Infestation of rabbits with just-molted adults of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus: biological parameters and efficiency / Infestação de coelhos com adultos recém-mudados do carrapato-do-boi Rhipicephalus microplus

In this study, we report for the first time the successful infestation of rabbits with just-molted, unfed adults of Rhipicephalus microplus. Six New Zealand White rabbits were experimentally infested with 20 female and 20 male unfed adult ticks released into plastic chambers fixed on the shaved backs of each host. The attachment and feeding processes were successful. The biological characteristics of the ticks and the occurrence of adverse events in the tick-attachment area were studied. The average engorgement period was 10.7 days, and 33.3% of the engorged females completed the parasitic phase. The average weight of the recovered engorged females was 149.8 mg, with an average egg mass weight of 70.9 mg, a conversion efficiency index of 47.3%, and a hatching percentage of 88.31%. The adverse reactions found in the tick-attachment area were the usual inflammatory responses of the organism to infestation by these ectoparasites; however, it did not prevent the ticks from feeding and completing their life cycle. These data indicate that the infestation of rabbits with just-molted, unfed adult ticks could be a valuable, alternative animal model for rapid and economical evaluation of vaccine candidates and new molecules with acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus microplus.(AU)

Neste estudo, relata-se, pela primeira vez, o sucesso da infestação de coelhos por carrapatos adultos recém-mudados e não alimentados. Seis coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia foram infestados artificialmente com 20 carrapatos adultos fêmeas e 20 machos adultos não alimentados no interior de câmaras de plástico fixadas no dorso de cada hospedeiro. Os processos de fixação e alimentação dos carrapatos foram bem sucedidos. Foram estudadas as características biológicas dos carrapatos e a ocorrência de eventos adversos na área de fixação do ectoparasito. O período médio de ingurgitamento foi de 10,7 dias, e 33,3% das fêmeas ingurgitadas completaram a fase parasitária. O peso médio das fêmeas ingurgitadas recuperadas foi de 149,8 mg, com peso médio da massa de ovos de 70,9 mg, índice de produção de ovos de 47,3% e porcentagem de incubação de 88,31%. Uma resposta inflamatória usual do organismo à infestação por esses ectoparasitas foi a única reação adversa encontrada na área de fixação dos carrapatos, o que não impediu que eles se alimentassem e completassem seu ciclo de vida. Esses dados apontam que a infestação de coelhos com carrapatos adultos recém-mudados e não alimentados pode ser um modelo animal alternativo e útil para a avaliação rápida e econômica de candidatos a vacinas e novas moléculas com atividade acaricida contra Rhipicephalus microplus.(AU)

Mastectomia a campo em ruminantes - aspectos cirúrgicos e clínico-patológicos / Field mastectomy in ruminants - surgical and clinicopathological aspects

Background: We report the case of 3 cows, 1 ewe, and 1 doe, with chronic mastitis and which underwent a mastectomy. All animals had a history of mastitis, edema with purulent secretion in the udder region, areas of abscess formation, fibrosis, hypogalactia, and agalactia. The animals had already been treated with systemic antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs without response. The objective of this work is to describe the surgical and clinicopathological aspects of performing a radical mastectomy in the field in 3 cows and 1 ewe, and a partial mastectomy in a doe, with both procedures performed successfully and considered efficient to maintain the survival of the affected animals, in addition to being economically viable. Cases: In all animals reported in the study, a general and a specific clinical examination were performed, where on palpation of the udder were observed an increase in the region of the mammary apparatus, fluid fluctuation, areas of fibrosis with increased stiffness, and loss of udder functionality. In the case of the doe, there was a functional teat, which was preserved during the surgical procedure. Radical mastectomy was performed in 3 cows and 1 ewe, and the doe underwent a partial mastectomy, with preservation of the functional teat. All animals have fasted for food and water for 48 h. In cows, the anesthetic protocol consisted of 2% xylazine hydrochloride [0.15 mg/kg, intramuscularly (IM)], followed by an epidural block in the lumbosacral region with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride [10 mL]. The midazolam hydrochloride [0.1 mg/kg, intravenously (IV)] and 2% xylazine hydrochloride [0.05 mg/kg, IM] were administered to the ewe and the doe, also associated with lumbosacral epidural anesthesia with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride [5 mL]. The animals were positioned in the right lateral decubitus position and the entire abdominal and udder region were shaved and sanitized for the surgical procedures of radical mastectomy and partial mastectomy, with the use of degerming and topical povidone-iodine. The postoperative period consisted of penicillin-based antibiotic therapy associated with streptomycin [24,000 IU/kg, IM, 10 consecutive days] and flunixin meglumine [2 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] in cows; enrofloxacin [2.5 mg/kg, IM, 7 consecutive days] and flunixin meglumine [0.5 mg/kg, IM, 5 consecutive days] in the ewe; oxytetracycline [10 mg/kg, IM, 5 applications on alternate days] and flunixin meglumine [0.5 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] in the doe. In all animals, the cleaning of the surgical wound was performed daily with 10% topical Povidone-iodine and Permethrin ointment, for 14 days, when the stitches were removed. Discussion: The choice of the surgical procedure resulted in improvement of the clinical conditions and increased survival of all animals, and in the case of the doe, partial mastectomy contributed to the preservation of the functional teat, preserving its productive capacity. All anesthetic protocols used and the anatomical positioning of the animals were satisfactory for performing the procedures. Although they are techniques described in the literature with great blood loss, especially in cows, blood transfusion was not required in any of the animals. The stitches were removed 14 days after the surgical procedures, and the surgical wound was completely healed.

Anatomorphometry of the brachial plexus under high-definition system: an experimental study in rats

Purpose: To study the anatomorphometry of the plexus brachialis (PB) of rats under a high-definition video system. Methods: Ten male Wistar rats discarded from other research that did not interfere in the morphology of the animal, respecting the principle of reduction, were used. All animals were submitted to the same protocol. Initially, the cervical region was shaved. The animals were placed in a dorsal position. A single elbow-to-elbow incision was performed and dissection started at the deltopectoral sulcus. The procedures were performed under a video system. To measure the structures, the Image J software was used. Results: All the PB evaluated originated from the C5-T1 spinal nerves. C5 and C6 converged to form the truncus superior, the root of C7 originated the truncus medius, and the confluence of C8 and T1 originated the truncus inferior. It was found the union of C7, C8, and T1 to form truncus inferomedialis instead of separate medial and inferior truncus. C8 (1.31 mm) was the thickest root, the truncus inferior (1.80 mm) and the nerve radialis (1.02 mm), were the thickest. Conclusions: The anatomy of the PB is comparable to humans, admitting variations. The videomagnification system is useful to perform microsurgical dissection.

Transient skin and fur color change after trichotomy of the sacrococcygeal region for epidural anesthesia in a domestic cat (Felis catus) / Mudança transitória da cor da pele e pelo após tricotomia da região sacrococcígea para anestesia epidural em gata doméstica (Felis catus)

A clinical case in which skin and hair color change occurred after sacrococcygeal epidural anesthesia in a nine-month-old Siamese cross queen undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is described. Six weeks after surgery, during a re-check, it was noted that in the sacrococcygeal region the color of the skin and new hair growth was dark with a color comparable to the color present on the body extremities (muzzle, pinnae, legs, and tail). The skin and new hair growth of the shaved abdomen presented a standard color. The key enzyme of the melanogenic pathway in mammals is tyrosinase (TYR), and the Siamese temperature-sensitive phenotype is the result of genetic mutations that makes TYR function thermolabile. The activity of TYR in these cats is limited to the extremities where the temperature is lower while pigment production is impaired in the other body areas. The trichotomy of the sacrococcygeal region performed during wintertime in an outdoor cat was probably the trigger for increased activity of TYR in this area promoting pigment production. The absence of the same alterations in the abdominal area may be justified by less exposure of that region to the external environment, as well as to the feline habits of sedentarism, that avoid significant cooling in these regions. This report highlights the importance of taking this type of occurrence into account when performing an epidural in the Siamese cat breed. Also, to avoid skin color change in this breed, the authors recommend a midline abdominal instead of a flank approach to perform OHE.(AU)

Descreve-se um caso clínico no qual ocorreu mudança na cor da pele e do pelo após anestesia epidural sacrococcígea numa gata cruzada de raça Siamês de nove meses submetida à ovariohisterectomia (OVH). Seis semanas após a cirurgia, durante uma avaliação pós-operatória, notou-se que na região sacrococcígea, a cor da pele e o crescimento do pelo apresentavam uma cor escura, comparável à das extremidades do corpo (face, orelhas, membros e cauda). A pele e o crescimento do pelo do abdómen, que também havia sido tosquiado, apresentavam uma cor padrão. A enzima chave da via melanogênica em mamíferos é a tirosinase (TYR) e o fenótipo siamês sensível à temperatura é o resultado de mutações genéticas que tornam a função TYR termolábil. A atividade da TYR nestes gatos é limitada às extremidades onde a temperatura é mais baixa, enquanto a produção de pigmento é prejudicada em outras áreas do corpo. A tricotomia da região sacrococcígea realizada durante o inverno nesta gata com acesso livre ao ambiente externo, provavelmente determinou um aumento da atividade da TYR nesta área, promovendo a produção de pigmento. A ausência das mesmas alterações na região abdominal pode ser justificada pela menor exposição desta área do corpo ao ambiente externo, também devido aos hábitos felinos de sedentarismo, que evitam resfriamento significativo nestas regiões. Este relato destaca a importância de se levar em consideração a possibilidade deste tipo de ocorrência quando da realização de uma anestesia epidural nesta raça de gatos. Além disso, os autores recomendam uma abordagem abdominal na linha média ao invés de uma abordagem de flanco para realizar a OVH nesta raça, a fim de evitar a alteração da cor da pele.(AU)

Transient skin and fur color change after trichotomy of the sacrococcygeal region for epidural anesthesia in a domestic cat (Felis catus) / Mudança transitória da cor da pele e pelo após tricotomia da região sacrococcígea para anestesia epidural em gata doméstica (Felis catus)

A clinical case in which skin and hair color change occurred after sacrococcygeal epidural anesthesia in a nine-month-old Siamese cross queen undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is described. Six weeks after surgery, during a re-check, it was noted that in the sacrococcygeal region the color of the skin and new hair growth was dark with a color comparable to the color present on the body extremities (muzzle, pinnae, legs, and tail). The skin and new hair growth of the shaved abdomen presented a standard color. The key enzyme of the melanogenic pathway in mammals is tyrosinase (TYR), and the Siamese temperature-sensitive phenotype is the result of genetic mutations that makes TYR function thermolabile. The activity of TYR in these cats is limited to the extremities where the temperature is lower while pigment production is impaired in the other body areas. The trichotomy of the sacrococcygeal region performed during wintertime in an outdoor cat was probably the trigger for increased activity of TYR in this area promoting pigment production. The absence of the same alterations in the abdominal area may be justified by less exposure of that region to the external environment, as well as to the feline habits of sedentarism, that avoid significant cooling in these regions. This report highlights the importance of taking this type of occurrence into account when performing an epidural in the Siamese cat breed. Also, to avoid skin color change in this breed, the authors recommend a midline abdominal instead of a flank approach to perform OHE.(AU)

Descreve-se um caso clínico no qual ocorreu mudança na cor da pele e do pelo após anestesia epidural sacrococcígea numa gata cruzada de raça Siamês de nove meses submetida à ovariohisterectomia (OVH). Seis semanas após a cirurgia, durante uma avaliação pós-operatória, notou-se que na região sacrococcígea, a cor da pele e o crescimento do pelo apresentavam uma cor escura, comparável à das extremidades do corpo (face, orelhas, membros e cauda). A pele e o crescimento do pelo do abdómen, que também havia sido tosquiado, apresentavam uma cor padrão. A enzima chave da via melanogênica em mamíferos é a tirosinase (TYR) e o fenótipo siamês sensível à temperatura é o resultado de mutações genéticas que tornam a função TYR termolábil. A atividade da TYR nestes gatos é limitada às extremidades onde a temperatura é mais baixa, enquanto a produção de pigmento é prejudicada em outras áreas do corpo. A tricotomia da região sacrococcígea realizada durante o inverno nesta gata com acesso livre ao ambiente externo, provavelmente determinou um aumento da atividade da TYR nesta área, promovendo a produção de pigmento. A ausência das mesmas alterações na região abdominal pode ser justificada pela menor exposição desta área do corpo ao ambiente externo, também devido aos hábitos felinos de sedentarismo, que evitam resfriamento significativo nestas regiões. Este relato destaca a importância de se levar em consideração a possibilidade deste tipo de ocorrência quando da realização de uma anestesia epidural nesta raça de gatos. Além disso, os autores recomendam uma abordagem abdominal na linha média ao invés de uma abordagem de flanco para realizar a OVH nesta raça, a fim de evitar a alteração da cor da pele.(AU)

Ocorrência da infecção por Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis e Tritrichomonas foetus em búfalos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / Infection occurrence of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus in buffaloes in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Objetivou-se com estudo determinar a ocorrência da infecção por Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis e Tritrichomonas foetus em búfalos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram coletadas 133 amostras biológicas (muco cervicovaginal e raspado prepucial) de animais, procedentes de oito propriedades, de diferentes regiões do estado. O material biológico coletado foi transferido para solução salina tamponada (PBS) e, posteriormente, inoculado em meios de transporte específicos, Lander para diagnóstico de C. fetus subsp. venerealis e Diamond para T. foetus. Para o diagnóstico das infecções por Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis e Tritrichomonas foetus, as amostras foram submetidas à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e cultivadas em meio ágar Columbia acrescido de antibiótico e Diamond, respectivamente. Para pesquisa de C. fetus subsp. venerealis, observou-se uma ocorrência de 1,8% (2/113) de animais positivos no exame microbiológico com confirmação pela PCR. Em relação à procedência, observou-se que 100% das amostras positivas pertenciam a dois machos do mesmo rebanho. Nenhum animal foi positivo na pesquisa de T. foetus. Este é o primeiro registro da infecção por C. fetus subsp. venerealis em búfalos no Brasil. Apesar da baixa ocorrência, recomenda-se adoção de medidas de controle, com o intuito de se evitar a disseminação do agente para outros rebanhos.(AU)

The objective this study was to determine the occurrence of infection with Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus in buffaloes in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Biological samples were collected (cervico vaginal mucus and shaved prepucial) of 113 animals, coming from 8 properties in different regions of the state. The biological material collected was transferred into phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and inoculated in the specific transport, Lander for diagnosis of C. fetus subsp. venerealis and Diamond for T. fetus subsequently. For the diagnosis of infection by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venrealis and Tritrichomonas foetus the samples were submitted to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) grown in Columbia agar plus antibiotics and Diamond, respectively. There was an occurrence of 1.8% (2/113) of positive animals in the microbiological examination with confirmation by PCR, for C. fetus subsp. venerealis. We observed that 100% of positive samples were from two (2) males from the same herd. No animals were positive for T. foetus. This is the first report of infection with C. fetus subsp. venerealis in buffaloes in Brazil. Despite rare occurrence, control measures are recommended in order to prevent the spread of the agent to other herds.(AU)

Ocorrência da infecção por Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis e Tritrichomonas foetus em búfalos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / Infection occurrence of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus in buffaloes in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Objetivou-se com estudo determinar a ocorrência da infecção por Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis e Tritrichomonas foetus em búfalos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram coletadas 133 amostras biológicas (muco cervicovaginal e raspado prepucial) de animais, procedentes de oito propriedades, de diferentes regiões do estado. O material biológico coletado foi transferido para solução salina tamponada (PBS) e, posteriormente, inoculado em meios de transporte específicos, Lander para diagnóstico de C. fetus subsp. venerealis e Diamond para T. foetus. Para o diagnóstico das infecções por Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis e Tritrichomonas foetus, as amostras foram submetidas à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e cultivadas em meio ágar Columbia acrescido de antibiótico e Diamond, respectivamente. Para pesquisa de C. fetus subsp. venerealis, observou-se uma ocorrência de 1,8% (2/113) de animais positivos no exame microbiológico com confirmação pela PCR. Em relação à procedência, observou-se que 100% das amostras positivas pertenciam a dois machos do mesmo rebanho. Nenhum animal foi positivo na pesquisa de T. foetus. Este é o primeiro registro da infecção por C. fetus subsp. venerealis em búfalos no Brasil. Apesar da baixa ocorrência, recomenda-se adoção de medidas de controle, com o intuito de se evitar a disseminação do agente para outros rebanhos.(AU)

The objective this study was to determine the occurrence of infection with Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus in buffaloes in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Biological samples were collected (cervico vaginal mucus and shaved prepucial) of 113 animals, coming from 8 properties in different regions of the state. The biological material collected was transferred into phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and inoculated in the specific transport, Lander for diagnosis of C. fetus subsp. venerealis and Diamond for T. fetus subsequently. For the diagnosis of infection by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venrealis and Tritrichomonas foetus the samples were submitted to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) grown in Columbia agar plus antibiotics and Diamond, respectively. There was an occurrence of 1.8% (2/113) of positive animals in the microbiological examination with confirmation by PCR, for C. fetus subsp. venerealis. We observed that 100% of positive samples were from two (2) males from the same herd. No animals were positive for T. foetus. This is the first report of infection with C. fetus subsp. venerealis in buffaloes in Brazil. Despite rare occurrence, control measures are recommended in order to prevent the spread of the agent to other herds.(AU)

Comparison of the depth of anesthesia produced with dexmedetomidine-sevoflurane or medetomidine-sevoflurane by using bispectral index monitoring

Background: Bispectral index (BIS) monitor was developed to utilize the depth of anesthesia by estimating electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. BIS, which is the numerical value of EEG derivative, is used for evaluation of depression of central nervous system (CNS) in human medicine. The depressive effect of sedative and anaesthetic agents on CNS in human is correlated to BIS. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is administered as continuous infusion during anesthesia and surgery in humans. DEX is a hypnotic with high selectivity for 2-adrenergic receptors.Materials, Methods & Results: Adult female New Zealand rabbits (mean ± SD body weight 3.8 ± 0.5 kg) were procured from a certified commercial source to use in medical researches. The animal number in each of the two study groups was four, for a total of eight. The rabbits were randomly divided into two equal groups (n = 4). The rabbits DEX group were administered 20 mcg/kg of iv. DEX HCI for premedication. Medetomidine (MED) group was administered 20 mcg/ kg of iv MED for premedication. Induction was provided by 5% of sevoflurane + 4 L/min oxygen via glove mask in the both groups. General anesthesia was maintained with 3% of sevoflurane + oxygen on spontaneous respiration for 30 min. The animals temporomandibular region was shaved; its fat was eliminated with ether before the study. Human sensors were used as BIS sensor consisted of...(AU)

Comparison of the depth of anesthesia produced with dexmedetomidine-sevoflurane or medetomidine-sevoflurane by using bispectral index monitoring

Background: Bispectral index (BIS) monitor was developed to utilize the depth of anesthesia by estimating electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. BIS, which is the numerical value of EEG derivative, is used for evaluation of depression of central nervous system (CNS) in human medicine. The depressive effect of sedative and anaesthetic agents on CNS in human is correlated to BIS. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is administered as continuous infusion during anesthesia and surgery in humans. DEX is a hypnotic with high selectivity for 2-adrenergic receptors.Materials, Methods & Results: Adult female New Zealand rabbits (mean ± SD body weight 3.8 ± 0.5 kg) were procured from a certified commercial source to use in medical researches. The animal number in each of the two study groups was four, for a total of eight. The rabbits were randomly divided into two equal groups (n = 4). The rabbits DEX group were administered 20 mcg/kg of iv. DEX HCI for premedication. Medetomidine (MED) group was administered 20 mcg/ kg of iv MED for premedication. Induction was provided by 5% of sevoflurane + 4 L/min oxygen via glove mask in the both groups. General anesthesia was maintained with 3% of sevoflurane + oxygen on spontaneous respiration for 30 min. The animals temporomandibular region was shaved; its fat was eliminated with ether before the study. Human sensors were used as BIS sensor consisted of...

Growing hairs in shorn cattle / Crescimento do pelo em bovinos tosquiados

The shearing operation can provide double benefits to the cattle: they can become more heat tolerant and the tick infestation decreases. The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus causes great losses to dairy cattle, especially to the Holstein cattle because they are very susceptible to this tick. Its control is becoming each day more difficult, owing to the increasing resistance to acaricides they are acquiring. The objective of this work was to study the growing of haircoat following shearing. We made our experiment with 17 animals, 7 females and 10 males. They were shaved on the anterior third (head, neck, dewlap, scapula and arm) of one side, at random. The work was performed in two steps: they were shorn for the first time on August 2nd 2012, with a size 10 blade in a clipper Oster model GoldenA5, which left the fur coat 2 mm long. Then we evaluated the hair length growing by collecting fortnightly three sample of hairs in the middle of the scapula, with  electric pliers, modified for this purpose, in both sides of the animals, sheared and non-sheared, until 30 days after this shearing. The three hair samples were put inside a little plastic bag per animal. Meanwhile, as we thought that the animals shearing had to be done closer to the skin, we decided to shear them again (in the same side shorn before), on October 2nd 2012. We changed our procedure using the same

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

PELAGEM E TROCAS TÉRMICAS, TEMPERAMENTO E TAXA DE CONCEPÇÃO EM BOVINOS DE CORTE

Essa pesquisa foi dividida em três estudos: O primeiro teve como objetivo avaliar a relação entre os tipos de pelagem e a capacidade de dissipação de calor de bovinos, em ambiente de estresse térmico. As coletas de dados foram realizadas na fazenda Nhumirim, Corumbá-MS. Foram utilizados animais das raça Nelore e Pantaneira. As observações foram realizadas em janeiro e julho de 2016. Em cada período o experimento teve quatro dias de duração sendo que no primeiro, os animais foram levados até o tronco de contenção para realização de tricotomia. Nos dias subsequentes os animais foram conduzidos ao mangueiro para captura das imagens termográficas, às 7:00; 9:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; e 17:00hrs. Durante a obtenção das imagens, dados de temperatura e umidade foram anotados e posteriormente utilizados para cálculo do índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU). Para análise das características morfométricas do pelo foram utilizados trinta animais de cada raça. Foram avaliados o comprimento do pelo, da haste, do escudo e o índice de haste:escudo. O ITU mostrou que 71,84% (p<0,05) dos animais encontravam-se com algum grau de estresse calórico durante o experimento. Os pelos das diferentes raças não apresentaram diferenças de características morfométricas. As temperaturas superficiais em áreas com pelo não apresentaram diferenças (p>0,05), a temperatura superficial em área sem pelo e o contraste de ambas as temperaturas foram diferentes entre as raças. A temperatura média em áreas sem pelo foi de 35,38°C para Nelore e 35,85°C para Pantaneira. O contraste de temperatura mostrou-se maior na raça Pantaneira (1,95°C) quando comparado com pelagem Nelore (1,64°C). Conclui-se que a pelagem influenciou no balanço térmico dos bovinos. O segundo estudo focou-se em avaliar relações entre o temperamento de bovinos das raças Nelore e Pantaneiro e a experiência. O experimento de avaliação do temperamento foi realizado concomitantemente com os experimentos do primeiro estudo, seguindo os mesmos protocolos de manejo. Ao saírem da balança, os animais passaram por dois pares de sensores de movimento ligados a cronômetro que identificou o tempo necessário para cada animal percorrer uma distância fixa de 2m. Estudos de regressão foram realizadas para verificar a influência da experiência de curto e médio prazos sobre a velocidade de saída dos animais. Foi constatado efeito positivo da experiência de curto e médio prazo sobre o temperamento dos animais. No último experimento o objetivo foi avaliar a associação entre o temperamento e a taxa de prenhez em 735 vacas da raça Nelore, oriundas de três propriedades distintas. As fêmeas foram submetidas a um protocolo comercial de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e logo após este manejo os animais passaram pelos sensores de movimento para identificação da velocidade de saída. A taxa reprodutiva não foi afetada pela reatividade das fêmeas no momento da inseminação. Quando comparamos as fazendas, a reatividade variou indicando ambientes de manejo distintos, porém as taxas de prenhez não diferiram significativamente entre as propriedades.

This research has three studies: the first one aimed to evaluate the relationship between the types of hair and heat dissipation in bovines, in a context of thermal stress. Data were collected at the Nhumirim farm, Corumbá-MS, using Nelore and Pantaneira breeds. The observations were carried out in January and July 2016. Each period was four days long and the animals were taken to the trunk for tricotomy. In subsequent days the animals were taken to the cuff for capturing thermographic images at 7:00; 9:00; 11:00 a.m.; 13:00; 15:00 and 17:00 p.m. Temperature and humidity were recorded (ITH). For the analysis of hair morphometric characteristics, thirty animals of each breed were used. Length of stem, shield and the proportion : stem/shield were considered. The ITU showed that 71.84% (p <0.05) of the animals experienced some caloric stress during the assay. Breeds were not different in relation to hair morphometric characteristics. Surface temperatures in shaved areas were not statistically different (p> 0.05). Surface temperature in shaved areas and contrast of temperature between areas with amd without hairswere different (P<0,05). The average temperature of shaved areas was 35.38 ° C for Nelore and 35.85 ° C for Pantaneira. The temperature contrast was higher in the Pantaneira breed (1.95°C) when compared to the Nelore (1.64 ° C). It was concluded that coat influences the thermal balance of cattle.. The temperament evaluation was performed concomitantly with the experiments of the first study, following the same management protocols. Two pairs of motion sensors and a timer were used to identifie the time lapse required for each animal to travel a fixed distance of 2m. Regressions were applied to verify the influence of the short duration and medium term experience of the animals on the filght speed of the animals. There were constated effect of short and medium-term experience on the temperament of bovines. In the last experiment it was tested the efect of cattle temperament on pregnancy rate in 735 Nelore cows from three different properties. The floks were submitted to a commercial protocol of artificial insemination at fixed time (IATF). The pregnancy rate was not affected by temperament of females at the time of insemination. When compared, reactivity of distinct farms differed, while pregnancy rates did not differ between properties.

Morfometria em ácaros demodex canis recuperados de Canis familiaris (Linnaeus, 1758) no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil / Morphometrics in Demodex canis recovered from Canis familiaris in RN/Brazil

A realização do estudo morfométrico é importante no diagnóstico taxonômico dos endoparasitos e ectoparasitos que acometem os animais domésticos e silvestres. Nesta linha, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar aspectos morfométricos de Demodex canis recuperados em Canis familiaris provenientes do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Para obtenção dos ácaros, realizou-se nos animais raspado cutâneo profundo. O material coletado foi transferido para lâminas de microscopia e adicionado hidróxido de potássio (KOH) 10% por tempo médio de uma hora. Dos 100 exemplares de D. canis, mediu-se através de ocular micrométrica em objetiva de 10X e 20X, com fator de correção de 1,3636 e 0,667 respectivamente os seguintes caracteres: comprimento longitudinal corporal, do gnatossoma, do podossoma e do opistossoma. Os dados foram expressos em média e desvio padrão. Observou-se que o comprimento corporal foi de 313,16 + 118,52 μm; do gnatossoma, 38,93 + 13,83 μm; do podossoma, 89,23 + 35,56 μm e do opistossoma 186,37 + 67,92 μm. A presente pesquisa constitui-se no primeiro relato de morfometria realizada em ácaros D. canis recuperados em C. familiaris do Rio Grande do Norte, contribuindo para padronização da taxonomia deste Demodecidae.

The morphometric analysis is important in the diagnosis of taxonomic endoparasites and ectoparasites that affect domestic and wild animals. In this line, the present work was to study morphometric aspects of Demodex canis recovered in Canis familiaris from Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. To obtain the mites took place in animals shaved skin deep. The collected material was transferred to microscope slides and added potassium hydroxide (KOH) 10% by average time of one hour. Of 100 specimens of D. canis was measured by ocular micrometer at 10X and 20X objective with a correction factor of 1.3636 and 0.667, respectively, the following characters: body longitudinal length, of gnatossoma, of podossoma and opistossoma. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. It was observed that the body length was 313.16 + 118.52 μm; the gnatossoma, 38.93 + 13.83 μm; the podossoma, 89.23 + 35.56 μm and opistossoma 186.37 + 67.92 μm. The present study constitutes the first report morphometry performed on mites D. canis C. familiaris recovered in the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, contributing to standardization of the taxonomy of this Demodecidae.

Otostegia persica extraction on healing process of burn wounds

PURPOSE: To investigate if the methanolic extract of the Otostegia persica can accelerating healing process of burn wound because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. METHODS:Forty eight male Wistar rats were randomized into three study groups of 16 rats each. Burn wounds were created on dorsal part of shaved rats using a metal rod. In group I the burn wound was left without any treatment. Group was treated with topical silver sulfadiazine pomade. In group III, ointment containing the OP extract was administered. Skin biopsies were harvested from burn area on the 3rd, 5th, 14th and 21st days after burn and examined histologically. RESULTS: Re-epithelialization in the control group and in group II was lower than in group III. Re-epithelialization in groups II and III was significantly different from that in the control group. On the 5th day of the experiment, we assessed lower inflammation in the burn area compared to control group. This means that the inflammation was suppressed by methanolic extract of OP. From day 5 to 14; the fibroblast proliferation peaked and was associated with increased collagen accumulation. It was obvious that angiogenesis improved more in the groups II and III, which facilitated re-epithelialisation. CONCLUSION:Methanolic extract of Otostegia persica exhibited significant healing activity when topically applied on rats. OP is an effective treatment for saving the burn site.(AU)

Morfometria em ácaros demodex canis recuperados de Canis familiaris (Linnaeus, 1758) no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil / Morphometrics in Demodex canis recovered from Canis familiaris in RN/Brazil

A realização do estudo morfométrico é importante no diagnóstico taxonômico dos endoparasitos e ectoparasitos que acometem os animais domésticos e silvestres. Nesta linha, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar aspectos morfométricos de Demodex canis recuperados em Canis familiaris provenientes do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Para obtenção dos ácaros, realizou-se nos animais raspado cutâneo profundo. O material coletado foi transferido para lâminas de microscopia e adicionado hidróxido de potássio (KOH) 10% por tempo médio de uma hora. Dos 100 exemplares de D. canis, mediu-se através de ocular micrométrica em objetiva de 10X e 20X, com fator de correção de 1,3636 e 0,667 respectivamente os seguintes caracteres: comprimento longitudinal corporal, do gnatossoma, do podossoma e do opistossoma. Os dados foram expressos em média e desvio padrão. Observou-se que o comprimento corporal foi de 313,16 + 118,52 μm; do gnatossoma, 38,93 + 13,83 μm; do podossoma, 89,23 + 35,56 μm e do opistossoma 186,37 + 67,92 μm. A presente pesquisa constitui-se no primeiro relato de morfometria realizada em ácaros D. canis recuperados em C. familiaris do Rio Grande do Norte, contribuindo para padronização da taxonomia deste Demodecidae.(AU)

The morphometric analysis is important in the diagnosis of taxonomic endoparasites and ectoparasites that affect domestic and wild animals. In this line, the present work was to study morphometric aspects of Demodex canis recovered in Canis familiaris from Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. To obtain the mites took place in animals shaved skin deep. The collected material was transferred to microscope slides and added potassium hydroxide (KOH) 10% by average time of one hour. Of 100 specimens of D. canis was measured by ocular micrometer at 10X and 20X objective with a correction factor of 1.3636 and 0.667, respectively, the following characters: body longitudinal length, of gnatossoma, of podossoma and opistossoma. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. It was observed that the body length was 313.16 + 118.52 μm; the gnatossoma, 38.93 + 13.83 μm; the podossoma, 89.23 + 35.56 μm and opistossoma 186.37 + 67.92 μm. The present study constitutes the first report morphometry performed on mites D. canis C. familiaris recovered in the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, contributing to standardization of the taxonomy of this Demodecidae.(AU)

Demodicose bovina associada a carcinoma de células escamosas na vulva / Bovine Demodicosis Associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva

Background: Demodicosis in cattle is caused by the mite Demodex bovis, mostly found in hair follicles. In general, this parasitic disease presents subclinically with small lumps on the skin; it can occur widely and cause serious economic losses owing to the resulting low quality leather. Demodicosis is relatively rare in farm animals, and data are scarce regarding epidemiological and pathological findings. Differential diagnoses for demodicosis in cattle should include sarcoptic, psoroptic, and chorioptic management; photosensitivity; urticaria; parakeratosis from zinc deficiency and dermatophilosis. The aim of this study is to report a case of demodicosis associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva of a cow in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil. Case: A 3-year-old mixed Holstein-Friesian cow was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the University Federal of Campina Grande. The animal showed a proliferative and ulcerated sore on the vulva draining serous secretions. We performed an incisional biopsy of the affected area, and sent the tissue to the Laboratory of Animal Pathology for histological examination. The morphological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, several mite specimens were associated with the neoplastic proliferation. Based on the poor prognosis after clinical evaluation, the animal was euthanized. At necropsy, the lesions were identified as squamous cell carcinomas; firm nodules were observed with diameters ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 cm in the perivulvar region. Mites were deep-seated in shaved areas along with cutaneous nodules; they had a small, wormlike appearance; elongated abdomens with transverse striations, four pairs of short and stunted legs, and appeared morphologically similar to D. bovis. In addition, skin fragments and other organs were collected for histopathological evaluation. Microscopic examination of the skin revealed a moderate, nonsuppurative, and nodular dermatitis-associated perifolliculitis and folliculitis. Chronic, multifocal, moderate inflammatory infiltrate predominantly consisted of lymphocytes, plasma cells, some macrophages, few eosinophils, and few perifollicular and perivascular tissues, primarily in the superficial dermis. The hair follicles were found to be filled and expanded because of numerous mites (intact or segmented), characteristic of Demodex bovis. No significant lesions were observed in other organs. Discussion: In this case study, the cow was diagnosed with demodicosis on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic findings associated with parasitological examination. Furthermore, it is suggested that the observed squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva may have supported mite infection. The mites would have contributed to stress and consequently immunosuppression, allowing the multiplication of mites, which culminated in the pathological effects on the skin. Limited data were available in literature on bovine demodicosis, perhaps due to the low clinical suspicion and/or the possibility of spontaneous regression of the lesions. These factors may contribute to that there is clinical suspicion and, consequently, few reports of the disease. However, considering that the skin lesions can cause economic losses, understanding the epidemiology and pathology of bovine demodicosis is important to establish adequate control measures.

Tick resistance and heat tolerance characteristics in cattle. III. Sweating rate / Resistência ao carrapato E tolerância ao calor em bovinos III. taxa de sudação

Cattle in a sustainable tropical livestock should be heat tolerant and resistant to ticks. The relationship between Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus infestation and sweating rate, an important heat tolerance characteristic, was studied in six Nellore and four Holstein steers of seven-month-old. They were artificial infested (a.i.) with 10,000 (Holstein) and 20,000 (Nellore) larvae in 16/Apr/2011. In days 20, 23 and 24 after the infestation, the 10 bigger females ticks found in whole animal were weighed and put in a chamber (27 oC and 80% RH), weighing the egg mass of each female tick fourteen days after. The sweating rate (SRskin, measured by Scheleger and Turner, 1963, method, in a shaved area of shoulder skin) was evaluated in 14/Apr (2 days before the a.i.) and in 05/May (19 days after a.i.). In 14/Apr the Scheleger and Turner, 1963, method was done on the coat not shaved (SRcoat). The sweating rate was measured in the afternoon (from 2 P.M.), after 30 minutes of direct sunlight, on April. On May, the animals remained 60 minutes in direct sunlight because this day was colder. The experimental design was a non-probability sample restricted to the 10 available animals. Data from the steers sweating rate were analyzed using the General linear models of the SPSS® statistical package (version 12.0) using SRskin as dependent variable and breed and sampling date as independent

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

Influence of grooming on Rhipicephalus microplus tick infestation and serum cortisol rates / Influência da autolimpeza na infestação pelo carrapato Rhipicephalus microplus e níveis de cortisol sérico

Grooming is an important factor on animal resistance to ticks. Rhipicephalus microplus is the most pathogenic cattle tick in Brazil causing death in susceptible animals. Cortisol is the hormone of stress. The influence of grooming on tick infestation and serum cortisol level was studied in 16 Holstein heifers from fifth to eight-month-old. They were infested with 10,000 larvae in June/20/2011. Half of them used a necklace made of wood strips and had an infestation chamber made by cotton cloth covering about 50 cm diameter of the shaved flank, fixed at the skin in both sides with adhesive to prevent larvae to escape from the infestation chamber and the amount of larvae was divided into the two chambers. Such artifacts had the purpose to avoid grooming. The heifers remained all the tick parasitic life cycle in individual pens inside a closed shed at Instituto de Zootecnia, in Nova Odessa, São Paulo State. Tick females bigger than 4.5 mm were counted in the right side from day 20 to 22 after the artificial infestation. The tick recovery rate was calculated by adding and multiplying by two the number of ticks counted, assuming that 5,000 female larvae had infested the cattle. Immediately before infestation (day 0) and in day2, day8, and day17 after infestation, blood samples were collected using vacuum tubes, in the morning (8:30 10:00 A.M.). Cortisol was measured by immunoassay

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

Evaluation of the testicular stroma echogenicity in prepubertal RAM / Avaliação da ecogenicidade do estroma testicular em carneiros pré-púberes

The aim of this study was to establish a standard ultrasound echogenicity of the testicular stroma in prepubertal sheep correlating with testicular biometry. Eight Santa Ines rams aging 6 months were evaluated. It was used an Aquila Vet ultrasound with 6 MHz linear transducer using acoustic gel on the previously shaved scrotal region. Sagittal, frontal and transverse images of right and left testicles were recorded to evaluate the image echogenicity (gray scale) on selected predetermined areas of the testicular stroma. The biometric evaluations were performed according to to the standard method. The testicular stroma was homogeneous, with echogenicity 53.95 ± 6.5%, 55.70 ± 6.4% and 55.68 ± 6.4% for the right, left and the testis mean, respectively. There was also a high correlation between echogenicity and scrotal circumference (P = 0.0027, r= 0.80, r2 = 0.75). The study showed a contribution to andrological findings, showing accurately and practical the echogenicity of the testicular parenchyma of prepubertal ram, optimizing the early breeding evaluation.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer um padrão ultrassonográfico da ecogenicidade do estroma testicular em ovinos pré-púberes correlacionando com a biometria testicular. Foram avaliados 8 carneiros de 6 meses de idade e raça Santa Inês. Foi utilizado um aparelho Áquila Vet, ligado ao transdutor linear 6 MHz, utilizando gel acústico sobre a bolsa testicular previamente tricotomizada nas regiões de aferição. Foram feitas imagens em planos sagitais, transversais e frontais nos testículos direito e esquerdo. Com a função de aferição de ecogenicidade da imagem (escala de cinza), no próprio aparelho foram selecionadas áreas predeterminadas do estroma testicular. As avaliações biométricas foram realizadas de acordo com o método padrão. O estroma testicular apresentou-se, de uma forma geral, homogêneo, com ecogenicidade 53,95±6,5%, 55,70±6,4% e 55,68± 6,4% para o testículo direito, esquerdo e a média dos testículos, respectivamente. Também se verificou uma correlação entre a ecogenicidade e a circunferência escrotal (P= 0,0027, r= 0,80, r2 = 0,75), sendo uma correlação alta. O estudo apresentou uma contribuição para os achados andrológicos, mostrando com precisão e de maneira prática a ecogenicidade do parênquima testicular de carneiros pré-púberes, otimizando a avaliação precoce de reprodutores.

Evaluation of the testicular stroma echogenicity in prepubertal RAM / Avaliação da ecogenicidade do estroma testicular em carneiros pré-púberes

The aim of this study was to establish a standard ultrasound echogenicity of the testicular stroma in prepubertal sheep correlating with testicular biometry. Eight Santa Ines rams aging 6 months were evaluated. It was used an Aquila Vet ultrasound with 6 MHz linear transducer using acoustic gel on the previously shaved scrotal region. Sagittal, frontal and transverse images of right and left testicles were recorded to evaluate the image echogenicity (gray scale) on selected predetermined areas of the testicular stroma. The biometric evaluations were performed according to to the standard method. The testicular stroma was homogeneous, with echogenicity 53.95 ± 6.5%, 55.70 ± 6.4% and 55.68 ± 6.4% for the right, left and the testis mean, respectively. There was also a high correlation between echogenicity and scrotal circumference (P = 0.0027, r= 0.80, r2 = 0.75). The study showed a contribution to andrological findings, showing accurately and practical the echogenicity of the testicular parenchyma of prepubertal ram, optimizing the early breeding evaluation.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer um padrão ultrassonográfico da ecogenicidade do estroma testicular em ovinos pré-púberes correlacionando com a biometria testicular. Foram avaliados 8 carneiros de 6 meses de idade e raça Santa Inês. Foi utilizado um aparelho Áquila Vet, ligado ao transdutor linear 6 MHz, utilizando gel acústico sobre a bolsa testicular previamente tricotomizada nas regiões de aferição. Foram feitas imagens em planos sagitais, transversais e frontais nos testículos direito e esquerdo. Com a função de aferição de ecogenicidade da imagem (escala de cinza), no próprio aparelho foram selecionadas áreas predeterminadas do estroma testicular. As avaliações biométricas foram realizadas de acordo com o método padrão. O estroma testicular apresentou-se, de uma forma geral, homogêneo, com ecogenicidade 53,95±6,5%, 55,70±6,4% e 55,68± 6,4% para o testículo direito, esquerdo e a média dos testículos, respectivamente. Também se verificou uma correlação entre a ecogenicidade e a circunferência escrotal (P= 0,0027, r= 0,80, r2 = 0,75), sendo uma correlação alta. O estudo apresentou uma contribuição para os achados andrológicos, mostrando com precisão e de maneira prática a ecogenicidade do parênquima testicular de carneiros pré-púberes, otimizando a avaliação precoce de reprodutores.(AU)

Ingestão de frutos de Enterolobium contortisiliquum causa fotossensibilização hepatógena em bovinos

Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoidae) é uma planta tóxica responsabilizada por quadros de fotossensibilização e fotodermatite, distúrbios digestivos e abortos. Até o momento a reprodução clínica de fotossensibilização não foi bem sucedida ou apenas foi relacionada a apresentações muito discretas. O objetivo deste estudo foi reproduzir em bovinos o quadro de fotossensibilização associada a ingestão de favas de E. contortisiliquum. Os frutos foram coletados de uma propriedade com histórico de surtos de fotossensibilização e aborto em bovinos. Seis bovinos de 24 meses de idade, canulados foram utilizados no experimento, sendo destes dois utilizados como controle negativo. Os frutos foram administrados por via intrarruminal por meio de cânula ruminal. Na primeira fase do experimento doses diárias de 30g/kg/PV e 20g/kg/PV foram administradas aos bovinos 1 e 2 respectivamente, por três dias consecutivos. Na segunda fase, iniciada após quatro dias após o termino da primeira, estes foram desafiados com a mesma dose e outros dois (Bovinos 3 e 4) receberam doses 15g/kg/PV, todos por três dias consecutivos. Diariamente mensurava-se a frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, ph ruminal, avaliação de mucosas e realizava coleta de sangue para hemograma e exame bioquímico além de inspeções diárias para avaliação de lesões na pele. Nas duas fases os bovinos apresentaram sinais clínicos compatíveis com acidose ruminal, sendo mais graves os quadros na segunda fase do experimento. Três e cinco dias após o termino da administração dois bovinos apresentaram sinais de fotossensibilização, caracterizados por hiperemia e edema da pele do dorso do pescoço, na pele tricotomizada ao redor da cânula, na mufla e na orelha. As lesões evoluíram para necrose da pele, com posterior desprendimento, retração cicatricial e espessamento da pele. Ulceração da mucosa exposta ao sol foi observada. Todos os bovinos que receberam frutos tiveram alterações significativas de gama-glutamil transferase (GGT) e aspartato-amino transferase (AST). Os valores mantiveram-se elevados por até 12 dias após a administração da planta. Alterações histopatológicas hepáticas detectadas por biópsias hepáticas foram tumefação e necrose hepatocelular individual aleatória e multifocal. O presente estudo apresenta confirmação experimental de que a ingestão de E. contortisiliquum induz lesões de fotossensibilização hepatógena em bovinos.

Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoidae) is reported as a poisonous plant related to photosensitization and photodermatitis, digestive disturbs and abortion. To date, the clinical and pathological features of photosensitization has not been reproduced or only reproduced associated with very mild presentations. The objective of this study was to reproduce in cattle the clinicopathological features of photosensitization associated with the ingestion of the pods of E. contortisiliquum. The pods were harvested from a property with a history of an ongoing outbreak photosensitization and abortion in cattle. Six 24-month steers were cannulated and used in the experiment, two of them served as negative controls. E. contortisiliquum pods were administered to four steers through ruminal cannula. In the first phase of the experiment, daily doses of 30 g/kg/body weight (bw) and 20g/kg/bw were administered to Bovines 1 and 2 respectively, for three consecutive days. In the second phase, starting four days after the last daily feeding of the pods, these two bovines were challenged with the same doses of the pods for three consecutive days and another two steers (Bovines 3 and 4) were fed 15g/kg/bw each for three consecutive days. In the two phases, the steers developed signs compatible with ruminal acidosis which were more severe during the second phase. Three and five days after the administration of the pods, two steers presented photodermatitis characterized by hyperemia and edema on the skin of the dorsum of the neck, of the shaved skin around the cannula, of muzzle and ear. Lesions evolved to dermal necrosis with sloughing and subsequent scar retraction and dermal thickening. Ulceration of mucosae exposed to sunlight was also observed. All the steers which received the pods had significant elevations in the serum activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The levels of GGT and AST remained elevated for up to 12 days after the administration of the pods was discontinued. Histopathological hepatic changes detected by liver biopsies were hepatocellular swelling and randomly scattered individual hepatocellular necrosis. The current study presents solid experimental evidence that the ingestion of E. contortisiliquum definitely induces the classical lesions of hepatogenous photosensitization in cattle.