Radiographic evaluation of the forelimbs and hind limbs of marmosets (Callithrix spp.).

BACKGROUND: The maintenance of marmosets in captivity may trigger various disorders. The objective of this study was to provide a radiographic evaluation of the forelimbs and hind limbs of marmosets rescued from illegal wildlife trade and maintained in captivity. METHODS: Fourteen marmosets were studied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Three marmosets were apparently normal. Of the eleven marmosets with radiographic changes in the hind limbs, five had pelvic narrowing and bilateral varus deviation of the femur, with one suggestive of rickets and another of osteomalacia. The other marmosets showed changes such as malunion of acetabular fracture, transtibial amputation, tibial antecurvatum, and knee osteoarthritis. Six marmosets showed alterations in the forelimbs such as radius fracture, scapulohumeral subluxation, and elbow joint incongruence. In conclusion, 78.57% of the marmosets had bone and/or joint changes detected by plain radiography, which were found predominantly in the hind limbs and without impediment to locomotion in captivity.

Production and evaluation of leukocyte- and thrombocyte-rich fibrin membranes in birds.

The aim of this study was the preparation and histological evaluation of Leukocyte- and Thrombocyte-Rich Fibrin (L-TRF) membranes obtained from the blood of four bird species. Forty adult healthy birds were divided into four groups of equal size: G1 - macaws, G2 - domestic chickens, G3 - parrots, G4 - toco toucans. A total of 0.5 mL of blood was collected from each bird, put into a glass tube without anticoagulant and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min. L-TRF membranes produced after compression of the clot were processed for histological analysis. The ratio of thrombocytes/area was not significantly different among Groups G2, G3 and G4, but a significant difference was found between Groups G1 and G2 with the highest thrombocyte concentration/area in G1. The groups did not differ statistically in the number of leukocytes/area. The fibrin-to-cells ratio did not vary statistically among Groups G1, G2 and G3, but this ratio was significantly higher in Group G4 than in the other groups. The thrombocyte-to-leukocyte ratio was the highest in Group G1, but it did not differ among Groups G2, G3 and G4. In conclusion, the centrifugation protocol allowed the production of L-TRF membranes in the four bird species studied. Histologically, cell ratios were analogous in domestic chickens and parrots, and macaws had the highest ratio of thrombocytes.

Radiographic evaluation of the forelimb bone development in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

This study aimed to assess the fusion of growth plates and the development of secondary ossification centres in the forelimb bones of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), contrasting the findings with established data from domestic dogs. Three maned wolves, comprising one male and two females, initially aged between 3 and 4 months, were subjected to monthly radiographic evaluations until 10-11 months of age, followed by bimonthly assessments until 18-19 months of age, encompassing both forelimbs. The closure times of growth plates were observed as follows: supraglenoid tubercle (7-8 months), proximal humerus (17-19 months), distal humerus (8-9 months), medial epicondyle of the humerus (8-9 months), proximal ulna (9-10 months), proximal radius (13-15 months), distal ulna (13-15 months) and distal radius (17-19 months). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the areas of secondary ossification centres in the proximal epiphyses of the humerus and radius, respectively, observed from the initial evaluation at 8-9 months and 6-7 months. Conversely, the epiphyses of the supraglenoid tubercle, distal humerus, proximal ulna, distal ulna, medial epicondyle of the humerus and distal radius did not exhibit significant area differences between 3-4 months and 4-5 months, yet notable distinctions emerged at 5-6 months. In summary, while the radiographic appearance of epiphyseal growth plates and secondary ossification centres in maned wolves resembles that of domestic dogs, closure times vary. These findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of epiphyseal growth plates in this species.

Meniscal mineralisation in little spotted cats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stifle joints of little spotted cats in captivity using radiographic and CT studies. The hypothesis was that these animals would have meniscal mineralisation that could be detectable by imaging studies. Twelve intact little spotted cats (Leopardus tigrinus), 2 females and 10 males, aged from 1.5 to 11.11 years old and weighing 1.9-3.05 kg were studied. These animals, which were living in the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo, had no symptoms or known disease processes at the time of the study. The plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of both stifle joints were performed under general anaesthesia. Sequential transverse images were acquired on a spiral scanner. RESULTS: No signs of articular disease were observed in any of the animals. Radiographically, the meniscal mineralisation was detected as an oval radiopacity in the cranial compartment on the mediolateral projection, located within the area of the medial meniscus. On craniocaudal projection, the mineralisation was more difficult to visualise. In one of the animals, it was not possible to identify the meniscal mineralisation in either of the stifle joints. Using CT, meniscal mineralisation was best identified in the transverse plane images. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal mineralisation appears to be a normal anatomic feature in little spotted cats.

Congenital deformity of the paw in a captive tiger: case report.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this report was to describe the clinical signs, diagnostic approach, treatment and outcome in the case of a tiger with a deformity of the paw. CASE PRESENTATION: A 1.5-year-old tiger (Panthera tigris) was presented with lameness of the left thoracic limb. A deformity involving the first and second metacarpal bones, and a soft tissue separation between the second and third metacarpal bones of the left front paw were observed. The second digit constantly struck the ground during locomotion. Based on the physical and radiographic evaluations, a diagnosis of ectrodactyly was made. A soft tissue reconstruction of the cleft with excision of both the second digit and distal portion of the second metacarpal bone was performed. Marked improvement of the locomotion was observed after surgical treatment, although the tiger showed a low degree of lameness probably associated with the discrepancy in length between the thoracic limbs. CONCLUSION: This report shows a rare deformity in an exotic feline that it is compatible to ectrodactyly. Reconstructive surgery of the cleft resulted in significant improvement of limb function.

Ocular melanoma and mammary mucinous carcinoma in an African lion.

BACKGROUND: Reports of neoplasms in Panthera species are increasing, but they are still an uncommon cause of disease and death in captive wild felids. The presence of two or more primary tumor in large felids is rarely reported, and there are no documented cases of ocular melanoma and mammary mucinous carcinoma in African lions. CASE PRESENTATION: An ocular melanoma and a mammary mucinous carcinoma are described in an African lion (Panthera leo). The first tumour was histologically characterized by the presence of epithelioid and fusiform melanocytes, while the latter was composed of mucus-producing cells with an epithelial phenotype that contained periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue staining mucins. Metastases of both tumor were identified in various organs and indirect immunohistochemistry was used to characterize them. Peribiliary cysts were observed in the liver. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first description of these tumor in African lions.

Use of an osteoconductive compound as an aid in the management of a maxillary fracture in a boa constrictor.

A boa constrictor was presented with a short oblique compound fracture of the rostral third of the right maxilla. The fracture was reduced and biomaterial was placed around the fracture. A computed tomography scan at 1.5 mo post-surgery showed that the fracture had healed with slight displacement of the bone fragments.

Rapid prototyping and inclined plane technique in the treatment of maxillofacial malformations in a fox.

An approximately 9-month-old fox (Pseudalopex vetulus) was presented with malocclusion and deviation of the lower jaw to the right side. Orthodontic treatment was performed using the inclined plane technique. Virtual 3D models and prototypes of the head were based on computed tomography (CT) image data to assist in diagnosis and treatment.

Computed tomographic and radiographic morphometric study of cardiac and coelomic dimensions in captive blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758) with varying body condition scores.

This study aimed to assess radiographic and tomographic cardiac parameters, including width and length of the heart, and the ratio of heart width to coelom width of blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) with varying body condition scores. Thirty-five captive birds were included in the study and were allocated into one of three groups according to their respective body condition score: lean, ideal and obese. No differences were observed among the groups with regard to radiographic and tomographic measurements. Computed tomography enabled better identification of the structures of the cardiovascular system without interference from the overlying structures of the celomatic cavity observed in radiographic images. However, radiographic examinations should still be considered the standard screening method to identify cardiac alterations, such as increased or reduced organ dimensions. Standardizing the techniques and measurements performed in this study may serve as a basis for further research in the field.

Two surgical approaches to fracture malunion repair.

Two birds were presented with malunion fractures. The first was a young toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) with malunion of the tarsometatarsus that was treated by an opening-wedge corrective osteotomy and an acrylic-pin external skeletal fixator (type II) to stabilize the osteotomy. The second bird was an adult southern caracara (Caracara plancus) with radial and ulnar malunion that was treated by closing-wedge osteotomies. Stabilization of the osteotomy sites was accomplished through a bone plate fixed cranially on the ulna with 6 cortical screws and an interfragmentary single wire in radius. In both cases, the malunion was corrected, but the manus of the southern caracara was amputated because of carpal joint luxation that induced malposition of the feathers.

Oral cavity evaluation and dental chart registration of coati (Nasua nasua) in captivity.

The aims of this study were to develop a dental evaluate any oral cavity disease, develop gypsum models of the dental arches, and to register the occlusions found in coatis (Nasua nasua) in captivity Formulation of the dental chart was assisted by intraoral radiographs from the head of an adult coati cadaver of the same species with the following dental formula.: I 3/3, C 1/1, P 4/3, M 2/2. Seven live coatis of the Nasua nasua species were evaluated. Five of the seven coatis presented with various dental abnormalities as follows: dental plaque (71.4 0%), gingivitis (71.4 %), periodontitis (57.1 %), dental stain (42.9 %), dental abrasion (57.1 %), dental fracture (57.1 %), pulp exposure (42.9 %), malocclusion (57.1 %) and supernumerary teeth (14.2 %).

Radiographic determination of pelvic limb orthopaedic measurements in maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

The aim of this study was to determine some radiographic reference values for hip joint, femur and patella in maned wolves. Ten maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), five live (G1) and five cadavers (G2), were used. There were no statistically significant differences in the radiological measurements between right and left pelvic limbs of the G1 and G2, except for mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle (mLPFA) in both Groups. The comparison of the measurements between Groups showed difference only for mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA). Norberg angle values were 113.1° and 112.9° for G1 and G2. The values of femoral angle of inclination by Hauptman A and Hauptman B methods were 139.7° and 128.6° for G1, and 139.3° and 128.7° for G2. Femoral varus angle values were 5.5° for G1 and 3.9° for G2. The values of anatomic lateral distal femoral angle and anatomic lateral proximal femoral angle were 96.8° and 95.2° for G1, and 95.0° and 95.6° for G2. The values of mLDFA for G1 and G2 were 96.5° and 95.7°. The values of mLPFA were 95.8 (right) and 93.5 (left) for G1, and 95.7 (right) and 93.8 (left) for G2. The values of patellar ligament length, patellar length and L:P ratio were 4.6, 2.4 cm and 1.9 for G1, and 4.4, 2.3 cm and 1.8 for G2. In conclusion, the radiographic reference values described for the hip joint, the femur and the patella, may be useful in the diagnosis of diseases and deformities in maned wolves.

Ultrasonographic anatomy of the healthy southern tigrina ( Leopardus guttulus) abdomen: comparison with domestic cat references.

Objectives The aim of the study was to describe the normal abdominal echoanatomy of the tigrina and to compare it with the abdominal echoanatomy of the domestic cat. Reference intervals for the normal abdominal ultrasonographic anatomy of individual species are important for accurate diagnoses and interpretation of routine health examinations. The hypothesis was that the echoanatomy of the tigrina was similar to that of the domestic cat. Methods Eighteen clinically healthy tigrina were selected for abdominal ultrasound examination, in order to obtain normal parameters of the bladder, spleen, adrenal gland, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, liver and gall bladder, and Doppler parameters of liver and kidney vessels. Results The splenic parenchyma was consistently hyperechoic to the kidneys and liver. The liver, kidneys and spleen had similar echotexture, shape and dimensions when compared with the domestic cat. The gall bladder was lobulated and surrounded by a clearly visualized thin, smooth, regular echogenic wall. The adrenal glands had a bilobulated shape. The urinary bladder had a thin echogenic wall. The Doppler parameters of the portal vein and renal artery were similar to the domestic cat. Conclusions and relevance The results support the hypothesis that the ultrasonographic parameters of the abdominal viscera of the southern tigrina are similar to those of the domestic cat.

Abdominal ultrasonography of the healthy howler monkey (Alouatta fusca).

Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in six healthy adult brown howler monkeys Alouatta fusca and the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the liver, gallbladder, stomach and urinary tract described for the first time. Findings were compared with post-mortem studies. The renal cortex was isoechoic to the spleen and isoechoic or hyperechoic to the liver. Kidney length and renal arterial resistive index, systolic and diastolic velocity were calculated. The liver showed a homogeneous hypoechogenic echotexture. The aim of this study was to describe the normal abdominal viscera echoanatomy providing information of normal abdominal anatomical structures in the howler monkey.

Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation and gait analysis of Brazilian minipigs with syndactyly.

OBJECTIVE To characterize a population of Brazilian minipigs with naturally occurring syndactyly by use of plain radiographs and CT images and to evaluate kinetic and temporospatial variables by use of a pressure-sensing walkway. ANIMALS 10 Brazilian minipigs from 6 to 8 months of age (group 1, 5 healthy pigs [body weight, 10.5 to 18.5 kg]; group 2, 5 pigs with syndactyly [body weight, 7.5 to 18.0 kg]). PROCEDURES Forelimbs and hind limbs of all pigs were assessed by use of radiography and CT. Gait was analyzed by use of a pressure-sensing walkway. RESULTS All limbs of all pigs of group 2 had syndactyly. Two forelimbs had complex-1 syndactyly, and 8 forelimbs had complex-2 syndactyly. Four hind limbs had simple syndactyly, 1 hind limb had complex-1 syndactyly, and 5 hind limbs had complex-2 syndactyly. Kinetic and temporospatial values and symmetry indices did not differ between groups. Plantar and palmar surfaces of healthy pigs had 2 areas of maximum pressure, whereas plantar and palmar surfaces of pigs with syndactyly had only 1 area of maximum pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this population of pigs, the most common type of syndactyly was complex-2, and comparison with the healthy group revealed no alteration in kinetic and temporospatial variables. Therefore, results suggested that syndactyly in young minipigs did not cause locomotor disturbances.

Non-Invasive Measurement of Adrenocortical Activity in Blue-Fronted Parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758).

Parrots kept in zoos and private households often develop psychological and behavioural disorders. Despite knowing that such disorders have a multifactorial aetiology and that chronic stress is involved, little is known about their development mainly due to a poor understanding of the parrots' physiology and the lack of validated methods to measure stress in these species. In birds, blood corticosterone concentrations provide information about adrenocortical activity. However, blood sampling techniques are difficult, highly invasive and inappropriate to investigate stressful situations and welfare conditions. Thus, a non-invasive method to measure steroid hormones is critically needed. Aiming to perform a physiological validation of a cortisone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) in droppings of 24 Blue-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva), two experiments were designed. During the experiments all droppings were collected at 3-h intervals. Initially, birds were sampled for 24 h (experiment 1) and one week later assigned to four different treatments (experiment 2): Control (undisturbed), Saline (0.2 mL of 0.9% NaCl IM), Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg IM) and Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; 25 IU IM). Treatments (always one week apart) were applied to all animals in a cross-over study design. A daily rhythm pattern in GCM excretion was detected but there were no sex differences (first experiment). Saline and dexamethasone treatments had no effect on GCM (not different from control concentrations). Following ACTH injection, GCM concentration increased about 13.1-fold (median) at the peak (after 3-9 h), and then dropped to pre-treatment concentrations. By a successful physiological validation, we demonstrated the suitability of the cortisone EIA to non-invasively monitor increased adrenocortical activity, and thus, stress in the Blue-fronted parrot. This method opens up new perspectives for investigating the connection between behavioural disorders and stress in this bird species, and could also help in their captive management.

Aspectos ultrassonográficos, biometria e dopplerfluxometria ocular do bugio ruivo (Alouatta fusca) / Ultrasonography aspects, biometry and Doppler of howler monkey (Alouatta fusca) ocular bulb

Este estudo teve como objetivo geral descrever os aspectos ultrassonográficos normais das estruturas do bulbo ocular de primatas da espécie Alouatta fusca, determinando ainda os valores da biometria ocular, e os parâmetros da dopplerfluxometria ocular das artérias oftálmica interna e central da retina. Vinte exames ultrassonográficos oculares foram realizados em dez primatas da espécie Alouatta fusca clinicamente saudáveis, sem sinais de doença ocular ao exame oftalmológico. Procedeu-se a descrição ultrassonográfica das estruturas oculares e posteriormente a biometria foi obtida em quatro distâncias distintas: (D1) correspondentes à câmara anterior, (D2) espessura da lente, (D3) profundidade da câmara vítrea e (D4) comprimento axial do bulbo ocular. Na dopplerfluxometria foram avaliadas as artérias oftálmica interna e central da retina quanto ao índice de resistividade (IR), de pulsatilidade (IP), e as velocidades do pico sistólico (VPS) ediastólica final (VDF). Os valores de biometria foram submetidos a teste de comparação quanto ao gênero dos animais e cortes ultrassonográficos, utilizando o teste t de Student. O mesmo teste foi realizado para comparação dos resultados de dopplerfluxometria entre fêmeas e machos. A descrição ultrassonográfica das estruturas oculares e vascularização do bugio ruivo mostraram-se semelhantes a espécies como o cão, o gato e o homem. Os valores biométricos médios encontrados foram de 2,1±0,38 mm para D1, 3,7±0,30mm para D2, 10,4±0,78mm para D3 e 19,3±1,64mm para D4. Os valores de dopplerfluxometria da artéria oftálmica e da artéria central da retina foram respectivamente: VPS de 25,6cm/s e 14,6cm/s; VDF de 15,8cm/s e 10,7cm/s; IR de 0,7 e 0,5; IP de 1,4 e 0,8.(AU)

This study aimed to describe the sonographic features of normal ocular structures, the ocular biometry and Doppler parameters of the internal ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery of the Alouatta fusca. Twenty ocular ultrasonographic examinations were perform in ten primate species of the Alouatta fusca. Proceeded to the sonographic description of the ocular structures and later biometrics was obtained in four distances: (D1) corresponding to the anterior chamber (D2) lens thickness (D3) vitreous chamber and (D4) axial length of the eyeball. Doppler ultrasound evaluated internal ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery as for the resistivity Index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV). The values of biometrics and flowmetry underwent comparison test between genders and sonographic views, by Student t test. The anatomical sonographic description of the ocular structures and vasculature of the red howler were similar to species such as dog, cat and man. The biometric average values found were 2.1±0.38mm for D1, 3.7±0.30mm for D2, 10.4±0.78mm for D3 and 19.3±1.64mm for D4. The Doppler values of the ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery found were: PSV of 25.6cm/s and 14.6cm/s; VDF 15.8cm/s and 10.7cm/s; IR 0.7 and 0.5; IP 1.4 and 0.8.(AU)

Minimally invasive hysterectomy in Coatis ( Nasua nasua ) / Histerectomia minimamente invasiva em Quatis (Nasua nasua)

Some wildlife species, such as coatis, have a high degree of adaptability to adverse conditions, such as fragmented urban forests, increasingly common on the world stage. The increase in the number of these mesopredators causes drastic changes in the communities of smaller predators, interferes with reproductive success of trees, as well as becoming a form of exchange between domestic and wild areas, favoring the transmission of zoonosis and increasing the occurrence of attacks to animals or people. This report describes the use of minimally invasive hysterectomy in two individuals of the species Nasua nasua, which can be accomplished through the use of hook technique, commonly used to castrate dogs and cats. The small incision and healing speed of incised tissues are fundamental in wild life management since the postoperative care is limited by the behavior of these animals. This technique proved to be effective and can greatly reduce the morbidity of this procedure in coatis.(AU)

Algumas espécies selvagens, como os quatis, possuem alto grau de adaptabilidade a condições adversas, como as de florestas urbanas fragmentadas, cada vez mais comuns no cenário mundial. O aumento do número destes mesopredadores causa alterações drásticas nas comunidades de pequenos predadores, interfere no sucesso reprodutivo de árvores, além de se tornar uma forma de intercâmbio entre áreas domésticas e selvagens, facilitando a veiculação de zoonoses e aumentando a ocorrência de ataques a animais ou pessoas. O presente relato descreve a utilização da histerectomia minimamente invasiva em dois indivíduos da espécie Nasua nasua, que pode ser realizada por meio da utilização da técnica do gancho, comumente utilizada para a castração de cães e gatos. A incisão reduzida e a rapidez da cicatrização dos tecidos incisados são fundamentais no manejo de espécies selvagens, visto que os cuidados pós-operatórios são limitados pelo comportamento desses animais. Esta técnica mostrou-se eficaz e pode reduzir sobremaneira a morbidade desse procedimento em quatis.(AU)

Ovarian mucinous cystadenoma in a gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoupira).

An ovarian mucinous cystadenoma is described in a gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoupira). The tumor was histologically characterized by the presence of cysts and proliferation of papillae, both lined by single- or multi-layered pleomorphic epithelial cells that contained alcian blue-positive mucins.

Resposta endócrina à contenção física e isolamento em papagaios-verdadeiros / Endocrine response to physical restraint and isolation in blue-fronted parrots

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a resposta dos papagaios-verdadeiros aos procedimentos de contenção e separação física por método não invasivo, como a dosagem das concentrações de metabólitos de glicocorticoides nas excretas. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 24 aves, 17 machos e sete fêmeas, inicialmente mantidas em viveiros amplos e adjacentes, separadas por sexo. Após captura e contenção de três minutos, 13 aves voltaram para os viveiros coletivos e 11 foram alojadas em gaiolas individuais no mesmo recinto dos viveiros, de modo a permitir que as aves isoladas mantivessem contato visual e auditivo com as demais. Para avaliar se os animais responderiam de maneira diferente quando fisicamente isolados ou em grupo, amostras de excretas foram coletadas sequencialmente em intervalos de três horas durante 24 horas para avaliação dos metabólitos de glicocorticoides por enzimaimunoensaio. Não houve efeito significativo de sexo (P=0,5850), tratamento (P=0,6805) e tempo (P=0,2293), e as concentrações de metabólitos de glicocorticoides mantiveram-se dentro da variação diurna esperada para esta espécie. Portanto, ambos os grupos responderam endocrinologicamente de forma semelhante e o estresse de captura e separação física não foi significativo para as aves.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of blue-fronted parrots to restraint procedures and separation by non-invasive methods such as measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in droppings. For this, we utilized 24 birds, 17 males and 7 females, initially kept in large adjacent aviaries, separated by sex. After capture and 3 minutes of manual contention, by random, 13 birds returned to the aviary and 11 animals were housed in individual cages in the same facility of the aviaries allowing the maintenance of auditory and visual contact between them. In order to evaluate if the physically isolated birds isolated or in groups would react in different ways, all droppings samples were collected at 3-hours intervals during 24 hours to evaluation of excreted glucocorticoid metabolites by enzimeimmunoassay. There were no significant effects of sex (P=0.5850), treatment (P=0.6805) and time (P=0.2293) and the glucocorticoid metabolites concentrations were within the diurnal range expected for this specie. Therefore, the endocrine response of both groups was similar and stress of capture and physical separation was not significant for the birds.(AU)