Tumor ovariano de células de Sertoli em fêmea canina / Ovarian tumor of Sertoli cells in a female dog

O tumor de células de Sertoli, classificado como tumor do cordão sexual puro, é caracterizado por provocar manifestações clínicas endócrinas. É encontrado mais comumente em machos e é raro em fêmeas. O presente estudo objetivou relatar um caso de tumor ovariano de células de Sertoli em uma cadela. A paciente era uma fêmea canina, de cinco anos de idade da raça Shi Tzu, que apresentava queixa de "posição de prece" com frequência e anestro há dois anos. O exame físico determinou alopecia difusa e simétrica, hiperpigmentação de pele, pelos frágeis e comedões, com aumento de volume no flanco esquerdo e sensibilidade à palpação abdominal. O exame ultrassonográfico evidenciou estrutura arredondada, de bordas definidas em topografia de ovário esquerdo, medindo aproximadamente 5,27cm em seu maior eixo; além de piometra incipiente. Após ovariossalpingohisterectomia, realizou-se avaliação histopatológica do ovário, com diagnóstico de tumor do cordão sexual/estroma, com padrão de células de Sertoli infiltrativo. Conclui-se que, apesar de incomum, é importante incluir o tumor de células de Sertoli como diagnóstico diferencial, em casos de sinais de desregulação hormonal e alterações no ciclo estral e do pelame do animal. Ressalta-se a importância dos exames de imagem e histopatológicos para o diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento adequado.

Sertoli cells tumor, classified as a pure sexual cord tumor, is characterized by causing endocrine clinical manifestations. It is commonly found in males and is rare in females. The present study aimed to report a case of a Sertoli cell ovarian tumor in a female dog. The patient was a five-year-old female Shi Tzu dog, who complained of prayer position frequently and anestrus for two years. The physical examination determined diffuse and symmetrical alopecia, skin hyperpigmentation, fragile hair, and comedones, with increased volume in the left flank and sensitivity to abdominal palpation. The ultrasound examination evidenced the presence of a rounded structure, with defined edges in the topography of the left ovary, measuring approximately 5.27cm in its longest axis, in addition to incipient pyometra. After ovariosalpingohysterectomy, a histopathological evaluation of the ovary was performed with a diagnosis of sexual cord/stroma with an infiltrative Sertoli cell pattern. It is concluded that, although uncommon, it is important to include the Sertoli cell tumor as a differential diagnosis in cases of signs of hormonal dysregulation and changes in the estrous cycle, and animal's coat. The importance of imaging and histopathological exams for diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate treatment is highlighted.

Investigation of the role of rosmarinic acid treatment in regulating inflammation, cell damage, and angiogenesis in rat ovarian torsion and detorsion models

Purpose To investigate the protective effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) in ovarian ischemia/reperfusion injury using biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical methods. Methods Wistar female rats (n = 32) were randomly divided into four groups: control, ischemia, ischemia-reperfusion, and ischemia-reperfusion with RA. Rosmarinic acid was given at a dose of 50 mg/kg by oral gavage three hours after reperfusion. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were determined in the ovary tissue homogenates for each rat. Results In the ischemia-reperfusion with RA group, the epithelial cells are regularly regulated at the periphery, and the degenerative changes in preantral and antral follicle cells are reduced. Follicle cells and cells in the corpus luteum showed a decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, while VEGF demonstrated a positive reaction in vascular endothelial cells and stromal cells. The TNF-alfa expression due to the decreased degenerative effect and inflammation was positive in the macrophage cells. The expression of caspase-3 as an apoptosis change was negative in antral follicle cells and granular cells around the antral follicle. Conclusion Different doses of RA may be useful in preventing ischemic damage after vascularization, inflammation, and apoptotic development after ischemia/reperfusion.(AU)

Ovarian torsion in a primipara female dog in Brazil

Background: Ovarian torsion is a condition which the ovary and the ovarian pedicle twist around the ovary suspensory ligament. No report regarding this condition was reported. The aim of the report was to describe a case of unilateral ovarian torsion in a 2-year-old primipara Golden Retriever dog.Case: A 2-year-old female primipara Golden Retriever dog weighting was referred to the Veterinary Hospital, for purulent vaginal discharge evaluation. The dog was presenting anorexia, weight loss, and intermittent diarrhea and vomiting. A cesarean section was performed nine months before her presentation and the oestrus cycle was recorded six months after the cesarean section. Discomfort was observed during the palpation of the abdomen and purulent vaginal was observed. Vaginal swab was performed and followed by cytological examination. The ultrasonographic examination was consistent with pyometra. The ovariohysterectomy was performed and were observed torsion of the left ovary. The histopathological examination of the left ovary and uterus were consistent with ovary necrosis and pyometra. Ten days after surgery the vaginal discharge had resolved and the sutures were removed. Six months postoperatively the dog revealed no further abnormalities. Grossly, the left ovary had firm consistency, dark red surface and 8 cm diameter. The histopathology examination findings were consistent with a diagnosis of diffuse necrosis of left ovary due to ovarian torsion, and uterine suppurative inflammatory process - pyometra.Discussion: Ovarian torsion is uncommon in small animals, but can be observed high incidence in pregnant female dogs than in non-pregnant ones. The 360º an asynchronous ovarian torsion described in the present case is also an unusual condition in primipara female dogs due to the smaller stretching of the ovary suspensory ligament. The ovarian torsion is considerate an emergency condition due to acute abdominal pain.[...]

Ovarian torsion in a primipara female dog in Brazil

Background: Ovarian torsion is a condition which the ovary and the ovarian pedicle twist around the ovary suspensory ligament. No report regarding this condition was reported. The aim of the report was to describe a case of unilateral ovarian torsion in a 2-year-old primipara Golden Retriever dog.Case: A 2-year-old female primipara Golden Retriever dog weighting was referred to the Veterinary Hospital, for purulent vaginal discharge evaluation. The dog was presenting anorexia, weight loss, and intermittent diarrhea and vomiting. A cesarean section was performed nine months before her presentation and the oestrus cycle was recorded six months after the cesarean section. Discomfort was observed during the palpation of the abdomen and purulent vaginal was observed. Vaginal swab was performed and followed by cytological examination. The ultrasonographic examination was consistent with pyometra. The ovariohysterectomy was performed and were observed torsion of the left ovary. The histopathological examination of the left ovary and uterus were consistent with ovary necrosis and pyometra. Ten days after surgery the vaginal discharge had resolved and the sutures were removed. Six months postoperatively the dog revealed no further abnormalities. Grossly, the left ovary had firm consistency, dark red surface and 8 cm diameter. The histopathology examination findings were consistent with a diagnosis of diffuse necrosis of left ovary due to ovarian torsion, and uterine suppurative inflammatory process - pyometra.Discussion: Ovarian torsion is uncommon in small animals, but can be observed high incidence in pregnant female dogs than in non-pregnant ones. The 360º an asynchronous ovarian torsion described in the present case is also an unusual condition in primipara female dogs due to the smaller stretching of the ovary suspensory ligament. The ovarian torsion is considerate an emergency condition due to acute abdominal pain.[...](AU)

Effects of ovarian pathologies and uterine inflammations on adenomyosis in bitches

Background: Adenomyosis is a non-neoplastic condition, characterized by the presence of endometrial glands or cells in the myometrium. Adenomyosis is defined by post-operative microscopic examination of uterine tissue and a rarely seen infertility problem in bitches. The process of transformation of healthy uterus into adenomiotic uterus is still a mystery. We aimed to determine role of ovarian pathologies and uterine inflammations on pathogenesis of uterine adenomyosis in bitches.Cases: After ovariohysterectomy, the uteri were fixed and processed by routine methods. Sections were stained with HematoxylinEosin, Massons trichrome and Periodic-Acid-Schiff and immunohistochemically; with p53 protein, Ki-67, α-smooth-muscle actin, cytokeratin-CK 8, 14, 19 antibodies, estrogen and progesterone receptors by Avidin-Biotin-Complex-Peroxidase method. Histopathologically, 7 of the collected tissue samples (n = 38) were diagnosed as adenomyosis. There were unilateral (n = 6) or bilateral (n = 1) adenomyosis in which endometrial glands had broken through the myometrium, and in some cases there were fibromyoma, inflammation, papillary hyperplasia and cysts in glands. Vaginal fibroma, fibromyoma and benign mix tumor (n = 1), simple carcinoma (n = 3), carcinosarcoma (n = 3) in mammary gland were determinated histopathologically. In addition to these findings, follicular cysts (n = 4), parovarian cyst (n = 1), adenocarcinoma and Rete ovarii adenoma were diagnosed in some ovaries. The CK 19 was scored at endometrial glands (n = 2) positively and also, muscle fibers were stained positively with α-smooth-muscle actin antibody (n = 7).Discussion: Adenomyosis is an infertility problem in adult dogs and is hard to detect with routine gynecological examinations. Adenomyosis can be seen unaccompanied by other gynecological problems such as endometritis or leiomyomas, while mammary tumors with adenomyosis have been previously reported in women and in only one case of a bitch.[...](AU)

Effects of ovarian pathologies and uterine inflammations on adenomyosis in bitches

Background: Adenomyosis is a non-neoplastic condition, characterized by the presence of endometrial glands or cells in the myometrium. Adenomyosis is defined by post-operative microscopic examination of uterine tissue and a rarely seen infertility problem in bitches. The process of transformation of healthy uterus into adenomiotic uterus is still a mystery. We aimed to determine role of ovarian pathologies and uterine inflammations on pathogenesis of uterine adenomyosis in bitches.Cases: After ovariohysterectomy, the uteri were fixed and processed by routine methods. Sections were stained with HematoxylinEosin, Masson’s trichrome and Periodic-Acid-Schiff and immunohistochemically; with p53 protein, Ki-67, α-smooth-muscle actin, cytokeratin-CK 8, 14, 19 antibodies, estrogen and progesterone receptors by Avidin-Biotin-Complex-Peroxidase method. Histopathologically, 7 of the collected tissue samples (n = 38) were diagnosed as adenomyosis. There were unilateral (n = 6) or bilateral (n = 1) adenomyosis in which endometrial glands had broken through the myometrium, and in some cases there were fibromyoma, inflammation, papillary hyperplasia and cysts in glands. Vaginal fibroma, fibromyoma and benign mix tumor (n = 1), simple carcinoma (n = 3), carcinosarcoma (n = 3) in mammary gland were determinated histopathologically. In addition to these findings, follicular cysts (n = 4), parovarian cyst (n = 1), adenocarcinoma and Rete ovarii adenoma were diagnosed in some ovaries. The CK 19 was scored at endometrial glands (n = 2) positively and also, muscle fibers were stained positively with α-smooth-muscle actin antibody (n = 7).Discussion: Adenomyosis is an infertility problem in adult dogs and is hard to detect with routine gynecological examinations. Adenomyosis can be seen unaccompanied by other gynecological problems such as endometritis or leiomyomas, while mammary tumors with adenomyosis have been previously reported in women and in only one case of a bitch.[...]

Natural infection in ovarian structures by bovine herpesvirus 1: molecular and serological detection / Infecção natural em estruturas ovarianas pelo Herpesvírus bovino 1: detecção molecular e sorológica

In this study, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate the presence of viral DNA in ovarian tissue, in the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC), follicular liquid, and blood of animals naturally infected with bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1). The serum profile of the sampled animals was also evaluated. Samples of serum, blood, ovarian tissue, follicular liquid, and COC were collected from 147 slaughterhouse animals that were not vaccinated against BoHV-1. Contaminated or insufficient samples were disregarded. Serological tests allowed the identification of serum-positive animals with neutralizing antibodies against BoHV-1. Analysis of samples by PCR revealed the presence of viral DNA in 0.9% (1/115) of the COC samples, in 4.3% (5/117) of the ovarian tissue samples, and in 2.8% (3/108) of the blood samples. Viral DNA was not detected in any of the follicular liquid samples. In serological samples, a positivity of 83.6% (117/140) was observed for BoHV-1. All PCR-positive animals, regardless of the samples analyzed, showed positivity in the serum neutralization test for the detection of BoHV-1-specific antibodies. According to these results, a high prevalence of antibodies against BoHV-1 was detected in naturally infected animals from different herds, and the molecular tests revealed the presence of viral DNA in bovine ovarian tissue, providing evidence that this might be...(AU)

Neste trabalho foi avaliada a presença do DNA viral, por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), no tecido ovariano, nos oócitos, líquido folicular e sangue de vacas naturalmente infectadas. Também foi avaliado o perfil sorológico dos animais amostrados. Foram coletadas amostras de soro, sangue, tecido ovariano, líquido folicular e complexo cumulus-oócitos de 147 animais abatidos em frigorífico não vacinados contra o herpesvirus bovino 1 (BoHV-1). Amostras tóxicas ou insuficientes foram descartadas. Os testes sorológicos foram realizados permitindo a identificação dos animais soropositivos para anticorpos neutralizantes contra o BoHV-1. Foram realizadas as PCRs onde foi observada a presença do DNA viral em 0,9% (1/115) dos oócitos, em 4,3% (5/117) do tecido ovariano e em 2,8% (3/108) do sangue. Em nenhuma das amostras de líquido folicular foi detectado o DNA viral. Nas amostras sorológicas observou-se 83,6% (117/140) de positividade para o BoHV-1. Dentre os animais positivos na PCR, independente das amostras, todos apresentavam positividade no teste de soroneutralização para detecção de anticorpos para BoHV-1. Conclui-se que em animais de diferentes rebanhos analisados foi detectada alta prevalência de anticorpos contra o BoHV-1 e que nos testes moleculares houve a presença do DNA viral em amostras de tecidos ovarianos de bovinos, evidenciando que estas estruturas poderia...(AU)

Avaliação clínica da analgesia pós-operatória proporcionada pelo cetoprofeno associado à morfina pela via intravenosa ou epidural em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia / Clinical evaluation of postoperative analgesia provided by ketoprofen associated with intravenous or epidural morphine in bitches undergoing ovariosalpingohysterectomy

A analgesia multimodal refere-se à prática de associar várias classes de analgésicos ou técnicas para atuar em diferentes pontos ao longo da via da dor. Objetivou-se avaliar clinicamente a qualidade da analgesia pós-operatória promovida pelo cetoprofeno, associado ou não à morfina pela via intravenosa ou epidural, em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia (OSH). Quarenta cadelas hígidas, pesando 10,7±6,0kg, tranquilizadas com acepromazina (0,05mg.kg-1.iv), induzidas com propofol (5mg. kg-1.iv) e mantidas sob anestesia inalatória com isoflurano, foram distribuídas em quatro grupos de 10 animais cada. Em Miv e CMiv as cadelas receberam após estabilização da anestesia inalatória, 0,2mg. kg-1 de morfina pela via intravenosa, diluídos em 10ml de salina; enquanto que os animais de Mep e CMep receberam 0,1mg.kg-1 de morfina pela via epidural. O cetoprofeno foi administrado na dose 2,0mg.kg-1.im, nos grupos CMiv e CMep, 30 minutos após a medicação pré-anestésica. Mensuraram-se as frequências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (f), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), e temperatura retal (T). O grau de analgesia foi avaliado pelo método cego nas primeiras seis horas após a cirurgia, através de escalas de dor descritivas e escalas compostas por parâmetros fisiológicos e comportamentais. A estatística foi realizada mediante teste de Tukey-Kramer e análise não paramétrica de Kruskal-Walli...(AU)

Multimodal analgesia refers to the practice of combining multiple analgesic drug classes or techniques to target different points along the pain pathway. The objective of this work was to evaluate clinically if ketoprofen associated or not with intravenous or epidural morphine provided adequate postoperative analgesia in bitches undergoing ovariosalpingohysterectomy (OSH). Forty healthy female dogs, weighing 10.7±6.0 kg, sedated with acepromazine (0.05mg kg 1.iv), induced with propofol (5 mg.kg-1. iv) and maintained with isoflurane anesthesia, were distributed into four groups of 10 animals each. After stabilization of inhalation anesthesia, the bitches in Miv and CMiv groups received 0.2 mg.kg-1 of morphine intravenously diluted in 10ml of saline; whereas Mep and CMep groups received 0.1mg.kg-1 of epidural morphine. Thirty minutes after premedication, 2.0mg.kg-1.im of ketoprofen was administered in groups CMiv and CMep. Heart and respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and rectal temperature were measured. The degree of analgesia was assessed by a blind study in the following 6 hours after surgery, using a descriptive scale and a scale composed by physiologic and behavioral parameters. An statistical analysis was performed using the Tukey-Kramer test and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, with statistical significance of 5%. There was no important difference between the...(AU)

Aspectos reprodutivos e produtivos de vacas da raça Holandesa com puerpério normal ou patológico / Reproductive and productive parameters of Holstein cows with normal or pathological puerperium

Foram avaliadas 103 vacas da raça Holandesa de primeira, segunda ou terceira ordens de lactação, com o objetivo de comparar aspectos reprodutivos e produtivos dos animais com puerpério normal ou patológico. Exames ginecológicos foram realizados semanalmente, do parto ao final do puerpério, por meio de palpação transretal, ultrassonografia e vaginoscopia. As incidências de partos gemelares, partos auxiliados, retenção de placenta e infecções uterinas até o primeiro serviço foram de 11,7%, 20,4%, 38,8% e 75%, respectivamente. A involução uterina e a primeira ovulação ocorreram aos 33,5±11,1 e 43,6±21,5 dias após o parto, respectivamente, com diferenças (P<0,001) entre vacas com ou sem infecção uterina. O primeiro serviço ocorreu aos 75,9±31,0 dias após o parto e a taxa de gestação foi de 20,7%. A produção de leite diária foi de 27,9±7,3 litros por vaca até 42 dias após o parto. O prejuízo com a redução na produtividade e o descarte do leite contaminado com resíduos de antibiótico foi equivalente a 598 litros de leite por vaca com retenção de placenta e infecção uterina. A alta incidência de transtornos puerperais interferiu na fertilidade e na produção de leite, causando elevado impacto econômico para a propriedade.(AU)

The study was performed with 103 Holstein cows of first, second or third orders of lactation, and aimed to compare reproductive and productive parameters of animals with normal or pathological puerperium. Uterine and ovarian examinations were performed weekly until 42 days after parturition, by rectal palpation, vaginoscopy and ultrasonography. The incidence of twin pregnancies, assisted births, retained placenta, and uterine infection until the first service, were 11.7%, 20.4%, 38.8% and 75%, respectively. Uterine involution and detection of the first corpus luteum occurred at 33.5±11.1 and 43.6±21.5 days after parturition, respectively, and differed (P<0.01) between cows with or without uterine infection. The first artificial insemination occurred in average at 75.9±31.0 days after parturition, and the pregnancy rate was 20.7%. Average daily milk yield was 27.9±7.3 liters/cow until 42 days after parturition. Financial losses related to decreased milk production and discarding of milk contaminated with antibiotic residues corresponded to 598 liters of milk/cow presenting retained placenta and uterine infection. The high incidence of puerperal diseases negatively affected the fertility and milk production, causing large economic impact to the milk production system.(AU)

Natural infection in ovarian structures by bovine herpesvirus 1: molecular and serological detection / Infecção natural em estruturas ovarianas pelo Herpesvírus bovino 1: detecção molecular e sorológica

In this study, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate the presence of viral DNA in ovarian tissue, in the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC), follicular liquid, and blood of animals naturally infected with bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1). The serum profile of the sampled animals was also evaluated. Samples of serum, blood, ovarian tissue, follicular liquid, and COC were collected from 147 slaughterhouse animals that were not vaccinated against BoHV-1. Contaminated or insufficient samples were disregarded. Serological tests allowed the identification of serum-positive animals with neutralizing antibodies against BoHV-1. Analysis of samples by PCR revealed the presence of viral DNA in 0.9% (1/115) of the COC samples, in 4.3% (5/117) of the ovarian tissue samples, and in 2.8% (3/108) of the blood samples. Viral DNA was not detected in any of the follicular liquid samples. In serological samples, a positivity of 83.6% (117/140) was observed for BoHV-1. All PCR-positive animals, regardless of the samples analyzed, showed positivity in the serum neutralization test for the detection of BoHV-1-specific antibodies. According to these results, a high prevalence of antibodies against BoHV-1 was detected in naturally infected animals from different herds, and the molecular tests revealed the presence of viral DNA in bovine ovarian tissue, providing evidence that this might be...

Neste trabalho foi avaliada a presença do DNA viral, por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), no tecido ovariano, nos oócitos, líquido folicular e sangue de vacas naturalmente infectadas. Também foi avaliado o perfil sorológico dos animais amostrados. Foram coletadas amostras de soro, sangue, tecido ovariano, líquido folicular e complexo cumulus-oócitos de 147 animais abatidos em frigorífico não vacinados contra o herpesvirus bovino 1 (BoHV-1). Amostras tóxicas ou insuficientes foram descartadas. Os testes sorológicos foram realizados permitindo a identificação dos animais soropositivos para anticorpos neutralizantes contra o BoHV-1. Foram realizadas as PCRs onde foi observada a presença do DNA viral em 0,9% (1/115) dos oócitos, em 4,3% (5/117) do tecido ovariano e em 2,8% (3/108) do sangue. Em nenhuma das amostras de líquido folicular foi detectado o DNA viral. Nas amostras sorológicas observou-se 83,6% (117/140) de positividade para o BoHV-1. Dentre os animais positivos na PCR, independente das amostras, todos apresentavam positividade no teste de soroneutralização para detecção de anticorpos para BoHV-1. Conclui-se que em animais de diferentes rebanhos analisados foi detectada alta prevalência de anticorpos contra o BoHV-1 e que nos testes moleculares houve a presença do DNA viral em amostras de tecidos ovarianos de bovinos, evidenciando que estas estruturas poderia...

Avaliação clínica da analgesia pós-operatória proporcionada pelo cetoprofeno associado à morfina pela via intravenosa ou epidural em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia / Clinical evaluation of postoperative analgesia provided by ketoprofen associated with intravenous or epidural morphine in bitches undergoing ovariosalpingohysterectomy

A analgesia multimodal refere-se à prática de associar várias classes de analgésicos ou técnicas para atuar em diferentes pontos ao longo da via da dor. Objetivou-se avaliar clinicamente a qualidade da analgesia pós-operatória promovida pelo cetoprofeno, associado ou não à morfina pela via intravenosa ou epidural, em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia (OSH). Quarenta cadelas hígidas, pesando 10,7±6,0kg, tranquilizadas com acepromazina (0,05mg.kg-1.iv), induzidas com propofol (5mg. kg-1.iv) e mantidas sob anestesia inalatória com isoflurano, foram distribuídas em quatro grupos de 10 animais cada. Em Miv e CMiv as cadelas receberam após estabilização da anestesia inalatória, 0,2mg. kg-1 de morfina pela via intravenosa, diluídos em 10ml de salina; enquanto que os animais de Mep e CMep receberam 0,1mg.kg-1 de morfina pela via epidural. O cetoprofeno foi administrado na dose 2,0mg.kg-1.im, nos grupos CMiv e CMep, 30 minutos após a medicação pré-anestésica. Mensuraram-se as frequências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (f), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), e temperatura retal (T). O grau de analgesia foi avaliado pelo método cego nas primeiras seis horas após a cirurgia, através de escalas de dor descritivas e escalas compostas por parâmetros fisiológicos e comportamentais. A estatística foi realizada mediante teste de Tukey-Kramer e análise não paramétrica de Kruskal-Walli...

Multimodal analgesia refers to the practice of combining multiple analgesic drug classes or techniques to target different points along the pain pathway. The objective of this work was to evaluate clinically if ketoprofen associated or not with intravenous or epidural morphine provided adequate postoperative analgesia in bitches undergoing ovariosalpingohysterectomy (OSH). Forty healthy female dogs, weighing 10.7±6.0 kg, sedated with acepromazine (0.05mg kg 1.iv), induced with propofol (5 mg.kg-1. iv) and maintained with isoflurane anesthesia, were distributed into four groups of 10 animals each. After stabilization of inhalation anesthesia, the bitches in Miv and CMiv groups received 0.2 mg.kg-1 of morphine intravenously diluted in 10ml of saline; whereas Mep and CMep groups received 0.1mg.kg-1 of epidural morphine. Thirty minutes after premedication, 2.0mg.kg-1.im of ketoprofen was administered in groups CMiv and CMep. Heart and respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and rectal temperature were measured. The degree of analgesia was assessed by a blind study in the following 6 hours after surgery, using a descriptive scale and a scale composed by physiologic and behavioral parameters. An statistical analysis was performed using the Tukey-Kramer test and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, with statistical significance of 5%. There was no important difference between the...