Pyometra in a tiger (Panthera tigris)

Background: Captive tigers can live a long life, around 26 years. Among the diseases described some of non-infectious origin are quite common, such as chronic kidney disease, spondylosis, and biliary cysts or tumors. On the other hand, pyometra has been frequently reported in lions, who have a higher risk of developing the disease than tigers and leopards. Pyometra is a disease with few descriptions in tigers and it may be related to the physiological features of the species. The animal is listed as Endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened. The present report aims to describe the diagnosis and treatment of pyometra in a captive tigress. Case: A 7-year-old entire female tiger (Panthera tigris) weighing 140 kg was presented with a 3-day history of anorexia and prostration. For clinical examinations, collection of laboratory and imaging tests, the patient initially underwent dissociative anesthesia to allow catheterization of the cephalic vein and intravenous general anesthesia for orotracheal intubation followed by anesthetic maintenance in isoflurane. On general physical examination, the animal had normal colored mucosa, vital parameters within normal limits, and a body condition score of 6 on a scale of 9. There was no presence of vulvar secretion. The blood count and the biochemical exams showed values within the normal range for the species. The chest X-ray in the right and left views did not demonstrate pulmonary abnormalities. Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen showed distension of the uterine body and horns, which have intraluminal hyperechoic fluid content without flocculation. Based on the imaging exam, the diagnosis was suggestive of pyometra. Exploratory celiotomy was performed via ventral midline, confirming the condition, which was treated by ovariohysterectomy. The surgical technique was performed as described for therapeutic ovariohysterectomy in dogs and cats. Culture of uterine content identified Escherichia coli. The histological analysis identified diffuse endometritis associated with follicular cysts. The tiger had complete recovery without any complications. The patient was releasing 13 days after the surgical procedure and in the last contact four months after the surgery, it was in perfect health conditions. Discussion: Pyometra in large exotic felids has been occasionally reported, mainly in animals more than 10 years of age. Although the tigress in the report is estimated to be seven years old. The patient in question started with anorexia and prostration and as there was already a history of cystic endometrial hyperplasia, a possible pyometra was suspected, despite being uncommon in the species. There was not vaginal discharge. The definitive diagnosis was by means of ultrasound examination and ovariohysterectomy was performed. Abdominal surgery for these large felids is complex, due to the intra-abdominal volume the flank approach or by laparoscopic is suggested, however in this case a ventral midline incision was performed without intercurrences and complications in the post-operative period. The surgical technique like that used in small animals was effective for the treatment of pyometra in the tigress with the use of ovariohysterectomy. Culture of uterine content identified Escherichia coli, which has been the most commonly isolated pathogen in pyometra of large felids. It was concluded that, as in bitches with pyometra, early diagnosis and surgical treatment is ideal for the patient's recovery.

Comparação de três métodos de imagem para análise da evolução da osteoartrite induzida pela ruptura do ligamento cranial em coelhos / Comparison of three imaging methods for the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by cranial cruciate ligament transection in rabbits

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects specially cartilage, meniscus, and tendons. Ligaments, muscles, subchondral bone and synovium. This pathology is a common condition limiting the quality of life ofpatients. Imaging modalities have also been used for evaluation the progression of the osteoarthritis, or degenerative processes induced by acute injury. In order to use more accessible imaging modalities for experimentation, this study aimedto compare radiographic, computed tomography, and ultrasound findings in the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by thecranial cruciate ligament transection model in rabbits.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-four male Norfolk rabbits aged approximately 5 months old were used. All rabbits were submitted to cranial cruciate ligament transection of the left stifle and evaluated 45 days after the surgery. Theradiographic findings were subchondral bone sclerosis (33.33%); joint space narrowing (66%); presence of osteophytesat medial femoral condyle (4.16%), lateral femoral condyle (4.16%), medial fabela (20.83%), lateral fabela (8.33%) andsesamoid of the popliteal muscle (4.16%). No osteophytes were seen at medial and lateral tibial condyles. The tomographiccomputed findings were joint space narrowing (62.5%); presence of osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (75%), lateralfemoral condyle (54.16%), medial fabela (66.66%), lateral fabela (37.5%), medial tibial condyle (75%), lateral tibialcondyle (20.83%) and sesamoid of the popliteal muscle (37.5%). The ultrasound findings were synovial hypertrophy(95.83%); effusion in the suprapatellar recess (75%), distal tibial recess (16.66%) and cranial joint space (75%); changes(hyperechogenic foci and heterogeneity) of the lateral meniscus (50%) and medial meniscus (25%); increased thickness ofthe medial condyle (54.16%) and lateral condyle (45.83%); irregularity of the medial condyle (66.66%) and lateral condyle...

Comparação de três métodos de imagem para análise da evolução da osteoartrite induzida pela ruptura do ligamento cranial em coelhos / Comparison of three imaging methods for the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by cranial cruciate ligament transection in rabbits

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects specially cartilage, meniscus, and tendons. Ligaments, muscles, subchondral bone and synovium. This pathology is a common condition limiting the quality of life ofpatients. Imaging modalities have also been used for evaluation the progression of the osteoarthritis, or degenerative processes induced by acute injury. In order to use more accessible imaging modalities for experimentation, this study aimedto compare radiographic, computed tomography, and ultrasound findings in the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by thecranial cruciate ligament transection model in rabbits.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-four male Norfolk rabbits aged approximately 5 months old were used. All rabbits were submitted to cranial cruciate ligament transection of the left stifle and evaluated 45 days after the surgery. Theradiographic findings were subchondral bone sclerosis (33.33%); joint space narrowing (66%); presence of osteophytesat medial femoral condyle (4.16%), lateral femoral condyle (4.16%), medial fabela (20.83%), lateral fabela (8.33%) andsesamoid of the popliteal muscle (4.16%). No osteophytes were seen at medial and lateral tibial condyles. The tomographiccomputed findings were joint space narrowing (62.5%); presence of osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (75%), lateralfemoral condyle (54.16%), medial fabela (66.66%), lateral fabela (37.5%), medial tibial condyle (75%), lateral tibialcondyle (20.83%) and sesamoid of the popliteal muscle (37.5%). The ultrasound findings were synovial hypertrophy(95.83%); effusion in the suprapatellar recess (75%), distal tibial recess (16.66%) and cranial joint space (75%); changes(hyperechogenic foci and heterogeneity) of the lateral meniscus (50%) and medial meniscus (25%); increased thickness ofthe medial condyle (54.16%) and lateral condyle (45.83%); irregularity of the medial condyle (66.66%) and lateral condyle...(AU)

Use of hyaluronic acid associated with triamcinolone acetonide or ozone gas in the treatment of induced osteoarthritis in rabbits

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of the intra-articular application of hyaluronic acid associated with triamcinolone acetonide, and ozone gas in the treatment of induced osteoarthritis in rabbit’s stifles.Methods: Twenty-one Norfolk rabbits were submitted to cranial cruciate ligament transection of the left stifle. After six weeks of the surgery, the rabbits were randomized assigned into three groups: G1 (control) – saline solution (0.9%); G2 – hyaluronic acid associated with triamcinolone; G3 – ozone gas, submitted to three intra-articular applications every seven days. Results: Significant differences occurred: osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (G2 > G1, G2 > G3) on radiography exam; thickening of the medial condyle (G1 > G3, G2 > G3) on ultrasound exam; osteophytes at lateral tibial condyle (G2 > G1, G2 > G3), and medial femoral condyle (G1 > G2, G3 > G1) on computed tomography. Histologically, mean values of chondrocytes in the femur and tibia in G3 and G2 were statistically lower. Conclusions: The intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid associated with triamcinolone accentuated degenerative joint disease by imaging and macroscopic evaluations, and by histological findings, this treatment and the ozone gas treatment showed similar effects and were inferior to the saline solution (0.9%).

Influência da idade na ultrassonografia renal de cães e gatos: o que se sabe / Age influence on renal ultrasonography of dogs and cats: what is known / Influencia de la edad em la ultrasonografía renal de perros y gatos: lo que se sabe

Para o correto diagnóstico clínico de doença renal, é importante que se conheça o aspecto normal do órgão e sistemas, incluindo como o amadurecimento, crescimento e envelhecimento podem influenciar os parâmetros nos exames diagnósticos. O rim é um órgão de extrema importância para a manutenção da homeostase corporal, e o comprometimento de sua função pode resultar em desequilíbrios, predispondo a morte. Deste modo torna-se primordial a detecção precoce de lesões renais, sendo o exame ultrassonográfico rotineiramente usado para sua avaliação. Nos mamíferos os rins são considerados imaturos ao nascimento, passando por um gradativo processo de amadurecimento e, com o envelhecimento o rim é submetido a um progressivo processo degenerativo. Ambos os processos resultam em alterações ultrassonográficas morfológicas, dimensionais e vasculares que não são consideradas patológicas, sendo um assunto bem estudado na medicina humana. Em humanos é relatada a presença de diferenças ultrassonográficas significativas entre os rins de neonatos, crianças, adultos e idosos. Na medicina veterinária existem poucos estudos que demonstrem a influência da idade sobre o aspecto ultrassonográfico renal, sendo a maioria destes estudos direcionados para a diferença dos valores hemodinâmicos renais entre cães jovens e adultos, mas não entre cães adultos e idosos ou entre diferentes faixas etárias de gatos. Ademais, as diferenças bidimensionais e morfométricas relacionadas à idade são ainda pouco estudadas, tanto nos cães quanto nos gatos. Embora a influência da idade sobre a ultrassonografia renal seja bem evidente em humanos, existe ainda um déficit de estudos em cães e gatos.

For a correct diagnosis of renal diseases, it is important to know the normal appearance of organs and systems, including how maturation, growth and aging can influence the parameters in diagnostic tests. The kidney is an extremely important organ for the maintenance of body homeostasis, and impairment of its function may result in imbalances, predisposing in death. Thus, early detection of renal lesions is relevant, and ultrasound examination is routinely used for renal evaluation. In mammals the kidneys are considered immature at birth, undergoing a gradual process of maturation and, with aging, the kidney undergoes a progressive degenerative process. Both processes result in morphological, dimensional and vascular ultrasound changes that are not considered pathological. This topic is well-studied in human medicine, with the presence of significant sonographic differences between the kidneys of neonates, children, adults and the elderly. In veterinary medicine there are few studies about the influence of age on the renal ultrasound, and most of these studies focuses on the difference of renal hemodynamic values between young and adult dogs, but not between adult and elderly dogs or between different age groups in cats. Moreover, age-related two-dimensional and morphometric differences are still poorly studied in both dogs and cats. Although the influence of age on renal ultrasound is quite evident in humans, there is still a lack of studies in dogs in cats.

Para el diagnóstico clínico de enfermedad renal, es importante conocer la apariencia normal de los órganos y sistemas, incluida la forma en que la maduración, el crecimiento y el envejecimiento pueden influir en los parámetros de las pruebas de diagnóstico. El riñón es un órgano extremadamente importante para el mantenimiento dela homeostasis del cuerpo, y el deterioro de su función puede provocar desequilibrios y predisponer a la muerte. Por lo tanto, la detección temprana de las lesiones renales es primordial, y el examen de ultrasonido se usa de forma rutinaria para la evaluación renal. En los mamíferos, los riñones se consideran inmaduros al nacer, passado por un proceso gradual de maduración y, con el envejecimiento, el riñón sufre un proceso degenerativo progresivo. Ambos procesos dan como resultado alteraciones morfológicas, dimensionales y vasculares del ultrasonido que no se consideran patológicas, siendo un tema bien estudiado en medicina humana. En humanos, se informa la presencia de diferencias sonográficas significativas entre los riñones de los recién nacidos, niños, adultos y ancianos. En medicina veterinaria hay pocos estudios que demuestren la influencia de la edad en el aspecto de la ecografía renal, la mayoría de estos estudios abordan la diferencia en los valores hemodinámicos renales entre perros jóvenes y adultos, pero no entre perros adultos y ancianos o entre diferentes grupos de edad gatos. Además, las diferencias bidimensionales y morfométricas relacionadas con la edad aún se estudian poco en perros y gatos. Aunque la influencia de la edad en la ecografía renal es bastante evidente en humanos, todavía faltan estudios en perros en gatos.

Influência da idade na ultrassonografia renal de cães e gatos: o que se sabe / Age influence on renal ultrasonography of dogs and cats: what is known / Influencia de la edad em la ultrasonografía renal de perros y gatos: lo que se sabe

Para o correto diagnóstico clínico de doença renal, é importante que se conheça o aspecto normal do órgão e sistemas, incluindo como o amadurecimento, crescimento e envelhecimento podem influenciar os parâmetros nos exames diagnósticos. O rim é um órgão de extrema importância para a manutenção da homeostase corporal, e o comprometimento de sua função pode resultar em desequilíbrios, predispondo a morte. Deste modo torna-se primordial a detecção precoce de lesões renais, sendo o exame ultrassonográfico rotineiramente usado para sua avaliação. Nos mamíferos os rins são considerados imaturos ao nascimento, passando por um gradativo processo de amadurecimento e, com o envelhecimento o rim é submetido a um progressivo processo degenerativo. Ambos os processos resultam em alterações ultrassonográficas morfológicas, dimensionais e vasculares que não são consideradas patológicas, sendo um assunto bem estudado na medicina humana. Em humanos é relatada a presença de diferenças ultrassonográficas significativas entre os rins de neonatos, crianças, adultos e idosos. Na medicina veterinária existem poucos estudos que demonstrem a influência da idade sobre o aspecto ultrassonográfico renal, sendo a maioria destes estudos direcionados para a diferença dos valores hemodinâmicos renais entre cães jovens e adultos, mas não entre cães adultos e idosos ou entre diferentes faixas etárias de gatos. Ademais, as diferenças bidimensionais e morfométricas relacionadas à idade são ainda pouco estudadas, tanto nos cães quanto nos gatos. Embora a influência da idade sobre a ultrassonografia renal seja bem evidente em humanos, existe ainda um déficit de estudos em cães e gatos.(AU)

For a correct diagnosis of renal diseases, it is important to know the normal appearance of organs and systems, including how maturation, growth and aging can influence the parameters in diagnostic tests. The kidney is an extremely important organ for the maintenance of body homeostasis, and impairment of its function may result in imbalances, predisposing in death. Thus, early detection of renal lesions is relevant, and ultrasound examination is routinely used for renal evaluation. In mammals the kidneys are considered immature at birth, undergoing a gradual process of maturation and, with aging, the kidney undergoes a progressive degenerative process. Both processes result in morphological, dimensional and vascular ultrasound changes that are not considered pathological. This topic is well-studied in human medicine, with the presence of significant sonographic differences between the kidneys of neonates, children, adults and the elderly. In veterinary medicine there are few studies about the influence of age on the renal ultrasound, and most of these studies focuses on the difference of renal hemodynamic values between young and adult dogs, but not between adult and elderly dogs or between different age groups in cats. Moreover, age-related two-dimensional and morphometric differences are still poorly studied in both dogs and cats. Although the influence of age on renal ultrasound is quite evident in humans, there is still a lack of studies in dogs in cats.(AU)

Para el diagnóstico clínico de enfermedad renal, es importante conocer la apariencia normal de los órganos y sistemas, incluida la forma en que la maduración, el crecimiento y el envejecimiento pueden influir en los parámetros de las pruebas de diagnóstico. El riñón es un órgano extremadamente importante para el mantenimiento dela homeostasis del cuerpo, y el deterioro de su función puede provocar desequilibrios y predisponer a la muerte. Por lo tanto, la detección temprana de las lesiones renales es primordial, y el examen de ultrasonido se usa de forma rutinaria para la evaluación renal. En los mamíferos, los riñones se consideran inmaduros al nacer, passado por un proceso gradual de maduración y, con el envejecimiento, el riñón sufre un proceso degenerativo progresivo. Ambos procesos dan como resultado alteraciones morfológicas, dimensionales y vasculares del ultrasonido que no se consideran patológicas, siendo un tema bien estudiado en medicina humana. En humanos, se informa la presencia de diferencias sonográficas significativas entre los riñones de los recién nacidos, niños, adultos y ancianos. En medicina veterinaria hay pocos estudios que demuestren la influencia de la edad en el aspecto de la ecografía renal, la mayoría de estos estudios abordan la diferencia en los valores hemodinámicos renales entre perros jóvenes y adultos, pero no entre perros adultos y ancianos o entre diferentes grupos de edad gatos. Además, las diferencias bidimensionales y morfométricas relacionadas con la edad aún se estudian poco en perros y gatos. Aunque la influencia de la edad en la ecografía renal es bastante evidente en humanos, todavía faltan estudios en perros en gatos.(AU)

DEA 1. 1 blood group frequency in dogs attended at the veterinary hospital of UFMT (Sinop/MT), risk of DEA 1 negative dog sensitization and occurrence of hemolytic transfusion reaction in a second blood transfusion / Frequência do grupo sanguíneo DEA 1. 1 em cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da UFMT (Sinop/MT), risco de sensibilização de cães DEA 1 negativos e da ocorrência de reação transfusional hemolítica por ocasião de uma segunda transfusão de sangue

The goal of this research was to identify the frequency of the DEA 1.1 blood group in dogs from Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil, to help in the recruitment of compatible blood donors and recipients, and to assess the risk of transfusion reactions in previously sensitized dogs. Also, from the obtained results, to pick potential blood donors to compose a data bank. 195 adult dogs (1 to 4 years old), males and females, mongrel and purebred dogs were screened at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Mato Grosso. The DEA 1.1 blood typing was performed using commercially available immunochromatographic strip for DEA 1.1 (Quick Test DEA 1.1, Alvedia, Lyon, France). The results showed a general frequency of 65% for DEA 1.1 positive dogs (n = 126) and 35% for DEA 1 negative dogs (n = 69). The general risk of sensitization of a DEA 1 negative dog following a first transfusion with DEA 1.1 positive blood was 23%, while the risk of this sensitized recipient to receive DEA 1.1 positive blood in a second transfusion and to develop an acute hemolytic reaction was calculated to be 5%. The blood typing of the dogs allowed their classification as DEA 1 typed blood donors, in a preliminary data bank, and also ensured the safety of blood transfusions.

Objetivou-se identificar a frequência do grupo sanguíneo DEA 1.1 em cães de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil, para auxiliar a seleção de doadores e receptores de sangue compatíveis e, adicionalmente, avaliar o risco de reações transfusionais em cães sensibilizados. Além disso, a partir dos resultados obtidos, selecionar potenciais doadores de sangue para compor um banco de dados. Um total de 195 cães adultos (de 1 a 4 anos de idade), machos e fêmeas, mestiços e puros, que nunca haviam recebido transfusões de sangue, foram triados no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade do Mato Grosso. A tipagem sanguínea DEA 1.1 foi realizada utilizando-se ensaio imunocromatográfico comercialmente disponível para DEA 1.1 (Quick Test DEA 1.1, Alvedia, Lyon, França). Os resultados demonstraram uma frequência geral de 65% para cães DEA 1.1 positivos (n = 126) e 35% para cães DEA 1 negativos (n = 69). O risco geral de sensibilização de cães DEA 1 negativos após uma primeira transfusão com sangue DEA 1.1 positivo foi calculado em 23%, enquanto o risco deste receptor sensibilizado receber sangue DEA 1.1 positivo em uma segunda transfusão e desenvolver uma reação hemolítica aguda foi calculado em 5%. A tipagem sanguínea dos cães permitiu sua inserção como doadores de sangue tipados para o grupo DEA 1 em um banco de dados preliminar e garantiu a segurança das transfusões de sangue.