Is the right testis more affected by cryptorchidism than the left testis? An ultrasonographic approach in dogs of different sizes and breeds.

BACKGROUND: Considered the most common congenital testicular abnormality of companion animals and a predisposition factor to the development of testicular neoplasia, cryptorchidism is defined as the non-descent of one or both testes to their normal anatomical location. Data on the occurrence of cryptorchidism in Brazil are scarce. The purpose of this work was to verify the occurrence of cryptorchidism in dogs of different sizes and breeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cryptorchidism identification was carried out by ultrasound scanning, from November, 1994 to March, 2007, at the Centre for Veterinarian Diagnosis and Support (Centro de Apoio e Diagnóstico Veterinário - CAD), in Rio de Janeiro. 4924 male dogs of different breeds were examined, revealing 403 (8.2%) cryptorchidism. RESULTS: In this study, occurrence took place more often on the right testicle (59.5%), more frequently displaying inguinal localisation (59.5%) and unilateral occurrence (70%). Regarding bilateral presentation, the symmetrical form was the most common (86.8%). Cryptorchidism was more common in the inguinal region of dog of small sized breeds and in the abdominal region in dogs of medium- and large-sized breeds. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound scan proved a valuable diagnosis tool for cryptorchid testes, giving precise localisation and parenchymal changes thus leading to a safe clinical treatment.

Radiological and osteological study of the pelvic limbs in free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris).

This study aimed to describe the radiographic anatomy and osteology and to evaluate angular radiographic measurements-Norberg angle, inclination angle and anteversion angle-of the pelvic limbs in free-ranging capybaras. Twenty cadavers of free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), including five adults and 15 subadults, were studied. Ventrodorsal, craniocaudal, dorsoplantar and mediolateral radiographic views of the pelvic limbs were obtained. The radiographic features were described together with bone samples. The hip bone (os coxae), shaped like an isosceles trapezoid, was elongated and narrow with the presence of an oblong obturator foramen, sagittal ilial wing and rectilinear ilial body. The femoral shaft was relatively straight, while the greater trochanter was projected above the femoral head. No sesamoid bones of the gastrocnemius and popliteus muscles were observed radiographically or for those animals used in gross macroscopy. The fibula was located lateral and parallel to the tibia. Eight tarsal bones, four metatarsal bones and three digits were identified. The mean radiographic measurements included Norberg angle of 125.9°; respective angles of femoral inclination by the Hauptman B and Tomlinson methods of 139.9 and 141°; anteversion angle of the femoral head and neck of 29.80°. The bones of the pelvic limbs in capybaras have several anatomical characters and radiological features that are shared with members of the caviomorph superfamily Cavioidea. The radiographic angles measured in this study help characterize the functional morphology of this species.

Radiographic measurements of the hindlimbs in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous, Linnaeus, 1766).

Life expectancy of crab-eating foxes in captivity is approximately 11 years, which favours the development of diseases including orthopaedic disorders. However, to understand disorders that may affect these animals, it is worth determining a normal range of measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate radiographic measurements of joint angles of the hindlimbs and the ratio of patellar ligament length to patellar length in healthy crab-eating foxes. Fifteen captive crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), eight males and seven females, aged more than 1 year old, weighing 5.5-7.9 kg were used. Anatomic and mechanical femoral joint angles were assessed in ventrodorsal radiographic views, and mediolateral views were taken to measure patellar ligament length and patellar length, and the tibial plateau angle. The right and left hindlimbs were evaluated. All measurements were conducted in triplicate by the same investigator. No statistically significant differences were observed between sides in the radiographic measurements. The anatomic lateral proximal femoral angle and the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 95.43° and 92.75°, respectively. The mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle and the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 93.39° and 96.75°, respectively. Inclination angles measured according to the Tomlinson, Hauptman A and Hauptman B methods were 133.80°, 147.32° and 128.63°, respectively. The tibial plateau recorded 18.77°, and the ratio of the patellar ligament length to the patellar length was 1.99. In conclusion, the collected data are important to characterize the normal values of crab-eating fox limbs.

Sonographic Evaluation of Liver Hemodynamic Indices in Overweight and Obese Dogs.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic circulatory disturbances have been associated with obesity and fatty liver in humans. In the veterinary literature, however, there is limited information regarding the effects of different body condition scores (BCS) on liver hemodynamic indices in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of BCS on liver hemodynamic indices. ANIMALS: Fifty-three client-owned dogs of various breeds were included. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Dogs were divided into 3 BCS groups using a 5-point scale: G1 - 12 ideal dogs, G2 - 21 overweight dogs, G3 - 20 obese dogs. Mean portal velocity (MPV), portal blood flow volume (PBFV), portal congestion index (PCI), hepatic artery resistivity index (HARI), and hepatic vein (HV) spectral wave were obtained by pulsed Doppler sonography. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were determined. Liver enzymes activities and liver hemodynamic indices were compared among groups. RESULTS: Obese dogs had lower MPV, higher percentage of abnormal hepatic vein spectral wave and higher median ALP activity than did ideal dogs (P < 0.05). Overweight and obese dogs had lower PBFV than ideal dogs (P < 0.01). Overweight dogs had higher median GGT activity than ideal dogs (P < 0.05). No difference was observed for PCI, HARI and median ALT activity among the groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Obesity was associated with changes in portal vein indices and in HV spectral wave. These changes were accompanied by significant differences in some liver enzymes activities and could be a sign of early liver disease.

Absence of bony patella in the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris): Morphology and diagnostic imaging.

Patella, the kneecap, is the best known and largest of the sesamoid bones and is present in the quadriceps femoris tendon. Typical patella appears in all extant mammals, with the exception of some marsupials and bats. No description about the white-eared opossum stifle was found in the available literature up to now. Thus, the knee joints of 16 Didelphis albiventris were examined by gross anatomy, histology, radiography and computed tomography images to determine the presence or absence of ossified patella in this animal. The most remarkable observation in white-eared opossum is the absence of a bony patella. The femoral trochlea is shallow, and the lateral gastrocnemius sesamoids are shown up in all opossums. The quadriceps femoris tendon is composed mainly of dense regular connective tissue with a classic fibrocartilage pad on the superficial surface of the tendon. The absence of a true patella seems to be typical for marsupials.

Osteology and radiology of the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) pelvic limb.

This study describes the osteology and radiology of the pelvic limb in maned wolves. Ten (five live and five dead) maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), five males and five females, aged from 2 to 7 years old were used. Digital radiographs were taken and recorded for both pelvic limbs in all animals. Osteology was correlated with the radiographic images. The pelvis had a rectangular shape, and the obturator foramen (foramen obturatum) was oval. The femoral neck (collum femoris) was short and thick. The greater trochanter (trochanter major) extended proximally to near the dorsum of the femoral head (caput ossis femoris). The lateral femoral condyle (condylus lateralis) was larger than the medial condyle (condylus medialis), and the intercondylar fossa (fossa intercondylaris) had a slightly oblique orientation. The proximal tibia displayed medial and lateral condyles with the medial larger. The femur was slightly shorter than the tibia. Seven tarsal bones (ossa tarsi) were present, four long metatarsal bones (ossa metatarsalia II - V) and a short first metatarsal bone (os metatarsal I).

Provável extrusão de núcleo pulposo aguda e não compressiva em um cão: relato de caso / Probable acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion in a dog: case report

A extrusão discal aguda e não compressiva é caracterizada pela extrusão de caráter agudo/hiperagudo e não compressivo do núcleo pulposo de um disco intervertebral não degenerado. Pode ser chamada de hérnia de disco de baixo volume e alta velocidade ou explosões discais e geralmente está associado a exercícios intensos ou episódios traumáticos. O núcleo pulposo é fortemente forçado através de uma pequena fissura no ânulo fibroso dorsal, provocando uma contusão espinhal. Este relato tem como objetivo apresentar um caso de provável extrusão aguda de núcleo pulposo não compressiva. Foi atendido um cão macho, três anos e seis meses de idade, maltês, pesando 4,1kg. Como queixa principal, o proprietário relatou dificuldade locomotora e dor à manipulação há um dia, sem histórico de trauma. Foi constatada paraparesia não ambulatória de início agudo com ausência de propriocepção e dor superficial em membros pélvicos e dor à palpação epaxial da coluna toracolombar. A ressonância magnética (RM) evidenciou extensa área de hipersinal em segmento toracolombar da medula espinhal, sem sinais de compressão medular e de atenuação da intensidade do núcleo pulposo do disco intervertebral L1-L2. Foi feito diagnóstico presuntivo de mielopatia focal não compressiva com edema medular de todo segmento toracolombar, característico de uma extrusão aguda de núcleo pulposo não compressiva. Foi prescrito tratamento com anti-inflamatório esteroidal, analgésico, repouso absoluto e protocolo de reabilitação com acupuntura e fisioterapia. Após sete dias de tratamento, o animal recuperou a sensibilidade dolorosa superficial em membros pélvicos e evoluiu para paraparesia ambulatória. Os resultados deste relato sugerem que a RM pode ser útil para fazer um diagnóstico presuntivo em cães com histórico e sinais clínicos compatíveis. Além disso, o tratamento conservativo em extrusões discais não compressivas é preconizado e o paciente pode apresentar boa recuperação.(AU)

Acute and non-compressive disc extrusion is characterized by the acute character of extrusion of the nucleus pulposus without real compression of the spine. It has been called low-volume and high speed disc herniation or disc explosions, and usually is associated with an intense exercise or traumatic episode. This report aims to present a case of an acute extrusion of nucleus pulposus with no compression of the spinal cord. A 3.5 year-old male dog of the Maltes breed, weighing 4.1kg was presented at the Veterinary Hospital with locomotion disorders and pain during manipulation with no history of trauma. At the physical and neurological examination, non-ambulatory paraparesis of acute onset with absence of proprioception and superficial pain in hind limbs was found, as well as pain on palpation of epaxial thoracolumbar spine. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive hyper intense area in the thoracolumbar spinal cord, with no signs of spinal cord compression, and decreased intensity of the nucleus pulposus of the L1-L2 intervertebral disc. Additionally, a spinal cord edema in all thoracolumbar segments was seen that is characteristic of an acute extrusion of non-compressive nucleus pulposus. A presumptive diagnosis of non-compressive myelopathy was assumed. The dog was prescribed steroidal anti-inflammatory, analgesic, absolute rest and rehabilitation protocol, including acupuncture and physiotherapy. The patient recovered superficial pain in the pelvic limbs and evolved into ambulatory paraparesis after seven days. The results of this report suggested that MRI can be useful for making a presumptive diagnosis in dogs with a history of compatible clinical signs. Moreover, the conservative treatment in non-compressive disc extrusions can be feasible.(AU)

Sonographic abnormalities in augmented bladder using porcine intestinal submucosa (SIS) / Anormalidades ultrassonográficas em bexigas submetidas à cistoplastia utilizando submucosa intestinal suína (SIS)

Among the different materials for bladder augmentation, porcine intestinal submucosa (SIS) is the most widely investigated and stands out for its ability as a cell scaffold. In this context, the ultrasound examination allows the detection of changes from the surgical procedure, enabling the early verification of potential complications and evaluation of patient outcomes. The aim of this paper is to describe the main sonographic findings in dogs submitted to cystoplasty using acellular SIS and seeded with homologous smooth muscle cells at 30 (M30) and 60 (M60) days postoperatively. Sonographic changes included irregularities and thickening of bladder wall especially at M30. Additionally, were visualized urinary sediment and uroliths in animals submitted to acellular SIS cistoplasty. Abdominal ultrasonography was useful in the postoperative evaluation of animals undergoing cystoplasty with acellular or seeded SIS.(AU)

Entre os diferentes materiais utilizados para a reparação e o aumento da bexiga, a submucosa intestinal suína (SIS) é o mais amplamente investigado e se destaca por sua habilidade como um arcabouço celular. Nesse contexto, o exame ultrassonográfico possibilita a avaliação pós-operatória, bem como a detecção precoce de potenciais complicações. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever os principais achados ultrassonográficos em cães submetidos à cistoplastia utilizando a SIS acelular e semeada com células musculares lisas homólogas aos 30 (M30) e 60 (M60) dias de pós-operatório. As alterações ultrassonográficas pós-operatórias incluíram irregularidades e espessamento da parede da bexiga, especialmente aos M30. Além disso, foram visualizados sedimento urinário e urólitos em animais submetidos à cistoplastia utilizando a SIS acelular. A ecografia abdominal foi útil na avaliação pós-operatória dos animais submetidos à cistoplastia utilizando a SIS acelular e semeada com células musculares lisas homólogas.(AU)

Benign Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in a Wild Toco Toucan ( Ramphastos toco )

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that comprise neurofibromas, schwannomas, neurilemmomas, and perineuromas. In animals, peripheral nerve sheath neoplasms are most commonly diagnosed in dogs and cattle, followed by horses, goats, and cats, but their occurrence is uncommon in birds. An adult, free-living, male toco (common) toucan (Ramphastos toco) was admitted to the zoo animal clinic with weight loss, dehydration, and presence of a soft nodule adhered to the medial portion of the left pectoral muscle. Clinical, cytologic, and computed tomography scan results were indicative of a neoplasm. The toucan died during surgical resection of the mass. Necropsy, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. To our knowledge, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor has not previously been reported in a toucan or any other species in the order Piciformes.

Hemangiossarcoma corneal em cão / Corneal hemangiosarcoma in a dog

O hemangiossarcoma é uma neoplasia maligna e sua apresentação corneal é rara em cães. Relata-se um caso de hemangiossarcoma corneal primário, em uma fêmea canina, sem raça definida, de 20kg, nove anos de idade e com histórico de crescimento progressivo de massa em bulbo ocular direito há dois meses. Ao exame oftálmico do olho direito, foram observados blefarospasmo, hiperemia conjuntival moderada e presença de nódulo avermelhado, irregular em região dorsal de córnea direita, ocupando cerca de 60% dela. A ultrassonografia ocular foi realizada, e constatou-se que a neoplasia acometia apenas a córnea. Por meio do exame citológico, foi diagnosticada neoplasia mesenquimal maligna. O paciente foi submetido à ceratectomia seguida de flap de terceira pálpebra. Encaminhou-se o material excisado para análise histopatológica, e foi diagnosticado hemangiossarcoma. Após 15 dias, o flap de terceira pálpebra foi retirado, e, ao exame oftálmico, notou-se a recidiva da neoplasia, que recobria toda a córnea e parte da conjuntiva bulbar, procedendo-se à enucleação. O paciente foi submetido à ultrassonografia abdominal e à radiografia torácica sem nenhuma alteração evidente, o que caracterizou o caráter primário da afecção. Após dois anos do procedimento cirúrgico, o paciente encontra-se bem clinicamente, sem qualquer sinal de recidiva ou metástase. Apesar da exérese cirúrgica da neoplasia com margens limpas, em casos de hemangiossarcoma com comportamento agressivo, a enucleação deve ser considerada uma opção viável para um protocolo terapêutico de sucesso e melhor prognóstico do paciente.(AU)

Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm and its corneal presentation is uncommon in the dog. The present work reports a case of primary corneal hemangiosarcoma on a mongrel female dog, 20kg, nine years old with a 2 month history of a mass with progressive growth in the right eye. The ophthalmic examination of the right eye showed blepharospasm, moderated conjunctival hyperemia and the presence of a reddish irregular nodule on the dorsal region of the cornea, occupying approximately 60% of the cornea. The ocular ultrasound revealed that the neoplasm affected only the cornea and the cytological examination diagnosed a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm. The patient was submitted to keratectomy followed by a third eyelid flap. The excised material was sent for histopathological analysis that diagnosed hemangiosarcoma. Fifteen days after surgery the third eyelid flap was removed and the ophthalmic examination revealed recurrence of the tumor, with the mass occupying the entire cornea and part of the bulbar conjunctiva. The patient was submitted to enucleation. No alterations were observed on the abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiography, showing the primary characteristics of the disease. Two years after surgery the patient is clinically healthy, without any signs of recurrence or metastasis. Despite the surgical excision of the tumor with free margins, in cases of hemangiosarcoma with aggressive behavior, the enucleation should be considered as a viable option for a successfull therapeutic protocol and better prognosis of the patient.(AU)

Pleuris associada à criptococose em cão: relato de caso / Pleurisy associated with cryptococcosis in a dog: case report

A Criptococose é uma importante doença infecciosa fúngica, causada por uma levedura do gênero Cryptococcus, que acomete diferentes espécies inclusive o homem. Há poucos relatos na literatura sobre a criptococose pulmonar em cães. O presente trabalho relata um caso de criptococose em um cão apresentando alterações respiratórias, especialmente dispneia. O diagnóstico foi realizado por meio da citologia aspirativa, após toracotomia exploratória, sendo observado um quadro de pleuris grave. O paciente foi tratado durante 90 dias com itraconazol e apresentou, ao final do tratamento, a remissão completa dos sintomas relatados...

Cryptococcosis is a major infectious disease caused by a yeast from the Cryptococcus genre which affects different species including humans. There are few reports related to pulmonary cryptococcosis in dogs. A case of Cryptococcosis in a dog showing dyspnea was described. The diagnosis was done by aspiration cytology after exploratory thoracotomy, and a picture of severe pleurisy was observed. The diagnosis was done by needle aspiration cytology after thoracotomy. Severe pleuris frame was observed. Treatment with itraconazole was performed for 90 days, and at the end of the treatment the dog presented complete remission of reported symptoms...

Pre- and post-operative evaluations of eight dogs following right nephrectomy due to Dioctophyma renale.

BACKGROUND: Dioctophyma renale is a large nematode distributed worldwide that may cause progressive and severe destruction of renal parenchyma. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate pre- and post-operatively dogs submitted to right nephrectomy due to D. renale and to assess the histopathological damage of the removed kidney. ANIMALS AND METHODS: Eight crossbred dogs, aged from 12 to 48 months that were unilaterally nephrectomized due to the presence of D. renale were evaluated. Physical examination, urinalysis, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and abdominal ultrasound were performed immediately before and one month after nephrectomy. The nephrectomized right kidneys were submitted to macroscopic and microscopic evaluations. RESULTS: Urinalysis preoperatively detected occult blood in all dogs and D. renale eggs in five cases. Complete blood count showed all parameters within the reference range, except one dog post-operatively. Serum biochemistry performed before and after surgery verified that urea, creatinine and sodium were within the reference range values in all dogs. Other findings varied among the dogs. The length and arterial resistive index mean values of the left kidney were similar pre- and post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the inconsiderable change in laboratory findings pre- and post-operatively was attributable to compensation by left kidney function for the removed abnormal right kidney. Right kidney histology revealed chronic nephropathy due to D. renale. CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Imaging diagnosis should be performed on dogs suspected as carrying the disease or on those from an enzootic area since the laboratory findings are not specific except eggs in the urine.

Avaliação ultrassonográfica do bulbo ocular em cães submetidos à facoemulsificação com ou sem implante de lente intraocular / Ocular bulb ultrasonographic evaluation in dogs submitted to facectomy by facoemulsification with or without intraocular lens implants

Este trabalho objetivou descrever e comparar as alterações ultrassonográficas encontradas em bulbos oculares de cães submetidos à facoemulsificação, com ou sem implante de lente intraocular (LIO), no intuito de auxiliar no diagnóstico de alterações decorrentes da cirurgia e do implante da LIO, bem como sua correspondência com alterações clínicas. Dezenove cães portadores de catarata (21 olhos) foram submetidos ao procedimento de facoemulsificação e avaliados no pós-operatório tardio, aos cinco anos de evolução. Constituíram-se três grupos experimentais: afácicos (CA), formados por 11 cães; pseudofácicos (PP), com implante de duas LIOs em piggyback (n=5); e pseudofácicos (PL), com implante de uma LIO veterinária (n=5). Após exame oftálmico, todos foram submetidos ao exame ultrassonográfico, sob anestesia tópica, com transdutor linear multifrequencial de 10MHz; adicionalmente foram avaliadas medidas biométricas dos bulbos do olho. As principais alterações observadas foram: luxação da LIO, descolamento de retina, hialose asteroide e degeneração vítrea. O exame ultrassonográfico mostrou-se como excelente ferramenta diagnóstica e possibilitou a confirmação e a classificação dessas alterações. Na biometria ocular, pelas medidas entre o corpo ciliar e a câmara vítrea, o implante em piggyback resultou em redução destas em relação aos demais procedimentos instituídos, não havendo diferença ente o comprimento axial e a câmara anterior.

This study aimed to describe and compare the ultrasonographic alterations in dogs' eyes submitted to facectomy with or without intraocular lens implant (IOL), to assist in the diagnosis of possible alterations related to the surgical procedure and IOL implantation. Nineteen dogs with cataract (21 eyes) were submitted to phacoemulsification and late postoperative evaluation (at five years). The animals were initially submitted to complete ophthalmological exams which preceded the sonogram. Dogs were divided in three groups: (CA) aphakic dogs (n= 11); (PP) pseudophakic dogs with implantation of two IOLs in piggyback (n=5) and (PL) pseudophakic dogs with implantation of a veterinary IOL (n = 5). The ultrasound was carried under the administration of a topic local anesthetic, with a multi frequency linear transducer of 10 MHz. Biometric eye measurements were also performed. The clinical alterations observed were IOL dislocation, retinal detachment, asteroid hyalosis, and vitreous degeneration. Ultrasound examination was an excellent diagnostic tool, as it was possible to confirm and classify these changes. The piggyback implant reduced the measurements between the ciliary body and the vitreous chamber obtained from the ocular biometry when compared to other usual procedures, with no difference between the axial length and the anterior chamber.

Do thyroid ultrasonographic features change according to age in euthyroid dogs?

The thyroid gland was assessed by ultrasound in healthy euthyroid mixed-breed medium size dogs in different age groups. The objective was to verify ultrasonographic imaging patterns in these groups, as well as to identify possible changes in imaging features resulting from ageing. Thirty dogs - 10 young (<1 year), 10 adult and 10 elderly - without clinical signs or history of thyroid gland disease with complete blood count and thyroid function tests within the reference values were evaluated. Each thyroid lobe was examined by ultrasound for shape, size, echogenicity and echotexture. The analysis of echogenicity and echotexture was made by histogram. Thyroid volume was estimated by the equation for ellipsoid (length × width × height) π/6. The thyroid volume of the young dogs in this study had a tendency to be higher than in adult dogs (P = 0.068) and older dogs (P = 0.120). The height of the thyroid lobe in the longitudinal plane was significantly higher (P = 0.026) in young dogs compared with the other dogs. The echotexture and echogenicity had no significant differences between groups, but the echogenicity was greater in older dogs. The results point out that ultrasound imaging of the thyroid volume is influenced by age in euthyroid dogs.

Contribuição do contraste negativo na artrografia tomográfica do joelho normal de cães / Contribution of negative contrast in computed tomography arthrography of the normal canine stifle

A ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial é uma das causas mais comuns de claudicação do membro pélvico de cães. A radiografia e a ultrassonografia são métodos de diagnóstico frequentemente utilizados na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, porém a tomografia computadorizada é uma modalidade de imagem ainda pouco estudada para avaliar a articulação do joelho de cães. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a contribuição do contraste negativo na artrografia tomográfica do joelho normal de cães, para visibilizar as estruturas intra-articulares e padronizar o uso desse contraste na articulação. Foram utilizados 24 membros pélvicos de cães de raças variadas, selecionados pela ausência de histórico de doença articular prévia do joelho e por apresentarem exames radiográficos, ultrassonográficos e macroscópicos normais. O experimento foi delineado em dois grupos, sendo o grupo I constituído de animais com peso até 20 kg e grupo II acima de 20 kg. Foram feitos cortes tomográficos com o membro flexionado e estendido. A quantidade média de ar empregada para a distensão da cápsula articular foi de 49 ml para o Grupo I e de 81 ml para o Grupo II. Utilizou-se um tubo de látex na porção distal à articulação do joelho para reduzir o escape de ar pelo tendão extensor digital profundo, que possui comunicação intra-articular. Foi possível visibilizar pela imagem tomográfica, em todas as articulações, as seguintes estruturas: ligamento cruzado cranial e caudal, meniscos medial e lateral, ligamento patelar, ligamentos colaterais e cápsula articular. Desta forma, o contraste negativo se mostrou uma alternativa eficaz para auxiliar a identificação das estruturas anatômicas do joelho na artrografia tomográfica.

The cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common causes of canine hind limb lameness. The radiographic and ultrasonographic are methods of diagnosis frequently used in small animal clinics, but there are few studies of computed tomography to exam the stifle joint in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of negative contrast in computed tomography arthrography of the normal stifle of dogs for the visualization of intra-joint structures, and to standardize the use of contrast in this joint. Twenty-four hind limbs from dogs of several breeds were used. They were selected based on history of absence of previous stifle joint disease and normal radiographic, ultrasonographic and macroscopic exams. The experiment was designed in two groups: Group I animals weighing up to 20 kg, and Group II animals weighing above 20 kg. Tomographic sections were done with the limb flexed and extended. The amount of air used for the joint capsule distension was approximately 49 ml for group I and 81 ml for group II. A latex tube was used on the distal portion of the stifle to reduce air escaping through the long digital extensor tendon, which has intra-joint communication. In all joints, the tomographic image allowed the visualization of the following structures: cranial and caudal cruciate ligament, medial and lateral menisci, patellar ligament, medial and lateral collateral ligament and joint capsule. Thus, the negative contrast (air) showed to be an effective alternative in the evaluation of the stifle anatomical structures by using tomography arthrography.

Radiographic measurement of tibial joint angles in sheep.

The aim of this study was to establish normal reference values of anatomic and mechanical joint angles of the tibia in sheep at different age groups. Eighteen clinically healthy Santa Ines sheep were used. The animals were divided into three equal groups according to age: Group I - from six- to eight-months-old, Group II - 2-years-old, Group III - from three- to five-years-old. Anatomic medial proximal and lateral distal tibial angles, mechanical proximal and distal tibial angles, and anatomic caudal proximal and anatomic cranial distal tibial angles were measured from tibiae radiographs (n = 36). In the craniocaudal view, the mean values of the anatomic medial proximal, anatomic lateral distal, mechanical medial proximal, and mechanical lateral distal tibial joint angles were 89.6 masculine, 86.6 masculine, 91.4 masculine, and 85.19 masculine respectively. In mediolateral view, the mean values of the anatomic caudal proximal and anatomic cranial distal tibial angles were 64.55 masculine and 105.69 masculine, respectively. The joint orientation angles of the tibia in sheep showed similar values regardless of animal age for both anatomic and mechanical axes.

Use of extensible internal device in the femur of young dogs.

An extensible internal device (EID) was developed to preserve growth plate during the treatment of fracture complications or segmental bone loss from tumour resection in children. Since this type of extensible, transphyseal, internal fixation device has only been used in a few paediatric cases; the aim of this study was to evaluate an in vivo canine study, a surgical application of this device, and its interference with longitudinal growth of the non-fractured distal femur. Ten clinically healthy two- to three-month-old poodles weighing 1.5-2.3 kg were used. Following a medial approach to the right distal femur, one extremity of the EID, similar to a T-plate, was fixed in the femoral condyle with two cortical screws placed below the growth plate. The other extremity, consisting of an adaptable brim with two screw holes and a plate guide, was fixed in the third distal of the femoral diaphysis with two cortical screws. The EID was removed 180 days after application. All of the dogs demonstrated full weight-bearing after surgery. The values of thigh and stifle circumferences, and stifle joint motion range did not show any difference between operated and control hindlimbs. The plate slid in the device according to longitudinal bone growth, in all but one dog. In this dog, a 10.5% shortening of the femoral shaft was observed due to a lack of EID sliding. The other dogs had the same longitudinal lengths in both femurs. The EID permits longitudinal bone growth without blocking the distal femur growth plate if appropriately placed.

Tonometria, paquimetria e comprimento axial ocular em cães glaucomatosos submetidos à ablação uveal intravítrea / Tonometry, pachymetry and globe axial lenght in glaucomatous dogs submitted to intravitreal uveal ablation

Estudaram-se as alterações tonométricas, paquimétricas e de comprimento axial em cães com glaucoma submetidos à ablação uveal intravítrea. Foram avaliados 13 olhos irreversivelmente cegos de cães que apresentavam glaucoma crônico unilateral, nos quais realizou-se a ablação uveal intra-vítrea, por meio de injeção na câmara vítrea de 0,5ml de sulfato de gentamicina (40mg/ml) associado a 0,3ml de fosfato de dexametasona (4mg/ml). As mensurações da pressão intra-ocular (Po), espessura corneana e eixo axial com tonometria de aplanação, paquimetria ultra-sônica e ultra-sonografias modos A e B foram realizadas no dia da ablação (M0) e após uma (M1), quatro (M4), oito (M8), 12 (M12), 24 (M24) e 48 semanas (M48). A Po diminuiu significativamente em todos os momentos em relação ao M0, com aumento da espessura corneana ao longo do experimento. Nas avaliações ultra-sonográficas notou-se diminuição significativa do bulbo ocular a partir de M4, com medidas ultra-sonográficas modo A significativamente maiores que as do modo B. O procedimento foi efetivo na redução da Po e na diminuição do eixo axial, demonstrando ser viável no controle do glaucoma crônico em olhos irreversivelmente cegos, e ser uma alternativa à enucleação e inserção de prótese ocular

Changes in tonometry, pachymetry and globe axial length in glaucomatous dogs submitted to intravitreal uveal ablation were studied. Thirteen irreversible blind canine eyes were evaluated. They presented unilateral chronic glaucoma, in which intravitreal uveal ablation was performed, through vitreous chamber injection of 0.5ml of gentamicin sulfate solution (40mg/ml) with 0.3ml of dexametazon dissodic phosphate (4mg/ml). The measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal thickness and globe axial length with aplanation tonometry, ultrasound pachymetry and A and B-mode ultrasound scan were made on the day of the procedure (M0), and on the next day (M1), four (M4), eight (M8), 12 (M12), 24 (M24) and 48 weeks (M48) after. The IOP decreased on all moments in relation to M0, with corneal thickness increasing throughout the experiment. The ultrasonographic evaluations revealed significant globe decrease from M4, with A-scan measurements significantly higher than B-scan. The procedure was effective on intraocular pressure reduction and in shortening the axial length, showing to be feasible to control chronic glaucoma in irreversible blind eyes, as well as an alternative to enucleation and intraocular prothesis

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis and salivary mucocele in a cat: case report

An approximately 1.5-year-old, not neutered mixed breed cat was referred for evaluation of inability to open its mouth, and soft tissue swelling around the intermandibular region. Both signs were present since the cat was adopted, 1 year before presentation. The cause of the signs was not determined prior to referral. Based on the physical and radiographic examinations, left temporomandibular joint ankylosis and salivary mucocele were diagnosed. The lateral aspect of the condyloid process of the left mandible was removed and the salivary mucocele was treated by right mandibular and sublingual gland resection and drainage of the mucocele. After surgery, the cat showed good functional use of the mandible without discomfort.

Relata-se o caso de um gato de aproximadamente um ano e meio de idade, macho, não castrado, que foi encaminhado por apresentar incapacidade de abrir a boca e aumento de volume flutuante na região intermandibular. As lesões estavam presentes há um ano, desde quando o gato foi encontrado e adotado. A causa não foi determinada. Baseado nos exames físicos e radiográficos diagnosticou-se anquilose da articulação temporomandibular esquerda e mucocele salivar. O aspecto lateral do processo condilar da mandíbula esquerda foi removido, e a mucocele foi tratada por ressecção das glândulas salivares mandibular e sublingual direita e por drenagem da mucocele. Após a cirurgia, o gato mostrou bom uso funcional da mandíbula, sem sinais de desconforto.

Mistura de proteínas morfogenéticas ósseas, hidroxiapatita, osso inorgânico e colágeno envolta por membrana de pericárdio no preenchimento de defeito ósseo segmentar em coelhos / Mixture of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, inorganic bone and collagen interposed by pericardium barrier membrane in the filling of the segmental bone defect in rabbits

Avaliou-se o uso de biomaterial de origem bovina na regeneração de defeitos ósseos segmentares empregando-se 12 coelhos, fêmeas, da raça Norfolk, com idade de seis meses e pesos entre 3 e 4,5kg. Realizou-se falha segmentar bilateral de um centímetro de comprimento na diáfise do rádio, com inclusão do periósteo. No membro direito, o defeito foi delimitado por membrana de pericárdio liofilizada, contendo em seu interior mistura de proteínas morfogenéticas ósseas adsorvidas a hidroxiapatita, colágeno liofilizado e osso inorgânico. No membro esquerdo, o defeito não recebeu tratamento. Radiografias foram obtidas ao término do procedimento cirúrgico e aos sete, 30, 60, 90, 120 e 150 dias de pós-operatório. Após eutanásia de seis coelhos aos 60 dias e seis aos 150 dias de pós-cirúrgico, os resultados radiográficos e histológicos mostraram que a regeneração óssea foi inibida nos defeitos segmentares tratados com o biomaterial.

Biomaterials of bovine origin in regenerating segmental bone defects were evaluated. Twelve six-month old Norfolk rabbits, weighting 3 to 4.5kg were used. A 1cm long segmental defect was created in the radial diaphysis, including the periosteum, of both forelimbs. In the right forelimb, the defect was filled using a mixture of bone morphogenic proteins adsorbed to hydroxyapatite, agglutinant of lyophilized collagen in granules and anorganic cortical bone in granules delimited by a pericardial membrane. In the left forelimb, the defect did not receive treatment and served as a control. Radiographies were taken immediately after surgery and at seven, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days post-operatively. Six rabbits were euthanized at 60 days and the other six at 150 days post-surgery for histological evaluation. Radiographic and histological results revealed that bone regeneration was inhibited in the segmental defects receiving biomaterials.