Hematological and biochemical parameters of premature kids of goats subjected to different dexamethasone protocols / Parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de cabritos prematuros de cabras submetidas a diferentes protocolos de dexametasona

Corticosteroid therapy has been used for ruminants to allow lung maturation and the birth of premature babies. However, when considering laboratory analyses of these animals, very little data is available regarding hematological and biochemical patterns, especially for premature goats, and the effects of corticotherapy on these parameters are unknown. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters during the first hours of life of premature kids from goats subjected to different dexamethasone protocols. For this, the goats were divided into four groups: group I, goats that received 20 mg of dexamethasone at 139 days of gestation; group II, 2 mg of dexamethasone from the 133rd to 136th day of gestation, 4 mg from the 137th to 139th, and 20 mg on the 140th; group III, 16 mg of dexamethasone from the 139th day, with repeated doses every 12 h until elective surgery; and group IV, goats that received 4, 8, 16, and 20 mg of dexamethasone at 137, 138, 139, and 140 days of gestation, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at birth (T0h) and after 1 (T1h), 12 (T12h), 24 (T24h), and 48 h (T48h) of life for hemogram and serum biochemistry assessment of urea, creatinine, total protein (PT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). PT levels and GGT activity were lower at birth in all groups and rose after colostrum ingestion. The creatinine values for all the experimental groups did not differ between T0h and T1h; however, they decreased in the subsequent moments. Except for group I, urea concentrations were higher at T48h than at T1h. The red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin counts decreased over time. The total leukocyte count behaved differently in different experimental groups, and was influenced by the levels of dexamethasone, mainly due to the change in the counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes. It was concluded that significant changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters occur in the first hours of life of premature kids, and that the treatment of goats with dexamethasone can affect these parameters in a dose-dependent manner.

A corticoterapia tem sido empregada em ruminantes com o objetivo de permitir a maturação pulmonar e o nascimento de filhotes prematuros. Entretanto, ao se considerar análises laboratoriais desses animais, pouquíssimos dados estão disponíveis quanto aos padrões hematológicos e bioquímicos, especialmente em caprinos prematuros, e tampouco se sabe sobre os efeitos da corticoterapia sobre parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos nesses animais. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos das primeiras horas de vida de cabritos prematuros provenientes de cabras que utilizaram diferentes protocolos de dexametasona. Para tal, as cabras foram divididas em três grupos: grupo I, cabras que receberam 20 mg de dexametasona aos 139 dias de gestação; grupo II, 2 mg de dexametasona do 133° ao 136° dia de gestação, 4 mg do 137° ao 139° e 20 mg no 140° dia; grupo III, 16 mg de dexametasona a partir do 139° dia, com doses repetidas a cada 12 horas até a cirurgia eletiva; e grupo IV, cabras que receberam 4, 8, 16 e 20 mg de dexametasona no 137°, 138°, 139° e 140° dias de gestação, respectivamente. As amostras sanguíneas dos cabritos foram obtidas ao nascimento (T0h), 1 (T1h), 12 (T12h), 24 (T24h) e 48 horas (T48h) de vida para avaliação do hemograma e bioquímica sérica de ureia, creatinina, proteína total (PT) e gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT). Os teores de PT e atividade de GGT foram menores ao nascimento em todos os grupos, elevando-se após ingestão do colostro. Os valores de creatinina em todos os grupos experimentais não diferiram entre T0h e T1H, entretanto, diminuíram nos momentos subsequentes. Com exceção do grupo I, as concentrações de ureia foram maiores no T48h em comparação com o T1h. Os valores de hemácias, hemoglobina, hematócrito e volume corpuscular médio diminuíram ao longo do tempo, enquanto a concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média aumentou ao longo do tempo. A contagem leucocitária total se comportou de maneira distinta nos diferentes grupos experimentais, demonstrado ser influenciada pelos teores de dexametasona principalmente em decorrência da alteração nas contagens de neutrófilos segmentados e linfócitos. Conclui-se que alterações significativas dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos ocorrem nas primeiras horas de vida de cabritos prematuros e o tratamento de cabras com dexametasona também pode afetar tais parâmetros de forma dependente da dose.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of premature goat kids with and without antenatal corticotherapy / Avaliação clínica e laboratorial de cabritos prematuros com e sem corticoterapia antenatal

This article evaluated the vital parameters, blood gas measurements, cortisol values and radiological findings of goat kids born at term and prematurely during the first 48 hours of life. For this purpose, 24 kids from 24 goats were used and assigned to groups as follows: Group I, eight kids born through cesarean sections performed at 149 days of gestation; Group II, eight kids born through cesarean sections performed at 143 days of gestation; Group III, eight kids born through cesarean sections performed at 143 days of gestation, whose mothers received 20 mg of dexamethasone. Group I had lower heart rate values than the other groups at 60 minutes after birth. In terms of temperature, there was no difference between the groups. The pH values were reduced shortly after birth, rising at 24 and 48 hours in all animals studied. In terms of the cortisol levels, the values increased significantly at birth (M0), with the highest values obtained in animals in group II. These values decreased at 48 hours after birth in the evaluated goats. The animals belonging to group I showed better radiographic aspects, and throughout the 48 hours of evaluation, all newborns exhibited adequate respiratory adaptation. It can be concluded that antenatal dexamethasone administered at 143 days of gestation did not influence neonatal viability, metabolic or radiographic parameters. The metabolic changes found are consistent with the extrauterine adaptation period that animals in this stage of life.

O presente artigo teve como objetivo avaliar os parâmetros vitais, hemogasométricos, valores de cortisol e os achados radiológicos, de cabritos nascidos a termo e prematuros, durante as primeiras 48 horas de vida. Para tanto, foram utilizados 24 cabritos oriundos de 20 cabras, distribuídos nos grupos: grupo I: oito cabritos nascidos por meio de cesarianas realizadas aos 149 dias de gestação; grupo II: oito cabritos nascidos por meio de cesarianas realizadas aos 143 dias de gestação; grupo III: oito cabritos nascidos por meio de cesarianas realizadas aos 143 dias de gestação, cujas mães receberam 20 mg de dexametasona. O grupo I apresentou valores mais baixos de frequência cardíaca quando comparados aos demais grupos aos 60 minutos após o nascimento. Em relação à temperatura, não houve diferença entre os grupos nos momentos avaliados. Os valores de pH apresentaram-se diminuídos logo após o nascimento, vindo a elevar-se nos momentos 24 e 48 horas em todos animais estudados. Em relação à análise dos níveis de cortisol, os valores aumentaram de forma significativa no (M0), com os maiores valores obtidos nos animais do grupo II. Esses valores decresceram às 48 horas após o nascimento nos cabritos avaliados. Os animais pertencentes ao grupo I demonstraram melhores aspectos radiográficos, sendo que, ao longo das 48 horas de avaliação, todos os recém-nascidos possuíam adequada adaptação respiratória. Conclui-se que a dexametasona antenatal realizada aos 143 dias de gestação não exerceu influência sobre a viabilidade neonatal, parâmetros metabólicos e radiográficos. As alterações metabólicas encontradas são condizentes com o período de adaptação extrauterina que animais nessa fase de vida enfrentam.

Episcleroceratite nodular granulomatosa em cães / Nodular episclerokeratitis in dogs

Background: Episcleral inflammation may be assumed to be primary immune-mediated, secondary to intra- or extraocular diseases, or systemic abnormalities. We aimed to report a confirmed and another suspect case of nodular episclerokeratites (NEK) due to its rarity in the clinical setting and the paucity of case reports in Brazilian literature. Cases: Case 1. Refers to a 7-year-old castrated male, Collie-mixed breed, presenting with epiphora and an irregular ocular surface shape in the left eye (LE). Ophthalmic evaluation of this eye revealed mucoid discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, episcleral injection, and a gelatinous mass in the temporal limbic region. Biomicroscopic evaluation of the anterior chamber, lens, and vitreous was impaired in the LE because of corneal vessels and a mild flare in the aqueous humor. Histopathology of a scleral biopsy revealed the presence of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and some plasma cells. Positive CD3-lymphocytes were observed by immunohistochemistry, confirming the diagnosis of NEK. Case 2. Refers to a 8-year-old, spayed female Border Collie with a history of exophthalmos, conjunctival hyperemia, and inability to close the eyelid of the LE. During ophthalmic examination, an irregular espicleral nodule of approximately 9 mm was also found in the temporal limbic region, along with enlargement of episcleral vessels and scleral thinning at the equatorial region. The cornea showed mild and diffuse edema, and white crystal-like deposits were distributed in a band-like fashion at the dorsal aspect. Ultrasonography revealed scleral thinning without evidence of a mass effect arising from the iris, ciliary body, or retrobulbar space. Based on these findings, NEK was suspected. In both cases, the clinical signs reduced significantly after seven days of topical treatment with corticosteroids and cyclosporine. Discussion: It is assumed that scleral disorders are primarily immune mediated. However, such conditions may develop secondary to ocular trauma (surgery and foreign bodies), Ehrlichia canis, and Onchocerca spp. Infections and situations were ruled out in both cases. In case 1, additional histological and immunohistochemical findings supported a primary and immune-mediated scleral disease. Although the definitive diagnosis was not confirmed by histology in case 2, one can assume that the episcleral inflammation may have arisen due to an immune-mediated disorder once the eye responded positively to corticosteroid therapy. Additionally, secondary glaucoma was excluded as a possible diagnosis in case 2, because the intraocular pressure of the affected eye was below the reference range for dogs, coupled with the irregular appearance of the episclera, which is not characteristic of canine glaucoma. Moreover, in case 2, because remission of the masses of neoplastic origin after corticotherapy was not expected, the tumor was discarded. NEK has a characteristic ploriferative behavior and resistance to topical immunosuppression; clinical recurrence was not observed in the LE of either patient who remained on treatment after 60 days of follow-up. Regarding prognosis, one study showed a correlation between cellular contingent and therapeutic responses. The percentage of positive CD79a cells (B-lymphocytes) was significantly higher in cases of epicleritis and NEK, in which a poor response was achieved after topical immunosuppressive treatment. As shown by the veterinary literature and the cases described here, the complete remission of NEK is more common in unilateral cases, as confirmed after a 12-month follow-up. The 2 reported cases are useful for clarifying the common findings, diagnosis, and long-term management of NEK. Scleral abnormalities, such as NEK, must be included in the list of differential diagnoses of glaucoma, neoplasia, and endophthalmitis during ophtalmic examination.

Corticoterapia intralesional no tratamento de otohematoma em cães / Treating otohematomas in dogs with intra-lesional corticotherapy

Background: Otohematoma is common in dogs and is characterized by blood accumulation between the skin and cartilageof the outer ear. While the etiology is related to trauma, most cases have a predisposing condition. Treatment must drainthe hematoma and maintain appropriate skin apposition to the ear cartilage. Treatment can be surgical, but there are alsoconservative options such as puncture drainage, followed by intralesional injection of glucocorticoids. This alternativemethod is less invasive than surgery, with an equivalent success rate. This study aimed to describe intralesional injectionof corticosteroids for the treatment of dogs with otohematoma at a veterinary clinic.Materials, Methods & Results: Otohematoma was diagnosed and treated in 23 dogs (14 males and 9 females, weighing9.6 ± 2.7 kg) at a reference private veterinary clinic. The dogs were chemically restrained, and their ears were cleanedwith chlorhexidine. The lower face of each ear with otohematoma was then punctured with a needle coupled to a syringeto drain the liquid. Following drainage, the equipment was removed and the collected liquid volume was measured. A0.5 mg/kg dose of methylprednisolone acetate was prepared and diluted in saline (0.9% NaCl) to a volume equivalent to1/10 of the previously drained content volume from the otohematoma. The prepared solution was then injected into thedrained ear. Additionally, each patient was treated for the original cause of the otohematoma, according to conventionalprotocols. Eight animals (34.78%) had bilateral otohematoma and 15 (65.22%) presented with unilateral lesions. Leukocytosis was observed in most patients. Other laboratory alterations present in the studied dogs were thrombocytopenia,leukopenia, and anemia. Twenty (86.96%) patients presented with otitis externa. All patients were reassessed one weekafter the initial treatment, and 19 (82.60%) fully recovered. The remaining...

Corticoterapia intralesional no tratamento de otohematoma em cães / Treating otohematomas in dogs with intra-lesional corticotherapy

Background: Otohematoma is common in dogs and is characterized by blood accumulation between the skin and cartilageof the outer ear. While the etiology is related to trauma, most cases have a predisposing condition. Treatment must drainthe hematoma and maintain appropriate skin apposition to the ear cartilage. Treatment can be surgical, but there are alsoconservative options such as puncture drainage, followed by intralesional injection of glucocorticoids. This alternativemethod is less invasive than surgery, with an equivalent success rate. This study aimed to describe intralesional injectionof corticosteroids for the treatment of dogs with otohematoma at a veterinary clinic.Materials, Methods & Results: Otohematoma was diagnosed and treated in 23 dogs (14 males and 9 females, weighing9.6 ± 2.7 kg) at a reference private veterinary clinic. The dogs were chemically restrained, and their ears were cleanedwith chlorhexidine. The lower face of each ear with otohematoma was then punctured with a needle coupled to a syringeto drain the liquid. Following drainage, the equipment was removed and the collected liquid volume was measured. A0.5 mg/kg dose of methylprednisolone acetate was prepared and diluted in saline (0.9% NaCl) to a volume equivalent to1/10 of the previously drained content volume from the otohematoma. The prepared solution was then injected into thedrained ear. Additionally, each patient was treated for the original cause of the otohematoma, according to conventionalprotocols. Eight animals (34.78%) had bilateral otohematoma and 15 (65.22%) presented with unilateral lesions. Leukocytosis was observed in most patients. Other laboratory alterations present in the studied dogs were thrombocytopenia,leukopenia, and anemia. Twenty (86.96%) patients presented with otitis externa. All patients were reassessed one weekafter the initial treatment, and 19 (82.60%) fully recovered. The remaining...(AU)

Feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis: nonsteroidal vs corticosteroid topical treatment

Background: Feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis is a proliferative eye lesion of chronic aspect with usually unilateralpresentation that may initiate as a superficial vascularization that evolves to a proliferative, granular, irregular lesion ofwhitish-pink aspect. With its association with an immune-mediated response, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories do notappear to be efficient, although few studies describe its use. This case report describes a case of a feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis with its clinical evolution since the use of nonsteroidal topical anti-inflammatory drug in an undiagnosedpatient and the transition to a topical corticosteroid and cure after 14 days since diagnosis.Case: An 8-year-old female cat was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Dom Bosco Catholic University (UCDB),with main complaint being an eye injury with at least 36 days of evolution and unresponsive to treatment (topical tobramycin 0.3% every 12 h / ketorolac trometamol 0.5%/ every 12 h and ophthalmic lubricant/every 4 h). Since the patienthad free access to the street, the owners suspected of trauma-induced lesion. At physical examination, it was observed aproliferative lesion at the peri-limbal superotemporal quadrant of the right cornea with approximately 0.4 cm diameter,with color varying of pale to pink, with irregular surface and low vascularity, the adjacent conjunctiva was also affectedwith similar multiple nodular lesions (0.1 cm). Fluorescein test was negative as well as FIV/FeLV immunochromatographytesting. Feline herpesvirus investigation was not possible. The patient was anesthetized and a lesion specimen was acquiredwith a cotton swab scraping and a fine needle aspiration. Cytology showed predominance of eosinophils and mast cells,with rare corneal epithelial cells, with smear background containing mast cell...

Feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis: nonsteroidal vs corticosteroid topical treatment

Background: Feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis is a proliferative eye lesion of chronic aspect with usually unilateralpresentation that may initiate as a superficial vascularization that evolves to a proliferative, granular, irregular lesion ofwhitish-pink aspect. With its association with an immune-mediated response, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories do notappear to be efficient, although few studies describe its use. This case report describes a case of a feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis with its clinical evolution since the use of nonsteroidal topical anti-inflammatory drug in an undiagnosedpatient and the transition to a topical corticosteroid and cure after 14 days since diagnosis.Case: An 8-year-old female cat was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Dom Bosco Catholic University (UCDB),with main complaint being an eye injury with at least 36 days of evolution and unresponsive to treatment (topical tobramycin 0.3% every 12 h / ketorolac trometamol 0.5%/ every 12 h and ophthalmic lubricant/every 4 h). Since the patienthad free access to the street, the owners suspected of trauma-induced lesion. At physical examination, it was observed aproliferative lesion at the peri-limbal superotemporal quadrant of the right cornea with approximately 0.4 cm diameter,with color varying of pale to pink, with irregular surface and low vascularity, the adjacent conjunctiva was also affectedwith similar multiple nodular lesions (0.1 cm). Fluorescein test was negative as well as FIV/FeLV immunochromatographytesting. Feline herpesvirus investigation was not possible. The patient was anesthetized and a lesion specimen was acquiredwith a cotton swab scraping and a fine needle aspiration. Cytology showed predominance of eosinophils and mast cells,with rare corneal epithelial cells, with smear background containing mast cell...(AU)

Efeitos da corticoterapia materna nos valores hemogasométricos de cordeiros nascidos a termo e prematuros / Effects of maternal blood gas values corticotherapy of Lambs born at term and premature

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as variáveis hemogasométricas de cordeiros nascidos a termo e prematuros do nascimento às 48 horas de vida. Foram constituídos quatros grupos experimentais: PN (cordeiros nascidos de parto normal, n=15, média de 146 dias de gestação); PNDEX (cordeiros nascidos de parto normal, cujas mães receberam 16 mg de dexametasona aos 141 de gestação, n=8, média de 143 dias de gestação); PRE (cordeiros prematuros nascidos de cesarianas aos 138 dias de gestação, n=10) e PREDEX (cordeiros prematuros nascidos de cesarianas aos 138 dias de gestação, cujas mães receberam 16 mg de dexametasona dois dias antes do parto, n=9). Imediatamente após o nascimento, os cordeiros de todos os grupos apresentaram quadro de acidose respiratória (pH baixo e pCO2 elevada), com maior ênfase nos animais prematuros. A concentração de HCO3 - diminuiu entre 15 e 60 minutos de vida, principalmente nos grupos PRE e PREDEX, com posterior aumento no M24h. Os valores de diferença de base foram menores nos cordeiros prematuros, os quais apresentaram respiração abdominal, intensa dispneia e grande quantidade de líquido pulmonar. A estabilização do equilíbrio ácidobase ocorreu em todos os animais ao longo das primeiras 24 horas de vida. A dexametasona teve influência positiva sobre a condição clínica dos animais prematuros, resultando em adequada ventilação e perfusão tecidual, o que garantiu maior taxa de sobrevivência.(AU)

The aim of the study was to evaluate blood gas parameters of full-term and premature lambs from birth to 48 hours of life. Four experimental groups were formed: NDG (normal delivery group - lambs vaginally delivered, n=15, average of 146-day gestation); NDEXG (normal delivery with dexamethasone group - lambs vaginally delivered whose mothers received 16 mg of dexamethasone at 141 days of gestation, n=8, average of 143-day gestation); PRE (premature lambs born by cesarean section at 138 days of gestation, n=10) and PREDEX (premature lambs born by cesarean section at 138 days gestation, whose mothers received 16mg of dexamethasone two days before, n=9). Immediately after birth, lambs from all groups showed respiratory acidosis (low pH and high pCO2), most obviously in premature animals. The concentration of HCO3 - was lower between 15 and 60 minutes of life, especially in PRE and PREDEX groups with subsequent increase in M24h. The values of base excess were lower in premature lambs, which showed abdominal breathing, severe dyspnea and lots of lung fluid. The stabilization of acid-base balance occurred in all animals during the first 24 hours of life. Dexamethasone had a positive effect on the clinical condition of the premature lambs, resulting in adequate ventilation and tissue perfusion, which guaranteed higher survival rate.(AU)

Efeitos da corticoterapia materna nos valores hemogasométricos de cordeiros nascidos a termo e prematuros / Effects of maternal blood gas values corticotherapy of Lambs born at term and premature

The aim of the study was to evaluate blood gas parameters of full-term and premature lambs from birth to 48 hours of life. Four experimental groups were formed: NDG (normal delivery group - lambs vaginally delivered, n=15, average of 146-day gestation); NDEXG (normal delivery with dexamethasone group - lambs vaginally delivered whose mothers received 16 mg of dexamethasone at 141 days of gestation, n=8, average of 143-day gestation); PRE (premature lambs born by cesarean section at 138 days of gestation, n=10) and PREDEX (premature lambs born by cesarean section at 138 days gestation, whose mothers received 16mg of dexamethasone two days before, n=9). Immediately after birth, lambs from all groups showed respiratory acidosis (low pH and high pCO2 ), most obviously in premature animals. The concentration of HCO3 - was lower between 15 and 60 minutes of life, especially in PRE and PREDEX groups with subsequent increase in M24h. The values of base excess were lower in premature lambs, which showed abdominal breathing, severe dyspnea and lots of lung fluid. The stabilization of acid-base balance occurred in all animals during the first 24 hours of life. Dexamethasone had a positive effect on the clinical condition of the premature lambs, resulting in adequate ventilation and tissue perfusion, which guaranteed higher survival rate.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as variáveis hemogasométricas de cordeiros nascidos a termo e prematuros do nascimento às 48 horas de vida. Foram constituídos quatros grupos experimentais: PN (cordeiros nascidos de parto normal, n=15, média de 146 dias de gestação); PNDEX (cordeiros nascidos de parto normal, cujas mães receberam 16 mg de dexametasona aos 141 de gestação, n=8, média de 143 dias de gestação); PRE (cordeiros prematuros nascidos de cesarianas aos 138 dias de gestação, n=10) e PREDEX (cordeiros prematuros nascidos de cesarianas aos 138 dias de gestação, cujas mães receberam 16 mg de dexametasona dois dias antes do parto, n=9). Imediatamente após o nascimento, os cordeiros de todos os grupos apresentaram quadro de acidose respiratória (pH baixo e pCO2 elevada), com maior ênfase nos animais prematuros. A concentração de HCO3 - diminuiu entre 15 e 60 minutos de vida, principalmente nos grupos PRE e PREDEX, com posterior aumento no M24h. Os valores de diferença de base foram menores nos cordeiros prematuros, os quais apresentaram respiração abdominal, intensa dispneia e grande quantidade de líquido pulmonar. A estabilização do equilíbrio ácidobase ocorreu em todos os animais ao longo das primeiras 24 horas de vida. A dexametasona teve influência positiva sobre a condição clínica dos animais prematuros, resultando em adequada ventilação e perfusão tecidual, o que garantiu maior taxa de sobrevivência.(AU)

EFEITO DA CORTICOTERAPIA E ESTRÓGENO SOBRE TECIDO ÓSSEO, RENAL E HEPÁTICO EM RATAS ALBINAS

A corticoterapia vem sendo cada vez mais utilizada como alternativa terapêutica no tratamento de diversas patologias, devido ao potente efeito anti-inflamatório e imunossupressor dos corticoides. No entando, seu uso vem divergindo opiniões devido aos efeitos colaterais indesejáveis ao tratamento. Assim, este trabalho avaliou os efeitos da administração de estrógeno associado à corticoterapia analisando o tecido hepático, renal e ósseo, a fim de identificar uma estratégia de tratamento com menor efeito colateral. Para isso, foram utilizadas 35 ratas albinas, com 90 dias de idade, divididas nos seguintes grupos: I ratas que receberam placebo; II - ratas submetidas à corticoterapia por 45 dias; III - ratas submetidas à corticoterapia por 45 dias e tratadas simultaneamente com Alendronato de Sódio 0,2 mg/Kg por via intragástrica; IV - ratas submetidas à corticoterapia por 45 dias e tratadas simultaneamente com estrógeno 50mg/Kg por via subcutânea; V - ratas submetidas à corticoterapia por 45 dias adicionado estrógeno nos últimos 15 dias. A corticoterapia foi induzida por meio de injeções de 2mg/mL de Decadron®, por via intramuscular. Alterações histopatológicas só foram visualizadas no fígado das ratas submetidas à corticoterapia por 45 dias, caracterizadas pela presença de nódulos multifocais no parênquima hepático, vacuolização celular difusa e congestão de sinusoides. O rim mostrou-se sem alterações histopatológicas, porém apresentou diminuição da área glomerular, área da cápsula de Bowman, volume glomerular e volume da cápsula de Bowman pela análise morfométrica. No fêmur houve perda da microarquitetura óssea, notada pela diminuição da conectividade entre as trabéculas. Na análise histoquímica revelou marcação cálcio positiva próximos ao disco epifisário em todos as ratas dos grupos experimentais. Ao final do tratamento (45° dia) os parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados permanecem aumentados apenas nas ratas do grupo II com exceção do HDL que permaneceu reduzido durante todo o período experimental. As marcações para IL-6 e TNF- foram mais intensas nas ratas do grupo II no fígado e rins, não diferindo no fêmur. O índice apoptótico não apresentou diferenças no fígado e fêmur das ratas dos grupos experimentais. No entanto, o rim das ratas do grupo III mostrou maior marcação para o teste de TUNEL. Com isso conclui-se que o estrógeno atua não apenas de forma protetora contra a ação da corticicoterapia, mas também revertendo os danos hepáticos, renais e ósseos apresentados pela análise histopatológica, bioquímica e imunohistoquímica. Palavras-chaves: corticoterapia, estrógeno, fígado, rim, fêmur, bioquímica, imunohistoquímica, morfometria, histopatologia, ratas.

Corticosteroids have been increasingly used as a therapeutic alternative without treatment of several pathologies due to the potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids. However, its use has diverged opinions due to undesirable side effects to treatment. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of estrogen administration associated with corticotherapy by analyzing the hepatic, renal and bone tissue, in order to identify a treatment strategy with less side effect. For this, there were 35 albino rats, with 90 days of age, divided into the following groups: I - rats that received placebo; II - rats submitted to corticosteroid therapy for 45 days; III - rats submitted to corticotherapy for 45 days and treated simultaneously with 0.2 mg / kg Sodium Alendronate intragastric; IV - rats submitted to corticotherapy for 45 days and treated simultaneously with estrogen 50mg / kg subcutaneously; V - rats submitted to corticotherapy for 45 days added estrogen in the last 15 days. A corticosteroid to be induced by means of injections of 2mg / mL of Decadron®, intramuscularly. Histopathological changes were only visualized without liver of rats submitted to corticosteroid therapy for 45 days, characterized by the presence of multifocal nodules without hepatic parenchyma, diffuse cellular vacuolization and sinusoid congestion. The kidney was histopathologically undetermined, but showed a decrease in the glomerular area, Bowman's capsule area, glomerular volume, and Bowman's capsule volume by morphometric analysis. In the lost femur of the microarquitetura bone, noticed by the diminution of the connectivity between like trabéculas. In the histochemical analysis revealed positive calcium marking near the epiphyseal 11 disc in all as rats of the experimental groups. At the end of treatment (45th day) the permanently upgraded biochemical parameters were continuously increased only in the rats of group II with the exception of HDL that remained reduced throughout the experimental period. The marks for IL-6 and TNF- were more intense in the rats of group II without liver and kidneys, not differing without femur. The apoptotic index did not show the difference in the liver and femur of the rats of the experimental groups. However, the rat kidney of group III showed higher marking for the TUNEL test. With this, it is concluded that estrogen acts not only in a protective way against the action of corticosteroids, but also reverses the hepatic, renal and bone damages transmitted by the histopathological, biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis.

Quantitative computed tomography of the liver in dogs submitted to prednisone therapy / Tomografia computadorizada quantitativa do fígado de cães submetidos à terapia com prednisona

The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible alterations in radiodensity of the hepatic parenchyma and spleen resulting from the corticotherapy with prednisone, correlating these findings with serum biochemical hepatic transaminase activity. A clinical trial was performed on eight healthy dogs with the intent of evaluating possible hepatic alterations after prednisone therapy using quantitative computed tomography. All animals received prednisone orally at a dose of 2mg/kg of weight for 30 days. The radiodensity of the liver and spleen was determined before and after the period that the medication was administered. An increase in the radiodensity of the hepatic parenchyma between the initial and final experimental stages was observed. In the present study the existence of early hepatic alterations were verified, which are compatible with glycogen storage.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as possíveis alterações na radiodensidade do parênquima hepático e esplênico decorrentes da corticoterapia com prednisona, correlacionando estes achados com níveis séricos de transaminase bioquímicas hepáticas. Um ensaio clínico foi realizado em oito cães sadios com o objetivo de avaliar possíveis alterações hepáticas após a terapia com prednisona por meio de tomografia computadorizada quantitativa. Todos os animais receberam prednisona por via oral na dose de 2mg / kg de peso por 30 dias. A radiodensidade do fígado e do baço foi determinada antes e após o período em que a medicação foi administrada. Foi observado aumento da radiodensidade do parênquima hepático entre os estágios iniciais e finais do experimento. No presente estudo, foi verificada a existência de alterações hepáticas precoces, que são compatíveis com o acúmulo de glicogênio.(AU)

Generalized systemic cryptococcosis in a dog after immunosuppressive corticotherapy / Criptococose sistêmica generalizada em cão após corticoterapia imunossupressora

A male Boxer dog aged 2 years and 11 months was referred to the veterinary hospital with a history of a gastrointestinal disorder of two months duration, with apathy, hyporexia, progressive weight loss and visual deficit. Ataxia and vocalization were observed during hospitalization. The animal had been treated previously with antibiotics and immunosuppressive doses of corticoids to control chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The dog died five days later. Gross and microscopic observations indicated systemic cryptococcosis. The alimentary tract, eyes, brain, kidneys, pancreas and lymph nodes were involved.(AU)

Um cão da raça Boxer, macho, com 2 anos e 11 meses de idade foi encaminhado ao hospital veterinário com histórico de distúrbio gastroentérico de dois meses de duração, apatia, hiporexia, emagrecimento progressivo e deficiência visual. Ataxia e vocalização foram observadas posteriormente. O animal estava sendo tratado em outra clínica veterinária com antibióticos e doses imunossupressoras de corticóides, direcionados ao controle de provável enterite alimentar. A morte ocorreu após cinco dias. As observações macro e microscópica revelaram tratar-se de criptococose sistêmica, atingindo trato digestório, olhos, SNC, rins, pâncreas e linfonodos. O presente relato enfatiza a infecção fúngica criptocócica quanto aos seus aspectos grastrointestinais iniciais a serem considerados no diagnóstico clínico, ressaltando a imunossupressão induzida pela corticoterapia.(AU)

Efeito da córtico-terapia e plasma seminal na resposta inflamatória e fertilidade de éguas submetidas à inseminação arterial

Com o intuito de verificar a ação do acetato de prednisolona e do plasma seminal sobre a resposta inflamatória uterina de éguas inseminadas com sêmen congelado, desenvolveu-se os seguintes procedimentos: inicialmente 36 éguas foram aleatoriamente divididas em 6 grupos experimentais: G1 grupo controle, éguas não inseminadas; G2 éguas inseminadas com 800 x 106 de espermatozóides "in natura"; G3 éguas inseminadas com sêmen congelado 800 x 106 de espermatozóides viáveis pré-congelação; G4 éguas inseminadas com sêmen congelado 800 x 106 de espermatozóides viáveis pré-congelação + adição de 20 mL de plasma seminal; G5 éguas inseminadas com sêmen congelado 800 x 106 de espermatozóides viáveis pré-congelação + corticóide-terapia; G6 éguas inseminadas com sêmen congelado 800 x 106 de espermatozóides viáveis pré-congelação + adição de 20 mL de plasma seminal + corticóide-terapia. A corticóide-terapia foi iniciada quando os animais apresentavam folículos de 35 mm e edema uterino, neste momento, se efetuava a administração da gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) e concomitantemente 0,1 mg/kg de acetato de prednisolona por via intramuscular (Predef ), e repetia-se o corticóide a cada 12 horas até a ovulação. Os animais dos grupos tratados com corticóide G5 e G6, demonstraram um decréscimo significativo na função neutrofílica, frente ao teste da redução do tetrazólio nitroazul (NBT). O plasma seminal não alterou a intensidade da resposta inflamatória em nenhum dos testes realizados. No teste de fertilidade foram realizados dois grupos de inseminação, no primeiro, foram utilizadas éguas sem histórico de resposta inflamatória intensa pós-inseminação e não foi vista diferença estatística nos resultados de prenhes. Entretanto, no segundo teste de fertilidade, onde foram usadas éguas problemas, com...

Aiming to verify the action of prednizolone acetate and of seminal plasma on the uterine inflammatory response of mares inseminated with frozen semen, the following procedures were developed. Thirty six mares were randomly allocated in 6 experimental groups: G1 control groups, with non-inseminated mares; G2 mares inseminated with 800 x 106 "in natura" sperm cells; G3 mares inseminated with 800 x 106 frozen-thawed sperm cells; G4 mares inseminated with 800 x 106 frozen-thawed sperm cells + 20 mL seminal plasma; G5 mares inseminated with 800 x 106 frozen-thawed sperm cells + cortico-therapy; G6 mares inseminated with 800 x 106 frozen-thawed sperm cells + 20 mL seminal plasma + cortico-therapy. The therapy with 0,1 mg/kg of prednizolone acetate (IM) (Predef ), was performed when the mares presented follicles with 35 mm and uterine edema. At this moment the ovulation was induced with human corionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and the corticoid administrations repeated every 12 hours until ovulation. In G5 and G6 when the animals were treated with corticoid, it was observed a significant decrease on the neutrophil function, analyzed by the tetrazolio nitroazul test (NBT). The infusion of seminal plasma did not modify the uterine inflammatory response in any of the performed tests. For the fertility test, two groups of inseminated mares were used. On the first one, mares with no history of intense uterine inflammatory response after insemination were used. No statistic differences were observed on pregnancy results. However, on the second group of fertility test when problem mares, with history of post-insemination endometritis, were used, the corticoid-treated group presented a significant high pregnancy rate when compared with the control group (67% and 0% respectively). The cortico-therapy showed to be a safe method with no side effects on treated animals, representing an adequate choice for animals...