Adenocarcinoma de saco anal com metástase vertebro-medular em um Cocker Spaniel / Anal sac adenocarcinoma with vertebromedullary metastasis in a Cocker Spaniel

Background: Several neoplasms can affect the perianal region, being the hepatic adenoma and the anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC), which is considered the most frequent. The ASAC is a malignant neoplasm originating from the secretory epithelium of the perianal apocrine glands and is rarely seen in veterinary medicine. The ASAC occurs mainly in adult to elderly canines with high metastasis rates. Patients may be asymptomatic or manifest discomfort and behavioral changes. In the presence of metastasis, the most frequent clinical signs are inappetence, coughing, dyspnea, and colorectal obstruction. Given this scenario, this paper aims to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic examination, and necropsy findings of a Cocker Spaniel with ASAC and metastasis in the vertebral body, spinal cord, and cauda equina. Case: A 8-year-old neutered male Cocker Spaniel (12 kg of body mass) with a clinical history of non-ambulatory paraparesis was evaluated. The patient also presented tenesmus, difficulty to defecate, and the presence of nodules in the anal sac area. On the neurological examination, asymmetrical changes compatible with injury between L4-S3 were found. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and imaging exams such as plain radiography, abdominal ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were requested. Blood count revealed anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis and hypercalcemia. The liver showed increased echogenicity and thickened pancreas in the abdominal US scan. A slightly heterogeneous, vascularized mass with irregular borders was identified in the topographic region of the sublumbar lymph nodes; MRI images demonstrated an expansile formation in the ventral region of the lumbosacral spine, corresponding to the sublumbar lymph nodes and interruption of the cerebrospinal fluid at L5, suggestive of compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina. A presumptive diagnosis of perianal neoplasm with metastasis was made based on the complementary exams. The dog was referred to necropsy, which revealed a 4 cm tumor in the perianal region that invaded the pelvic canal. Multifocal nodules were present on the lung surface, liver, and kidneys, suggesting metastasis. On the cross-section of the spine, one could note the presence of the tumor in the vertebral bodies, spinal cord, and cauda equina from L5 to S3. Even with histopathological evaluation of the tumor, only the immunohistochemical analysis allowed us to confirm the anal sac adenocarcinoma. Discussion: Adenomas and carcinomas are perianal gland neoplasms common in adult and elderly male dogs; the Cocker Spaniel breed is among the most affected. The clinical signs presented by the patient, such as tenesmus and difficulty in adopting the posture of defecation, are common, although neurological changes are rare. As for metastasis, carcinomas of the perianal region present high chances of metastasis to organs including the liver, kidneys, and lungs, both lymphatically and hematogenously, but few studies have related these factors to neurological alterations due to metastasis. We concluded that metastases from carcinomas to the spine must be considered a possible differential diagnosis in cases of patients presenting clinical signs that are compatible with spinal cord compression and a history of previous neoplasm.

Gurltia paralysans infection in a domestic cat in the São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil

Gurltia paralysans is a nematode first described in 1933 in Chile, causing a syndrome called feline crural parasitic paraplegia. Insects, mollusks, frogs, lizards, and rodents are paratenic hosts of this nematode, and cats probably become infected by ingesting them. This report aims to discuss the main anatomopathological findings of gurltiosis in a cat submitted to necropsy in a laboratory in Ribeirão Preto city, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil, being the first case reported in this state. The main necroscopic findings were extramedullary reddened areas below the leptomeninges in the cervical and lumbar segments of the spinal cord. The histopathological examination showed marked thickening of the leptomeninges in the lumbar segment of the spinal cord, with marked neovascularization and fibrosis associated with eosinophilic and mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, as well as the presence of intravascular nematodes. The diagnosis of this lesion was chronic segmental meningomyelitis associated with intralesional parasites. Although uncommon, feline gurltiosis is a neglected parasitic disease that should be included as a differential diagnosis of paraparesis in domestic cats.(AU)

Tridimensional models and radiographic study of dorsal laminectomy and thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy in dogs

Purpose: To create three-dimensional anatomical models of the thoracic and lumbar portions of the canine spine that reproduce the vertebral surgical approaches of dorsal laminectomy and hemilaminectomy, and to perform the respective radiographic evaluations of each approach. Methods: In a digital archive of the canine spine, digitally replicate the dorsal laminectomy and hemilaminectomy in the thoracic and lumbar portions and, then, make tridimensional prints of the vertebral models and obtain radiographs in three dorsoventral, ventrodorsal and laterolateral projections. Results: The anatomical models of the surgical spinal canal accesses of the thoracic and lumbar portions showed great fidelity to the natural bones. The created accesses have the proper shape, location and size, and their radiographic images showed similar radiodensities. Conclusions: The replicas of the dorsal laminectomy and hemilaminectomy developed in the anatomical models in the thoracic and lumbar portions are able to represent the technical recommendations of the specialized literature, as well as their respective radiographic images, which have certain radiological properties that allow to make a deep radiological study. Therefore, the models are useful for neurosurgical training.

Biomechanical study of partial lateral corpectomy with or without an association with pediculectomy and hemilaminectomy in canine specimens / Estudo biomecânico de corpectomia lateral parcial com ou sem associação com pediculectomia e hemilaminectomia em espécimes caninos

The present objective was to increase the number of biomechanical cycles performed using non-chondrodystrophic dog specimens, based on the study by Araújo (2017), comparing partial lateral corpectomy (PLC) alone, corpectomy and pediculectomy, and PLC associated with pediculectomy and hemilaminectomy to determine if there are significant differences between them regarding deformation versus applied force. Groups were divided as: control (G1), corpectomy (G2), corpectomy +pediculectomy (G3), and corpectomy + pediculectomy + hemilaminectomy (G4). The level of displacement versus force was observed during axial compression, flexion, extension, right and left lateral bending, and right and left axial rotation. Significant differences were observed between groups for flexion, extension, right and left axial rotation, and left lateral bending, whereas there was no difference for axial compression and right lateral bending. PLC and PLC with pediculectomy had significant differences in flexion and in extension, similar to PLC associated with pediculectomy and with hemilaminectomy in right and left axial rotation, flexion, extension, and right lateral bending.

O presente objetivo foi, a partir de grupos de espécimes caninas não condrodistróficas, aumentar o número de ciclos biomecânicos realizados, com base no estudo de Araújo (2017), comparando-se corpectomia parcial lateral (CPL) isolada, corpectomia e pediculectomia, à CPL associada à pediculectomia e à hemilaminectomia, no intuito de determinar se há diferenças significativas entre eles quanto à deformação versus à força aplicada. Os grupos foram divididos em: controle (G1), corpectomia (G2), corpectomia + pediculectomia (G3) e corpectomia + pediculectomia + hemilaminectomia (G4). O nível de deslocamento versus a força foi observado durante a compressão axial, a flexão, a extensão, a flexão lateral direita e esquerda e a rotação axial direita e esquerda. Observaram-se diferenças significativas entre os grupos para flexão, extensão, rotação axial direita e esquerda e flexão lateral esquerda, ao passo que, na compressão axial e na flexão lateral direita, não houve diferença. CPL e CPL com pediculectomia tiveram diferenças significativas na flexão e na extensão, semelhantemente à CPL associada à pediculectomia e à hemilaminectomia nos movimentos de rotação axial direita e esquerda, flexão, extensão e flexão lateral direita.

Finite element analysis of a new intervertebral disc prosthesis developed for the canine cervical spine / Elementos finitos de uma nova prótese de disco intervertebral desenvolvida para a coluna cervical canina

ABSTRACT: Cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) is a disease that affects mostly large- and giant-breed dogs. It is characterized by abnormalities of the cervical spine that may cause damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical disc arthroplasty has been proposed as a treatment option in veterinary medicine. The current study evaluated the main stresses in a novel canine vertebral disc prosthesis and vertebral bodies using finite element analysis. Two experimental groups were created based on the material used for the prosthesis: stainless steel group (SSG) and titanium alloy group (TAG). Vertebral and prosthetic average equivalents von-Mises stress (VMS) and minimum principal stress (MiPS) were assessed while compressive, tensile, and lateral bending shear loads were applied. The stainless steel group had greater VMS distribution on all the evaluated parameters while the titanium alloy group had greater MiPS. Stresses were more concentrated on the lateral and ventral surfaces of the vertebral bodies than on their endplates. The average prosthetic stresses were more concentrated on the bone/implant contact surface than on the prosthesis/screw interface. Maximum stresses were concentrated in the screws' cranial surface. The novel prosthesis allows even distribution along the vertebral body. Comparing prosthesis materials, titanium alloy was marginally superior regarding average stresses in all directions and should be less likely to suffer subsidence.

RESUMO: Espondilomielopatia cervical (EMC) é uma doença que geralmente afeta cães de raças grandes e gigantes. Ela é caracterizada por anormalidades da coluna cervical que podem causar danos à medula espinhal ou às raízes nervosas. Artroplastia cervical com prótese de disco tem sido proposta como opção de tratamento na medicina veterinária. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os principais estresses em uma nova prótese de disco intervertebral canina e corpos vertebrais por meio da análise de elementos finitos. Foram compostos dois grupos experimentais que representaram o material constituinte da nova prótese: grupos aço inoxidável (SSG) e o liga de titânio (TAG). Tensões equivalente de von-Mises (VMS) e tensão principal mínima (MiPS) média foram avaliadas sob forças de compressão, tração e torção para vértebras e prótese. O grupo SSG teve maior distribuição de VMS para todos parâmetros avaliados, enquanto o grupo TAG teve maior MiPS. Estresses estiveram mais concentrados nas superfícies lateral e ventral dos corpos vertebrais do que nas placas terminais. Os estresses médios da prótese foram mais concentrados na superfície de contato osso/implante do que na interface prótese/parafuso. Estresses máximos foram concentrados na superfície cranial do parafuso. A nova prótese permitiu distribuição uniforme do estresse ao longo do corpo vertebral. Comparando os materiais da prótese, a liga de titânio foi marginalmente superior quanto aos estresses médios em todas as direções, sendo menos provável que sofra afundamento da prótese.

Relation of fibrocartilaginous embolism and acute and non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion with imaging tests: case report / Relação de embolia fibrocartilaginosa e extrusão aguda e não-compressiva do núcleo pulposus com testes de imagem: relato de caso

Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCEM) and acute, non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) are non-compressive myelopathies that are difficult to differentiate. The definitive diagnosis is obtained only with histology, but the presumptive diagnosis is made through clinical signs and imaging tests. The aim of this study is to report the imaging tests performed for the diagnosis of a neurological clinical case and discuss the best diagnostic method. After attending the patient, complementary tests were requested. Radiography results showed no change. The computed tomography diagnostic impression indicated distal protrusion between C6-C7, T11-T12, T13-L1 followed by mild spinal cord compression defined by the presence of a ventral hyperattenuating region. Magnetic resonance (RMI), showed a slight T2W hypersignal, well delimited in the gray matter, lateralized to the right, over the cranial third of C7. Concluding that the magnetic resonance is the method that brought more information for the diagnosis, in which the others were not described medullary alterations pertinent to FCEM and ANNPE. With their fair prognosis, the absence of histological diagnosis of these diseases may be a limiting factor in this study and, in relation to the RMI alterations being very similar between FCEM and ANNPE it is not possible to diagnose fully accurately.

A embolia fibrocartilaginosa (EFC) e a extrusão aguda não compressiva do núcleo pulposo (EANCNP) são mielopatias não compressivas de difícil diferenciação. O diagnóstico definitivo é obtido apenas com a histologia, mas o diagnóstico presuntivo é feito por meio de sinais clínicos e exames de imagem. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar os exames de imagem realizados para o diagnóstico de um caso clínico neurológico e discutir o melhor método diagnóstico. Após o atendimento do paciente, foram solicitados exames complementares. Os resultados da radiografia não mostraram nenhuma alteração. A impressão diagnóstica da tomografia computadorizada indicou protrusão distal entre C6-C7, T11-T12, T13-L1, seguida de leve compressão medular definida pela presença de região hiperatenuante ventral. À ressonância magnética (RM), apresentava discreto hipersinal em T2W, bem delimitado na substância cinzenta, lateralizado à direita, sobre o terço cranial de C7. Concluiu-se que a ressonância magnética é o método que mais trouxe informações para o diagnóstico, os demais métodos não foram descritos alterações medulares pertinentes à EFC e à EANCNP. Com seu prognóstico favorável, a ausência de diagnóstico histológico dessas doenças pode ser um fator limitante neste estudo. Em relação às alterações do RM serem muito semelhantes entre EFC e EANCNP, não é possível diagnosticar com total precisão.

Finite element analysis of a new intervertebral disc prosthesis developed for the canine cervical spine / Elementos finitos de uma nova prótese de disco intervertebral desenvolvida para a coluna cervical canina

Cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) is a disease that affects mostly large- and giant-breed dogs. It is characterized by abnormalities of the cervical spine that may cause damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical disc arthroplasty has been proposed as a treatment option in veterinary medicine. The current study evaluated the main stresses in a novel canine vertebral disc prosthesis and vertebral bodies using finite element analysis. Two experimental groups were created based on the material used for the prosthesis: stainless steel group (SSG) and titanium alloy group (TAG). Vertebral and prosthetic average equivalents von-Mises stress (VMS) and minimum principal stress (MiPS) were assessed while compressive, tensile, and lateral bending shear loads were applied. The stainless steel group had greater VMS distribution on all the evaluated parameters while the titanium alloy group had greater MiPS. Stresses were more concentrated on the lateral and ventral surfaces of the vertebral bodies than on their endplates. The average prosthetic stresses were more concentrated on the bone/implant contact surface than on the prosthesis/screw interface. Maximum stresses were concentrated in the screws' cranial surface. The novel prosthesis allows even distribution along the vertebral body. Comparing prosthesis materials, titanium alloy was marginally superior regarding average stresses in all directions and should be less likely to suffer subsidence.

Espondilomielopatia cervical (EMC) é uma doença que geralmente afeta cães de raças grandes e gigantes. Ela é caracterizada por anormalidades da coluna cervical que podem causar danos à medula espinhal ou às raízes nervosas. Artroplastia cervical com prótese de disco tem sido proposta como opção de tratamento na medicina veterinária. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os principais estresses em uma nova prótese de disco intervertebral canina e corpos vertebrais por meio da análise de elementos finitos. Foram compostos dois grupos experimentais que representaram o material constituinte da nova prótese: grupos aço inoxidável (SSG) e o liga de titânio (TAG). Tensões equivalente de von-Mises (VMS) e tensão principal mínima (MiPS) média foram avaliadas sob forças de compressão, tração e torção para vértebras e prótese. O grupo SSG teve maior distribuição de VMS para todos parâmetros avaliados, enquanto o grupo TAG teve maior MiPS. Estresses estiveram mais concentrados nas superfícies lateral e ventral dos corpos vertebrais do que nas placas terminais. Os estresses médios da prótese foram mais concentrados na superfície de contato osso/implante do que na interface prótese/parafuso. Estresses máximos foram concentrados na superfície cranial do parafuso. A nova prótese permitiu distribuição uniforme do estresse ao longo do corpo vertebral. Comparando os materiais da prótese, a liga de titânio foi marginalmente superior quanto aos estresses médios em todas as direções, sendo menos provável que sofra afundamento da prótese.

Non-invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure waveforms using Braincare® BCMM 2000 monitor in dogs with myelopathies undergoing myelography / Monitoramento não invasivo do formato das ondas de pressão intracraniana usando o monitor Braincare® BCMM 2000 em cães com mielopatias submetidos à mielografia

ABSTRACT: Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is considered the gold standard for optimizing the treatment of humans in intensive care units. However, this procedure is not commonly performed in veterinary medicine because of the limitations and complications of the method. There are some new promising non-invasive techniques for monitoring ICP, but they have not been validated in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to correlate the non-invasive intracranial pressure (NI-ICP) waveforms obtained with the BCMM-2000 Brain4care monitor during myelography in dogs with myelopathies undergoing this exam for diagnostic purposes with the waveforms obtained through invasive monitoring of the subarachnoid pressure (SP). The NI-ICP waveform was monitored in six dogs with myelopathies before (M1), during (M2), and after (M3) contrast medium injection into the subarachnoid space. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected before contrast injection. The SP waveform was simultaneously monitored in three of the six dogs. Correlations between the two methods were performed using Pearson's coefficient. The analysis of the morphology and amplitude of the waves at each moment was performed, and at M2, an increase in the P2:P1 ratio (p<0.05) was observed in both monitoring methods. In M3, the values were similar to those of M1, demonstrating the return of cerebral compliance. The comparison of the NI-ICP and SP had a positive correlation in those moments (Pearson's coefficient r=0.76; p=0.027). The speed of contrast administration, degree of spinal cord compression, and volume of CSF previously collected may affect P2:P1 and ICP dynamics. The BCMM-2000 Brain4care monitor was effective in detecting changes in ICP dynamics and abnormal pulse waveforms in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin, vertebral neoplasm and intervertebral disc disease with and without hemorrhagic myelomalacia, suggesting increased ICP induced by myelography.

RESUMO: A monitorização da pressão intracraniana (PIC) é considerada o padrão ouro para otimizar o tratamento de humanos em unidades de terapia intensiva, entretanto, esse procedimento não é comumente realizado na medicina veterinária devido às limitações e complicações do método. Existem algumas técnicas não invasivas promissoras de monitoramento da PIC, mas elas não foram validadas na medicina veterinária. Este estudo teve como objetivo correlacionar os formatos das ondas não invasivas da PIC (NI-PIC), obtidas com o monitor BCMM-2000 Brain4care, antes e após a injeção de meio de contraste no espaço subaracnóideo de cães com mielopatias submetidos à mielografia para fins diagnósticos, com as formas de onda obtidas por meio de monitoração invasiva da pressão subaracnóidea (PS). O formato das ondas NI-PIC foram monitoradas em seis cães com mielopatias antes (M1), durante (M2) e após (M3) injeção de meio de contraste no espaço subaracnóideo. O líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) foi coletado antes da injeção de contraste. A forma da onda da PS foi monitorada simultaneamente em três dos seis cães. As correlações entre os dois métodos foram feitas usando o coeficiente de Pearson. Foi realizada a análise da morfologia e amplitude das ondas em cada momento, e em M2 observou-se aumento da relação P2:P1 (p<0,05) em ambos os métodos de monitoramento. Em M3, os valores foram semelhantes aos de M1, demonstrando o retorno da complacência cerebral. A comparação do NI-PIC e PS apresentou correlação positiva nesses momentos (coeficiente de Pearson r=0,76; p=0,027). A velocidade de administração do contraste, o grau de compressão da medula espinhal e o volume de LCR coletado anteriormente podem afetar a dinâmica P2:P1 e PIC. O monitor BCMM-2000 Brain4care foi eficaz na detecção de alterações na dinâmica da PIC e dos formatos das ondas de pulso anormais em cães com meningoencefalite de origem desconhecida, neoplasia vertebral e doença do disco intervertebral com e sem mielomalácia hemorrágica, sugerindo aumento da PIC induzida pela mielografia.

Steroid-responsive myelitis in dogs - comparison with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis

Background: Myelitis is the inflammation of the spinal cord parenchyma alone, whereas meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges. Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is a meningomyelitis in which the major lesions involve the meninges, not the spinal cord parenchyma, and respond well to glucocorticoid treatment. However, myelitis in dogs has rarely been reported, and myelitis with a good response to glucocorticoid treatment without relapse has not been reported. This report describes 5 cases of steroid-responsive myelitis (SRM) in dogs. Cases: Case 1. A 8-year-old intact female Cocker Spaniel presented with progressive nonambulatory paraplegia. Whole spinal parenchymal lesions were identified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Mononuclear pleocytosis with increased total protein levels was the only abnormal finding on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Prednisolone (PDS) was administered followed by dose tapering according to therapeutic response. Cyclosporine was administered until the termination of PDS. Since then, no recurrence of neurological symptoms has been observed. Follow-up MRI and CSF analysis revealed resolution of previously observed abnormal findings. Case 2. A 2-year-old intact female Maltese presented with non-progressive paraparesis. A spinal parenchymal lesion in the lumbosacral region was observed on MRI. PDS was administered and slowly tapered at approximately 3-week intervals. No recurrence of neurological symptoms was observed after the treatment. Case 3. A 6-year-old intact female Miniature Pinscher presented with neck pain, along with leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Cervical spinal parenchyma lesions were revealed through MRI. Increased total protein concentration with mixed cell pleocytosis was observed on CSF analysis. Immunomodulatory therapy, similar to that in case 2, was initiated. A second MRI and CSF analysis revealed an improvement in the previously observed abnormalities. Case 4. A 2-year-old, intact female Toy Poodle presented with acute paraplegia and back pain. Lesions were observed in the spinal parenchyma at the T12-L3 levels on MRI. The treatment was conducted as in case 2. During treatment, neurological symptoms, including paraplegia and back pain, were not observed. Follow-up MRI revealed improvement in the spinal lesion. Case 5. A 6-month-old, castrated male Standard Poodle presented with progressive paraparesis. On MRI, lesions were observed in the T11-T13 regions. Immunomodulation therapy, similar to that in case 2, was initiated. No recurrence of neurological symptoms was observed after treatment initiation Discussion: SRM is similar to SRMA in terms of good steroid-responsiveness and noninfectious inflammation etiology; however, it does not exactly satisfy the diagnostic criteria for SRMA, nor does it progress similarly. The characteristics of SRM that do not satisfy the diagnostic criteria of SRMA include the absence of fever, C-reactive protein elevation, hyperglobulinemia, and relapse, and the presence of spinal parenchymal lesions without parenchymal or meningeal enhancement on MRI. It is also a seemingly different from spinal cord-only meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin due to its better treatment response and prognosis. However, the dogs in the present report with SRM satisfied the diagnostic criteria for transverse myelitis in human patients. Therefore, SRM, including good steroid responsiveness and good prognosis without relapse, may represent a novel type of meningomyelitis.

Empiema epidural espinhal em gato com suspeita de linfoma em canal vertebral / Spinal epidural empyema in a cat with suspect of spinal canal lymphoma

Background: Spinal epidural empyema (SEE) is a rare disease in cats that has been described as a cause of severe compressive myelopathy. It is characterized by accumulation of purulent exudate in the form of an abscess in the epidural space. Neurological signs range from spinal hyperesthesia to rapidly progressive paraplegia and may be associated with systemic signs. Spinal lymphoma is the most common neoplasm affecting the central nervous system of cats and can mimic different neoplasms and non-neoplastic diseases, such as SEE. The aim of this study is to report a case of SEE in a cat and highlight the similarities in neurological, laboratory, and imaging findings between this disease and spinal lymphoma. Case: A 8-month-old male neutered mixed-breed cat was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (HVU) of the UFSM with acute, non-progressive paraplegia. On neurological examination, the patient was paraplegic with no nociception, normal spinal reflexes, increased muscle tone in the pelvic limbs, absence of cutaneous trunci reflex, and spinal hyperesthesia between T13-L1, demonstrating injury in the T3-L3 spinal cord segment. The differential diagnoses included acute spinal cord trauma, neoplasm (lymphoma), and infectious diseases. Hemogram showed lymphocytosis (8062/µL); the biochemical examinations were unremarkable. Tests for antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigens were negative. Simple radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and cerebrospinal fluid findings were also normal. Myelography showed left dorsolateral extradural spinal cord compression from T12 to L1. Based on these findings, the presumptive diagnosis was spinal lymphoma and chemotherapy was initiated. After 2 days, the animal began to show hyporexia, adipsia, vomiting, and diarrhea, in addition to an increase in subcutaneous volume in the thoracolumbar region. Antibiotic therapy was initiated; however, the patient died. Necropsy revealed an abscess in the left dorsolateral extradural space at T12-T13 and T13-L1. Bacterial cultures revealed the presence of Neisseria spp. that was resistant to various antibiotics. On the basis of these findings, the animal was diagnosed with SEE. Discussion: This case report aims to inform veterinarians about the diagnosis of SEE. SEE is a rare condition in cats compared to spinal lymphoma; however, their presentation is similar. Even in imaging examinations, such as magnetic resonance imaging, it is not possible to differentiate between these 2 conditions. The evolution of clinical signs made the diagnosis of the present case difficult since it was acute and not progressive. All cases of SEE reported in the literature were progressive, acute, or chronic. Although testing for FeLV was negative, only 56% of cats with spinal lymphoma test positive for this virus. Clinical signs reported by the owner after the start of chemotherapy may be related to adverse effects, such as immunosuppression, which led to worsening of the condition, culminating in the appearance of a subcutaneous abscess. Subsequently, SEE was suspected; however, surgical decompression was not performed as the animal died soon after. The authors of this report reinforce the need for a definitive and non-presumptive diagnosis of spinal lymphoma to initiate chemotherapy because it mimics different neoplasms and non-neoplastic diseases, such as SEE. Surgical removal of the compressive mass in the spinal cord and histopathological analyses are necessary.

Focal spinal hyperesthesia as a prognostic factor in paraplegic dogs without deep pain perception / Hiperestesia espinhal focal como fator prognóstico em cães paraplégicos sem percepção de dor profunda

Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is the most common cause of spinal cord compression in dogs, whose prognosis is variable and depends on several factors, with deep pain perception (DPP) being the main parameter used. Investigations of new prognostic factors are studied to assist in the estimation of functional recovery. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate whether spinal hyperesthesia (SH) at the compression site can be used as a prognostic factor for the functional recovery of dogs with acute IVDE (Hansen type I), without DPP being subjected to thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy. Decompression surgery was performed on the same day or the day after admission. The duration of the loss of DPP until surgery performance ranged from 1 to 60 days, with a median of 4.5 days for the group of dogs with SH and 5.5 days for those without SH. Among the 68 dogs included in this retrospective study, 73.5% (50/68) showed SH, and 26.5% (18/68) were not identified. Recovery was satisfactory in 60% (30/50) of dogs with SH and in 27.7% (5/18) of dogs without SH, demonstrating that paraplegic dogs without DPP but with SH were 3.9 times more likely to recover when compared to dogs in the same condition, but with no SH. No studies have evaluated SH by palpation of the spine as a prognostic factor, which reinforces the relevance of the present study. The results of this study imply that SH in paraplegic dogs affected by thoracolumbar IVDE, without the presence of DPP, can be used as a possible prognostic indicator of functional recovery.

A extrusão do disco intervertebral (EDIV) é a causa mais comum de lesão compressiva na medula espinhal de cães, cujo prognóstico é variável e depende de diversos fatores, sendo a percepção de dor profunda (PDP) o principal parâmetro utilizado. Pesquisas de novos fatores prognósticos são estudados com intuito de auxiliar na estimativa mais precisa de recuperação funcional. Com isso, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar se a hiperestesia espinhal (HE) no local da compressão, pode ser utilizada como um fator prognóstico para recuperação funcional de cães com extrusão aguda do disco intervertebral (Hansen tipo I), sem a presença de PDP submetidos a hemilaminectomia toracolombar. A cirurgia descompressiva ocorreu no mesmo dia ou no dia seguinte ao atendimento. A duração da perda de dor profunda até a realização da cirurgia variou de 1 a 60 dias, com uma mediana de 4,5 dias para o grupo de cães com e 5,5 dias para aqueles sem hiperestesia espinhal. Dos 68 cães incluídos nesse estudo retrospectivo, 73,5% (50/68) apresentavam HE e, em 26,5% (18/68) a dor não foi identificada. A recuperação foi satisfatória nos cães com HE em 60% (30/50) e, sem HE, em 27,7% (5/18) dos casos, demonstrando que os cães paraplégicos sem PDP, mas com presença de hiperestesia espinhal tem 3,9 vezes mais chances de recuperação quando comparado com cães na mesma condição, mas sem HE. Não foram encontrados trabalhos que avaliaram a HE mediante a palpação da coluna vertebral como um fator prognóstico, o que reforça a relevância do presente estudo. Os resultados do presente trabalho sugerem que a HE em cães paraplégicos acometidos por EDIV toracolombar sem presença de PDP pode ser utilizada como um possível indicador prognóstico de recuperação funcional.

Physical therapy modalities in the rehabilitation of cats (Felis catus) with neurological and orthopedic conditions / Modalidades terapêuticas na reabilitação de gatos (Felis catus) com doenças neurológicas e ortopédicas

This retrospective study described the therapeutic modalities used for the rehabilitation of cats with neurological and orthopedic diseases and provided data regarding the number of sessions, frequency, and treatment duration; the study also evaluated the modality acceptance by this species. Twenty cats were selected, 11 with neurological diseases and nine with orthopedic conditions. Acute spinal cord trauma and femoral fracture were the most frequently observed neurological (72.7%) and orthopedic (44.4%) conditions, respectively. Manual therapies comprised of passive stretching (PS), passive range of motion (PROM), and bicycle movement (BM) exercises were included in all the protocols.Therapeutic modality acceptance was positive for physical agents, thermotherapy, and hydrotherapy (100%);in manual therapies, it was positive in 40% and partially positive in 60% of cats; in kinesiotherapy, it was positive for all the assisted active exercises and negative for the active exercises. The number of physical therapy sessions significantly influenced the positive acceptance of PS (P < 0.05). The PS, PROM, and BM exercises were the most commonly used modalities; the number of physiotherapy sessions and duration of treatment were higher in cats with neurological diseases, and acceptance was positive in most therapeutic modalities.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi descrever as modalidades terapêuticas utilizadas na reabilitação de gatos com doenças neurológicas e ortopédicas em um centro de reabilitação, fornecer dados referentes ao número de sessões, a frequência, a duração do tratamento e avaliar a aceitação das modalidades pela espécie. Foram selecionados 20 gatos, sendo, 11 com doenças neurológicas e nove com afecções ortopédicas. O trauma agudo de medula espinhal e a fratura de fêmur foram as doenças neurológicas (72,7%) e ortopédicas (44,4%) mais observadas, respectivamente. As terapias manuais compostas pelos exercícios de alongamento passivo (AP), movimentação passiva articular (MPA) e movimento em bicicleta (MB) foram incluídas em 100% dos protocolos. A aceitação das modalidades terapêuticas foi positiva para os agentes físicos, termoterapia e hidroterapia (100%); nas terapias manuais, foi positiva em 40% e parcialmente positiva em 60% dos gatos e, na cinesioterapia, foi positiva para os exercícios ativos assistidos em 100% e negativa para os exercícios ativos. O número de sessões de fisioterapia influenciou significativamente na aceitação positiva do alongamento passivo (P < 0,05). O AP, a MPA, o MB foram as modalidades mais utilizadas; o número de sessões de fisioterapia e a duração do tratamento foram maiores nos gatos com doenças neurológicas e a aceitação foi positiva na maioria das modalidades terapêuticas.

Preliminary mechanical evaluation of two novel veterinary angle-stable-threaded interlocking nail systems / Avaliação mecânica preliminar de dois novos sistemas veterinários de haste intramedular bloqueada em ângulo estável roscada

The interlocking nail represents an excellent option as a surgical approach to treat fractures in long bones in veterinary medicine. However, failures were reported mainly due to a slack present in the interface of the rod with the screws. The present study tested and mechanically compare axial compression loads of two novel models of stable angle interlocking nails with threaded holes. Among the two models, one was uniplanar and the other was multiplanar with orthogonally arranged distal holes. Twenty-one specimens made of polylactic acid were used for the implantation of interlocking nail´s rods, divided into three groups: conventional interlocking nail (G1), novel interlocking nail with a stable angle with holes arranged in a single plane (G2), and novel interlocking nail with a stable angle in two planes, with the penultimate hole at 90 degrees from the others (G3). Biomechanical tests were performed using axial, cyclic, and destructive compression load for comparison between them. All the specimens showed plastic deformation in the screws after destructive tests, in both proximal and distal sides, being highly intense in G1. G2 and G3 of the stable angle rods supported higher loads than G1 in all tests performed (P<0.05). The novel stems did not differ statistically from each other (P>0.05). The initial hypothesis that the novel models would provide increased stability was confirmed; however, no differences were demonstrated between them. The screw locking system on the rods allowed high resistance values in the tests performed, proving to be effective and potentially applicable in real clinical situations.

A haste intramedular bloqueada representa excelente opção para abordagem cirúrgica de fraturas em ossos longos na medicina veterinária. Todavia, falhas decorrentes principalmente de "folga" presente na interface da haste com os parafusos foram relatadas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo testar e comparar mecanicamente, por cargas de compressão axial, dois novos modelos de haste intramedular bloqueada de ângulo estável com orifícios roscados, sendo uma delas uniplanar e outra multiplanar com orifícios distais dispostos ortogonalmente. Vinte e um corpos de prova confeccionados em ácido polilático (PLA) foram utilizados para implantação das hastes intramedulares bloqueadas, divididos em três grupos: Haste bloqueada convencional (G1); haste bloqueada nova de ângulo estável com orifícios dispostos em único plano (G2); haste bloqueada nova de ângulo estável em dois planos, com o penúltimo orifício em 90 graus dos demais (G3). Utilizou-se ensaios biomecânicos por carga de compressão axial, cíclicos e destrutivos, para comparação entre eles. Todos mostraram deformação plástica nos parafusos após testes destrutivos, tanto proximais como distais, sendo mais intensa no grupo 1. Os grupos 2 e 3 das hastes de ângulo estável suportaram cargas superiores em relação ao G1 em todos os testes realizados (P<0.05). As hastes novas não diferiram estatisticamente entre si (P>0,05). A hipótese inicial de que os novos modelos proporcionariam maior estabilidade foi confirmada, entretanto não foi demonstrada diferenças entre eles. O sistema de bloqueio roscado dos parafusos nas hastes permitiu valores elevados de resistência nos testes realizados, mostrando-se efetivo e, potencialmente aplicável em situações clínicas reais.

The vertebral column of Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) (Chlamyphoridae, Cingulata, Xenarthra): anatomy and Thoracolumbar variation. Spinal cord relation

Mammals of the Xenarthra clade show a large number of unusual characters in the skeleton, mainly in the vertebral column. In spite of the importance of the knowledge on the axial skeleton in this group, there are no detailed studies on the morphology of the entire vertebral column. Here we performed a comprehensive study of the vertebral column of Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804), a representative of Chlamyphoridae, in order to provide a more reliable comparative framework among armadillos. Morphological description was based on 44 adult postcranial axial skeletons. As a complement to the morphological descriptions of the skeleton we studied the paths followed by blood vessels and nerves in close relationship to the axial skeleton (using 13 fresh adult specimens, six females and seven males, part of the doctoral Thesis of one of the authors). Intraspecific variability in the thoracolumbar number in C. villosus was also evaluated. We identified certain variability in the position of the first vertebral pair that bears a xenarthral facet, ranging from T4-T5 to T6-T7, being T5-T6 and T6-T7 the most frequent positions. The second pair of xenarthrales is set near the thoracolumbar limit, and ranges between T9-T10 and T11-L1 (T10-T11 in most specimens). The variability in the total number of thoracolumbars in C. villosus falls within the range of most mammals and sets controversy about an important morphological feature that groups extant Xenarthra and Afrotheria into the southern placentals (Atlantogenata). In this regard, a more comprehensive study of this character is necessary to elucidate the patterns of distribution of this trait among xenarthrans.(AU)

Anatomical description of the ventral and dorsal cervical rootlets in rats: A microsurgical study

Purpose: To describe the anatomical aspects of the cervical rootlets and to quantify the number of rootlets that compose C1 to T1. Methods: Twenty male rats were used in this study. The dorsal rootlets from C1 to T1 were analyzed. To study the ventral rootlets, the posterior root avulsion was performed using a microhook, allowing exposure of the ventral roots through manipulation of the denticulate ligament and arachnoid mater. The parameters analyzed were the number of ventral and dorsal rootlets by side and level. Results: The formation of the respective spinal nerve was observed in the spinal roots the union of the ventral and dorsal roots. In four animals the C1 spinal root had no dorsal and/or ventral contribution. There is no normal pattern of numerical normality of the dorsal and ventral rootlets. The average number of fascicles per root was 4.08, with a slight superiority on the left side. There was a slight superiority of the dorsal rootlets compared to the ventral rootlets. Conclusions: This investigation was the first to study cervical rootlets in rats. In 20% of the sample studied, the dorsal root of C1 was absent mainly on the left side. There is a nonlinear numerical increase from C1 to T1 in the rootlets. There is a numerical predominance of cervical fascicles on the left side, confronting several studies related to the functional predominance of right laterality, requiring new studies that correlate these variables.

Clinical and pathological aspects of an outbreak of Streptococcus suis serotype 9 infection in pigs / Aspectos clínicos e patológicos de um surto de infecção por Streptococcus suis sorotipo 9 em suínos

Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive pathogen that inhabits the upper respiratory tract and can cause severe systemic inflammatory disease in pigs, mainly during the nursery phase. Streptococcus suis is a reemergent pathogen, and outbreaks of its inducing disease represent significant economic losses for the pig industry worldwide. In this study, we described the clinical, pathological, and molecular aspects of an outbreak of S. suis infection with atypically high mortality. The outbreak occurred in nursery farms integrated into a cooperative in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Of the 30 nurseries, 10 were severely affected by the pathogen and had high economic losses. Clinical signs usually started approximately 10 days after weaning and were mainly characterized by acute nervous and locomotor disorders. The mortality of the affected batches usually ranged between 8% and 10%, but in some cases, it reached 18%. Nine piglets were submitted to post mortem examination. Macroscopically, the synovial joints were enlarged and contained fibrinous exudates. In the central nervous system, there was hyperemia of the leptomeningeal vessels associated with deposition of fibrin and purulent exudate in the leptomeninges. In three piglets, there was thickening of the choroid plexus associated with dilation of the lateral ventricles. Microscopic lesions were characterized mainly by fibrinosuppurative inflammation, which involved the synovial membranes, leptomeninges of the brain, and spinal cord. Furthermore, it also affects the choroid plexus, ependyma, nerve roots, and central canal of the spinal cord. S. suis was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid, meningeal swabs, and/or synovial fluid of 8/9 piglets, and typified as serotype 9 by multiplex PCR.

Streptococcus suis é um patógeno Gram positivo que habita o trato respiratório superior e pode causar doença inflamatória sistêmica grave em suínos, principalmente durante a fase de creche. Streptococcus suis é um patógeno reemergente e surtos representam perdas econômicas significativas a suinocultura mundial. Neste estudo descrevemos os aspectos clínicos, patológicos e moleculares de um surto de infecção por S. suis com mortalidade atipicamente alta. O surto ocorreu em creches integradas a uma cooperativa do estado do Paraná, Brasil. Das 30 creches, 10 foram severamente afetadas pelo patógeno e apresentavam elevadas perdas econômicas. Os sinais clínicos iniciavam em torno de 10 dias após o desmame e eram caracterizados principalmente por sinais clínicos nervosos e locomotores agudos. A mortalidade dos lotes afetados variava entre 8% e 10%, mas em alguns casos ultrapassava 18%. Nove leitões foram submetidos ao exame post mortem. Macroscopicamente, as articulações sinoviais estavam aumentadas e continham exsudato fibrinoso. No sistema nervoso central havia hiperemia dos vasos leptomeníngeos associada a deposição de fibrina e exsudato purulento nas leptomeninges. Em três leitões havia espessamento do plexo coroide associado a dilatação dos ventrículos laterais. As lesões microscópicas eram caracterizadas principalmente por inflamação fibrinossupurativa que envolvia as membranas sinoviais, as leptomeninges do cérebro e medula espinhal. Além disso, também afetava o plexo coroide, epêndima, raízes nervosas e canal central da medula espinhal. S. suis foi isolado do líquido cefalorraquidiano, suabe de meninge e/ou líquido sinovial de 8/9 leitões e tipificado como sorotipo 9 por PCR multiplex.

Downer cow syndrome causing rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in a 17-month-old Guzerá heifer / Síndrome da vaca caída causando rabdomiólise e insuficiência renal aguda em uma novilha Guzerá de 17 meses

The downer cow syndrome (DCS) is characterized by an alert cow showing inability or reluctance to stand for 12 hours or more. This paper reported clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings in a Guzerá heifer with rhabdomyolysis, pigmenturia and acute renal failure following DCS. A 17-month-old Guzerá heifer was transported via a 350-km ride in a truck and showed sternal recumbency and severe difficulty in standing and walking. Neurological examination was unremarkable, and the heifer presented normal response to cranial nerves and spinal cord tests. Rectal palpation revealed a 5-month gravid uterus. No other abnormalities were noted in the pelvis or around the coxofemoral joints. Biochemical abnormalities included extremely high muscular enzyme activities (creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase) and high creatinine levels. Urinalysis revealed blackish and cloudy urine, proteinuria, and a positive occult blood test. Spinal cord ultrasonography showed no abnormalities. This report highlighted an uncommon clinical presentation (myoglobinuria) and pathological findings in a heifer with DCS as a consequence of severe compressive muscle damage. Practitioners and producers must be aware of the risk of careless road transportation for long distances of cattle, especially obese cows, avoiding unnecessary suffering and expenses due to DCS.

A síndrome da vaca caída (SVC) é caracterizada por um bovino alerta que mostra incapacidade ou relutância em permanecer em estação por 12 horas ou mais. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar os achados clínicos, laboratoriais e patológicos em uma novilha Guzerá com rabdomiólise, pigmentúria e insuficiência renal aguda após a SVC. Uma novilha da raça Guzerá, de 17 meses de idade, foi transportada de caminhão por 350 km e apresentou decúbito esternal, grande dificuldade para assumir estação e caminhar. O exame neurológico não demonstrou alterações, e a novilha possuía resposta normal aos testes de nervos cranianos e medula espinhal. A palpação retal revelou útero grávido de cinco meses. Nenhuma outra anormalidade foi observada na pelve ou na região das articulações coxofemorais. As anormalidades bioquímicas incluíram atividades de enzimas musculares (creatina fosfoquinase e aspartato aminotransferase) extremamente aumentadas e níveis elevados de creatinina. A urinálise revelou urina enegrecida e turva, proteinúria e teste de sangue oculto positivo. O exame ultrassonográfico da medula espinhal não apresentou anormalidades. Este relato evidencia uma apresentação clínica (mioglobinúria) e achados patológicos incomuns em uma novilha com SVC em consequência de extensa lesão muscular compressiva. Veterinários e produtores devem estar atentos aos riscos do transporte rodoviário descuidado por longas distâncias de bovinos, especialmente vacas obesas, evitando assim sofrimento e despesas desnecessárias decorrentes da SVC.

Prevalence and clinical features of neurological disorders in dogs attended at Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (2017-2018) / Caracterização clínica dos distúrbios neurológicos observados em cães atendidos na Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (2017-2018)

Neurological disorders are frequent in small animal veterinary clinics and studies giving regional justification for such disorders are essential so that veterinarians can be better prepared. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological aspects of dogs with neurological disorders treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, between August 2017 and April 2018. The study describes the location of the lesions and their etiology according to the acronym VITAMIN-D, as well as the distribution of cases according to sex, breed and age. One hundred and twenty-two (122) dogs were included, of which 58% (n=71) were males and 42% (n=51) females. The age distribution ranged from two months to 18 years old; 16% were less than two years old, 50% between two and seven years old and 34% were more than seven years old. The most affected breeds were Mixed Breed dogs (43%), Poodles (9%) and Dachshunds (7%). The diagnoses were confirmed in 54 animals (44%) and in 68 (56%) remained presumptive. The most common location was the spinal cord (61%), where the T3-L3 region was the most affected (35%), followed by multifocal (20%) and forebrain (10%). The most frequent categories were degenerative (24%), inflammatory/infectious (23%) and traumatic (20%) diseases. Intervertebral disc disease was the most observed, corresponding to 21.3% of all cases. The results showed that the neurological diseases in this Veterinary Hospital were more prevalent in young male adults with spinal cord diseases of degenerative nature.(AU)

Desordens neurológicas são frequentes na clínica de pequenos animais. Estudos caracterizando a casuística regio-nal são fundamentais para melhor instrução e preparo técnico do médico veterinário. O objetivo deste trabalho retrospectivo foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos de cães com distúrbios neurológicos atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, entre agosto de 2017 e abril de 2018, caracterizando a localização da lesão e etiologia de acordo com o acrônimo VITAMINA-D, bem como a distribuição dos casos em relação ao sexo, raça e faixa etária. Foram incluídos 122 cães, com 58% (n=71) dos casos em machos e 42% (n=51) em fêmeas. A distribuição etária variou de dois meses a 18 anos, sendo 16% dos animais menores de dois anos, 50% entre dois e sete anos e 34% maiores de sete anos. As raças mais observadas foram SRD (43%), Poodle (9%) e Dachshund (7%). O diagnóstico etiológico foi confirmado em 54 animais (44%) e em 68 (56%) permaneceu como presuntivo. A localização mais comum foi na medula espinhal (61%), sendo a região entre T3-L3 a mais acometida (35%), seguida por multifocal (20%) e prosencéfalo (10%). As categorias mais frequentes foram de doenças degenerativas (24%), inflamatórias/infecciosas (23%) e traumáticas (20%). Dos cães com doenças degenerativas, a doença do disco intervertebral foi mais observada (21,3% do total dos casos). Com base nos resultados obti-dos, pode-se concluir que, na casuística regional deste Hospital, as doenças neurológicas foram mais prevalentes em machos, adultos jovens e com localização medular de origem degenerativa.(AU)

Retrospective study on the incidence of cats and dogs' spinal injuries by computed tomographic scan. Part I: Cervical and Cervicothoracic / Estudo retrospectivo sobre incidência de injúrias em coluna vertebral de cães e gatos por meio de exame tomográfico. Parte I: Cervical e Cervicotorácica

Injuries involving the spine are frequent in dogs and knowledge of them is important to define the patient's treatment and prognosis. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the epidemiological profile of animals and lesions in the cervical (C1-5) and cervicothoracic (C6-T2) spine diagnosed through tomographic examination. Compilation of computed tomography (CT) reports for the referred regions was carried out in a diagnostic center between 01/04/2017 and 30/04/2020, with or without contrast, from the clinical routine, in order to relate the most common lesions and their locations, as well as the species, breeds and ages most affected. A total of 1164 CT scans were performed in the period, 57.56% (n=670/1164) for the spine, with 89.7% (n=601/670) reports accessed, where both regions referred to here totaled 26.95% of the studies (n=162/601). Male mixed-breed dogs (MBD) showed the most lesions. For the cervical spine, the most identified lesion was disk extrusion and the site was C3-C4, while the mean age for lesions was 8.09±3.55 years. As for cervicothoracic, disk mineralization was more frequent and the mean age for lesions was 6.96±2.93 years. It was concluded that the spine is the main target of CT scans, that lesions related to the intervertebral disk were the main ones identified, and older MBD animals are the main ones affected.

As lesões envolvendo coluna vertebral são frequentes em animais de companhia, podendo ocorrer à nível vertebral, medula espinal, disco intervertebral, meninges ou raízes nervosas, e o conhecimento das mesmas é importante para definir o tratamento e prognóstico do animal. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo foi descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos animais e das lesões em coluna vertebral cervical (C1-5) e cervicotorácica (C6-T2) diagnosticadas por meio de exame tomográfico. Realizou-se a compilação de laudos de tomografias computadorizadas para as referidas regiões realizadas em centro diagnóstico comercial, entre 01/04/2017 a 30/04/2020, contrastadas e não-contrastadas, provenientes da rotina clínica, a fim de relacionar as lesões, raças e locais mais comuns. Foram realizados 1164 exames tomográficos no período avaliado, sendo 57,56% (n=670/1164) para a coluna, com 89,7% dos laudos acessados (n=601/670), sendo que as regiões cervical e cervicotorácica somaram 26,95% dos estudos (n=162/601). Em ambas regiões, os cães sem raça definida (SRD) machos foram os que mais demonstraram lesões. Para a coluna cervical, a lesão mais identificada foi extrusão de disco e o local mais afetado foi C3-C4, enquanto a média de idade para lesões foi 8,09±3,55 anos. Já para cervicotorácica, a mineralização de disco foi mais frequente e média de idade para ocorrência de lesões foi de 6,96±2,93 anos. Concluiu-se que a coluna vertebral foi o principal alvo de tomografias, as lesões relacionadas ao disco intervertebral foram as mais identificadas, sendo animais SRD com idade avançada os mais acometidos.

Pulmonary choristoma in a new-born calf with multiple cranial and nervous malformations / Coristoma pulmonar em um bezerro recém-nascido com múltiplas malformações cranianas e neurológicas

Multiple congenital malformations can occur concomitantly in several species since the anomaly in one organ may lead directly to the malformation of another. Additionally, the etiology is not always clarified. Choristoma refers to an ectopic tissue that is histologically normal in an abnormal location. A case of pulmonary and nodal choristoma associated with cranioschisis, hydrocephalus, and syringomyelia in a new-born calf is reported here. Clinically, the calf had a mass in the frontal region of the head associated with local bone deformation. At necropsy, there was cranioschisis in the junction of the frontal bones and a 14 × 10 × 7 cm mass, grossly consistent with well-differentiated pulmonary tissue covered by skin, covering the opening between the frontal bones, and extending into the cranial cavity, leading to local cerebral compression. With the pulmonary choristoma, there was a well-differentiated lymphoid tissue. Additionally, in the central nervous system, there was severe hydrocephalus involving lateral ventricles and multiple areas of syringomyelia in the spinal cord.

Múltiplas malformações congênitas podem ocorrer concomitantemente em diversas espécies, uma vez que a anomalia em um órgão pode diretamente acarretar a malformação de outro. Ainda, a etiologia envolvida nem sempre é identificada. Coristomas são caracterizados por tecido ectópico histologicamente normal em uma localização anômala. Um caso de coristoma pulmonar e nodal associado a craniosquise, hidrocefalia e siringomielia em um bezerro recém-nascido é descrito neste trabalho. Clinicamente, o bezerro apresentava uma massa na região frontal da cabeça associada a deformação óssea local. No exame de necropsia, havia craniosquise na junção dos ossos frontais e tecido pulmonar bem diferenciado recoberto por pele, medindo 14 x 10 x 7 cm, recobrindo a abertura entre os ossos frontais e adentrando a cavidade craniana, acarretando o achatamento do córtex cerebral adjacente. Juntamente com o tecido pulmonar, havia um nódulo composto por tecido linfoide bem diferenciado. Adicionalmente, no sistema nervoso central, havia hidrocefalia severa envolvendo os ventrículos laterais e múltiplas áreas de siringomielia na medula espinhal.