the common mesenteric artery (AMCo), an arterial trunk from which AMCr and AMC originated. For 10% of the specimens, the entire intestine was vascularized only by AMCr. Along the AMCr branches, there were arched arrangements, with arches size reductionat the level of the small intestine. Therefore, B. variegatus presents anatomical variations regarding the irrigation of the intestine, which can be made from AMCr and AMC, from the AMCo arterial trunk or to a lower frequency exclusively through AMCr branches.(AU)

A preguiça-comum (Bradypus variegatus)é um mamífero pertencente à superordem Xenarthra, típica de regiões neotropicais, com distribuição geográfica de Honduras ao norte da Argentina. O estudo teve como objetivo descrever o suprimento sanguíneo do intestinodestes Bradipodídeos, com o intuito de colaborar com a clínica-cirúrgica destes animais. Neste contexto, foram utilizados dez animais pertencentes ao acervo da Área de Anatomia do Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco DMFA/UFRPE, sendo quatro fêmeas e seis machos. Os cadáveres foram formolizados e conservados em solução salina e, posteriormente, dissecados para a descrição das artérias mesentéricas cranial (AMCr) e caudal (AMC). Diante disto, observou-se que 60% das preguiças apresentaram AMCr e AMC.Enquanto que, em 30% delas, a irrigação dos intestinos (delgado e grosso) se deu a partir da artéria mesentérica comum (AMCo), um tronco arterial do qual se originaram AMCr e AMC. E em 10% dos espécimes, todo intestino foi vascularizado unicamente pela AMCr. Ao longo das ramificações de AMCr percebeu-se arranjos arqueados, com diminuição do tamanho dos arcos ao nível do intestino delgado. Portanto, B. variegatusapresenta variações anatômicas quanto a irrigação do intestino, podendo esta ser feita a partir de AMCr e AMC, do tronco arterial AMCo ou numa menor frequência através exclusivamente de ramos de AMCr.(AU)

Food habits of the Cougar Puma concolor (Carnivora: Felidae) in the Central Andes of the Colombian Coffee Region

The feeding habits of the cougar have been scarcely studied in Colombia, despite its importance in the ecosystems it inhabits. In this study, we analysed the diet of the cougar using 53 feces samples collected from several sites in the Central Andes of Colombia’s Coffee Growing Region. To identify prey species, we examined and compared bone fragments and hairs found in each sample with descriptions published in relevant literature and with specimens from the Natural History Museum of the Universidad de Caldas, Colombia. We found that rabbits (Sylvilagus sp.) provided half of the relative biomass consumed by the cougar (50%). Other preys identified belong to representatives of medium and large mammals such as marsupials (Didelphis: 10%), sloths (Choloepus: 9%), rodents (Coendou: 10%, Cuniculus: 9%), and deer (Mazama: 9%). Of the preys, Coendou rufescens has not, to our knowledge, been previously included in cougar diet literature. The curve of accumulation of species indicated that the number of samples obtained in this work fully describe the diet of this feline. Neither domestic species were recorded in this work, nor were there any relationships between the dry or rainy seasons and the consumption of prey species. The comparison of the information reported in this study and others carried out in the Andes may indicate the general nature of this feline’s diet and its adaptability to the prey species found in each area, since these vary in each one of them. It is probable that the obtained trophic niche value (0.33) is due to the abundance of rabbits present in the study area. It is also probable that the cougar has not consumed domestic species since, although it is close to cattle ranches, it has enough of wild prey in the area to supply its needs. The results of this study may help to improve our understanding of the feeding habits of this predator and...

Food habits of the Cougar Puma concolor (Carnivora: Felidae) in the Central Andes of the Colombian Coffee Region

The feeding habits of the cougar have been scarcely studied in Colombia, despite its importance in the ecosystems it inhabits. In this study, we analysed the diet of the cougar using 53 feces samples collected from several sites in the Central Andes of Colombias Coffee Growing Region. To identify prey species, we examined and compared bone fragments and hairs found in each sample with descriptions published in relevant literature and with specimens from the Natural History Museum of the Universidad de Caldas, Colombia. We found that rabbits (Sylvilagus sp.) provided half of the relative biomass consumed by the cougar (50%). Other preys identified belong to representatives of medium and large mammals such as marsupials (Didelphis: 10%), sloths (Choloepus: 9%), rodents (Coendou: 10%, Cuniculus: 9%), and deer (Mazama: 9%). Of the preys, Coendou rufescens has not, to our knowledge, been previously included in cougar diet literature. The curve of accumulation of species indicated that the number of samples obtained in this work fully describe the diet of this feline. Neither domestic species were recorded in this work, nor were there any relationships between the dry or rainy seasons and the consumption of prey species. The comparison of the information reported in this study and others carried out in the Andes may indicate the general nature of this felines diet and its adaptability to the prey species found in each area, since these vary in each one of them. It is probable that the obtained trophic niche value (0.33) is due to the abundance of rabbits present in the study area. It is also probable that the cougar has not consumed domestic species since, although it is close to cattle ranches, it has enough of wild prey in the area to supply its needs. The results of this study may help to improve our understanding of the feeding habits of this predator and...(AU)