Behavioral assessment of shelter dogs submitted to different methods of environmental enrichment / Avaliação comportamental de cães de abrigo submetidos a diferentes métodos de enriquecimento ambiental

Environmental enrichment is a dynamic process consisting of a set of activities designed to meet the ethological and psychological needs of animals. It stimulates the natural behavior of each animal species improving the well-being of the individual and avoiding the development of stereotyped behaviors. The present study aimed to assess the potential benefits that four different types of environmental enrichment would bring to the quality of life of shelter dogs. Twenty dogs were observed for 6 hours daily for 5 consecutive days in the first week in order to assess and document their behavior patterns in an experimental kennel. Between the second to the fourth week, 3 forms of game and 1 type of food enrichment were used in the first 4 days of each week. On the fifth day of each week, behavioral patterns were recorded and later compiled and analyzed according to the Tukey test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in behaviors associated with lying down, standing up, and licking. Based on our findings, we concluded that the use of environmental enrichment methods through different types of games and toys in shelters decreased signs of depression and stereotyped behavior of kennelled dogs. Results of the present study showed that these tools may help improve life quality of these animals.(AU)

O enriquecimento ambiental é um processo dinâmico que consiste em um conjunto de atividades com a finalidade de atender às necessidades etológicas e psicológicas dos animais, estimulando os comportamentos naturais de cada espécie, melhorando o bem estar e evitando comportamentos estereotipados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi observar o benefício que quatro diferentes formas de enriquecimento ambiental trariam para melhorar a qualidade de vida de cães de abrigo. Vinte cães foram observados durante 6 horas diárias por cinco dias consecutivos na primeira semana, com a finalidade de se obter o padrão de comportamento no ambiente estéril do abrigo. Da segunda à quarta semana foram aplicadas três formas de brincadeiras e uma forma de enriquecimento alimentar nos primeiros quatro dias de cada semana. No quinto dia de cada semana os padrões de comportamento foram registrados e, posteriormente, compilados e analisados pelo teste de Tukey. A análise estatística demonstrou diferença significativa nos comportamentos de deitar, de ficar em pé e de lamber-se. Conclui-se que a aplicação do enriquecimento ambiental, por meio de diferentes formas de brincadeiras, empregado em abrigo para cães, diminuiu os sinais de depressão e os comportamentos estereotipados, demonstrando ser uma ótima ferramenta para aumentar a qualidade de vida destes animais.(AU)

Enfisema subcutâneo generalizado secundário a pneumomediastino em gatinho recém-nascido / Generalized subcutaneous emphysema secondary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten

Background: Pneumomediastinum is a rare entity characterized by the introduction of air into the mediastinum. Primaryor spontaneous pneumomediastinum may occur in the absence of any disease whereas secondary pneumomediastinummay be due to a number of precipitating factors. The clinical picture is severe and the onset is acute. The present reportdescribes the clinical presentation, treatment, and the findings of a forensic investigation of a case of generalized subcutaneous emphysema secundary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten.Case: A newborn kitten was presented to a veterinary climic with a history of generalized air accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue of acute onset which was noted whenever the animal suckled. Clinical care and radiographic examination wereperformed. Radiographic findings included areas of radiolucency within the subcutis suggestive of generalized subcutaneousemphysema. In the thoracic cavity, there was ventral displacement of the thoracic trachea and increased radiolucency inthe cranial mediastinum suggestive of pneumomediastinum. There was loss of definition of the cervical trachea suggestive of tracheal rupture. Based on the radiographic findings, the clinician decided to aspirate the air accumated within thesubcutis using a needle and a syringe. However, this emphysema rapidly formed after the subcutaneous air was aspirated.Euthanasia was elected due to the poor prognosis and the animal was submitted for necropsy. Main gross findings includedtraumatic intercostal laceration adjacent to the lungs under the axilla and tracheal perforation. Tracheal perforation resultedin persistent air leakage from the trachea causing pneumomediastinum which evolved into generalized subcutaneous emphysema causing the animal to inflate as air became trapped within the subcutis imparting a blown up appearance to thecat. Microscopically pulmonary collapse was observed...

Enfisema subcutâneo generalizado secundário a pneumomediastino em gatinho recém-nascido / Generalized subcutaneous emphysema secondary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten

Background: Pneumomediastinum is a rare entity characterized by the introduction of air into the mediastinum. Primaryor spontaneous pneumomediastinum may occur in the absence of any disease whereas secondary pneumomediastinummay be due to a number of precipitating factors. The clinical picture is severe and the onset is acute. The present reportdescribes the clinical presentation, treatment, and the findings of a forensic investigation of a case of generalized subcutaneous emphysema secundary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten.Case: A newborn kitten was presented to a veterinary climic with a history of generalized air accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue of acute onset which was noted whenever the animal suckled. Clinical care and radiographic examination wereperformed. Radiographic findings included areas of radiolucency within the subcutis suggestive of generalized subcutaneousemphysema. In the thoracic cavity, there was ventral displacement of the thoracic trachea and increased radiolucency inthe cranial mediastinum suggestive of pneumomediastinum. There was loss of definition of the cervical trachea suggestive of tracheal rupture. Based on the radiographic findings, the clinician decided to aspirate the air accumated within thesubcutis using a needle and a syringe. However, this emphysema rapidly formed after the subcutaneous air was aspirated.Euthanasia was elected due to the poor prognosis and the animal was submitted for necropsy. Main gross findings includedtraumatic intercostal laceration adjacent to the lungs under the axilla and tracheal perforation. Tracheal perforation resultedin persistent air leakage from the trachea causing pneumomediastinum which evolved into generalized subcutaneous emphysema causing the animal to inflate as air became trapped within the subcutis imparting a blown up appearance to thecat. Microscopically pulmonary collapse was observed...(AU)