Comparative neurotoxicity of iobitridol with iohexol by intracisternal administration in Wistar rats / Neurotoxicidade comparativa do iobitridol com o iohexol, por via intracisternal, em ratos Wistar

Iobitridol is a tri-iodinated contrast agent, and neurotoxicologic studies of the intracisternal administration are scarce and inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to compare the neurotoxicity of iobitridol with iohexol, by intracisternal administration in Wistar rats, for a pre-clinical evaluation of its use as a myelographic agent. The animals, a total of 75, were divided into three experimental groups, iobitridol, iohexol and cerebral artificial fluid (control group), with 25 animals per group. Then, these were divided into five subgroups of five animals each, and given doses of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg kg-1, while the control group received the equivalent volumes of contrast media tested. The animals were evaluated after 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min of intracisternal administration of these substances, for signs of depression and excitement, tactile palmar grasp, flexor, extensor, palpebral, papillary and pinna reflexes, surface righting and placing reactions, and with an auditory startle test. The evaluations were assessed daily for seven days with these parameters and their body weight, food, and water intake were also measured. There were no statistically significant differences between groups tested with respect to any of the evaluated parameters. In other words, in this animal model, the iobitridol demonstrated a low neurotoxicologic potential, comparable to that observed with iohexol. Further study with dogs and cats, as an alternative, is suggested.(AU)

O iobitridol é um meio de contraste tri-iodado, e estudos referentes à neurotoxicidade, com administração subaracnóide são escassos e inconclusivos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a neurotoxicidade do iobitridol com a do iohexol, por via intracisternal, em ratos Wistar, como avaliação pré-clínica da utilização deste como agente mielográfico. Foram utilizados 75 animais divididos em três grupos experimentais com 25 animais: iobitridol, iohexol e líquido cerebroespinhal artificial (grupo controle). Estes foram subdivididos em cinco subgrupos com cinco animais cada, com doses distintas de 200, 400, 600, 800 e 1000 mg kg-1, sendo utilizado no grupo controle o volume equivalente aos meios de contraste testados. Os animais foram avaliados após 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 e 240 min da administração intracisternal dessas substâncias, quanto a sinais de depressão e excitação, reflexos tátil de agarramento palmar, flexor, extensor, palpebral, pupilar e da pina, reação de endireitamento e posicionamento e resposta auditiva. Nos sete dias subsequentes, os animais foram avaliados diariamente quanto a estes parâmetros, e ainda a massa corporal, a ingestão de ração e de água, foram mensuradas. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos testados com meios de contraste, em nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados. Dessa forma, nesse modelo animal, o iobitridol demonstrou baixa neurotoxicidade, comparável a observada com o iohexol. Sugerem-se mais estudos com cães e gatos para utilização do iobitridol como alternativa.(AU)

Pre- and postnatal evaluation of offspring rats exposed to Origanum vulgare essential oil during mating, gestation and lactation / Avaliação pré e pós-natal da prole de ratos expostos ao óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare durante acasalamento, gestação e lactação

Despite the increasing use of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oil for therapeutic purposes, pre- and postnatal development of animals offspring exposed to this oil has not yet been evaluated. In line with previous concerns of genotoxicity, in this study adult rats were exposed to different doses of oregano essential oil (3, 9 and 27% vol/vol) during pre-mating, mating, gestation and lactation. Prenatal screening included fetal development and uterine inspection, where the reproductive rate of females such as breeding, pregnancy, delivery, viability and post-implantation loss rate were measured. Postnatal evaluation of rat offspring included motor development, neuroendocrine and behavioral assessment. Body weight of rat dams and signs of dystocia were evaluated daily. Development of physic characteristics and reflex tests of puppies were also assessed. Additionally, these rats, when adults, were submitted to sexual and open field behavioral tests. The main differences among the groups were observed in the indices of mating, pregnancy and post-implantation loss (P < 0.01). Results demonstrated that the treatment of parental generation with oregano essential oil has the potential to affect the developing fetuses at the highest dose used, but without causing maternal toxicity and changes in general behavior and development of the progeny.

Apesar do aumento do uso do óleo essencial de orégano (Origanum vulgare L.) para fins terapêuticos, o desenvolvimento pré e pós-natal da progênie de animais expostos a este óleo ainda não foi avaliado. Partindo das suspeitas prévias de genotoxicidade desse óleo, neste estudo, ratos Wistar adultos foram expostos a diferentes doses do óleo essencial de orégano (3, 9 e 27% vol/vol) durante o acasalamento, a gestação e a lactação. Para a avaliação pré-natal, o desenvolvimento gestacional foi observado e os úteros inspecionados, assim como os índices reprodutivos das fêmeas, como a taxa de acasalamento, de gestação, parto e perdas pós-implantação. Na avaliação pós-natal, observou-se o desenvolvimento motor, neuroendócrino e comportamental da prole. Observou-se, diariamente, o peso das ratas e sinais de distocia. Após o parto, as características de desenvolvimento e testes de reflexos dos filhotes foram avaliadas, enquanto que, na puberdade, foram realizadas análises histopatológicas e dosagem hormonal. Adicionalmente, na idade adulta, esses ratos foram submetidos ao teste de comportamento em campo aberto e ao comportamento sexual. As principais diferenças entre os grupos foram nos índices de acasalamento, de gestação e de perdas pós-implantação (P < 0,01). Os resultados demonstram que o tratamento da geração parental com óleo essencial de orégano tem potencial para afetar os índices reprodutivos das ratas e o desenvolvimento dos fetos na maior dose utilizada, mas sem causar toxicidade materna e alterações no desenvolvimento geral e comportamental da sua progênie.

Pre- and postnatal evaluation of offspring rats exposed to Origanum vulgare essential oil during mating, gestation and lactation / Avaliação pré e pós-natal da prole de ratos expostos ao óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare durante acasalamento, gestação e lactação

Despite the increasing use of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oil for therapeutic purposes, pre- and postnatal development of animals offspring exposed to this oil has not yet been evaluated. In line with previous concerns of genotoxicity, in this study adult rats were exposed to different doses of oregano essential oil (3, 9 and 27% vol/vol) during pre-mating, mating, gestation and lactation. Prenatal screening included fetal development and uterine inspection, where the reproductive rate of females such as breeding, pregnancy, delivery, viability and post-implantation loss rate were measured. Postnatal evaluation of rat offspring included motor development, neuroendocrine and behavioral assessment. Body weight of rat dams and signs of dystocia were evaluated daily. Development of physic characteristics and reflex tests of puppies were also assessed. Additionally, these rats, when adults, were submitted to sexual and open field behavioral tests. The main differences among the groups were observed in the indices of mating, pregnancy and post-implantation loss (P < 0.01). Results demonstrated that the treatment of parental generation with oregano essential oil has the potential to affect the developing fetuses at the highest dose used, but without causing maternal toxicity and changes in general behavior and development of the progeny.(AU)

Apesar do aumento do uso do óleo essencial de orégano (Origanum vulgare L.) para fins terapêuticos, o desenvolvimento pré e pós-natal da progênie de animais expostos a este óleo ainda não foi avaliado. Partindo das suspeitas prévias de genotoxicidade desse óleo, neste estudo, ratos Wistar adultos foram expostos a diferentes doses do óleo essencial de orégano (3, 9 e 27% vol/vol) durante o acasalamento, a gestação e a lactação. Para a avaliação pré-natal, o desenvolvimento gestacional foi observado e os úteros inspecionados, assim como os índices reprodutivos das fêmeas, como a taxa de acasalamento, de gestação, parto e perdas pós-implantação. Na avaliação pós-natal, observou-se o desenvolvimento motor, neuroendócrino e comportamental da prole. Observou-se, diariamente, o peso das ratas e sinais de distocia. Após o parto, as características de desenvolvimento e testes de reflexos dos filhotes foram avaliadas, enquanto que, na puberdade, foram realizadas análises histopatológicas e dosagem hormonal. Adicionalmente, na idade adulta, esses ratos foram submetidos ao teste de comportamento em campo aberto e ao comportamento sexual. As principais diferenças entre os grupos foram nos índices de acasalamento, de gestação e de perdas pós-implantação (P < 0,01). Os resultados demonstram que o tratamento da geração parental com óleo essencial de orégano tem potencial para afetar os índices reprodutivos das ratas e o desenvolvimento dos fetos na maior dose utilizada, mas sem causar toxicidade materna e alterações no desenvolvimento geral e comportamental da sua progênie.(AU)

Reproductive toxicity assessment of Origanum vulgare essential oil on male Wistar rats

Background: The oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare L.) is rich in phenolic compounds with therapeutic actionssuch as antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant. Based on the therapeutic potential and clinical use of oregano essentialoil, in vivo toxicology studies of oregano essential oil are scarce and the current researches focus on the genotoxicity ofseveral species of oregano; however, toxicological and complementary studies are needed to ensure safety of formulationscontaining this oil. Through values of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of oregano essential oil against Candidaspecies, and increased in an exponential scale, the initial dose was obtained. This study aims to evaluate male fertilitythrough the reproductive aspects of rats chronically treated with oregano essential oil.Materials, Methods & Results: The rats were divided into five groups with 10 males and 30 females each; three groupswere treated with oregano essential oil at a concentration of 3% Vol/Vol (GO3%), of 9% Vol/Vol (GO9%) and of 27% Vol/Vol (GO27%). The negative control group received the vehicle, 0.001% Vol/Vol Tween 80 (GC-) and the positive controlgroup was treated with thymol and terpinen-4-ol, at the same concentration found in the oregano essential oil, detected bygas chromatography (3% + 3% Vol/Vol) (GC+). Animals were allowed to adapt for at least ten days before the beginningof the experiment. They were maintained under...(AU)

Toxicidade reprodutiva da associação de itraconazol e beta-glucana em ratas e sua progênie / Reproductive toxicity of itraconazole in combination with beta-glucan in female rats and their offspring

Background: Reports of yeast isolates resistant to traditional antifungal drugs have become common. Similarly, refractory clinical cases treated with these traditional antifungal drugs have also been reported. These cases ‘may or may not be related to pregnancy. Newly developed therapeutic approaches, such as the immunostimulant β-glucan combined with the traditional antifungal agents show promising results. Therefore, knowledge of the effects of these new associations is essential. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of the combination of itraconazole and β (1-3) glucan on fertility in female rats and its interference in the development of their offspring, including teratogenic potential.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 180 female Wistar rats (90 days old) separated into six groups were used (n = 30 per group): Negative Control - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL.kg-1 of sterile distilled water orally, and 0.25 mL of sterile 0.9% NaCl solution subcutaneously weekly; IT - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 10 mg.kg-1 orally, and 0.25 ml of sterile 0.9% NaCl solution subcutaneously weekly; Beta - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL.kg-1 of sterile distilled water orally, and 0.5 mg of β (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; DT - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 10 mg.kg-1 orally, and 0.5 mg of β (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; DT5x - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 50 mg.kg-1 orally, and 0.5 mg of β (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; DT10x - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 100 mg.kg-1 orally, and 0.5 mg of β (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly. The rats were treated before (14 days) and during the mating period (up to 21 days), pregnancy (21 days) and lactation (21 days).[...](AU)

Toxicidade reprodutiva da associação de itraconazol e beta-glucana em ratas e sua progênie / Reproductive toxicity of itraconazole in combination with beta-glucan in female rats and their offspring

Background: Reports of yeast isolates resistant to traditional antifungal drugs have become common. Similarly, refractory clinical cases treated with these traditional antifungal drugs have also been reported. These cases ‘may or may not be related to pregnancy. Newly developed therapeutic approaches, such as the immunostimulant β-glucan combined with the traditional antifungal agents show promising results. Therefore, knowledge of the effects of these new associations is essential. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of the combination of itraconazole and β (1-3) glucan on fertility in female rats and its interference in the development of their offspring, including teratogenic potential.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 180 female Wistar rats (90 days old) separated into six groups were used (n = 30 per group): Negative Control - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL.kg-1 of sterile distilled water orally, and 0.25 mL of sterile 0.9% NaCl solution subcutaneously weekly; IT - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 10 mg.kg-1 orally, and 0.25 ml of sterile 0.9% NaCl solution subcutaneously weekly; Beta - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL.kg-1 of sterile distilled water orally, and 0.5 mg of β (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; DT - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 10 mg.kg-1 orally, and 0.5 mg of β (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; DT5x - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 50 mg.kg-1 orally, and 0.5 mg of β (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; DT10x - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 100 mg.kg-1 orally, and 0.5 mg of β (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly. The rats were treated before (14 days) and during the mating period (up to 21 days), pregnancy (21 days) and lactation (21 days).[...]

Reproductive toxicity assessment of Origanum vulgare essential oil on male Wistar rats

Background: The oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare L.) is rich in phenolic compounds with therapeutic actionssuch as antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant. Based on the therapeutic potential and clinical use of oregano essentialoil, in vivo toxicology studies of oregano essential oil are scarce and the current researches focus on the genotoxicity ofseveral species of oregano; however, toxicological and complementary studies are needed to ensure safety of formulationscontaining this oil. Through values of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of oregano essential oil against Candidaspecies, and increased in an exponential scale, the initial dose was obtained. This study aims to evaluate male fertilitythrough the reproductive aspects of rats chronically treated with oregano essential oil.Materials, Methods & Results: The rats were divided into five groups with 10 males and 30 females each; three groupswere treated with oregano essential oil at a concentration of 3% Vol/Vol (GO3%), of 9% Vol/Vol (GO9%) and of 27% Vol/Vol (GO27%). The negative control group received the vehicle, 0.001% Vol/Vol Tween 80 (GC-) and the positive controlgroup was treated with thymol and terpinen-4-ol, at the same concentration found in the oregano essential oil, detected bygas chromatography (3% + 3% Vol/Vol) (GC+). Animals were allowed to adapt for at least ten days before the beginningof the experiment. They were maintained under...

Effects of the association of beta-glucan and itraconazole on fertility of male Wistar rats / Efeitos da associação de beta-glucana e itraconazol sobre a fertilidade de ratos Wistar machos

Background: In recent years, the number of patients with systemic fungal infections requiring antifungal therapy has increased. As a consequence, antimicrobial resistance to conventional treatment is frequently reported. Due to this reason, new therapies emerge, including the combination of beta (1-3) glucan and itraconazole. However, the reproductive and fertility effects of this association were not known. So, the aim of this study was to identify the effects of the combination of itraconazole and beta (1-3) glucan, extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on male rats fertility. Materials, Methods & Results: Sixty male Wistar rats with 120-days-old were used. The experimental protocol was approved by Ethics Committee on Animal Use of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (protocol CEUA/UFRGS no. 19452/2010). The animals were placed into six groups (n = 10 animals / group) as following: Negative Control group - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL.kg-1 of sterile distilled water orally and 0.25 mL of sterile normal saline (NaCl 0.9 %) subcutaneously weekly; Itraconazole (IT) group - treated daily with itraconazole solution at a dose of 10 mg.kg-1 orally and 0.25 mL of sterile 0.9% NaCl subcutaneously weekly; Beta group - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL. kg-1 of sterile distilled water orally and 0.5 mg of beta (1-3) glucan subcut

Nos últimos anos, observou-se aumento do número de pacientes com risco de infecções fúngicas sistêmicas, tais como portadores de HIV, distúrbios hematológicos graves ou imunossuprimidos, pacientes oncológicos e receptores de transplantes. Tais pacientes necessitam de antifúngicos tanto na forma terapêutica como preventiva. Em contrapartida a estes usos, tornaram-se frequentes os relatos de resistência aos fármacos mais utilizados, incluindo o itraconazol. Esta resistência é bastante relevante nos casos envolvendo o gênero Candida, e descrita com outros agentes, como Sporothrix schenckii e Aspergillus fumigatus, em humanos e animais. Nos casos de resistências aos antifúngicos tradicionais, novas alternativas terapêuticas foram buscadas; dentre essas, a associação de ß-glucana, estimulante do sistema imunológico, a antifúngicos tradicionais, mostram-se promissora. Contudo, não existem estudos sobre os efeitos dessa associação sobre o sistema reprodutivo. [...]

Efeitos da associação de beta-glucana e itraconazol sobre a fertilidade de ratos Wistar machos / Effects of the Association of Beta-glucan and Itraconazole on Fertility of Male Wistar Rats

Background: In recent years, the number of patients with systemic fungal infections requiring antifungal therapy has increased. As a consequence, antimicrobial resistance to conventional treatment is frequently reported. Due to this reason, new therapies emerge, including the combination of beta (1-3) glucan and itraconazole. However, the reproductive and fertility effects of this association were not known. So, the aim of this study was to identify the effects of the combination of itraconazole and beta (1-3) glucan, extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on male rats fertility. Materials, Methods & Results: Sixty male Wistar rats with 120-days-old were used. The experimental protocol was approved by Ethics Committee on Animal Use of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (protocol CEUA/UFRGS no. 19452/2010). The animals were placed into six groups (n = 10 animals / group) as following: Negative Control group - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL.kg-¹ of sterile distilled water orally and 0.25 mL of sterile normal saline (NaCl 0.9 %) subcutaneously weekly; Itraconazole (IT) group - treated daily with itraconazole solution at a dose of 10 mg.kg-¹ orally and 0.25 mL of sterile 0.9% NaCl subcutaneously weekly; Beta group - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL.kg-¹ of sterile distilled water orally and 0.5 mg of beta (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; Therapeutic Dose (TD) group - daily treated with itraconazole at a dose of 10 mg.kg-¹ orally and 0.5 mg of ß (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; TD5x - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 50 mg.kg-¹ orally and 0.5 mg of beta (1-3 ) glucan subcutaneously weekly; TD10x - daily treated with itraconazole at a dose of 100 mg.kg-¹ orally and 0.5 mg of beta (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly. The rats were treated for 91 consecutive days. Individual body mass, organs relative mass and histopathology, number of sperm in the cauda epididymis, daily spermatozoal production, sperm parameters, sperm morphology, serum testosterone concentration and reproductive rates were evaluated. Significant differences were observed in daily spermatozoal production, sperm morphology, serum concentration of testosterone, mating rate and birth rate, with lower results in the TD5x and TD10x groups. Discussion: The systemic toxicity indicators, as body mass variation, water intake and clinical signs, as well as organ histology suggest that systemic toxicity in these animals did not occur. The decrease in serum testosterone concentrations in elevated doses of itraconazole associated with beta (1-3) glucan must be involved in decrease of sperm parameters and in sexual behavior and consequently, in the reproductive rates. Changes in sperm morphology, mainly found in sperm head, indicate sperm immaturity, preamature spermiation, abnormal or degenerate acrosome. Based on these results, it is concluded that beta (1-3) glucan and itraconazole did not affect the male rats reproductive variables when used in therapeutic doses alone or in combination, however these variables were altered with higher doses of itraconazole in the association. These data, added to the absence of histopathological damage of the testes suggest functional effect on male fertility. Caution is advised in the use of high doses of itraconazole with or without beta (1-3) glucan in males, especially in prolonged therapy.

Remoção de pino de Steinmann intra-abdominal por videolaparoscopia em um cão

An intra-abdominal Steinmann pin was detected during a radiographic assessment of the 60th post- operative day of a vertebral stabilization in a dog. Laparoscopic inspection and retrieval of the foreign body were performed. The implant was surrounded by omentum with no noticeable signs of infection. The procedure was performed within 15 minutes with minimal trauma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of this kind of implant migration to the peritoneal cavity followed by laparoscopic removal in dogs.

Durante a avaliação radiográfica aos 60 dias de pós-operatório de estabilização vertebral em um cão, foi observada a presença de um pino de Steinmann intra-abdominal. Foi realizada cirurgia laparoscópica para inspeção cavitária e remoção do objeto. O implante estava envolvido pelo omento, não sendo observados sinais de infecção. O procedimento foi executado em 15 minutos e permitiu mínimo trauma. Os autores não encontraram relatos da migração desse tipo de implante para a cavidade peritoneal em cães com sucessiva remoção videocirúrgica.

Remoção de pino de Steinmann intra-abdominal por videolaparoscopia em um cão

An intra-abdominal Steinmann pin was detected during a radiographic assessment of the 60th post- operative day of a vertebral stabilization in a dog. Laparoscopic inspection and retrieval of the foreign body were performed. The implant was surrounded by omentum with no noticeable signs of infection. The procedure was performed within 15 minutes with minimal trauma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of this kind of implant migration to the peritoneal cavity followed by laparoscopic removal in dogs.

Durante a avaliação radiográfica aos 60 dias de pós-operatório de estabilização vertebral em um cão, foi observada a presença de um pino de Steinmann intra-abdominal. Foi realizada cirurgia laparoscópica para inspeção cavitária e remoção do objeto. O implante estava envolvido pelo omento, não sendo observados sinais de infecção. O procedimento foi executado em 15 minutos e permitiu mínimo trauma. Os autores não encontraram relatos da migração desse tipo de implante para a cavidade peritoneal em cães com sucessiva remoção videocirúrgica.

Exposure to Leptospira spp. in sick dogs, shelter dogs and dogs from an endemic area: points to consider

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Rodents play an important role as maintenance hosts, but dogs can be significant reservoirs for human infection in tropical areas as well as the source of disease outbreaks. Manifestations of disease in dogs vary from asymptomatic carriers to severe clinical signs and death. This study compared leptospiral exposure in dogs suspected to have leptospirosis and presented at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), dogs from a Control Center of Zoonoses (CCZ) and dogs from a neighborhood with a high prevalence of human leptospirosis. Also, clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities and environmental risk factors associated with the infection were investigated at a population level and in a case-by-case approach. Materials, Methods & Results: Between May 2007 and February 2009, 253 dogs from Porto Alegre, Brazil, were enrolled in the study. Three populations were evaluated including dogs from and endemic area to human leptospirosis, dogs from a CCZ and dogs presented to a VTH. All dogs' owners from the endemic area and from the VTH answered a questionnaire including dog's information such as breed, age, vaccination status, environment, contact with other domestic animals, presence of rodents in the household, clinical signs, medications and if owners had leptospirosis diagnosed in the previous two years. The investigation of the exposure to pathogenic leptospires was based on serology using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using two sets of primers to detect pathogenic leptospiras in blood (leptospiremia) and urine (leptospiruria). Positive results were found in the three populations. The most prevalent serovars were Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Copenhageni, independent of the dog health condition. Leptospiruria occurred in 20.0%, 8.4% and 30.3% of CCZ, endemic area and VTH dogs, respectively. There was no association between seropositivity and leptospiremia or leptospiruria. The presence of rats in the environment was associated with leptospiruria (P = 0.02). Complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry (alanine aminotrasferase and creatinine) and urinalysis were also performed. Although increased serum creatinine (P = 0.009), jaundice (P = 0.004) and glucosuria (P = 0.04) were associated with leptospiruria in the VTH dogs, the absence of clinical signs or clinicopathologic alterations did not exclude the infection, as observed in several dogs from CCZ and from the endemic area. Discussion: As expected, the VTH showed the relatively highest percentage of positive samples (serology, leptospiruria and leptospiremia), since these were clinical cases. However, no statistical differences were found in the percentage of leptospiremia between VTH and the dogs from endemic area, neither in the percentage of leptospiruria or serology between VTH and dogs from CCZ. The most common serovars identified by MAT were consistent with the findings of other studies involving dogs in Southern Brazil. If creatinine is elevated, particularly if jaundice is present, the likelihood of leptospiral infection must be considered; however, normal findings for these parameters do not rule out this diagnosis. Most of the dogs vaccinated the year before showed leptospiremia and/or leptospiruria, suggesting infection with a serovar not included in the vaccine, vaccine inefficacy or a wrong dog vaccination schedule. Subclinical infection is a problem when considering animals with leptospiruria that will likely remain untreated. The control of the environmental dissemination of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in urban settings should include the identification of asymptomatic dogs.

Exposure to Leptospira spp. in sick dogs, shelter dogs and dogs from an endemic area: points to consider / Exposure to Leptospira spp. in sick dogs, shelter dogs and dogs from an endemic area: points to consider

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Rodents play an important role as maintenance hosts, but dogs can be signifi cant reservoirs for human infection in tropical areas as well as the source of disease outbreaks. Manifestations of disease in dogs vary from asymptomatic carriers to severe clinical signs and death. This study compared leptospiral exposure in dogs suspected to have leptospirosis and presented at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), dogs from a Control Center of Zoonoses (CCZ) and dogs from a neighborhood with a high prevalence of human leptospirosis. Also, clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities and environmental risk factors associated with the infection were investigated at a population level and in a case-by-case approach.Materials, Methods & Results: Between May 2007 and February 2009, 253 dogs from Porto Alegre, Brazil, were enrolled in the study. Three populations were evaluated including dogs from and endemic area to human leptospirosis, dogs from a CCZ and dogs presented to a VTH. All dogs owners from the endemic area and from the VTH answered a questionnaire including dogs information such as breed, age, vaccination status, environment, contact with other domestic animals, presence of rodents in the household, clinical signs, medications and if owners had leptospirosis diagnosed in the pr

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Rodents play an important role as maintenance hosts, but dogs can be signifi cant reservoirs for human infection in tropical areas as well as the source of disease outbreaks. Manifestations of disease in dogs vary from asymptomatic carriers to severe clinical signs and death. This study compared leptospiral exposure in dogs suspected to have leptospirosis and presented at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), dogs from a Control Center of Zoonoses (CCZ) and dogs from a neighborhood with a high prevalence of human leptospirosis. Also, clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities and environmental risk factors associated with the infection were investigated at a population level and in a case-by-case approach.Materials, Methods & Results: Between May 2007 and February 2009, 253 dogs from Porto Alegre, Brazil, were enrolled in the study. Three populations were evaluated including dogs from and endemic area to human leptospirosis, dogs from a CCZ and dogs presented to a VTH. All dogs owners from the endemic area and from the VTH answered a questionnaire including dogs information such as breed, age, vaccination status, environment, contact with other domestic animals, presence of rodents in the household, clinical signs, medications and if owners had leptospirosis diagnosed in the pr

Ovário-salpingo-histerectomia videolaparoscópica em gatos domésticos: técnica com dois portais / Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in domestic cats: two portals technique

Background: Ovariohysterectomy (OH) is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in Veterinary Medicine, and the traditional OH technique involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus by direct visualization through median celiotomy. Minimum invasive surgery is among the most used technique to perform OH. In addition to minimizing surgical trauma, it has the following benefits: reduced recovery period, reduction of post-operative discomfort, minimum bleeding, reduction of post-operative pain and reduction of adherences. The first videolaparoscopic OH (VLOH) of small animals was performed in dogs, and it has been performed also in cats. Several studies assessed the VLOH in domestic cats or dogs, but the two port access has never been used in these species before. The objective of the current study is to describe the OH technique in nine female cats, solely using the two port videolaparoscopic access to perform all surgical stages of the procedure. Materials, Methods & Results: Nine healthy adult cats with weights ranging between 1.3 kg to 3.8 kg were used. After clinical and hematological examination, the animals were submitted to the VLOH. A 1.5 cm incision was made during the surgical procedure, which was 5 cm cranially to the umbilical scar and, through this incision, a 10 mm trocar was introduced, thus allowing the passage of a rigid endoscope and the establishment of the pneumoperitoneum, at a pressure of 10 mmHg. After inspection of the cavity, a second 0.8 cm incision was made for the passage of the instrument through a 5 mm trocar. This incision was made 3 cm laterally and 1 cm caudally to the first incision on the right side of the animal. The uterine body was located and attached to the caudal ventral abdominal wall through a transcutaneous repair point, and the hemostasis of the organ and of its vessels was made through a bipolar electrocoagulator. The ovaries were pulled towards the abdominal wall and the ovarian pedicle was attached to the right or left lateral ventral abdominal wall through a transcutaneous repair point. The ovarian arteriovenous complex was cauterized and cut close to the ovary. The uterus and the ovaries were removed from the abdominal cavity through the 5 mm port. The average surgery time was 55 min. This time was shorter than the one observed in the three port VLOH (81.88 min) and longer than the time needed for the OH through median celiotomy. However, it is important to point out that both the surgeon and the team that performed the procedures were new to videosurgical procedures. The sum of the size of the two skin incisions was 2.3 cm, which was smaller than the incision used in the conventional OH (3 cm). A 10 mm rigid endoscope was used, which required a 1.5 cm incision; however, this incision could have been smaller if a 2.7 mm endoscope was used, which would require a 0.5 cm incision. Discussion: The decision to use only two ports and the selection of their position, as well as the location of the transcutaneous repair points provided sufficient access and space for the movement of the instrument and handling of the uterus and ovaries. The attachment of the uterine body and ovarian pedicles to the abdominal wall through transcutaneous repair points was not considered a complex procedure, thus avoiding the need to introduce a third trocar and allowing the adequate cauterization of the blood vessels, only with the use of a bipolar electrocoagulator. Ovarian arteriovenous complex or uterus bleeding are among the complications observed in VLOH; however, in our study, the main complication observed was rupture of the uterine body during the procedure to place the repair point, which was observed in two animals. We concluded that the ovariohysterectomy technique, performed solely through videolaparoscopic access with two ports, was efficient and safe for the sterilization of the cats in this study.(AU)

Ovário-salpingo-histerectomia videolaparoscópica em gatos domésticos: técnica com dois portais / Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in domestic cats: two portals technique

Background: Ovariohysterectomy (OH) is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in Veterinary Medicine, and the traditional OH technique involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus by direct visualization through median celiotomy. Minimum invasive surgery is among the most used technique to perform OH. In addition to minimizing surgical trauma, it has the following benefits: reduced recovery period, reduction of post-operative discomfort, minimum bleeding, reduction of post-operative pain and reduction of adherences. The first videolaparoscopic OH (VLOH) of small animals was performed in dogs, and it has been performed also in cats. Several studies assessed the VLOH in domestic cats or dogs, but the two port access has never been used in these species before. The objective of the current study is to describe the OH technique in nine female cats, solely using the two port videolaparoscopic access to perform all surgical stages of the procedure. Materials, Methods & Results: Nine healthy adult cats with weights ranging between 1.3 kg to 3.8 kg were used. After clinical and hematological examination, the animals were submitted to the VLOH. A 1.5 cm incision was made during the surgical procedure, which was 5 cm cranially to the umbilical scar and, through this incision, a 10 mm trocar was introduced, thus allowing the passage of a rigid endoscope and the establishment of the pneumoperitoneum, at a pressure of 10 mmHg. After inspection of the cavity, a second 0.8 cm incision was made for the passage of the instrument through a 5 mm trocar. This incision was made 3 cm laterally and 1 cm caudally to the first incision on the right side of the animal. The uterine body was located and attached to the caudal ventral abdominal wall through a transcutaneous repair point, and the hemostasis of the organ and of its vessels was made through a bipolar electrocoagulator. The ovaries were pulled towards the abdominal wall and the ovarian pedicle was attached to the right or left lateral ventral abdominal wall through a transcutaneous repair point. The ovarian arteriovenous complex was cauterized and cut close to the ovary. The uterus and the ovaries were removed from the abdominal cavity through the 5 mm port. The average surgery time was 55 min. This time was shorter than the one observed in the three port VLOH (81.88 min) and longer than the time needed for the OH through median celiotomy. However, it is important to point out that both the surgeon and the team that performed the procedures were new to videosurgical procedures. The sum of the size of the two skin incisions was 2.3 cm, which was smaller than the incision used in the conventional OH (3 cm). A 10 mm rigid endoscope was used, which required a 1.5 cm incision; however, this incision could have been smaller if a 2.7 mm endoscope was used, which would require a 0.5 cm incision. Discussion: The decision to use only two ports and the selection of their position, as well as the location of the transcutaneous repair points provided sufficient access and space for the movement of the instrument and handling of the uterus and ovaries. The attachment of the uterine body and ovarian pedicles to the abdominal wall through transcutaneous repair points was not considered a complex procedure, thus avoiding the need to introduce a third trocar and allowing the adequate cauterization of the blood vessels, only with the use of a bipolar electrocoagulator. Ovarian arteriovenous complex or uterus bleeding are among the complications observed in VLOH; however, in our study, the main complication observed was rupture of the uterine body during the procedure to place the repair point, which was observed in two animals. We concluded that the ovariohysterectomy technique, performed solely through videolaparoscopic access with two ports, was efficient and safe for the sterilization of the cats in this study.

Síndrome do cão tremedor / Shaker dog syndrome

The Shaker Dog Syndrome manifests itself as generalized tremors that usually affect the head and body of the patient. The tremors increase with movement and decrease at rest, and it may cease during sleep. The disorder develops mostly in 1-year to 5-year-old animals weighing below 15 kg. The diagnosis is based on the exclusion of other possible causes of tremors and a positive response to treatment with corticosteroids. The treatment consists of immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids and it can be associated to decreasing diazepam doses during 8 to 12 weeks. Literature data are very rare and cannot be found in Brazil. Consequently, this study aimed at describing a Shaker Dog Syndrome case that is responsive to corticosteroids.

Síndrome do cão tremedor / Shaker dog syndrome

The Shaker Dog Syndrome manifests itself as generalized tremors that usually affect the head and body of the patient. The tremors increase with movement and decrease at rest, and it may cease during sleep. The disorder develops mostly in 1-year to 5-year-old animals weighing below 15 kg. The diagnosis is based on the exclusion of other possible causes of tremors and a positive response to treatment with corticosteroids. The treatment consists of immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids and it can be associated to decreasing diazepam doses during 8 to 12 weeks. Literature data are very rare and cannot be found in Brazil. Consequently, this study aimed at describing a Shaker Dog Syndrome case that is responsive to corticosteroids.(AU)

Esofagectomia torácica parcial no tratamento de leiomioma em esfíncter esofágico inferior de cão / Partial thoracic esophagectomy in the treatment of leiomyoma in the lower / esophagealsphincter of dogs

Tumores esofágicos em cães são raros e dentre estes, o leiomioma é o mais relatado. Os sinais clínicos mais comuns são disfagia, regurgitação e emaciação. Foi atendido no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias (HCV) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) um cão da raça Dálmata, macho, oito anos, apresentando sialorreia, regurgitação, vômito, algia abdominal e emaciação. No exame endoscópico visibilizou-se massa tumoral próxima ao esfíncter esofágico inferior e fundo gástrico, e foram coletadas amostras para análise histopatológica, obtendo-se resultado compatível com leiomioma esofágico e hiperplasia gástrica. Realizou-se ressecção esofágica e anastomose esôfago-gástrica. Decorridos três dias de pós-operatório o animal foi a óbito. Na necropsia não foram observadas alterações macroscopicamente significativas e microscopicamente sugeriu-se insuficiência renal. Este relato tem o objetivo de apresentar um caso de leiomioma em esfíncter esofágico inferior em um cão, no qual a terapêutica adotada foi a exerese tumoral por toracotomia.

Esophageal tumors are rare in dogs, among these, leiomyoma is the most reported. The most common clinical signs are dysphagia, regurgitation and emaciation. An 8-year-old, Dalmatian male dog was referred to the Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias (HCV), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) presenting drooling, regurgitation, vomiting, abdominal pain and emaciation. Endoscopic examination revealed a growth near the lower esophageal sphincter and gastricfundus, and samples were collected for histopathological examination. The results were consistent with esophageal leiomyoma and gastric hyperplasia. Esophageal resection and esophageal-gastric anastomosis was conducted. Three days post-operative the animal died. At necropsy no changes were observed macroscopically, and microscopically significant renal insufficiency was suggested. This report aims at presenting a case of leiomyoma at lower esophageal sphincter in a dog, in which the adopted therapy was tumor exeresis by thoracotomy.

Esofagectomia torácica parcial no tratamento de leiomioma em esfíncter esofágico inferior de cão / Partial thoracic esophagectomy in the treatment of leiomyoma in the lower / esophagealsphincter of dogs

Tumores esofágicos em cães são raros e dentre estes, o leiomioma é o mais relatado. Os sinais clínicos mais comuns são disfagia, regurgitação e emaciação. Foi atendido no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias (HCV) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) um cão da raça Dálmata, macho, oito anos, apresentando sialorreia, regurgitação, vômito, algia abdominal e emaciação. No exame endoscópico visibilizou-se massa tumoral próxima ao esfíncter esofágico inferior e fundo gástrico, e foram coletadas amostras para análise histopatológica, obtendo-se resultado compatível com leiomioma esofágico e hiperplasia gástrica. Realizou-se ressecção esofágica e anastomose esôfago-gástrica. Decorridos três dias de pós-operatório o animal foi a óbito. Na necropsia não foram observadas alterações macroscopicamente significativas e microscopicamente sugeriu-se insuficiência renal. Este relato tem o objetivo de apresentar um caso de leiomioma em esfíncter esofágico inferior em um cão, no qual a terapêutica adotada foi a exerese tumoral por toracotomia.(AU)

Esophageal tumors are rare in dogs, among these, leiomyoma is the most reported. The most common clinical signs are dysphagia, regurgitation and emaciation. An 8-year-old, Dalmatian male dog was referred to the Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias (HCV), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) presenting drooling, regurgitation, vomiting, abdominal pain and emaciation. Endoscopic examination revealed a growth near the lower esophageal sphincter and gastricfundus, and samples were collected for histopathological examination. The results were consistent with esophageal leiomyoma and gastric hyperplasia. Esophageal resection and esophageal-gastric anastomosis was conducted. Three days post-operative the animal died. At necropsy no changes were observed macroscopically, and microscopically significant renal insufficiency was suggested. This report aims at presenting a case of leiomyoma at lower esophageal sphincter in a dog, in which the adopted therapy was tumor exeresis by thoracotomy.(AU)

Pericardiectomia parcial toracoscópica em um cão

A efusão pericárdica em cães frequentemente é idiopática ou secundária à neoplasia. O acúmulo de líquido causa aumento da pressão intrapericárdica e alterações hemodinâmicas. Este trabalho relata o tratamento cirúrgico através de pericardiectomia parcial toracoscópica em um cão com efusão pericárdica recidivante. Acredita-se que esta seja a primeira descrição da utilização desta técnica, em caso clínico, no Brasil. Foi atendido, no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da UFRGS, um cão Akita, macho, de 11 anos, com sinais clínicos compatíveis com efusão pericárdica, confirmada através de exames complementares (radiografia torácica, eletrocardiografia e ecografia). Após duas pericardiocenteses com recidiva do acúmulo de líquido, o paciente foi submetido à videotoracoscopia intercostal para realização de pericardiectomia parcial. Após 76 dias da cirurgia, o animal veio a óbito, contudo não decorrente de efusão pericárdica. No presente caso, a técnica minimamente invasiva se mostrou efetiva, sendo considerada rápida, de fácil realização e sem complicações pós-operatórias significativas.