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

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

Torção esplênica primária em cão como causa atípica de abdômen agudo / Primary splenic torsion in dog as a cause of atypical acute abdomen

Background: A primary splenic torsion occurs when the organ rotates around its vascular pedicle in the absence of any other concomitant disease. The occurrence of primary splenic torsion is rare, with a prevalence lower than 1%. Splenic torsion is more often related to dilated gastric volvulus syndrome, and it has no clear etiology despite reports that associate it with congenital abnormalities or traumatic ruptures of the gastrosplenic or splenocolic ligaments. This study reports a case of splenic torsion in an American Pit Bull terrier dog, its related symptomatology, and the treatment adopted.Case: A 3-year-old male American Pit Bull terrier dog weighing 32 kg was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of acute abdomen, lethargy, increased abdominal volume, discomfort, restlessness, and with a history of collapse three days prior to admission. Clinical examination revealed lethargy, pale mucous membranes, reduced capillary refill time, moderate dehydration, and hyperthermia. Abdominal palpation revealed increased abdominal volume in the epigastric and mesogastric areas. CBC and serum biochemistry profile revealed hypochromic normocytic anemia, leukocytosis with absolute neutrophilia and eosinopenia, mild hypoalbuminemia, and thrombocytopenia. PCR for detection of Babesia sp. and Ehrlichia sp., which returned negative results, and measurement of clotting time, which was prolonged, were performed to exclude immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Radiographic and ultrasonographic images showed a normal stomach, but revealed presence of splenomegaly. An exploratory laparotomy allowed direct observation of the spleen, which exhibited an increased volume, a blackened, cold, hyperemic appearance, and a complete torsion of the splenic vascular pedicle; the surgical team opted to perform total splenectomy rather than undoing the pedicle twist. The animal returned to the hospital after 10 days exhibiting an excellent clinical condition.[...](AU)

Torção esplênica primária em cão como causa atípica de abdômen agudo / Primary splenic torsion in dog as a cause of atypical acute abdomen

Background: A primary splenic torsion occurs when the organ rotates around its vascular pedicle in the absence of any other concomitant disease. The occurrence of primary splenic torsion is rare, with a prevalence lower than 1%. Splenic torsion is more often related to dilated gastric volvulus syndrome, and it has no clear etiology despite reports that associate it with congenital abnormalities or traumatic ruptures of the gastrosplenic or splenocolic ligaments. This study reports a case of splenic torsion in an American Pit Bull terrier dog, its related symptomatology, and the treatment adopted.Case: A 3-year-old male American Pit Bull terrier dog weighing 32 kg was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of acute abdomen, lethargy, increased abdominal volume, discomfort, restlessness, and with a history of collapse three days prior to admission. Clinical examination revealed lethargy, pale mucous membranes, reduced capillary refill time, moderate dehydration, and hyperthermia. Abdominal palpation revealed increased abdominal volume in the epigastric and mesogastric areas. CBC and serum biochemistry profile revealed hypochromic normocytic anemia, leukocytosis with absolute neutrophilia and eosinopenia, mild hypoalbuminemia, and thrombocytopenia. PCR for detection of Babesia sp. and Ehrlichia sp., which returned negative results, and measurement of clotting time, which was prolonged, were performed to exclude immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Radiographic and ultrasonographic images showed a normal stomach, but revealed presence of splenomegaly. An exploratory laparotomy allowed direct observation of the spleen, which exhibited an increased volume, a blackened, cold, hyperemic appearance, and a complete torsion of the splenic vascular pedicle; the surgical team opted to perform total splenectomy rather than undoing the pedicle twist. The animal returned to the hospital after 10 days exhibiting an excellent clinical condition.[...]

Surgical treatment of lumbar extradural chondroma in a dog - case report / Tratamento cirúrgico de condroma extradural lombar em cão - relato de caso

Neoplasms originating in the spinal canal are uncommon in small animal veterinary clinic, but when present can cause significant neurological signs. Anatomically, these neoplasms can be classified as extradural, intradural-extramedullary and medullary. Extradural neoplasms are located outside the dura mater, but they can cause compression of the spinal cord. The chondromas are benign neoplasms characterized by the formation of cartilage and is rarely located in the spinal canal in both human and veterinary medicine. We describe a case of lumbar extradural chondroma in a dog that surgical decompression and removal of the mass allowed the resolution of clinical signs of paralysis with return of function of the hind limbs of the patient.

As neoplasias com origem no canal medular são infrequentes na clínica veterinária de pequenos animais, porém quando presentes podem causar sinais neurológicos importantes. Anatomicamente estas neoplasias podem ser classificadas em extradural, intradural-extramedular e medular. As neoplasias extradurais estão localizadas fora da dura-máter, porém podem causar compressão da medula. Os condromas são neoplasias benignas, caracterizadas pela formação de tecido cartilaginoso sendo rara a sua localização no canal medular tanto em medicina humana como na medicina veterinária. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um caso de condroma extradural lombar em cão em que a descompressão cirúrgica e retirada da massa permitiu a resolução dos sinais clínicos de paralisia com retorno da função dos membros pélvicos do paciente.

Surgical treatment of lumbar extradural chondroma in a dog - case report / Tratamento cirúrgico de condroma extradural lombar em cão - relato de caso

Neoplasms originating in the spinal canal are uncommon in small animal veterinary clinic, but when present can cause significant neurological signs. Anatomically, these neoplasms can be classified as extradural, intradural-extramedullary and medullary. Extradural neoplasms are located outside the dura mater, but they can cause compression of the spinal cord. The chondromas are benign neoplasms characterized by the formation of cartilage and is rarely located in the spinal canal in both human and veterinary medicine. We describe a case of lumbar extradural chondroma in a dog that surgical decompression and removal of the mass allowed the resolution of clinical signs of paralysis with return of function of the hind limbs of the patient.

As neoplasias com origem no canal medular são infrequentes na clínica veterinária de pequenos animais, porém quando presentes podem causar sinais neurológicos importantes. Anatomicamente estas neoplasias podem ser classificadas em extradural, intradural-extramedular e medular. As neoplasias extradurais estão localizadas fora da dura-máter, porém podem causar compressão da medula. Os condromas são neoplasias benignas, caracterizadas pela formação de tecido cartilaginoso sendo rara a sua localização no canal medular tanto em medicina humana como na medicina veterinária. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um caso de condroma extradural lombar em cão em que a descompressão cirúrgica e retirada da massa permitiu a resolução dos sinais clínicos de paralisia com retorno da função dos membros pélvicos do paciente.