Úlcera de córnea em bugio-ruivo (Alouatta guariba clamitans) - tratamento com soro heterólogo / Corneal ulcer in a Southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) - treatment with heterologous serum

Background: In the routine care of non-human primates, ocular trauma is frequent, however, unlike the small animal clinic, the prevalence of corneal ulcers is not documented. Among the numerous therapeutic options available in dogs, blood serum is being increasingly used as an adjuvant treatment in these conditions, due to its tear-like properties. Based on this, the present study aims to describe a case of corneal ulcer in a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) attacked by a porcupine, and the use of heterologous serum obtained from an equine as an adjuvant treatment. Case: A southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans), which had been attacked by porcupine quills, was treated at a University Veterinary Hospital. During the clinical examination, the presence of blepharospasm and secretion in the right eye was noticed. The ophthalmological examination, through the fluorescein test, detected the presence of an extensive superficial corneal ulcer in the right eye. After removing the spines, the corneal ulcer was treated with tobramycin-based eye drops, 1% atropine sulfate eye drops, and serum from equine blood in the form of eye drops, as an adjuvant therapy. After 5 days of treatment, the fluorescein test was repeated, which was negative in both eyes due to complete healing of the lesion, and thus the treatment was concluded. Discussion: The scarcity of scientific literature on wild animals is one of the factors responsible for the difficulty in advancing clinical and surgical procedures in non-human primates. Corneal ulcers are characterized by the loss of corneal epithelium with exposure of the stroma. The main clinical treatments adopted include antimicrobial therapy, analgesics, lubricating agents, and antiprotease drugs. Widely used as an adjuvant therapy in corneal ulcers in small animals, blood serum presents some advantages, as it is rich in growth factors, vitamins, immunoglobulins, and anti-collagenolytic substances, in addition to being obtained for a low cost. Considering the aforementioned, in the case reported, it was decided to use blood serum obtained from an equine as an adjuvant treatment of the corneal ulcer in a southern brown howler monkey. Complete healing of the corneal ulcer was confirmed in just five days, contributing to the well-being of this animal and contributing to the evolution of ophthalmology in this species that is still poorly studied.

Síndrome da feminização em cão com sertolioma / Feminization syndrome in a dog with Sertoli cell tumor

Background: The uncontrolled multiplication of Sertoli cells causes Sertoli cell tumor or Sertolioma. Because of this, the level of estrogen in the bloodstream increases rapidly and approximately 25% of dogs with this tumor develop feminization syndrome. Testicular neoplasms are more common in dogs than cats, and are often found in elderly patients. This work aims to describe the clinical signs of the feminization syndrome and the treatment instituted in a canine diagnosed with sertolioma. Case: A 18-year-old male canine, 19.5 kg of body mass, with an increase in testicular volume for about 2 years, was treated at the University Veterinary Hospital. On clinical examination, a matte and brittle coat, alopecia on the hind limbs and gynecomastia were observed. Also noted, non-harmonious aspect of the scrotum, pendular foreskin, atrophied right testicle and hyperplastic left, scrotal hyperthermia and absence of pain. In addition, as a result of the hyperestrogenism resulting from the neoplasm, the paraneoplastic syndrome of feminization, the patient also presented galactorrhea, pendular foreskin, atrophy of the penis and the contralateral testicle, dermatopathies, such as bilateral symmetrical alopecia of the flanks, easily removable hair and variable hyperpigmentation. Rectal body temperature of 38.6°C, clear lung auscultation and muffled cardiac auscultation. The results of laboratory tests showed changes such as thrombocytopenia, platelet counts below the reference levels, platelet count of 163,000/uL. There were no alterations that represented metastases in the imaging exams, such as in the chest X-ray in three incidences and in the abdominal ultrasonography. Then, we opted for the surgical procedure of orchiectomy, with the traditional technique of three clamps, associated with total ablation of the scrotum. Samples were sent to the histopathology laboratory and the diagnosis of sertolioma was confirmed. At 10, 30 and 90 days after the operation, the patient was reassessed for possible recurrences or alterations, but there were no complications or recurrence after the procedure. Discussion: Neoplasms of the male reproductive system are common in dogs. Sertolioma is considered one of the most frequent neoplasms in elderly dogs and that results in systemic clinical signs. This is in line with the 18-year-old dog described in the present report. In addition, it may result in clinical signs resulting from hyperestrogenism resulting from the neoplasm that is called paraneoplastic feminization syndrome. The characteristics of this syndrome are: gynecomastia, galactorrhea, pendular foreskin, atrophy of the penis and contralateral testicle, associated with dermatopathies, such as symmetrical bilateral alopecia. All these clinical signs were present. The diagnosis is made through complete anamnesis, complete clinical examination and complementary examination such as ultrasound help in the presumptive diagnosis, but only with histopathology can it be confirmed. In the clinical approach, histopathology was performed to close the diagnosis. Treatment is behind orchiectomy and total ablation of the scrotum, which was performed in the reported case. The treatment of choice was easy to apply, in addition to improving the patient's quality of life, promoting rapid post-surgical healing and an early return to normal life. However, for the effectiveness of the technique, the early diagnosis and collaboration of tutors is fundamental.

Carcinoma de células escamosas corneal em um cão - uso da Mitomicina C 0, 02% como adjuvante no tratamento / Corneal squamous cell carcinoma in a dog - use of Mitomycin C 0. 02% as an adjuvant therapy

Background: Although Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is most commonly seen in the epidermis, this malignant neoplasm can manifest in various other tissues. A wide range of factors may be related to the development of SCC in the cornea, with continuous exposure to ultraviolet radiation and chronic friction to the ocular surface being the most accepted theories. In addition to surgical procedures, the use of mitomycin C in the topical treatment of corneal SCC has shown good results in therapeutic management. Thus, the objective of the current work is to report the satisfactory response observed in the use of mitomycin C in a case of SCC in the cornea of a dog. Case: A 9-year-old male Pug dog was attended by the Veterinary Ophthalmology and Microsurgery Sector (SOMVET) of the University Veterinary Hospital (HVU) of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in the cornea of the left eye, which had recurred after a previous surgical intervention. Secretion and discomfort in the left eye were noted during clinical examination. In addition, both eyes presented pigmentary keratitis in the medial corner. Surgical excision of the neoplasm was performed using the surgical technique of anterior lamellar keratectomy. In the immediate postoperative period, topical therapy was started with eye drops based on mitomycin C at 0.02%, for a period of 28 consecutive days. The use of this chemotherapy drug in the topical form was intended to minimize the chances of recurrence of the clinical condition, since the patient is predisposed to this alteration. In addition, supportive therapy was implemented to improve patient comfort, consisting of the use of tobramycin-based eye drops (6 times a day, for 14 days), atropine 1% eye drops (BID, for 3 days), lubricating eye drops based on sodium hyaluronate (3 times a day, for continuous use), and immunomodulatory eye drops based on tacrolimus 0.02% (twice a day, for continuous use). The patient was evaluated 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery, when good results were observed. One year after treatment, the dog was still showing no signs of recurrence of the treated clinical condition. Discussion: It is known that chronic friction on the surface of the cornea predisposes to the diagnosis of corneal SCC. Accordingly, in the clinical examination of the patient in this report, the presence of bilateral pigmentary keratitis was observed, an alteration that leads to a framework of chronic aggression to the cornea. Surgical treatment is recommended to remove the tumor mass in the ocular region. However, in cases of corneal SCC, the literature highlights that recurrence after surgical excision is a common factor. As the patient in this study arrived at the clinic with a history of recurrence, topical therapy with mitomycin C associated with surgical treatment was instituted. This chemotherapy drug has shown encouraging results in the treatment of some neoplasms, especially SCC. Its use in this case supported previous findings, pointing to a satisfactory result in which the patient had no recurrences after one year of follow-up. In addition, the concentration and frequency used of the active ingredient did not lead to adverse effects in the short or medium term.

Persistência do vítreo primário hiperplásico e catarata em cão / Persistence of hyperplastic primary vitreous and cataract in a dog

Background: Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous is a rare ocular condition that is usually unilateral, formed when normal regression of the hyaloid vascular system does not occur. Diagnosis is possible through ultrasonography, by obtaining images that provide information and also serve as a differential diagnosis. Clinically the condition presents with signs of leukocoria, microphthalmia, and cataracts, and it can be further classified into 6 degrees according to the evolution. The objective of this work is to describe the case and treatment of a canine of the Pointer breed that presented opacity in both eyes, with diagnosis confirmed through ocular ultrasonography. Case: A 6-year-old male pointer dog, weighing 27 kg, was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFRGS), Santa Maria, RS - Brazil with a history of blindness. According to the owner, the animal's right eye has always been "white", since it was a puppy and the left eye began to present the same characteristic a short time ago. On ophthalmological examination, neither eye showed signs of ocular discomfort, the Schirmer's tear test was within the range expected for the species, fluorescein and threat tests were negative, and a positive pupillary reflex was observed in the left eye. The right eye had total corneal opacity associated with a chronic lesion and the presence of pigment cells in the medial portion of the eyeball, the opacity making it impossible to visualize the other internal structures of the eyeball. The left eye presented lens opacity. In the ultrasound of the right eye, there were several alterations, the presence of a triangular-shaped hyperechogenic structure in the vitreous chamber, a decrease in the depth of the anterior chamber, and the presence of abnormality in the development of the lens. The findings are compatible with and confirmed the diagnosis of PHPV. In the left eye, the ultrasound images indicated hyperechogenicity of the posterior and anterior poles of the lens, findings compatible with cataracts. Through the animal's history, complete ophthalmic examination, and use of ocular ultrasonography, it was possible to diagnose and differentiate the causes of the white eye in the patient. The preoperative screening was continued with an electroretinography examination, which showed a satisfactory electrical response for the retina of the left eye and an unsatisfactory electrical response for the retina of the right eye. Phacoemulsification surgery was performed to remove the cataract in the left eye with intraocular lens implantation. The positive threat reflex returned in this eye, with a return of visual acuity. Discussion: Persistent hyperplastic tunica lentis and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHTVL/PHPV) are congenital anomalies caused by a failure to regress the fetal hyaloid vasculature. These conditions are not common, but occur sporadically in dogs. The PHPV classification can be classified into degrees, based on the morphological aspect of the lesion. Following this classification scheme, the PHPV of the animal in question refers to the 6th degree of evolution. The total opacity of the cornea in the right eye was associated with the presence of a hyperplastic primary vitreous and the leukocoria in the left eye was due to the presence of a mature cataract. The conclusion of the diagnosis was only possible through ocular ultrasonography, which is very useful to differentiate the causes of ocular opacity and leukocoria, in addition to allowing complete evaluation of the intraocular structures and being considered an essential exam to confirm the diagnosis of PHPV.

Partial hemipelvectomy: an alternative for improving dogs' life quality / Hemipelvectomia parcial: alternativa para melhoria na qualidade de vida em cães

Partial hemipelvectomy refers to the surgical removal of a pelvic segment, which is performed for pelvic bone neoplasms, severe fractures, or poor bone union. This study presents the cases of seven dogs, six of which have neoplasms involving the hip joint and one with severe pelvic canal narrowing due to a poorly consolidated trauma. Partial caudal hemipelvectomy was performed for all the dogs to improve the quality of life and delay euthanasia. Of the seven cases, six required the use of a polypropylene mesh for the pelvic wall closure, with 85.71% of them acquiring manageable complications in the postoperative period. Despite these complications, an overall improvement in the quality of life was reported to be significant in the operated animals due to the removal of the cause of pain or discomfort. Thus, it was concluded that partial hemipelvectomyis beneficial for dogs with pelvic conditions. Furthermore, the main complication due to the lack of a pelvic wall for primary occlusion was circumvented by using a polypropylene mesh, showing that possible complications in this procedure can be appropriately managed.

A hemipelvectomia parcial consiste na remoção de segmento pélvico, indicada para neoplasmas com envolvimento de ossos da pelve, fraturas graves ou má união óssea. Esse trabalho apresenta sete pacientes caninos, dos quais seis portadores de neoplasmas envolvendo a articulação coxofemoral e um com grave estreitamento do canal pélvico, resultado de traumatismo mal consolidado. Com o intuito de fornecer qualidade de vida aos cães e postergar a eutanásia, todos foram operados pela técnica de hemipelvectomia parcial média a caudal. Dos sete pacientes, seis necessitaram do uso de tela de polipropileno para fechamento da parede pélvica e apresentaram 85,71% de complicações manejáveis no pós-operatório. No entanto, a melhora na qualidade de vida dos animais operados foi significativa, tendo sido removida a causa da dor ou desconforto desencadeado pela alteração anatômica local. Conclui-se que a técnica é benéfica aos pacientes, tendo como principal complicação, a falta de parede pélvica para oclusão primária, contornada com uso de tela de polipropileno pelos autores.

Fratura de úmero em uma curicaca (Theristicus caudatus) - manejo anestésico e cirúrgico / Humerus fracture in a buff-necked ibis (Theristicus caudatus) - anesthesia and surgical procedures

Background: The medical science of birds, with the exception of aviculture, has a very short history compared to other subdisciplines of veterinary medicine. With this in mind, the current work aims to report the case of a buff-necked ibis with an open fracture of the left humerus, presenting the surgical treatment and anesthetic protocol used, in order to contribute to the avian medical literature. Case: An adult buff-necked ibis (Theristicus caudatus) was referred to the University Veterinary Hospital with an open fracture of the left humeral shaft, 7 days after rescue. During the physical examination, a skin lesion was identified in the fracture area, with signs of low vascularization, devitalization, necrotic tissues, and purulent secretions being noted. On radiographic examination, the fracture was classified as comminuted, with exposure of the left humeral shaft. After evaluating the limb, it was decided to amputate the wing, and 24 h later, the patient was referred to the operating room after fasting for 4 h. As pre-anesthetic medication, ketamine (20 mg/kg) and midazolam (1 mg/kg) were administered, both intramuscularly. Orotracheal intubation was performed, after which the tracheal tube was connected to a Baraka-type gas-free system and the supply of isoflurane was started through a universal vaporizer, diluted in 100% oxygen. For transoperative analgesia, brachial plexus block was performed using 2% lidocaine (2 mg/kg). During the surgical procedure, an incision was made in the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the middle third of the left humerus, and detachment of the greater deltoid muscle was performed with a periosteal elevator, followed by excision of the tensor propatagialis. In the ventrodorsal region, circular ligation of the brachial vein, ulnar vein and artery, and median-ulnar nerve was carried out, and disarticulation of the scapulacoracoid-humeral region. Subsequently, abolition of dead space and a myorrhaphy were performed, followed by demorrhaphy. In the immediate post-operative period, morphine (5 mg/kg), meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg), and enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg) were administered intramuscularly. The patient was discharged from the hospital 6 h after the end of the surgical procedure. Discussion: Interest in the conservation of wild birds is one of the causes of the increased demand for anesthetic and surgical procedures in these species. However, it is a challenge for professionals in the field. The use of analgesics is recommended for reasons of well-being, but also because of the possibility of reducing the concentration of inhalational anesthetics in surgical procedures. Ketamine associated with midazolam promotes sufficient sedation and muscle relaxation in the patient, enabling safe preoperative management, in addition to reducing the amount of inhaled anesthetics used during the transoperative period. Isofluorane promotes safe general anesthesia for birds and has an advantage over injectable drugs, as it provides better dynamic control of anesthetic depth in these species. The brachial plexus block performed is a simple procedure that promotes quality anesthesia and analgesia in the perioperative period. The choice for amputation was due to the absence of musculature for closure, severe skin, muscle, and bone devitalization, and the infectious process in the region, factors that would prevent osteosynthesis. Although amputation through the bone is preferable, the disarticulation technique was used due to the absence of a healthy proximal humeral fragment. The patient's death can be explained by the poor nutritional status the bird was in, as it presented an open fracture with severe contamination, a concomitant injury that occurred during the possible trauma, and the excessive time between the day of the trauma and the day of medical attendance. However, the surgical and anesthetic procedures were adequate and satisfactory for the patient. The importance of identifying and treating diseases secondary to contaminated fractures in these species is emphasized.

Pseudopterígio em coelho - tratamento com tracolimus / Pseudopterygium in a rabbit - treatment with tracolimus

Background: Pseudopterygium, also known as aberrant conjunctival growth, is poorly described in the literature, althoughit is known that this abnormality is uncommon and affects dwarf rabbits and their crossbreeds. The etiology of this diseaseis unknown, but there are hypotheses that the conjunctival growth cause may have its origins in immunological factors,inflammation, traumatic conditions, or cartilage dysplasias. Thus, this study reports the treatment efficacy applied in arabbit, through the continuous use of tracolimus eye drops, after surgical procedure of conjunctival fold resection, as away of controlling the pseudopterygium in rabbits.Case: This case report discusses the positive results from the surgical and therapeutic conduct of a clinical case attended bythe Ophthalmology and Microsurgical Veterinary Service at the Hospital Veterinário Universitário (HVU) of the UFSM. Thepatient was a male rabbit, sterilized, approximately 2-year-old, crossed with a dwarf rabbit. The owner’s main complaintwas the change in the aspect of the left eye, with progressive worsening in the previous four weeks. In the ophthalmologicalexamination, the animal did not present impaired vision or discomfort, however, a vascularized pink membrane was noted,which consisted of a fold of the bulbar conjunctiva, that grew centripetally and covered 90% of the cornea in 360 degrees.The diagnosis was confirmed through visual inspection and the patient’s history. The eye alteration had a characteristicaspect, described as proliferation of the bulbar conjunctiva over the cornea, in a centripetal manner and without signs ofinflammation. In addition, other ophthalmological alterations were ruled out during the patient’s physical and specificexamination. The patient was referred for anesthetic evaluation and, in addition, pre-surgical blood tests were performed,which were normal, according to the expected ranges for the species...

Pseudopterígio em coelho - tratamento com tracolimus / Pseudopterygium in a rabbit - treatment with tracolimus

Background: Pseudopterygium, also known as aberrant conjunctival growth, is poorly described in the literature, althoughit is known that this abnormality is uncommon and affects dwarf rabbits and their crossbreeds. The etiology of this diseaseis unknown, but there are hypotheses that the conjunctival growth cause may have its origins in immunological factors,inflammation, traumatic conditions, or cartilage dysplasias. Thus, this study reports the treatment efficacy applied in arabbit, through the continuous use of tracolimus eye drops, after surgical procedure of conjunctival fold resection, as away of controlling the pseudopterygium in rabbits.Case: This case report discusses the positive results from the surgical and therapeutic conduct of a clinical case attended bythe Ophthalmology and Microsurgical Veterinary Service at the Hospital Veterinário Universitário (HVU) of the UFSM. Thepatient was a male rabbit, sterilized, approximately 2-year-old, crossed with a dwarf rabbit. The owners main complaintwas the change in the aspect of the left eye, with progressive worsening in the previous four weeks. In the ophthalmologicalexamination, the animal did not present impaired vision or discomfort, however, a vascularized pink membrane was noted,which consisted of a fold of the bulbar conjunctiva, that grew centripetally and covered 90% of the cornea in 360 degrees.The diagnosis was confirmed through visual inspection and the patients history. The eye alteration had a characteristicaspect, described as proliferation of the bulbar conjunctiva over the cornea, in a centripetal manner and without signs ofinflammation. In addition, other ophthalmological alterations were ruled out during the patients physical and specificexamination. The patient was referred for anesthetic evaluation and, in addition, pre-surgical blood tests were performed,which were normal, according to the expected ranges for the species...(AU)

Consolidação de fraturas de tíbia em coelhos / Consolidation of tibia fractures in rabbits

Background: Disorders of the locomotor system are among the main treatments for this species, among the main causes are falls from a cage, arms or stairs and aggression by animals, such as dogs and cats. Biological osteosynthesis promotes early formation of secondary bone callus and allows a less accurate reconstruction of difficult interfragmentary apposition of 100% of the fragments. The objective of this work is to report the method of external immobilization with an aluminum channel aiming at the use of bone biology for the healing of unexposed tibial fractures in 3 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Cases: Between 2020 and 2021, 3 cases of rabbits with unexposed tibial fractures were treated at the Veterinary Hospital. The 3 patients were diagnosed through physical examination and radiographic examination. All patients underwent anesthesia, underwent external immobilization with an aluminum channel, received analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and recommended rest and care with the maintenance of external immobilization. Approximately at 30 days of rigid immobilization, all cases were evaluated by means of radiographic examination revealing the formation of bone callus at different post-immobilization times in the case 1 - 30 days, case 2 - 23 days and case 3 - 37 days. Discussion: Some surgical principles in rabbits must be followed, such as preserving vascularity if the open technique is decided, providing adequate diet, controlling edema, promoting analgesia and deciding on closed reduction if the fracture is recent and stable. The external coaptation method is a non-invasive method for the treatment of fractures and is also indicated with a high success rate for fractures of metacarpal, metatarsal and phalange bones in rabbits. The patient's age contributed to the early healing, which corroborates with case 1 (3-month-old), case 2 (6-month-old) and a little later the healing in case 3 (24-month-old), allowing unrestricted use of the member. It is worth reinforcing the point of view which defends that "biological osteosynthesis" promotes a favorable environment, especially in the preservation of the vascular supply of the periosteum when compared to traditional open surgical approaches. In this species, the surgical approach is a challenge due to the fact that the bones break or crack very easily, because the bones have a low density and higher mineral composition. Together, the skeleton represents 7% of the body weight, lower when compared to dogs and cats, which is 12%. In addition to these factors, rabbits are prone to secondary fractures, postoperative infections and rapid development of osteomyelitis, which significantly worsens the prognosis. The aluminum used in the manufacture of the aluminum channel has properties that offer resistance, lightness and radio transparency radiographic examination without removal of the channel, avoiding excessive micro-movement of the focus of the fracture due to lack of stabilization and possible refracture of the tibia. Rigid external immobilization with an aluminum channel was satisfactory in the 3 patients evaluated and preserved bone biology and anatomical axis. The treatment of choice was easy to apply, in addition to enabling better radiographic follow-up, promoting rapid bone healing for patients and early use of limbs without restrictions. However, for the effectiveness of the technique, the collaboration of tutors is essential.

Fluconazol intra-estromal - eficácia na cirurgia de abscesso estromal em equino / Intrastromal fluconazole - effectiveness in the surgery of stromal abscess in a horse

Background: Due to its ocular microflora, the equine species is predisposed to develop mycotic ulcers which, when notproperly treated, can lead to the formation of a stromal abscess. A stromal abscess occurs through the introduction ofmicroorganisms into the corneal stroma. During re-epithelialization, the foreign body is encapsulated, thus creating abarrier that protects bacteria or fungi from treatment with antimicrobial medication. This framework can end up resultingin blindness due to chronic iridocyclitis, putting the animal’s vision at risk. The current work aims to report a case of corrective surgery for stromal abscess in a mare with the administration of intraoperative intrastromal fluconazole, in orderto corroborate the effectiveness of the technique.Case: A 9-year-old mare was evaluated, with the complaint that her right eye was closed and “yellowish” and that she hadalready been treated with intramuscular injectable anti-inflammatory drugs based on flunexin meglumine (Banamine® -50 mg) for 15 days, referring to a possible ulcer in the right eye. Ophthalmic screening resulted in a negative direct reflexand no threat response in the right eye. Examination of the conjunctiva showed congestion and chemosis. Examination ofthe cornea of the right eye was negative for Fluorescein and Green Lissamine tests, and opacity and corneal neovascularization were noted. The final diagnosis was a corneal abscess of probable fungal origin secondary to a keratomycosis. Afterthe consultation, complementary blood and biochemical tests were performed, which showed normal results for the speciesin question, and treatment was started with eye drops based on atropine 1% (Fagra® - 20 mL), ciprofloxacin antimicrobialeye drops (Ciprovet Colirio® - 5 mL), and antifungal eye drops based on ketoconazole...

Sheep corneal endothelium morphology - evaluation with trypan blue and alizarin red

Background: The endothelium is a layer fundamental to maintaining corneal transparency. In ophthalmology, sheep eyes have been used as a model in research related to corneal transplantation. Different techniques have been used to evaluate the corneal endothelium. Concerning vital dyes, corneal endothelial cell analyses have not yet been studied in ovines. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the morphology of endothelial cells from different regions of the cornea of sheep after staining with alizarin red and trypan blue using an optical microscope. Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty healthy eyes of 10 male sheep obtained from a licensed commercial slaughterhouse were studied. The study was approved by the Research Committee of the Faculty of Veterinary at UFRGS and followed the ethical standards of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). Immediately after the slaughter, the eyes were enucleated and underwent eye examination. The corneal endothelium was stained with trypan blue and alizarin red and examined and photographed using an optical microscope. The central, superior, inferior, nasal and temporal areas of the cornea were evaluated for cell morphology. Data were compared by t-tests. Differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. Immediately after staining the corneal endothelium, it was possible to examine with an optical microscope, obtain images and analyse the shape of endothelial cells from all regions of the sheep cornea. Polygonal, uniform and continuous cells were observed in all samples studied. Considering all the corneas analysed, cells with 6 sides (75.11%), 5 sides (12.76%) and 4 sides (12.12%) were found. In the central region of the cornea 75.91% of cells with 6 sides, 12.6% of cells with 5 sides and 11.48% with 7 sides were found. In the superior region of the cornea 76.07% of cells with 6 sides, 13.25% with 5 sides and 10.68% with 7 sides were found. In the lower region were found 74.72% of cells with 6 sides, 13% with 5 sides and 12.27% with 7 sides. In the temporal region, 74.14% were 6-sided cells, 11.42% had 5 sides, and 14.43% had 7 sides. Furthermore, in the nasal region, 74.72% of the cells had 6 sides, 13.54% had 5 sides, and 11.73% had 7 sides. No significant differences were found between cell morphology in all corneal regions evaluated. In addition, no significant difference was found when comparing the right eye with the left eye. Discussion: Different methods are used for the analysis of corneal endothelium. For ex vivo research optical microscopy after endothelial staining is an alternative low-cost technique that allows the analysis of all regions of the cornea. Quantitative analyses must characterise the endothelial parameters of the different species. The analysis of the morphology of corneal endothelium with an optic microscope after staining with alizarin red has been described as an effective, rapid and cost-efficient method, since this dye blends with the borated cells, allowing identification. In the present study, using optical microscopy and coloration with alizarin red it was possible to explore and obtain images of the ovine endothelium of all regions of the cornea. In the current study, the endothelium had a predominance of cells will 6 sides in all regions studied. This study allowed us to obtain images of the endothelium as well as quantitative data on the morphology of the different regions of the sheep cornea. This study demonstrated that morphology did not differ between the central and peripheral regions. The findings of this study represent a further source of reproducible data that should be considered when using sheep cornea as ex vivo model for experimental research.

Cloacoplasty in a 40-day-old monk parakeet with cloacal prolapse

Background: The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is also known as the quaker parrot and belongs to the order Psittaciformes in the family Psittacidae. The cloaca is a posterior orifice common to reproductive, digestive and urinary systems and the cloacal prolapse is the displacement or inversion of its anatomic position. Nowadays, the non-conventional pet market in Brazil is rapidly growing, which demands more skills and competences from an avian veterinarian. This study case has as its main objective to present a 40-day-old monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) with cloacal prolapse, treated using the cloacoplasty technique. It is important to mention that the occurrence of cloacal prolapse in this species and in such an early age is uncommon. Case: The patient presented 1 day before the physical examination an increased volume in the cloacal region and hematochezia, and diagnosed as cloacal prolapse. For the treatment, wounds were washed using physiological saline solution, ice and sugar were applied in order to reduce the edema, and mineral oil was used for repositioning the cloacal mucosa. Finally, local anesthesia was applied and 2 isolated contralateral sutures were done with the objective of reducing the sphincter's diameter, without compromising the flow of urine and feces. The monk parakeet was treated with antibiotic Avitrin® [oxytetracycline hydrochloride - 8.1 mg/mL] and a vermifuge [mebendazole 50 mg/mL]. A sample of feces was also obtained and sent to the Laboratory of Avian Pathology Diagnosis. The patient was discharged after 7 days of the treatment, obtaining a favorable result with no further complications. Discussion: The results of the coproparasitological examination were negative for the samples analyzed; nevertheless, the possibility of a false negative result cannot be totally dismissed. Cloacal prolapse may be related to cases of hypersexual disorder or overexertion to defecate due to intestinal parasites, posture, polyps, enteritis, neoplasm or cloacal hyperplasia. Besides that, endoparasitism is common in captive birds. For the correct treatment, proceed with a cloacoplasty, in which 1 or 2 simple sutures are made separated laterally in both sides, promoting the narrowing of the orifice. The surgeries such as the cloacoplasty are currently being defended, but in most cases as an adjuvant therapy. Cloacal prolapse in birds is a disease considered as an intestinal emergency. The techniques presented in this work demand sedation or anesthesia for the patient, which were not authorized by the tutor due to the high risk involved. However, due to the characteristic of domestication and docile behavior of the bird, it was possible to perform the 2 sutures with a local anesthetic block only. Cloacal prolapse is relatively common in adult psittacine birds, but uncommon in monk parakeets and young birds. The treatment performed was effective for the monk-parakeet presented in this study case. The authors, however, would like to strongly reinforce the need to identify the cause of cloacal prolapse in order to properly treat it. The importance of correctly identifying the anatomy of a psittacine bird as well as applying precisely the suture techniques are the most important conclusions obtained, making both the identification of the problem and its solution through surgical intervention a simpler and successful process.

Technique proposition and material comparison for surgery rope making / Proposição de técnica e comparação de materiais para confecção de corda cirúrgica

The most tension resistant, nonmetallic, surgical suture is 5 polyester. Comparing its resistance to those of the dogs cranial cruciate ligament and the canine gastrocnemius tendons up until they rupture, its possible to detect a considerably inferior resistance on the implants part. With the goal of achieving high mechanical resistances from sutures, these were grouped and twisted, resulting in a surgical rope that is adjustable to the patients needs. We analyzed manufacturing methodology, final conformation and tension resistance, based on three sutures models: A (1 polyglactin 910), B (1 polyester) and C (5 polyester). Considering averages of thickness and final load, the B implants obtained lower values than A, indicating that polyglactin 910 ropes are more resistant than those of polyester. Moreover, the C implants resulted in the highest values of load and thickness, indicating that final thickness is predictive towards tension resistance. Size 1 Polyester was the only one to generate linear regression for supported load, ensuring the 25,34 Newtons (N) increment to every suture added to the implant, which suggests its use for the creation of non absorbable ropes. The use of 1 polyglatctin 910 promotes load averages superior to 1 polyester;therefore, it is indicated for making absorbable surgical ropes.(AU)

O fio cirúrgico não metálico com maior resistência à tração é o poliéster nº 5. Comparando a sua resistência com a do ligamento cruzado cranial de cães e do tendão gastrocnêmico canino até suas rupturas, é possível perceber uma resistência consideravelmente inferior da parte do implante. Com objetivo de alcançar grandes resistências mecânicas a partir de fios de sutura, estes foram agrupados e torcidos, resultando em uma corda cirúrgica ajustável de acordo com a necessidade do paciente. Foram analisadas a metodologia de confecção, a conformação final e a resistência à tração, baseados em três modelos de fios: A (poliglactina 910 nº 1), B (poliéster nº 1) e C (poliéster nº 5). Considerando as médias de espessura e carga final, os implantes B obtiveram menores valores do que A, indicando que cordas de poliglactina 910 são mais resistentes que as de poliéster. Ademais, os implantes C resultaram nos maiores valores de carga e espessura, indicando que a espessura final é preditiva para resistência à tração. O poliéster nº 1 foi o único a gerar regressão linear para carga suportada, garantindo o incremento de 25,34 Newtons (N) a cada fio acrescido ao implante, o que sugere seu uso para criação de cordas não absorvíveis. A utilização da poliglactina 910 nº 1 promove médias de carga superiores ao poliéster nº 1, portanto, é indicada para confecção de cordas cirúrgicas absorvíveis.(AU)