Relationships between follicle and corpus luteum size and vascularization with ovulation, progesterone production, and pregnancy in Nellore beef cattle

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between preovulatory follicle (POF) and corpus luteum (CL) diameters, and POF and CL vascular perfusion with progesterone production, ovulation, and pregnancy in Nellore cows subjected to timed artificial insemination (TAI). Nellore cows (n = 201) were subjected to ovulation synchronization and later to ultrasound evaluation of POF and CL at the time of insemination (D0) and seven days later (D7), respectively. Females were divided into three categories according to the POF diameter assessed at the time of insemination: small (SF), medium (MF), and large (LF) follicles. The LF group had a greater number and intensity of pixels in the POF ultrasound exam compared with the SF group. The CL flow intensity and progesterone concentration were also higher in the LF group. The SF group showed lower flow intensity and lower ovulation rate compared with the others. When non-pregnant females were compared to pregnant ones, no difference was observed in any of the analyzed variables. The results show for the first time in Nellore cattle the relationship between the size of ovarian structures and blood flow (quantity and intensity) as well as the ability of the CL to produce progesterone. The intensity of the POF pixels proved to be relevant, demonstrating correlations with the size and flow of the CL, which were not found when evaluating only the number of pixels, thus revealing the importance of evaluating complementary characteristics of the flow.

Early maturation of corpus luteum in rabbits - effect of sildenafil citrate on luteolytic capacity in the early luteal period

Background: Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 α) binds to the specific receptor (PTGFR) on the corpus luteum (CL) in mammals, inducing regression of the CL structure (luteolysis) and initiating a new cycle. While PGF2 α is effective only on mature CL, the immature CL structure (early luteal phase) resists PGF2 α. In this study, sildenafil citrate, which is used to increase blood flow in the genital organs for treating specific pregnancy issues in women, was administered during the early luteal phase in a rabbit model to test the hypothesis of enhancing blood flow to the CL, thereby promoting earlier maturation and enabling a response to PGF2 α. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in 2 sub-studies: clinical and molecular. A large number of rabbits were initially included in the sub-studies to ensure a sufficient number of pseudo-pregnant rabbits. Ovulation in rabbits was induced with buserelin acetate and was considered as day 0 of the study. The sub-studies were continued with rabbits whose pseudo-pregnancies were confirmed according to progesterone (P4 ) results. As a result, the studies were continued with a total of 41 pseudo-pregnant New Zealand female rabbits, 21 of which were included in the clinical sub-study and 20 in the molecular sub-study. In both sub-studies, on day 3 of the luteal period, rabbits in the treatment group received 5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate and all rabbits received a single dose of exogenous PGF2 α on day 4 to induce luteolysis. In the clinical sub-study, echotexture and intraovarian blood flow changes in the ovaries were determined by ultrasonography (USG) examination. In the molecular sub-study, the expression changes of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (HIF1A) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) related to angiogenesis, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) related to P4 metabolism, Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) related to prostaglandin (PG) mechanism and 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase (HPGD) genes at mRNA level were determined using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in CL tissues obtained with ovariohysterectomy (OVH) at 1 and 12 h after PGF2 α injection. In addition, blood samples were collected for determine P4 levels from all rabbits. In the clinical sub-study; there was no difference between the groups in mean gray values (MGV), whereas there was a significant decrease in both pulsatile index (PI) and resistance index (RI) values at 40 min after PGF2 α injection (P < 0.05). In the molecular sub-study, it was determined that sildenafil citrate had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the expression levels 1 and 12 h after PGF2 α injection. According to the results of the molecular sub-study, no significant effect of sildenafil citrate on the mRNA expression levels in the investigated genes was detected (P > 0.05). However, within each group, differences were found according to OVH time after PGF2 α injection. It was observed that PTGS2 and HPGD mRNA expressions decreased at the 12th h compared to the 1st h, while HIF1A expression increased (P < 0.05). Discussion: According to the results obtained from clinical and molecular sub-studies, it was determined that a single dose of sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg) applied on the 3rd day of the luteal period did not contribute to the maturation process of the CL, did not increase blood flow, and was insufficient to break the resistance of the CL against PGF2 α applied on the 4th day of the luteal period. However, a significant decrease in the PI value at the 40th min after PGF2 α injection suggests that sildenafil citrate has a supportive effect, and that this decrease is also seen in the RI value, suggesting that its effect is insufficient against the vasoconstrictive effect of PGF2 α.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.(AU)

Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.(AU)

Thromboembolism in a bitch - diagnosis by infrared thermography

Background: Thermography is a noninvasive, non-contact, painless, and non-ionizing imaging technique that records cutaneous thermal patterns generated by infrared emission of the surface. The surface heat is closely related to dermal microcirculation. Thromboembolism is responsible for important changes in the thermal pattern of the body surface due to physical obstruction of blood flow, being the main complication in immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. The aim of this paper is to report a dog with thrombus in his left forelimb secondary to idiopathic hemolytic anemia, whose diagnostic screening was performed through infrared thermography. Case: A 9-year-old mixed breed bitch was referred to a veterinary hospital with a history of emesis, diarrhea and dark-colored urine for 2 days. The complete blood count showed hypochromic macrocytic anemia (hematocrit [HTC] 28%, reference: 37 to 55%) with the presence of nucleated erythrocyte (14/100 leukocytes, reference: 0 to 5/100 leukocytes), polychromasia and spherocytes. Leukocytosis (28,300 mm³, reference: 6,000 to 17,000 mm³) by neutrophilia with left deviation and toxic granulations was also present, in addition to hemoglobinuria at urine exam. Therefore, treatment for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) was instituted. After 2 days, the animal returned with acute functional impairment of the left forelimb. Physical examination revealed that the limb was cold, without pulse, proprioception, reflexes, and deep pain. New blood analyses revealed decreased hematocrit (HTC 17%, reference: 37 to 55%), and increased total leukocyte number (57,000 mm3, reference: 6,000 to 17,000 mm³). Infrared thermography revealed an important temperature difference between the limbs, with the affected limb temperature considerably lower (31.3ºC) when compared to the contralateral limb (35.0ºC). Thermography showed the site of the thrombus in the medial portion of the limb (cephalic vein), where the catheter had been placed for fluid therapy. Due to the severity of the condition, the bitch was submitted to amputation surgery, which occurred without complications. The patient had a good response to treatment, with decreased signs of hemolysis and hypercoagulability. The medications were slowly withdrawn, and the clinical discharge occurred after 4 weeks. Discussion: In humans, thermography has been widely used in the assessment of thrombotic diseases, contributing to diagnosis, localization, and prognosis. In veterinary medicine, however, the use of this tool in the diagnosis of thromboembolism is still rare. The difference of 3.7°C between the affected and contralateral limb was objectively verified using thermography. A minimum difference of 2.4°C between limbs has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing thromboembolism and occurs due to the reduction in local blood flow. In the present case this tool was essential for the anatomical location of the thrombus, which was in the middle third of the forearm, and allowed an adequate surgical planning. It is known that the main complication of IMHA is thromboembolism. Its predisposing factors include venous stasis, endothelial damage, and hypercoagulability, being exacerbated by cage confinement, decubitus and presence of a peripheral venous catheter. The reported case corroborates at least one of these factors since it had a peripheral venous catheter in the left forelimb, which later showed absence of pulse, spinal reflexes, pain and proprioception. The thermography showed to be an objective, rapid and non-invasive tool to diagnose and precisely locate the thrombus, which allowed for adequate treatment and surgical planning for the case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about use of thermography to diagnose thromboembolism secondary to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in a dog.

Megaureter gigante por ectopia ureteral intramural em cadela / Giant megaureter by intramural ureteral etopia in a bitch

Background: The urinary tract is composed by kidneys, urinary bladder and urethra. The kidneys produce urine that achieve urinary bladder by ureters. These have the origin in the renal pelvis, run through the retroperitoneum, end up at the dorsolateral superficies of the urinary bladder, and empty at the trigone. Ureters abnormalities are the rarest congenital defects in the canine urinary tract and ureteroceles are cystic dilatations of the distal segment of the ureter that could be associated to partial or complete urinary obstructions and could lead to megaureter and hydronephrosis. So, the aim of the present study was to describe a case of megaureter by intramural ureteral ectopia in a bitch. Case: A 1-year-old-and-8-month bitch Akita, weighing 18 kg, was referred to the Uniube Veterinary Hospital with vaginal secretion, prostration, hypodipsia, hyporexia and pyrexia related by the tutor. On physical examination, an increase in vulva volume and a vaginal discharge were observed. Nevertheless, others physical exams, blood count and biochemical tests were considered to be within normal parameters. Urinalysis showed cloudy aspect, proteinuria, occult blood, erythrocytes, pyuria, leucocytes, and discreet presence of bacteria. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a megaureter with right uterocele and excretory urography showed absence of glomerular filtration by right kidney. The patient was submitted to surgery for right kidney and ureter exeresis. Histopathology evaluation showed intense dilation of the ureter and severe multifocal renal fibrosis. The surgery was well succeeded, and the patient recovered completely. Discussion: Once megaureter are associated with congenital abnormalities like ectopic ureter and ureterocele, it is usually diagnosed in young patients with medium age of 10 months, which is below the age of the patient in this case report. Additionally, in the patient here reported, the unilateral alteration could explain the absence of kidney fail symptoms. In more than 90% of the cases, the ureteral ectopia was associated with multiple anomalies in the urinary tract, as was observed in this patient, that presented besides ectopic ureter, ureterocele, megaureter and renal dystrophy. All these morphological alterations made impossible the complete urine elimination, which predispose to urinary tract infection, that was observed in this report. According to literature, urinary tract anomalies are associated with infection in 64 to 85% and 50% of the cases also present hydronephrosis and hydroureter. It was also described that ureteral ectopia is diagnosed by visualization of hydroureter in abdominal ultrasonography. The findings present in this report differs a little, once the right kidney was atrophic possibly by malformation or even so by a chronic renal lesion due to the difficulty in urine flow. The excretory urography showed no filtration in the right kidney, indicating non-functionality that was confirmed by histopathology, in which was observed small glomerulus and large amount of connective tissue deposition. In cases of unilateral megaureter with ipsilateral kidney commitment, there is indication of nephroureterectomy, that was performed in the patient of the present report. As far as we know, this is the first report of megaureter, ureterocele and ectopia ureteral together in the same patient. In conclusion, the procedure was secure, efficient and promote a better quality of life for the patient and prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infections.

Uso da ultrassonografia Doppler colorido na reprodução de pequenos ruminantes / Use of color Doppler ultrasonography in the reproduction of small ruminants

A ultrassonografia (US) Doppler colorido fornece uma ferramenta não invasiva valiosa para detectar e monitorar mudanças dinâmicas na rede vascular e fluxo sanguíneo em vários órgãos e tecidos reprodutivos. Em apoio as biotécnicas da reprodução animal assistida, a US Doppler colorido tem mostrada alta eficiência no monitoramento funcional das estruturas ovarianas. A previsão de respostas ovarianas e produções embrionária em ovinos pela identificação de sinais Doppler na parede folicular já se mostrou eficiente. A aplicação da US Doppler colorido para a identificação da funcionalidade do tecido luteal é ainda maior, desde acompanhamentos fisiológicos e diagnósticos de disfunções luteais até ampla aplicação em conjunto as diferentes biotécnicas reprodutivas. Destaca-se em ovelhas e cabras, a aplicação comercial da US Doppler colorido para o diagnóstico de gestação precoce, de disfunções luteais, de determinação de respostas ovarianas em fêmeas doadoras e receptoras de embriões, para identificar efeitos luteotrófico de estratégias hormonais, e ainda para amparar as estratégias de ressincronização de estro.(AU)

Color Doppler ultrasonography (US) provides a valuable non-invasive tool for detecting and monitoring dynamic changes in the vascular network and blood flow in various reproductive organs and tissues. In support of assisted animal reproduction biotechniques, color Doppler US has shown high efficiency in the functional monitoring of ovarian structures. The prediction of ovarian responses and embryonic production in sheep by identifying Doppler signals in the follicular wall has already proved to be efficient. The application of color Doppler US for identifying the functionality of the luteal tissue is even greater, from physiological monitoring and diagnosis of luteal dysfunctions to wide application together with different reproductive biotechniques. It stands out in sheep and goats, the commercial application of color Doppler US for the diagnosis of early pregnancy, luteal dysfunctions, determination of ovarian responses in embryo donor and recipient females, to identify luteotrophic effects of hormonal strategies, and even to support estrus resynchronization strategies.(AU)

Characterization of uterine involution using B-mode ultrasonography, color Doppler and elastography (acoustic radiation force impulse) for assessing postpartum in Santa Inês ewes

The aim of this study was to investigate uterine involution using ultrasonography techniques during postpartum. Postpartum ultrasonography evaluation (B-mode, color Doppler and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse elastography) of the uterus was performed by transabdominal approach at immediate after birth and sequentially every 48 hours, during 30 days. The uterine echotexture did not present significant variations (P >0.05) being homogeneous in most evaluations; echogenicity of the uterus increased along the evaluation period (P =0.0452). Progressive and remarkable decrease of the total uterine diameter (UD) were observed (P <0.0001), especially during the first days postpartum. The thickness of uterine wall gradually decreased, as well the endometrial, myometrium and lumen diameters (P <0.0001). Uterine blood flow was assessed by Doppler and decreased during postpartum period, being significantly lower (P=0.0225) on the 30th day of postpartum. Uterine parenchyma presented as homogeneous dark areas (not deformable) on qualitative ultrasound elastography and the means shear velocity values of the uterine wall on quantitative elastography did not differ. This is the first study that evaluate the stiffness of uterine wall in healthy ewes, providing baseline data about quantitative and qualitative stiffness of the normal uterus, and it may be a useful tool for early diagnosis of uterine alterations during the postpartum period, using the reference parameter established for the assessment of uterine integrity during postpartum period.(AU)

Importance of preovulatory estradiol on uterine receptivity and luteal function

Animals that exhibited estrus had greater pregnancy success compared to animals that did not exhibit estrus before fixed-time AI (FTAI). Estradiol is synthesized in bovine ovarian follicles under gonadotropin regulation and can directly and indirectly regulate the uterine receptivity and luteal function. Estradiol concentrations at FTAI impacted oviductal gene expression and has been reported to play an important role in establishing the timing of uterine receptivity. These changes have been reported to impact uterine pH and sperm transport to the site of fertilization. After fertilization, preovulatory estradiol has been reported to improve embryo survival likely by mediating changes in uterine blood flow, endometrial thickness and changes in histotroph. Cows with greater estradiol concentrations at the time of GnRH-induced ovulation also had a larger dominant follicle size and greater circulating progesterone concentrations on day 7. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately determine the individual benefit of greater estradiol concentrations prior to ovulation and greater progesterone concentrations following ovulation to pregnancy establishment, as these two measurements are confounded. Research has indicated an importance in the occurrence and timing of increasing preovulatory concentrations of estradiol, but increasing estradiol concentrations by supplementation may not be sufficient to increase fertility. Increased production of estradiol by the preovulatory follicle may be required to enhance fertility through the regulation of sperm transport, fertilization, oviductal secretions, the uterine environment, and embryo survival.(AU)

Estudo anatômico das lesões de endocardiose em cães, prevalência e epidemiologia / Anatomical study of endocardiosis lesions in dogs, prevalence and epidemiology / Estudio anatómico de las lesiones de endocardiosis en el perro, prevalencia y epidemiología

O coração é composto por duas importantes valvas átrio-ventriculares, a tricúspide e a bicúspide ou mitral. As válvulas cardíacas asseguram o sentido do fluxo sanguíneo dos átrios para os ventrículos e destes para as artérias. A endocardiose é um processo degenerativo crônico progressivo das válvulas, que acomete especialmente os cães, denominada endocardiose ou "doença do cão velho". Embora qualquer das válvulas possa ser afetada, é a válvula mitral que é habitualmente envolvida, isoladamente ou em combinação com a válvula tricúspide. A sua prevalência tem sido associada a parâmetros como idade, sexo e raça, afetando especialmente animais adultos de raças de pequeno porte. A etiologia da endocardiose é desconhecida, mas parece haver uma base hereditária. As lesões macroscópicas iniciais consistem em pequenos nódulos nas margens livres da valva, ficando distorcidas e com suas dimensões reduzidas, mas significativamente espessas e de coloração opaca, branca ou reluzente. Microscopicamente, a endocardiose é vista como um processo degenerativo do tecido valvular com discreta infiltração de tecido conjuntivo fibroso. Em estágios iniciais a doença apresenta, à auscultação, murmúrios cardíacos de baixa intensidade, sem sinais de descompensação e é geralmente achado incidental durante a rotina de exame clínico. As cúspides fundem-se em sua inserção, mas separam-se em direção ao centro da abertura, ajustando-se estreitamente ao mesmo tempo quando a valva se fecha e suas bordas livres são espessas e irregulares, especialmente durante uma fase tardia da vida. Com isso, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi averiguar as principais lesões, a epidemiologia e o grau de prevalência da endocardiose em cães na região noroeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, o que se verificou que não há casos frequentes na rotina clínica de pequenos animais de endocardiose. Não sendo possível verificar se há um sexo mais predisposto a apresentar a endocardiose. As lesões observadas na macroscopia eram referentes a nódulos brilhantes, e na microscopia presença de colágeno causando o espessamento da cúspide, além de achados inflamatórios.(AU)

The heart is composed of two important atrio-ventricular valves, the tricuspid and the bicuspid or mitral valve. The heart valves ensure the direction of blood flow from the atria to the ventricles and from the ventricles to the arteries. Endocardiosis is a chronic progressive degenerative process of the valves that affects dogs in particular, called endocardiosis or "old dog's disease". Although any of the valves can be affected, it is the mitral valve that is usually involved, either alone or in combination with the tricuspid valve. Its prevalence has been associated with parameters such as age, sex, and breed, affecting especially adult animals of small breeds. The etiology of endocardiosis is unknown, but there appears to be a hereditary basis. The initial macroscopic lesions consist of small nodules on the free margins of the valve, becoming distorted and reduced in size, but significantly thickened and opaque, white or shiny in color. Microscopically, endocardiosis is seen as a degenerative process of the valvular tissue with a discrete infiltration of fibrous connective tissue. In early stages the disease presents, on auscultation, with low-intensity cardiac murmurs without signs of decompensation and is usually an incidental finding during routine clinical examination. The leaflets fuse at their insertion, but separate towards the center of the opening, fitting closely together when the valve closes, and their free edges are thick and irregular, especially during a late phase of life. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the main lesions, the epidemiology and the degree of prevalence of endocardiosis in dogs in the northwest region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which was found that there are no frequent cases in the clinical routine of small animals of endocardiosis. It was not possible to verify whether there is a sex more predisposed to present endocardiosis. The lesions observed at macroscopy were referring to bright nodules, and at microscopy the presence of collagen causing thickening of the leaflet, besides inflammatory findings.(AU)

El corazón está compuesto por dos importantes válvulas aurículo- ventriculares, la tricúspide y la bicúspide o válvula mitral. Las válvulas cardíacas aseguran la dirección del flujo sanguíneo de las aurículas a los ventrículos y de los ventrículos a las arterias. La endocardiosis es un proceso degenerativo crónico y progresivo de las válvulas que afecta sobre todo a los perros, denominado endocardiosis o "enfermedad del perro viejo". Aunque cualquiera de las válvulas puede verse afectada, es la válvula mitral la que suele estar implicada, ya sea sola o en combinación con la válvula tricúspide. Su prevalencia se ha asociado a parámetros como la edad, el sexo y la raza, afectando especialmente a animales adultos de razas pequeñas. La etiología de la endocardiosis es desconocida, pero parece tener una base hereditaria. Las lesiones macroscópicas iniciales consisten en pequeños nódulos en los márgenes libres de la válvula, que se distorsionan y reducen de tamaño, pero se engrosan significativamente y adquieren un color opaco, blanco o brillante. Microscópicamente, la endocardiosis se observa como un proceso degenerativo del tejido valvular con una discreta infiltración de tejido conectivo fibroso. En fases tempranas, la enfermedad se presenta, en la auscultación, con soplos cardíacos de baja intensidad sin signos de descompensación y suele ser un hallazgo incidental durante el examen clínico rutinario. Las valvas se fusionan en su inserción, pero se separan hacia el centro de la apertura, encajando estrechamente cuando la válvula se cierra, y sus bordes libres son gruesos e irregulares, especialmente durante una fase tardía de la vida. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las principales lesiones, la epidemiología y el grado de prevalencia de endocardiosis en perros de la región noroeste del estado de Rio Grande do Sul, que se encontró que no hay casos frecuentes en la rutina clínica de pequeños animales de endocardiosis. No fue posible verificar si existe un sexo más predispuesto a presentar endocardiosis. Las lesiones observadas en la macroscopia fueron referentes a nódulos brillantes, y en la microscopia la presencia de colágeno causando engrosamiento de la valva, además de hallazgos inflamatorios.(AU)

Microsurgical arterial anastomosis in young and adult rats: an evolutive and comparative study

Purpose: To evaluate the caliber of an arterial micro-anastomosis in the young growing animal using a continuous suture technique. Additionally, late morphological changes and blood flows distal to the anastomosis were evaluated. Methods: Seventy-four Wistar rats were submitted to laparotomy to access the aorta for blood flow measurement. The aorta was sectioned using microsurgery technique and an end-to-end anastomosis with continuous suture. After a period of six months to one year, the anastomosis was checked. Results: Regarding the size of the aortas, comparing the pre- and postoperative values, there was an increase of 13.33% in adult animals and 25% in young animals, without any difference in the blood flows. Conclusions: The arteries of young rats show signs of growth at the site of the anastomosis performed with continuous suture.

Doppler sonography of the umbilical and uterine arteries blood flow of pregnant Saanen goats

The objective was to evaluate the blood flow of the uterine artery (UA) and umbilical artery (UMB) in the physiological pregnancy of goats by means of Doppler throughout the gestational period. Twenty-five Saanen goats weighing 55 ± 10 kg and aged between 2 and 5 were evaluated weekly, from the 21st until the 143rd day of gestation, and daily from that period until parturition. Values for peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices of the uterine and umbilical arteries were determined. The values obtained were correlated with gestational age by Spearman's test, tested for adjustment to regression models and compared with the number of fetuses by ANOVA. The umbilical cord was first visualized at 28 days. Of the variables evaluated, RIUMB and PIUMB correlated with gestational age (p<0.001; and 0.046; respectively) and RIUMB had a low negative correlation with the number of fetuses per pregnancy (p = 0.003; r- Spearman = - 0.218). PSVUMB and EDVUMB values did not correlate with gestational age (p=0.737 and 0.768, respectively), but there was a decrease in the mean values throughout pregnancy (PSVUMB= 0.07; 0.31 and EDVUMB= 0.01; 0.06) as well as the change in the flow pattern of the spectral trace. The mean values of the uterine artery dopplervelocimetric variables PSVUT, EDVUT, PIUT and RIUT did not correlate with gestational age (p= 0.324; 0.372, 0.143; 0.13; respectively). It is expected that the results obtained will contribute to a broader understanding of the hemodynamic changes resulting from pregnancy in goats.(AU)

Presumed normal hemodynamic values of the arteries in the final third period of gestation in bitches

Background: Doppler ultrasonography enables the investigation of vascular blood flow indexes in gestational assessment,being able to detect vascular resistances that can affect fetal and maternal circulation, such as cases of placental insufficiency, associated with fetal cerebral oxygenation deficit and fetal distress. The study aims to assume hemodynamicallynormal values in the final third of gestation in bitches, of the umbilical, uteroplacental, middle cerebral and internal carotidarteries, correlating the obtained Doppler velocimetric indexes, for the assessment of the feto-placental circulation, andprediction of fetal viability indexes, fetal centralization and probable date of delivery.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty healthy bitches were examined in the final third of gestation (40-60 days). Thesewere evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography at 2 times (T): T1: between 40-50 days; T2: between 51-60 of gestation.At each time point, the peak systolic velocities (PSV) and end-diastolic velocities (EDV) used to obtain the pulsatility(IP) and resistivity (IR) indexes of the umbilical, uteroplacental, middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries of fetuseswere evaluated. Also, the systole/diastole (S/D) ratio of these vessels was evaluated. The data obtained were subjected toanalysis of variance and Tukey test, using a P value equal to 5%. A significant difference was observed between velocitiesand Doppler velocimetric indexes between the 2 phases of the gestational final third in all studied vessels. There was anincrease in the values of PSV and EDV and a decrease in the indexes, as the probable date of delivery approached. Theanalysis of the umbilical cord IR showed an increase from P1 to P2 (P < 0.05), while the IP decreased at the same time.For all studied variables there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In the uteroplacental...(AU)

Presumed normal hemodynamic values of the arteries in the final third period of gestation in bitches

Background: Doppler ultrasonography enables the investigation of vascular blood flow indexes in gestational assessment,being able to detect vascular resistances that can affect fetal and maternal circulation, such as cases of placental insufficiency, associated with fetal cerebral oxygenation deficit and fetal distress. The study aims to assume hemodynamicallynormal values in the final third of gestation in bitches, of the umbilical, uteroplacental, middle cerebral and internal carotidarteries, correlating the obtained Doppler velocimetric indexes, for the assessment of the feto-placental circulation, andprediction of fetal viability indexes, fetal centralization and probable date of delivery.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty healthy bitches were examined in the final third of gestation (40-60 days). Thesewere evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography at 2 times (T): T1: between 40-50 days; T2: between 51-60 of gestation.At each time point, the peak systolic velocities (PSV) and end-diastolic velocities (EDV) used to obtain the pulsatility(IP) and resistivity (IR) indexes of the umbilical, uteroplacental, middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries of fetuseswere evaluated. Also, the systole/diastole (S/D) ratio of these vessels was evaluated. The data obtained were subjected toanalysis of variance and Tukey test, using a P value equal to 5%. A significant difference was observed between velocitiesand Doppler velocimetric indexes between the 2 phases of the gestational final third in all studied vessels. There was anincrease in the values of PSV and EDV and a decrease in the indexes, as the probable date of delivery approached. Theanalysis of the umbilical cord IR showed an increase from P1 to P2 (P < 0.05), while the IP decreased at the same time.For all studied variables there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In the uteroplacental...

Ultrasonographic findings of abdominal thrombosis in dogs / Vascular ultrasonographic findings of abdominal thrombosis in dogs

This retrospective case series study describes the clinical and vascular ultrasound findings of 26 dogs diagnosed with abdominal thrombosis. Images were selected based on the detection of intravascular echogenic thrombus or the absence of vascular flow on color Doppler, confirmed by surgery or necropsy. Images were acquired using the Mylab 40 model, with linear and microconvex multifrequency probes. All the reports were evaluated along with the corresponding images by a veterinary diagnostic imaging radiologist. The ultrasonographic aspects evaluated were echogenicity (92.3%), anechogenicity (7.7%), vascularization (11.5%), mineralization (15.4%), and recanalization (7.7%) of the thrombosis. The vascular and hemodynamic findings were dilation of the affected vein (57.7%), total occlusion of blood flow (30.8%), presence of turbulent flow (65.38%), and visualization of smoke signal (blood flow detected as moving echogenic points in dynamic bidimensional mode) (11.5%). Neoplasms (19 cases) and nephropathies (13 cases) were the most common clinical conditions in the affected dogs. Eleven cases of vascular invasion due to adrenal neoplasms were identified. The results indicate that the vascular ultrasound examination is an important method for diagnosis, as 23 of the 26 cases did not show any clinical signs of thrombosis.

Este estudo de série de casos retrospectivos descreve os achados clínicos e ultrassonográficos vasculares de 26 cães diagnosticados com trombose. As imagens foram selecionadas baseadas na detecção de trombo ecogênico intravascular ou na ausência de fluxo vascular ao Doppler colorido, confirmado por cirurgia ou necropsia. O equipamento utilizado na aquisição das imagens foi o modelo Mylab 40, com probes multifrequenciais linear e microconvexa. Todos os relatórios foram avaliados com as imagens correspondentes por um veterinário radiologista. As características ultrassonográficas avaliadas foram: ecogenicidade (92,3%), anecogenicidade (7,7%), vascularização (11,5%), mineralização (15,4%) e recanalização (7,7%) das tromboses. Os achados vasculares e hemodinâmicos observados foram: dilatação da veia afetada (57,7%), oclusão total do fluxo sanguíneo (30,8%), presença de fluxo turbulento (65,38%) e visibilização do sinal de fumaça (fluxo vascular visível como pontos ecogênicos em modo bidimensional dinâmico) (11,5%). As neoplasias (19 casos) e as nefropatias (13 casos) foram as condições clínicas mais comuns nos cães afetados. Foram identificados 11 casos de invasão vascular decorrentes de neoplasia de adrenais. Os resultados indicaram que o exame ultrassonográfico vascular é um método importante para diagnóstico, considerando-se que, em 23 casos, não ocorreram sinais clínicos determinantes de trombose.

Effects of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic, oxygenation, microcirculation, and inflammatory markers in a porcine model of sepsis

Purpose: To determine whether dexmedetomidine aggravates hemodynamic, metabolic variables, inflammatory markers, and microcirculation in experimental septic shock. Methods: Twenty-four pigs randomized into: Sham group (n = 8), received saline; Shock group (n = 8), received an intravenous infusion of Escherichia coli O55 (3 × 109 cells/mL, 0.75 mL/kg, 1 hour); Dex-Shock group (n = 8), received bacteria and intravenous dexmedetomidine (bolus 0.5 mcg/kg followed by 0.7 mcg/kg/h). Fluid therapy and/ornorepinephrine were administered to maintain a mean arterial pressure > 65 mmHg. Hemodynamic, metabolic, oxygenation, inflammatory markers, and microcirculation were assessed at baseline, at the end of bacterial infusion, and after 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes. Results: Compared to Shock group, Dex-Shock group presented a significantly increased oxygen extraction ratio at T180 (23.1 ± 9.7 vs. 32.5 ± 9.2%, P = 0.0220), decreased central venous pressure at T120 (11.6 ± 1 vs. 9.61 ± 1.2 mmHg, P = 0.0214), mixed-venous oxygen saturation at T180 (72.9 ± 9.6 vs. 63.5 ± 9.2%, P = 0.026), and increased plasma lactate (3.7 ± 0.5 vs. 5.5 ± 1 mmol/L, P = 0.003). Despite the Dex-Shock group having a better sublingual vessel density at T240 (12.5 ± 0.4 vs. 14.4 ± 0.3 mL/m2; P = 0.0003), sublingual blood flow was not different from that in the Shock group (2.4 ± 0.2 vs. 2.4 ± 0.1 mL/kg, P = 0.4418). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine did not worsen the hemodynamic, metabolic, inflammatory, or sublingual blood flow disorders resulting from septic shock. Despite inducing a better sublingual vessel density, dexmedetomidine initially and transitorily increased the mismatch between oxygen supply and demand.

Use of enteral electrolyte solutions with different sodium acetate concentrations in weaned foals: the effects on acid-base balance, blood glucose, lactate, and urine ph / Utilização de soluções eletrolíticas enterais com diferentes concentrações de acetato em potros desmamados: efeitos sobre o equilíbrio ácido base, concentrações plasmáticas de glicose e lactato e pH urinário

The effects of acetate as an alkalinizing agent in maintenance enteral electrolyte solutions administered by nasogastric route in a continuous flow have not been previously described in weaned foals. This is the second part of a study that evaluated the effects of two electrolyte solutions of enteral therapy fluid in weaned foals. In this part, will be considered the effects of enteral electrolyte solutions containing different acetate concentrations on acid-base balance, blood glucose, lactate and urine pH of weaned foals. This was a controlled trial in a cross-over design performed in six foals with a mean age of 7.3 ± 1.4 months. After 12 h of water and food deprivation, each animal received the following two treatments by nasogastric route in a continuous flow of 15 ml/kg/h during 12 h: HighAcetate (acetate 52 mmol/l) and LowAcetate (acetate 22.6 mmol/l). The HighAcetate treatment was effective in generating a slight increase in blood pH, blood bicarbonate concentration, base excess and urinary pH.

Os efeitos da utilização de acetato como um agente alcalinizante em soluções eletrolíticas enterais de manutenção administradas por sonda nasogástrica em fluxo contínuo não foram descritos em potros desmamados. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de soluções eletrolíticas enterais contendo diferentes concentrações de acetato sobre o equilíbrio ácido base, concentrações plasmáticas de glicose e lactato, e pH urinário de potros desmamados. Este trabalho foi um estudo controlado em um delineamento cross-over (6X2) utilizando seis potros com idade média de 7.3 ± 1.4 meses. Após 12h de restrição hídrica e alimentar, cada animal recebeu os dois tratamentos por via nasogástrica em fluxo contínuo de 15 ml/kg/h durante 12h: HighAcetate (52 mmol/l) e LowAcetate (22.6 mmol/l). O grupo HighAcetate foi eficaz em gerar um pequeno aumento no pH sanguíneo, concentração de bicarbonato sanguíneo, excesso de base e pH urinário.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of interventricular septum defect with Eisenmenger syndrome in an adult dog - case report / Diagnóstico ecocardiográfico de defeito do septo interventricularcom agravo de síndrome de Eisenmenger em cão adulto ­ relato de caso

Interventricular septal defect (IVSD) is a congenital heart disease characterized by communication or non-closure of the interventricular septum in the embryonic or postnatal period, causing a failure in the separation between the systemic and pulmonary circulation. The severity of the hemodynamic consequences depends on the extent of the defect and the magnitude of the flow through it. Blood flow commonly occurs from left to right, because systemic vascular resistance is greater than pulmonary resistance. This report describes the echocardiographic findings in a 4-year-old male Poodle treated at the Veterinary Hospital with a history of exercise intolerance, cyanosis and episodes of syncope. On echocardiography, perimembranous IVSD was diagnosed with atrial and right ventricular dilatation, discontinuity of the interventricular septum in the subaortic region measuring approximately 5 mm. In the Doppler evaluation, reverse turbulent flow was evidenced, characterizing shunt from right to left (Eisenmenger syndrome). Despite preserved systolic function, abnormal relaxation was observed. Doppler echocardiography was a fundamental complementary imaging test for the diagnosis of this congenital heart disease since its suspicion is not commonly raised in adult patients. Doppler echocardiography allowed us to identify the defect, define its size and extension, determine the direction of blood flow as well as its hemodynamic consequences.(AU)

O defeito do septo interventricular (DSIV) é uma cardiopatia congênita caracterizada pela comunicação ou não fechamento do septo interventricular no período embrionário ou pós-natal, causando falha na separação entre a circulação sis-têmica e pulmonar. A gravidade das consequências hemodinâmicas depende da extensão do defeito e da magnitude do fluxo através dele. O fluxo sanguíneo comumente ocorre da esquerda para a direita, porque a resistência vascular sistêmica é maior do que a pulmonar. Este relato descreve os achados ecocardiográficos em um Poodle, macho, de 4 anos atendido no Hospital Veterinário com história de intolerância ao exercício, cianose e episódios de síncope. Ao ecocardiograma foi diagnosticado DSIV do tipo perimembranoso com dilatação atrial e ventricular direita, descontinuidade do septo interventricular em região subaórtica medindo aproximadamente 5 mm. Na avaliação Doppler, evidenciou-se fluxo turbulento reverso, caracterizando shunt da direita para a esquerda (síndrome de Eisenmenger). Apesar da função sistólica preservada, foi observado relaxamento anormal. A ecocardiografia Doppler foi um exame de imagem complementar fundamental para o diagnóstico dessa cardio-patia congênita, uma vez que sua suspeita não é comumente levantada em pacientes adultos. A ecocardiografia Doppler per-mitiu identificar o defeito, definir seu tamanho e extensão, determinar a direção do fluxo sanguíneo, bem como suas conse-quências hemodinâmicas.(AU)

Rodent models in placental research. Implications for fetal origins of adult disease

Rodent models in rats, mice, and guinea pigs have been extremely helpful to gain insight into pregnancy physiology and pathologies-related. Moreover, they have allowed understanding the mechanism that links an adverse intrauterine environment with the origin of adult disease. In this regard, the effects of diverse maternal conditions, such as undernutrition, obesity, hypoxia, and hyperandrogenism on placental function and its long-term consequences for the offspring, have been widely analyzed through rodents models involving dietary manipulations, modifications in environmental oxygen, surgical and pharmacological procedures that reduce uteroplacental blood flow and administrations of exogenous testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) mimicking maternal androgen excess. Both in human and in rodent models, these interventions induce modifications of placental morphology, transport of glucose, amino acid, and fatty acids, steroid synthesis, and signaling pathways control placental function. These changes are associated with the increase of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. For its part, offspring exhibit alterations in organs involved in metabolic control such as the hypothalamus, adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, and pancreas altering the intake and preferences for certain foods, the metabolism of glucose and lipid, and hormonal function leading to fat accumulation, insulin resistance, fatty liver, dyslipidemia, and elevated glucose levels. Therefore, the present review discusses the evidence emerging from rodent models that relate maternal nutrition, hypoxia, and androgen exposure to the maternal mechanisms that lead to fetal programming and their metabolic consequences in postnatal life.(AU)

Hematological, biochemical and histopathological changes in cattle submitted to emergency slaughter

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of stress in bovines submitted to emergency slaughter caused by lengthy transportation to slaughterhouses in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Blood collections were performed individually during exsanguinations.Tissue samples were obtained after evisceration on the slaughter line. The animals were divided into the Experimental Group (EG), with 19 bovines destined for immediate emergency slaughter, and the Control Group (CG), with 24 bovines slaughtered normally at the abattoir flow. The EG showed lower values of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, neutrophilia with band neutrophils, and lymphopenia. Hyperalbuminemia, high levels of total proteins, glucose, and creatinine, and lower urea levels were observed in the EG. The globulins were equal between the groups. Histopathology revealed hepatocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm (87.5% of the cases) and liver congestion (83.33%). Interstitial emphysema (95.65%), alveolar emphysema (65.21%), and congestion (52.17%) were observed in the lungs. The kidneys showed congestion (80.95%) and hyaline casts (100%). The spleens showed rarefaction in the white (70%) and red pulp (65%), in addition to hemosiderosis (10%). This suggests that the animals transported over long distances are submitted to severe stress, with water and food deprivation, resulting in hematological and biochemical changes, with histological lesions and serious bruises affecting the musculoskeletal system. There is loss of homeostasis, severe debilitation, with destination for emergency slaughter with the conditional use of meat for consumption.(AU)