Value of artisanal simulators to train veterinary students in performing invasive ultrasound-guided procedures.

Pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade, which endangers an animal's life. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis is used to remove abnormal liquid; however, it requires technical expertise. In veterinary medical education, the opportunity to teach this procedure to save lives during emergencies is rare; therefore, simulators are recommended for this practice. The present study aimed to create a model that can be made "at home" at low cost for ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis training and to gather feedback about this model through questionnaires given to the participants. Eighteen professionals and thirty-six students were introduced to the simulator in pairs. After the simulation training session, participants filled out the questionnaire. Participants considered the model strong in the following areas: visualization of the pericardium, the heart, fluid in the pericardium, and fluid decrease during fictitious pericardiocentesis and its realism. They considered the model weak or moderate in the following areas: visualization of the surrounding tissues, difficulty of pericardial puncture, and visualization of the catheter. The professionals classified the realism of the experimental heart as moderate, whereas the undergraduate students classified it as strong. All participants believed that the experimental model could be useful in preparing for a future real situation. This model fulfills the need for a practical, realistic, and cost-effective model for ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis training.

Pythium insidiosum colitis in a dog: treatment and clinical outcome / Colite por Pythium insidiosum em um cão: tratamento e evolução clínica

ABSTRACT: The aim of this report is to describe the clinical, pathological and imaging findings and treatment of colitis caused by Pythium insidiosum in a canine presenting haematochezia and progressive weight loss. Through imaging, a thickening of the transverse and descending colon was observed. Histopathological analysis of the large intestine fragment revealed the presence of hyphae, confirmed by immunohistochemistry and PCR as P. insidiosum. Antifungal treatment with itraconazole implemented after partial surgical resection, resulted in control of the disease.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste relato é descrever os achados clínico-patológicos, de imagem e o tratamento de colite por Pythium insidiosum em canino apresentando hematoquezia e emagrecimento progressivo. Nos exames de imagem, foram observados espessamento do cólon transverso e descendente. Análise histopatológica de fragmento do intestino grosso revelou a presença de hifas, confirmado pela imuno-histoquímica e PCR como P. insidiosum. Terapia antifúngica com itraconazol foi instituída pós-ressecção cirúrgica parcial, obtendo-se controle da doença.