The use of agitated saline as contrast agent in a contrast-enhanced cystosonography for detection of urinary bladder rupture in animal cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of microbubble contrast cystosonography in the diagnosis of bladder rupture in animals. DESIGN: Prospective, method comparison study from November 2019 to October 2020. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Thirty-four ethically sourced cadavers of dogs, rats, and rabbits. INTERVENTIONS: In a prospective and blinded study, the cadavers were divided into 2 randomized groups: with bladder rupture (CR), and without bladder rupture (SR). Urinary catheterization was performed in all cadavers. Through the urethral catheter, bladders in CR group were ruptured using a rigid stainless steel guide wire. Microbubble contrast was infused into the bladder through the urethral catheter, while a single, blinded observer sonographically assessed the bladder. The time to diagnosis and the number of attempts needed for diagnosis were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The study included cadavers of 16 female Wistar rats, 6 female dogs, 11 male dogs, and 1 male rabbit. Time to diagnosis in dogs (2.25 ± 0.91 min) was statistically higher when compared to rats (1.15 ± 0.75 min; P = 0.03). Of the 34 cases, incorrect diagnosis of bladder rupture was made in only 2 dogs (6%), indicating a diagnostic sensitivity of 88.88%, specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 94%. The positive predictive value was 1 and the negative predictive value was 0.9. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the described method is accurate, sensitive, and specific for the detection of bladder rupture in animal cadavers of different species, size, and sex.

Comparison of radiographic methods for detecting radiolucent uroliths in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare positive cystography techniques at 5%, 10%, and 20%, as well as three different double-contrast protocols for detecting radiolucent uroliths with a diameter of less than 3.0 mm in dogs. Six cadavers were used, one was selected at random to represent the negative control, and the others were submitted to urolith implantation in the bladder by urethral catheter. Three radiology professionals blindly accessed ventrodorsal and -lateral projections of each test. Contrast at 20% showed greater diagnostic sensitivity, but with greater difficulty identifying the number and size of the uroliths. Consequently, double-contrast techniques are better and should be used for diagnostic and therapeutic planning. Sensitivity and specificity tests demonstrated that positive 5% cystography and different concentrations of double contrast obtained better results in terms of sensitivity and specificity. However, due to the presence of a greater amount of artifacts in the 5% cystography, it is suggested that double contrast is used for this purpose, especially with the removal of contrast excess (protocol 2).

Window Collisions by Birds in Brazil: Epidemiologic Factors and Radiographic and Necropsy Assessments.

Birds are among the most visually proficient group of animals on the planet; however, their inability to visualize and discriminate translucent glass structures results in an extreme number of deaths worldwide from high-speed collisions. Despite reports of avian glass collisions in North America, only a few studies have been developed to understand this problem in South America, and none evaluated radiographic and postmortem findings. One hundred cadavers were examined radiographically and postmortem, and data from 186 collision reports were analyzed for seasonality (website and manual reports and cadavers). A total of 34 different species of birds within 22 families were evaluated for this study, with the rufous-bellied thrush (Turdus rufiventris; n = 12), eared dove (Zenaida auriculata; n = 12), and ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti; n = 10) being the most common species. Only 6 (27.7%) migratory species were reported: Sick's swift (Chaetura meridionalis), small-billed elaenia (Elaenia parvirostris), Black Jacobin (Florisuga fusca), Great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus), Double-collared seedeater (Sporophila caerulescens), and Creamy-bellied thrush (Turdus amaurochalinus). Males (51) were more frequently reported than females (5), and 50.1% of the males had active gonads. Sex was unable to be determined in 44 birds. The most common radiographic lesion, noted in 16 of 82 (19.5%) animals, was loss of coelomic definition, suggestive of hemorrhage. Prevalent postmortem findings included skull hemorrhages (58/75, 77.3%) and encephalic contusions (47/73, 64.4%), followed by coelomic hemorrhages (33/81, 40.7%). Most of the window collisions (61/186, 32.8%) occurred during spring, the most common breeding season of avian species in Brazil. Cranioencephalic trauma was identified as the primary cause of mortality associated with birds flying into glass windows. Migration does not appear to be the main predisposing factor for window collisions by birds in Brazil. Increased activity and aggression related to breeding season, especially in males, may be a more important predisposing factor for window collision accidents.

Congenital Heart Disease in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 95 Cases.

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of congenital heart diseases in dogs attending 2 veterinary hospitals in Brazil and to identify possible associations between these conditions and epidemiological characteristics. A retrospective study was carried out in the cardiology sections of 2 veterinary hospitals during a period of 70 months from January 2012 and October 2017. Of a total of 6710 dogs that attended the cardiology sections of the hospitals, 109 congenital heart diseases were identified in 95 patients, representing a prevalence of 1.6%. Findings consistent with previous literature included subaortic stenosis and pulmonic stenosis as the most commonly diagnosed conditions, in addition to a higher predisposition of females to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). In contrast, the novel findings included a higher prevalence of atrial septal defect and a lower prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus. The majority of the animals included were over 1 year of age at the time of diagnosis (67%) especially in the subaortic stenosis group. Also, a predisposition of the Maltese to ventricular septal defect was observed. The information obtained in the present study contributes to research that describes epidemiological characteristics of dogs with congenital heart disease in a previously unreported location.

Comparison of blind intubation and a smartphone-based endoscope-assisted intubation in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To compare between blind and smartphone-based endoscope-assisted techniques for endotracheal intubation in rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: A total of 34 rabbits. METHODS: Rabbits were assigned to four groups: intubation by a veterinary anesthesiologist (VA) or an exotic pet medicine specialist (EPS) using blind or endoscope-assisted techniques. Propofol dose, number of attempts until successful intubation, total time for intubation, duration of the successful attempt and occurrence of lingual cyanosis/laryngeal lesions were recorded. Data were analyzed by t test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square test. Pearson correlation for body weight was performed. RESULTS: The success rate of blind intubation was 88.9% and 77.8% for VA and EPS, respectively. Propofol dose, total and median number of attempts, total time for intubation and duration of the successful attempt were 3.1 (0-6.2) mg kg-1, 19, 2 (1-5), 79 ± 65 and 30 ± 20 seconds for VA and 1.5 (0-4.5) mg kg-1, 24, 3 (1-5), 136 ± 92 and 38 ± 16 seconds for EPS. The success rate of endoscope-assisted intubation was 87.5% for both operators. Propofol dose, total and median number of attempts, total time for intubation and duration of the successful attempt were 2.5 (1.3-7.4) mg kg-1, 22, 3 (1-5), 170 (65-368) and 46 (22-150) seconds for VA and 3.2 (0-6) mg kg-1, 11, 1 (1-4), 56 (27-432) and 55 (26-79) seconds for EPS. VA performed blind intubation more quickly, propofol dose was lower and cyanosis was less frequent than in the endoscope-assisted group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both techniques were reliable for rabbit endotracheal intubation. Best results were achieved when the operator was experienced in the technique. The smartphone-based endoscope is a useful aid for rabbit intubation.

Use of a morcellized fragment of bone as a bone graft in a femoral fracture repair / Uso de fragmento ósseo morcelizado como enxerto ósseo no reparo de fratura femoral

As one of the most frequent reasons for presentation at the orthopedic services in veterinary practice, long bone fractures need bone continuity for consolidation to take place. This case report has demonstrates the use of a morcellized fragment of bone as a bone graft in a femoral fracture with major bone loss. A mixed-breed adult cat with a segmental femoral fracture with a large longitudinal fissure in the central bone fragment was submitted to an interlocking nail osteosynthesis. During the procedure a fracture occurred along the fissure resulting in two bone fragments with significant bone loss. Fragments were morcellized and applied over the defect to act as a bone graft. By the 15th day after the surgery, the cat had a normal gait and showed no pain response, and bone consolidation occurred after 7 months. Once harvesting of humeral, femoral and tibial bone grafts can be frustrating in cats, resulting in just small amounts of bone, the morcellation of the central fragments was vital to provide sufficient graft to cover the big defect in the femoral shaft. The authors suggest that autologous fresh morcellized cortical bone fragments can be an adjunct to the treatment of comminuted fractures in cats, as an alternative to more traditional repairs of comminuted fracture.

Fraturas de ossos longos necessitam de continuidade óssea para que a consolidação ocorra. Este relato de caso tem como objetivo demonstrar o uso de um fragmento ósseo morcelizado com a função de enxerto ósseo em uma fratura de fêmur com presença de uma grande falha óssea entre os fragmentos. Um gato adulto, sem raça definida, com uma fratura múltipla em fêmur com presença de uma fissura longitudinal no fragmento central foi submetido à osteossíntese com uso de haste bloqueada. Durante o processo, ocorreu uma fragmentação a partir da fissura, o que resultou na presença de dois fragmentos ósseos com uma grande porção de perda óssea entre os dois. Os fragmentos ósseos restantes do fragmento central foram morcelizados e aplicados no defeito para atuar com enxerto ósseo. Quinze dias após a cirurgia o paciente apresentou apoio normal e ausência de dor, e consolidação óssea ocorreu em 7 meses pós operatórios. Uma vez que a coleta de enxerto nos gatos resulta em pouca quantidade de osso, a morcelização do fragmento central foi vital para promover enxerto suficiente para cobrir o defeito ósseo. Os autores sugerem que o uso de enxerto cortical autólogo fresco morcelizado pode ser um adjuvante no tratamento de fraturas cominutivas em gatos, como um tratamento alternativo à terapia convencional.

Use of a morcellized fragment of bone as a bone graft in a femoral fracture repair / Uso de fragmento ósseo morcelizado como enxerto ósseo no reparo de fratura femoral

As one of the most frequent reasons for presentation at the orthopedic services in veterinary practice, long bone fractures need bone continuity for consolidation to take place. This case report has demonstrates the use of a morcellized fragment of bone as a bone graft in a femoral fracture with major bone loss. A mixed-breed adult cat with a segmental femoral fracture with a large longitudinal fissure in the central bone fragment was submitted to an interlocking nail osteosynthesis. During the procedure a fracture occurred along the fissure resulting in two bone fragments with significant bone loss. Fragments were morcellized and applied over the defect to act as a bone graft. By the 15th day after the surgery, the cat had a normal gait and showed no pain response, and bone consolidation occurred after 7 months. Once harvesting of humeral, femoral and tibial bone grafts can be frustrating in cats, resulting in just small amounts of bone, the morcellation of the central fragments was vital to provide sufficient graft to cover the big defect in the femoral shaft. The authors suggest that autologous fresh morcellized cortical bone fragments can be an adjunct to the treatment of comminuted fractures in cats, as an alternative to more traditional repairs of comminuted fracture.

Fraturas de ossos longos necessitam de continuidade óssea para que a consolidação ocorra. Este relato de caso tem como objetivo demonstrar o uso de um fragmento ósseo morcelizado com a função de enxerto ósseo em uma fratura de fêmur com presença de uma grande falha óssea entre os fragmentos. Um gato adulto, sem raça definida, com uma fratura múltipla em fêmur com presença de uma fissura longitudinal no fragmento central foi submetido à osteossíntese com uso de haste bloqueada. Durante o processo, ocorreu uma fragmentação a partir da fissura, o que resultou na presença de dois fragmentos ósseos com uma grande porção de perda óssea entre os dois. Os fragmentos ósseos restantes do fragmento central foram morcelizados e aplicados no defeito para atuar com enxerto ósseo. Quinze dias após a cirurgia o paciente apresentou apoio normal e ausência de dor, e consolidação óssea ocorreu em 7 meses pós operatórios. Uma vez que a coleta de enxerto nos gatos resulta em pouca quantidade de osso, a morcelização do fragmento central foi vital para promover enxerto suficiente para cobrir o defeito ósseo. Os autores sugerem que o uso de enxerto cortical autólogo fresco morcelizado pode ser um adjuvante no tratamento de fraturas cominutivas em gatos, como um tratamento alternativo à terapia convencional.

Characterization of Doppler spectrum of hepatic veins and correlation with structural and functional variables of the right ventricle in healthy dogs.

BACKGROUND: Spectral Doppler assessment of hepatic veins may provide information on heart function. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To assess the normal pattern of hepatic venous flow using spectral Doppler ultrasound examination; to correlate this information with structural and functional variables of the right ventricle (RV), and to analyze the impact of age, sex, body weight quartiles, heart rate, cardiac rhythm, and systolic arterial pressure on the results in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: Sixty-five healthy dogs. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study. The direction and maximum velocity of each of the 4 possible components of venous flow were determined from pulsed-wave Doppler examination of the hepatic veins. In addition, structural and functional parameters (TAPSE, longitudinal strain, FAC%, S', Et /At, and E't / A't ) of the RV were evaluated. RESULTS: The same phase patterns for different waves were seen in all animals: A and V were retrograde waves, and S and D were anterograde waves. The velocity of the spectral waves increased with body weight (P < .05) and could be correlated with functional indices of the RV. A significant difference was found when comparing morphometric indices with body weight quartiles (P < .05). In addition, intra-and inter-observer assessments showed low variability. The mean duration of the examinations was 5.2 minutes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Hepatic spectral Doppler findings can be correlated with systolic and diastolic indices of the RV and vary with body weight.

Fungal pneumonia in dogs and cats with pulmonary clinical signs in southern Brazil / Pneumonia fúngica em cães e gatos do sul do Brasil com sinais clínicos pulmonares

Fungal pneumonia has been a differential diagnosis in dogs and cats with pulmonary clinical signs, posting also a public health risk to respective owners. Since a common-source environmental exposure may result in infection, dogs and cats may also act as sentinels for both animal and human disease. Accordingly, the present study has aimed to evaluate the occurrence of fungal pneumonia in dogs and cats with pulmonary clinical signs from May 2013 to February 2015 in southern Brazil. Thoracic radiographs, blood work and non-bronchoscopic Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), followed by cytology and microbiologic analysis were performed in all animals. One dog was positive in the BAL fluid culture for a pathogenic fungus (Cryptococcus neoformans) and another dog to an opportunistic fungus (Candida parapsilosis). Both dogs have presented cough as the prior clinical sign and showed thoracic radiographic changes. In conclusion, the occurrence of fungal pneumonia in southern Brazil in dogs and cats through of this study was relatively low. The BAL fluid culture may allow diagnosis of fungal pneumonia caused by opportunistic or pathogenic fungi and this diagnosis should be a concern in dogs and cats with pulmonary clinical signs.(AU)

Pneumonia fúngica tem sido um diagnóstico diferencial em cães e gatos com sinais clínicos pulmonares, sendo também um risco de saúde pública para seus respectivos proprietários. Uma vez que uma fonte comum de exposição ambiental pode resultar em infecção, cães e gatos podem agir como sentinelas da doença para ambos, pessoas e animais. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de pneumonia fúngica em cães e gatos com sinais clínicos pulmonares, de maio de 2013 a fevereiro 2015 no sul do Brasil. Radiografias torácicas, exame de sangue e lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) não broncoscópico seguido de análise citológica e microbiológica foram realizados em todos os animais. Um cão foi positivo na cultura do fluido do LBA para um fungo patogênico (Cryptococcus neoformans) e outro cão para um fungo oportunista (Candida parapsilosis). Ambos os cães apresentaram tosse como sinal clínico principal e alterações radiológicas torácicas. Em conclusão, a ocorrência de pneumonia fúngica no sul do Brasil em cães e gatos por meio deste estudo foi relativamente baixa. A cultura do LBA pode possibilitar o diagnóstico de pneumonia fúngica causada por fungos oportunistas ou patogênicos e este diagnóstico diferencial deve ser uma preocupação em cães e gatos com sinais clínicos pulmonares.(AU)

Early results on canine fetal kidney development: Ultrasonographic evaluation and value in prediction of delivery time.

To date there have been no studies that describe the ultrasonographic evaluation of kidney development in canine fetuses. The aim of this prospective and longitudinal study was to monitor fetal kidney development with ultrasound and use fetal kidney measurements as a complementary biometric index for estimation of gestational age. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 15 clinically healthy pregnant bitches every four days from 30th day of pregnancy, until visualization of the fetal renal pelvis was no longer possible. Four distinct periods of ultrasonographic canine fetal kidney development were defined. Kidney length and renal pelvis distention were measured on longitudinal plane images. The fetal kidney ranged from 0.40 cm to 2.30 cm in length, and diameter of the pelvis ranged from 0.06 cm to 0.17 cm, however by the end of gestation the renal pelvis was no longer dilated and so its diameter could not be measured. Statistical analysis confirmed a relationship between gestational age and fetal kidney growth. Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal kidney development is simple to perform. There is a strong correlation between gestational age and kidney length, which allowed generation of an equation to estimate delivery date with high sensitivity between 48 and 52 days of pregnancy. Fetal organ development can be considered complete when the renal pelvis is no longer dilated, this finding can assist the ultrasonographer in staging the gestation by prompting examination for fetal intestinal motility which begins at the same gestational age. Measurement of fetal kidney length can be used in conjunction with other methods to estimate gestational age and predict delivery time.

Características ultrassonográficas de fígado, vesícula biliar, rins, vesícula urinária e jejuno em coelhos jovens e adultos / Ultrasound features of liver, gallbladder kidneys, urinary bladder and jejunum in young and adult rabbits

O presente trabalho descreveu características e comparou mensurações do fígado, vesícula biliar, rins, vesícula urinária e jejuno de coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco (NZB) jovens e adultos. O grupo dos jovens foi composto por 39 coelhos de ambos os sexos (20 machos e 19 fêmeas), desmamados aos 30-31 dias de idade, sendo as avaliações realizadas aos 35, 56 e 77 dias de idade. O grupo dos adultos foi composto por 23 fêmeas e 15 machos, com idade superior a 6 meses, sendo realizada uma avaliação ultrassonográfica por animal. O exame consistiu na avaliação do fígado, vesícula biliar, rins direito e esquerdo, jejuno e vesícula urinária. Todos os animais foram pesados antes dos exames. O peso médio dos animais aumentou (p<0,05) dos 35 dias até a idade adulta. Tanto nos adultos quanto nos jovens, o fígado apresentou-se predominantemente isoecogênico ao rim direito e com textura homogênea. A vesícula biliar apresentou-se em formato ovoide alongado, variando de piriforme à amendoado, com conteúdo anecogênico, não sendo visível em 2,6% dos coelhos jovens e em 26,3% dos adultos. O comprimento e a largura da vesícula biliar nas idades de 35, 56, 77 dias e adultos foram: 1,06 e 0,39; 1,44 e 0,53; 1,41 e 0,58; 1,57 e 0,67cm, respectivamente. Considerando jovens e adultos, as mensurações da vesícula biliar e dos rins esquerdo e direito apresentaram correlação positiva (p<0,05) com o peso. Os rins apresentaram-se no formato de elipse e com superfície regular, com aumento (p<0,05) dos 35 dias à idade adulta. Houve correlação positiva (p<0,05) entre os volumes renais direito e esquerdo. A descrição da vesícula urinária mais encontrada (86%) foi a com conteúdo anecogênico, com pequenas estruturas ecogênicas livres no lúmen, tanto em jovens quanto em adultos. Não houve diferença (p>0,05) da espessura das camadas do jejuno entre as idades, apresentando média de 0,23 cm para todos os animais. Estes são os primeiros dados brasileiros de características ultrassonográficas de fígado, vesícula biliar, rins, jejuno e vesícula urinária para coelhos NZB de 35, 56 e 77 dias de vida e adultos.(AU)

This study described characteristics and measurements of the liver, gallbladder, kidney, urinary bladder and jejunum of young and adults New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. The young rabbits's group was composed of 39 rabbits of both sexes (20 males and 19 females), weaned at 30-31 days of age, and the evaluations carried out at 35, 56 and 77 days of age. The adults group was composed of 23 females and 15 males, with more than 6 months of age, and one ultrasonographic evaluation per animal. The exam consisted in the evaluation of liver, gallbladder, right and left kidneys, jejunum and urinary bladder. All the animals were weighed before the evaluations. The average weight increased (p<0.05) from 35 days to adults. Both in adult and in young rabbits, the liver presented predominantly isoechogenic in relation of right kidney and with homogeneous texture. The gallbladder had an elongated ovoid shape, ranging for pear-shaped to almond, with anechogenic content, not being visible in 2.6% of young rabbits and 26.3% of adults. The length and width were 1.06 and 0.39; 1.44 and 0.53; 1.41 and 0.58; 1.57 and 0.67cm, respectively at 35, 56, 77 days and adults. For young and adults rabbits, the gallbladder and the left and right kidneys were positively correlated (p<0.05) with weight. The kidneys had an ellipse shape with smooth surface, increasing (p>0.05) from 35 days to adulthood. There was a positive correlation (p<0.05) between the right and left kidney volumes. The description of urinary bladder more frequently (86%) observed was anechogenic content, with small free echogenic structure within the lumen, both in young and in adult rabbits. There was no difference (p>0.05) in the thickness of the layers of the jejunum among ages, with the mean of 0.23cm for all animals. With the results, the first Brazilian ultrasonographic data for liver, gallbladder, kidney, jejunum and urinary bladder were defined to NZW rabbits in 35, 56 and 77days of life, as well as adults.(AU)

Intraoperative ultrasonography in nine dogs with intra-abdominal neoplasm suspect / Ultrassonografia intraoperatória em nove cães com suspeita de neoplasia intra-abdominal

ABSTRACT: Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) is used in medicine for diagnosis and guidance during oncologic surgery. The aims of this study were to assess the performance, feasibility, advantages and difficulties of the IOUS technique in dogs with suspected intra-abdominal tumors. The study included nine client-owed dogs that had suspected intra-abdominal tumors (spleen, liver or bowel) based on transabdominal ultrasound examination and that were subsequently referred for exploratory laparotomy surgery. During surgery, IOUS was performed; results of preoperative transabdominal ultrasonography, inspection by the surgeon and IOUS were compared on a case-by-case basis. IOUS was helpful in determining lesion resection in all cases. Lesions detected solely by the use of IOUS were observed in seven out of nine cases. Analysis of these cases demonstrated that IOUS can be a tool to assist during oncology surgery on the liver, spleen or bowel. Dogs with hepatic tumors can have small non-palpable intraparenchymal nodules, which may be visible by IOUS.

RESUMO: A ultrassonografia intraoperatória (USIO) é usada na medicina como método de diagnóstico e orientação para procedimentos em cirurgia oncológica. Os objetivos desse estudo foram avaliar a performance, viabilidade, vantagens e dificuldades da técnica de USIO em cães com suspeita de neoplasia intra-abdominal. O estudo incluiu nove cães com suspeita de neoplasia intra-abdominal (baço, fígado ou intestino) baseada em exame ultrassonográfico transabdominal e que foram subsequentemente encaminhados para laparotomia exploratória. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, a USIO foi realizada e os resultados da ultrassonografia transabdominal pré-operatória, inspeção e palpação realizada pelo cirurgião e USIO foram comparados com base em uma avaliação caso-a-caso. A USIO contribuiu para determinar a área de ressecção das lesões em todos os casos. Lesões detectadas somente pela USIO foram observadas em sete dos nove casos. A análise dos casos demostrou que a USIO pode auxiliar durante a cirurgia oncológica do fígado, baço e intestino. Cães com neoplasia hepática podem ter lesões pequenas intraparenquimatosas e não palpáveis pelo cirurgião, mas que podem ser verificadas pela USIO.

Assessment of umbilical artery flow and fetal heart rate to predict delivery time in bitches.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively investigate the oscillation of the fetal heart rate (HR) in advance of normal delivery and whether this index could be used to indicate impending delivery. In addition, fetal HR oscillation and umbilical artery resistive index (RI) were correlated to determine if the combination of these parameters provided a more accurate prediction of the time of delivery. Sonographic evaluation was performed in 11 pregnant bitches to evaluate the fetal HR and umbilical artery RI at the following antepartum times: 120 to 96 hours, 72 to 48 hours, 24 to 12 hours, and 12 to 1 hours. Statistical analysis indicated a correlation between the oscillation of fetal HR and the umbilical artery RI. As delivery approached a considerable reduction in the umbilical artery RI was documented and greater oscillations between maximum and minimum HRs occurred. We conclude that the quantitative analysis of fetal HR oscillations may be used to predict the time of delivery in bitches. The combination of fetal HR and umbilical artery RI together may provide more accurate predictions of time of delivery.

Effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow velocity and resistance in the ophthalmic artery of rabbits.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow in the ophthalmic artery of clinically healthy rabbits. METHODS: Fifty-five clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were divided into six groups, and the left eyes were treated for four weeks with the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) only or a topical formulation of different prostaglandin analogs (bimatoprost BAK, tafluprost BAK-free, travoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK). Color Doppler imaging was performed before and after the treatments. The mean values of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity and the resistive index (RI) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences pre- and post-treatment for each drug and post-treatment among the drugs. RESULTS: The prostaglandin analogs did not affect PSV. Bimatoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK did not change RI. Tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK therapy resulted in similar reductions in RI. No significant differences pre- and post-treatment were found when BAK was administered alone. CONCLUSION: The prostaglandin analogs tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK improved blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in healthy New Zealand white rabbits, which suggests that these drugs enhance the prevention of the progression the progression of glaucoma.

Effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow velocity and resistance in the ophthalmic artery of rabbits / Efeitos dos análogos da prostaglandina na velocidade do fluxo sanguíneo e resistência na artéria oftálmica de coelhos

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow in the ophthalmic artery of clinically healthy rabbits. Methods: Fifty-five clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were divided into six groups, and the left eyes were treated for four weeks with the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) only or a topical formulation of different prostaglandin analogs (bimatoprost BAK, tafluprost BAK-free, travoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK). Color Doppler imaging was performed before and after the treatments. The mean values of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity and the resistive index (RI) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences pre- and post-treatment for each drug and post-treatment among the drugs. Results: The prostaglandin analogs did not affect PSV. Bimatoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK did not change RI. Tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK therapy resulted in similar reductions in RI. No significant differences pre- and post-treatment were found when BAK was administered alone. Conclusion: The prostaglandin analogs tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK improved blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in healthy New Zealand white rabbits, which suggests that these drugs enhance the prevention of the progression the progression of glaucoma.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos dos análogos da prostaglandina (PGAs) no fluxo sanguíneo da artéria oftálmica em coelhos. Métodos: Cinquenta e cinco coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia clinicamente saudáveis foram divididos em seis grupos para tratamento com formulação tópica de diferentes APGs (bimatoprosta BAK, tafluprosta BAK-free, travoprosta BAK, travoprosta POLYQUAD e latanoprosta BAK) e formulações contendo apenas o conservante cloreto de benzalcônio (BAK). Foi realizada ultrassonografia com Doppler antes e após os tratamentos. Os valores do pico da velocidade sistólica (PSV) e da velocidade diastólica final foram obtidos e o índice de resistência (RI) foi então calculado. A análise estatística foi realizada para comparar as diferenças entre cada droga no pré e pós-tratamento, além das diferenças no pós-tratamento entre as drogas. Resultados: Estes colírios PGAs não afetaram o PSV. A bimatoprosta com o conservante BAK, travoprosta com o conservante POLYQUAD e latanoprosta com o conservante BAK não alteraram o RI. Já o tratamento com tafluprosta sem conservante (BAK-free) e travoprosta com o conservante BAK promoveram redução similar dos valores do RI. Não houve diferença significativa na comparação entre valores pré e pós-tratamento quando BAK foi administrado isoladamente. Conclusão: Os PGAs tafluprosta BAK-free e travoprosta BAK melhoraram o fluxo sanguíneo na artéria oftálmica em coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia sugerindo que estes medicamentos possam contribuir na prevenção da progressão do glaucoma.

Canine fetal echocardiography: correlations for the analysis of cardiac dimensions.

The aim of this study was to develop regression models for correlation of canine fetal heart development with body size to characterize normal development or suggest cardiac anomalies. Twenty clinically healthy pregnant bitches, either brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic, were examined ultrasonographically. Transabdominal fetal echocardiography was conducted every 4 days from the beginning of cardiac chambers differentiation until parturition. Ten cardiac parameters were measured: length, width and diameter of the heart; heart area; left and right ventricular dimensions; left and right atrial dimensions; and aortic and pulmonary artery diameter. Femoral length, biparietal diameter and abdominal cross-sectional area were also recorded. Regression equations were developed for each parameter of fetal body size, and linear and logarithmic models were compared. The model with the highest correlation coefficient was chosen to produce equations to calculate relative dimensions based on the correlations. Only the left-ventricular chamber differed between the two racial groups. Biparietal diameter was the independent parameter that produced the highest correlation coefficient for the most fetal cardiac dimensions, although good correlations were also observed using femoral length and abdominal cross-sectional area. Heart width and heart diameter were used as surrogates of cardiac development, as these measurements showed the best statistical correlation. Quantitative evaluation of fetal cardiac structures can be used to monitor normal and abnormal cardiac development.

In utero development of the fetal intestine: Sonographic evaluation and correlation with gestational age and fetal maturity in dogs.

Modern high-resolution ultrasound images enable earlier assessment of measures of fetal development, including identification of the bowel. The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic development of fetal bowel and correlate this with gestational age; define whether ultrasonographic visualization of fetal intestinal peristalsis in utero is associated with fetal maturation and determine whether there is a difference in fetal intestinal peristalsis detection time between fetuses delivered by normal delivery and cesarean. A cohort study was conducted in pregnant bitches presented to a veterinary hospital, to assess fetal bowel development. Statistical analysis was used to establish the correlation of the stage of fetal bowel development, as recorded by ultrasound, with outcomes of normal delivery and cesarean section. The study was broken down into three stages: the first stage was a descriptive analysis of fetal bowel development by ultrasound; the second stage compared time (in days) of bowel development between groups (normal delivery vs. cesarean); and the third stage was correlated survival probability for fetuses born on any day after detection of intestinal peristalsis with fetal maturity. All statistical analyses were significant. It is possible to monitor pregnancy progression using ultrasonographic evaluation of bowel development and this can reliably identify the end of fetal organogenesis. However, ultrasonographic detection of bowel segments with visualization of wall layers and associated peristalsis should not be used as the sole indicator for cesarean section planning because it is not possible to determine ultrasonographically whether the bowel is functional (mature).