Is the right testis more affected by cryptorchidism than the left testis? An ultrasonographic approach in dogs of different sizes and breeds.

BACKGROUND: Considered the most common congenital testicular abnormality of companion animals and a predisposition factor to the development of testicular neoplasia, cryptorchidism is defined as the non-descent of one or both testes to their normal anatomical location. Data on the occurrence of cryptorchidism in Brazil are scarce. The purpose of this work was to verify the occurrence of cryptorchidism in dogs of different sizes and breeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cryptorchidism identification was carried out by ultrasound scanning, from November, 1994 to March, 2007, at the Centre for Veterinarian Diagnosis and Support (Centro de Apoio e Diagnóstico Veterinário - CAD), in Rio de Janeiro. 4924 male dogs of different breeds were examined, revealing 403 (8.2%) cryptorchidism. RESULTS: In this study, occurrence took place more often on the right testicle (59.5%), more frequently displaying inguinal localisation (59.5%) and unilateral occurrence (70%). Regarding bilateral presentation, the symmetrical form was the most common (86.8%). Cryptorchidism was more common in the inguinal region of dog of small sized breeds and in the abdominal region in dogs of medium- and large-sized breeds. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound scan proved a valuable diagnosis tool for cryptorchid testes, giving precise localisation and parenchymal changes thus leading to a safe clinical treatment.

Testicular cytology by fine needle aspiration in domestic cats.

In cases where semen collection in tom-cats is not possible, FNA of testes is the alternative to evaluate sperm production. Although this technique for the diagnosis of fertility problems has been well discussed in other mammals (men, dogs, stallions), data for domestic cats are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the reliability of FNA using needles of small diameters (22G and 29G) in testes of domestic cats of different ages to assess the spermatogenesis status and to present description of germ cells and Sertoli cells for cytological examinations. Thirty-four mixed breed cats aged between four months and two years presented for neutering to a Veterinary Hospital were used in this study. Under general anesthesia, testicular measures and FNA were followed by orchiectomy and imprints of the parenchyma of testes and epididymides. Cats were assigned into 3 groups: (G1) 10 cats aged less than 6 months, (G2) 14 cats aged between 6 months and one year and (G3) 10 cats aged more than one year. Cats weighted between 1.5 and 6.0 kg. The mean testicular volume (TV cm3) was 0.55 (G1), 1.18 (G2) and 2.66 (G3). Hemorrhages in the needle path were observed in more than 70% of testes. Few samples (4/68) were excluded due to blood contamination. All germ cells and Sertoli cells were identified and quantified in imprint and FNA smears. Incomplete spermatogenesis was observed in cats aged less than 6 months using both techniques (FNA and imprint); therefore, testicular FNA should not be recommended for cats at this age. Complete spermatogenesis was found in 64% of cats aged from 6 months up to one year and in all cats aged more than one year. There were no differences of Sertoli cell Index (SEI) and Spermatic Index (SI) between FNA and imprints of cats older than 6 months. In conclusion, FNA using needles of small diameter in the testes of domestic cats is viable, reliable and can be used as a tool for the analysis of the spermatogenesis status of cats older than 6 months, mainly in cases in which semen collection is not possible.

Concentração de lactato e glicemia em cadelas e neonatos nascidos de cesariana / Lactato concentration in bitch and canine neonates born through cesarean section

Avaliaram-se a concentração de lactato e a glicemia em sete cadelas em trabalho de parto submetidas à cesariana e em seus respectivos neonatos. O lactato materno foi mensurado utilizando-se medidor portátil e pelo método enzimático colorimétrico. Nos neonatos avaliou-se também o peso ao nascimento. Os valores de lactato materno e neonatal foram estatisticamente diferentes, sendo mais elevado nos neonatos. Ao nascimento, as cadelas e os neonatos encontravam-se normoglicêmicos, e não se observou correlação entre a glicemia de ambos. Os valores de lactato obtidos pelo o analisador portátil (3,5±0,6mmol/L) foram mais altos do que os obtidos pelo método enzimático colorimétrico (1,6±0,6mmol/L). Observou-se correlação significativa entre o peso do neonato e a concentração de lactato, isto é, os filhotes de menor peso apresentaram maior concentração de lactato.

This work evaluated the concentration of lactate and blood glucose in seven bitches in labor subject to caesarean section and in their newborns. The lactate concentration was measured using a portable analyzer and enzymatic colorimetric method. In neonates, the birth weight was evaluated. The maternal and neonatal lactate values were statistically different, being higher in newborns. At birth, the bitches and the newborns had normal glucose status, and no correlation was observed between blood glucose in either. The lactate concentration obtained by the portable analyzer (3.5±0.6mmol/L) was higher than that obtained with the enzymatic colorimetric method (1.6±0.6mmol/L). There was significant correlation between the neonate weight and lactate concentration and in puppies with lighter weight there was a higher concentration of lactate.

Expressão gênica dos REα, REβ e PR em tumores mamários de cadelas por meio do q-PCR / REα, REβ and PR gene expression in mammary gland tumors of female dogs by q-PCR

A expressão de receptores de estrógeno (ER) e progesterona (PR) por meio da técnica de q-PCR foi avaliada em 26 cadelas portadoras de neoplasias mamárias e cinco cadelas sem afecções mamárias (grupo controle). Os resultados mostraram que os três grupos de animais estudados - com tumor maligno ou benigno e controle - expressaram receptores de estrógeno alfa, beta e progesterona. A quantificação relativa mostrou tendência para uma expressão maior de receptores no grupo controle e menor no grupo de animais com neoplasias malignas. Além disso, observou-se expressão maior de ERα em relação ao ERβ, e as neoplasias malignas de origem mista apresentaram maiores concentrações dos receptores PR, ERα e ERβ que as neoplasias de origem epitelial.

The estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER and PR) expression with the q-PCR technique was evaluated in 26 female dog carrying of mammary tumors and five female dogs without mammary disease (control group). The results showed that the three animal groups evaluated - malignant or benign tumor and control - expressed alpha and beta estrogen and progesterone receptors. The relative quantification showed a tendency for a higher expression of receptors from the control group and smaller in the malignat tumors animal group. Also, there was a major ERα expression regarding to ERβ and the malignat tumors from mixed origin presented higher concentrations of receptors PR, ERα and ERβ, when compared to tumors of epithelial origin.

Imunoistoquímica de útero e cérvice de cadelas com diagnóstico de piometra / Immunohistochemical of the cervix and uterus of bitches diagnosed with pyometra

Analisou-se a piometra de 31 cadelas, de raças e idades variadas, sendo 25 cadelas com piometra de cérvice aberta e seis de cérvice fechada. Após ovariossalpingo-histerectomia, foram coletados fragmentos da cérvice e do útero para a avaliação imunoistoquímica. Foram analisados os receptores de estrógenos α e β, progesterona e colágenos I e III. Foram realizadas imunomarcações em diferentes regiões da cérvice, como o epitélio glandular, o epitélio luminal e o estroma glandular, assim como em diferentes regiões do útero, como o epitélio glandular e o estroma glandular. As imunomarcações de colágenos I e III foram realizadas nas regiões glandular e muscular da cérvice e do útero. Concentrações de receptores de progesterona foram maiores em cadelas com piometra fechada.

The pyometra in 31 bitches of different breeds and ages, 25 with pyometra cervix open and 6 closed cervix was analyzed. After the ovariohysterectomy procedure, samples were collected from the cervix and uterus to evaluate immunohistochemistry. For immunohistochemical evaluation estrogen receptors α and β, progesterone and collagen I and III were analyzed. Immunostainings were performed in different regions of the cervix such as glandular epithelium, luminal epithelium and glandular stroma, as well as in different regions of the uterus, such as glandular epithelium and glandular stroma. The immunostainings for collagen I and III were performed in muscular and glandular regions of the cervix and uterus. The concentration the progesterone receptors were elevated in bitches from the closed pyometra.

Histological characterization and immunohistochemical localization of ki-67 and VEGF factors in bitches' corpus luteum at cyclic and early and late gestational diestrous.

The luteal phase on pregnant and non-pregnant bitches is characteristic of this species and resembles significantly with respect to the growth pattern and luteal regression. Histological and immunostaining studies of the corpus luteum (CL) may help to elucidate differences between the CL of pregnant and non-pregnant bitches. The purpose of this study was to characterize histologically and localize by immunohistochemistry the cell proliferation (Ki-67) and vascular endothelial growth (VEGF) factors in the CL of pregnant and non-pregnant bitches. Eighteen bitches were analysed and distributed into three groups: In group I (gestational diestrous), seven bitches were subjected to two inseminations at 4 and 6 days after the pre-ovulatory LH surge and ovariohysterectomized (OSH) at 8-21 days after the first insemination. In group II (cyclic diestrous; control), 6 (Ki-67) or 8 (VEGF) bitches that were determined as non-pregnant were OSH at 12-25 days of the pre-ovulatory LH surge. In group III (late pregnancy), three bitches had their ovary removed during caesarean section at 62-64 days after the pre-ovulatory LH surge. Portions of the ovarian cortex containing CLs were cut and stored for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Histological evaluation of the ovarian cortex showed a marked similarity in the morphological pattern among the CLs in all three groups. The morphology and expression pattern of VEGF and Ki-67 factors in CLs of cyclic and gestational diestrous bitches were similar but significantly lower than that of late pregnant bitches (p < 0.05).

Progesterone (PR), oestrogen (ER-α and ER-ß) and oxytocin (OTR) gene expression in the oviduct and uterus of pregnant and non-pregnant bitches.

The aim was to assess hormone receptor gene expression in the oviduct and uterus during canine pregnancy. Nineteen pregnant bitches divided into four groups were ovariohysterectomized (OVH) at either day 8, 12, 21 or 60 of pregnancy, and five non-pregnant females underwent OVH 12 days after the pre-ovulatory Luteinizant Hormone (LH) surge and served as controls. RT-qPCR for progesterone (PR), oestrogen (ER-α and ER-ß) and oxytocin (OTR) receptors was performed on the oviduct and uterine tissue. The mRNA PR expression in the uterus during early stages of pregnancy and the luteal phase was higher than at other times. The mRNA ER-ß expression in the oviduct during early pregnancy was less than in non-pregnant bitches. In the uterus, the mRNA ER-ß expression was higher in the initial stages of pregnancy. The ER-α expression was higher in the oviduct and uterus in advanced stages of pregnancy. The mRNA OTR expression in the oviduct was lower than in the uterus in control group. The expression of this receptor in oviduct and the uterus was higher in the final stages of pregnancy, when compared with other phases. These data suggested that the serum progesterone concentrations probably exert a direct control on the PR and ER (α and ß) expression and indirectly on OTR expression in the bitch oviduct and uterus.

Effect of progesterone and ionomycin on domestic cat sperm motility patterns and acrosome reaction.

This study was aimed at assessing the changes in sperm motion patterns and the percentage of acrosome reaction (AR) in domestic cat semen after treatment with either ionomycin or progesterone (P(4)). Ten ejaculates were collected from five tomcats using an artificial vagina, and were diluted, centrifuged and resuspended in a capacitation medium. Samples were evaluated and divided into seven equal aliquots and, after 2 h at 25 degrees C, were incubated for 30 min at 38 degrees C in 5% CO(2) and then analyzed. Computer-assisted sperm analysis and a combination of three fluorescent probes were used to assess sperm plasma, acrosomal membrane integrity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Thirty minutes after the start of incubation, P(4) was added (10 microg/ml) to the P1 group. Groups P2 and P3 were supplemented with P(4) (10 and 20 microg/ml, respectively) only after 2 h of incubation, and groups I1 and I2 were supplemented with ionomycin (4 and 8 mum, respectively) 2 h after incubation. Group E was supplemented with ethanol (0.6%) at 2 h after incubation and group C received no supplementation. Ionomycin and P(4) treatments led to a hyperactivation-like sperm motion and an increase (p < 0.05) in the percentage of AR. Although a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of AR was obtained in group I2 when compared with all P(4) groups, a decrease (p < 0.05) in total and progressive motility was observed in I2 group. As I1 group was similar to I2 to induce AR without diminishing sperm motility, we can conclude that ionomycin at 4 microm seems to be more suitable to trigger AR in domestic cat sperm.

Efeito da centrifugação sobre a qualidade do sêmen canino / Effect of centrifugation on quality of canine semen

Avaliou-se o efeito da centrifugação sobre a viabilidade do sêmen canino e compararam-se três meios de diluição pré-centrifugação. Utilizaram-se 10 ejaculados completos de 10 cães que, após a avaliação inicial, foram divididos em quatro porções (grupos). Uma das amostras, não centrifugada, formou o grupo-controle; as outras foram diluídas em três diferentes meios e centrifugadas a 800 x g por 15 minutos, formando os grupos: CPSA - constituído por sêmen centrifugado em plasma seminal autólogo; CLG - sêmen centrifugado em meio à base de leite desnatado e glicose (LG); e CPer- sêmen centrifugado em gradientes de Percoll (45 por cento e 90 por cento). Após a centrifugação e a eliminação do sobrenadante, procedeu-se à ressuspensão de todas as porções do ejaculado em LG e à imediata avaliação quanto à motilidade, vigor, aglutinação espermática e integridade das membranas espermáticas. Todas as suspensões foram, então, incubadas a 37ºC por 30 minutos e reavaliadas. O processo de centrifugação não causou danos aos espermatozoides e a centrifugação em meio LG melhorou a viabilidade espermática.

The effect of the centrifugation process on canine sperm viability was evaluated using three different precentrifugation extenders in the process. After an initial evaluation, ten complete ejaculates from ten dogs were used and subdivided in four groups. One sample of semen was not centrifuged and was used as control and the remaining samples of semen were diluted in three different extenders and centrifuged at 800 x g per 15 minutes, performing groups: CPSA- centrifuged in autologous seminal fluid, CLGcentrifuged in skim milk plus glucose extender (LG), and CPer- centrifuged under Percoll gradient (45 percent and 90 percent). After centrifugation, the resulting pellets were diluted in LG and evaluated for motility, viability, sperm agglutination, and spermatic membrane integrity. All the samples were incubated at 37ºC for 30 minutes and the evaluations were performed again. Centrifugation procedures did not induce damage to canine spermatozoa and samples centrifuged and diluted in skim milk plus glucose extender remained with better viability.

Perfil de sensibilidade e multirresistência em linhagens de Escherichia coli isoladas de infecção do trato urinário, de piometra e de fezes de cães / Sensitivity profile and multiresistance in Escherichia coli strains isolated from urinary tract infection, pyometra and feces of dogs

Susceptibility profile and multiple drug resistance in 158 E. coli strains isolated from urinary tract infection (UTI), pyometra, and feces of dogs were studied. Norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin were the most-effective drugs (>60 percent) for E. coli strains. High rates of resistance to antimicrobials were observed in 60 percent or more of the isolated strains using sulfametoxazole/trimetoprim. Multiple drug resistance for three or more antimicrobials was observed in two (47.1 percent) strains isolated from UTI, seven (13.5 percent) from pyometra, and four (7.3 percent) from feces. From these, 17 (33.3 percent), one (1.9 percent), and three (5.5 percent), respectively, showed multiple resistance to five or more drugs.

Perfil lipoprotéico de cadelas submetidas à ovário-histerectomia com e sem reposição estrogênica / Lipoproteic profile of bitches submitted to ovaryhysterectomy with and without estrogen administration

Doze cadelas mestiças, adultas, foram submetidas à ovário-histerectomia e posteriormente distribuídas em dois grupos de seis animais. Um dos grupos recebeu estrógenos naturais conjugados na dose de 0,01mg/kg, via oral, a cada 48 horas, durante 12 meses, e o outro serviu como controle. A cada 60 dias foram realizadas colheitas de sangue e obtidos os valores de colesterol total, triglicerídeos, HDL, LDL e VLDL. Houve elevação do colesterol total e do LDL nas fêmeas sem reposição de hormônio. No grupo que recebeu estrógenos houve elevação do HDL. A ovário-histerectomia influenciou significativamente o perfil lipoprotéico; a reposição com estrógenos foi capaz de preservar esse perfil nas cadelas castradas.

Relaçäo entre comprimento craniocaudal e diâmetro da vesícula embrionária/fetal com idade de gestaçäo por meio de avaliaçäo ultra-sonográfica em ovino da raça Bergamácia / Relationship between crown-rump length and embryonic/fetal vesicle diameter with gestational age in ovine of Bergamácia breed by ultrasonography

Este trabalho objetivou relacionar o diâmetro da vesícula embrionária/fetal (DVE) e comprimento craniocaudal do embriäo/feto (CCC) do 15§ ao 45§ dia de gestaçäo com a idade de gestaçäo em ovelhas. Utilizaram-se 19 ovelhas adultas da raça Bergamácia, com cio sincronizado e cobertas por um mesmo reprodutor. A avaliaçäo ultra-sonográfica foi realizada diariamente do 15§ ao 30§ dia após a cobriçäo e a cada cinco dias do 30§ ao 45§ dia, utilizando-se aparelho com transdutor linear de 5,0 e 7,5MHZ. O crescimento diário médio do DVE e CCC foi de 1,40mm e 1,33mm, respectivamente. A calibragem inversa obtida para DVE foi: Dias = -11 + 50(0,1 + 0,04log DVE sobrescrito) 1/2(sobrescrito), com R2(sobrescrito) = 0,85 e para CCC foi: Dias = 13,63 + 12,5(-0,71 + 0,l6CCC)1/2(sobrescrito), com R 2 sobrescrito = 0,93. Tanto o DVE como o CCC obtidos por ultra-sonografia säo medidas pelas quais se pode prever a idade de gestaçäo em ovelhas da raça Bergamácia

Perfil dos constituintes do sangue do puerpério imediato de ovelhas submetidas a cesariana eletiva e de ovelhas com parto normal / Profile of blood components at immediate puerperium of ewes submitted to cesarean section and of those which had normal parturition

Compararam-se os perfis dos constituintes do sangue de ovelhas submetidas a cesariana eletiva (n=21; GI) ou com partos normais (n= 11; GII). Obtiveram-se amostras de sangue em cinco momentos: no dia do parto, antes de sua ocorrência (M1), um (M2), dois (M3), três (M4) e sete (M5) dias pós-parto. Os valores do eritrograma em todos os animais apresentaram-se normais, näo se constituindo em guia para o prognóstico da ocorrência pós-parto. No leucograma do GI observou-se presença de neutrófilos imaturos nos animais que morreram após a cirurgia. Apesar de a contagem de neutrófilos imaturos ter sido sugestiva do efeito da cesariana, nenhuma variável hematológica mensurada constituiu-se em acurado guia para o prognóstico da cesariana

The use of snake venom derived fibrin glue in hysterorrhaphy of ovine caesarean surgery

Fibrin glue has been used on its own or in conjunction with suturing materials to promote hemostasis, reduce adherence, strengthen the wound site, and improve healing. Snake venom derived fibrin glue was evaluated as an alternative to conventional uterine suturing after ovine caesarean surgey. Twenty-eight pregnant ewes of known mating date were used. The animals submitted to conventional caesaream sections showed a better wound healing process. As expected, all the operated animals had retained placenta, compromissing coaptation of wound edges. This had a strong influence in the results observed with the animals in which fibrin glue was used. The animals were divided into four groups GI, GII, GIII, and GIV and sacrificed, respectively, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days after surgery for macro and microscopic examination of the uterus. From each group, six animals underwent surgery using fibrin glue and four animals were submitted to comparative conventional hysterorrhaphy using catgut.

Morte embrionária precoce em éguas: aspectos clínicos e hormonais / Early embryonic death in mares: clinical and hormonal aspects

O presente estudo objetivou diagnosticar as causas da morte embrionária precoce em 128 éguas. Amostras de soro foram coletadas nos dias 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21 e 30 após ovulaçäo, para dosagens hormonais e mensuraçöes do corpo lúteo. O diâmetro e as características da vesícula embrionária foram avaliados, através da ultra-sonografia, a partir do 12º dia pós-ovulaçäo. Das 128 éguas estudadas, 17 (13.28 por cento) apresentaram morte embrionária. O diâmetro do corpo lúteo, bem como as concentraçöes plasmáticas de progesterona, foi semelhante nos grupos que apresentaram morte embrionária e nos que mantiveram a gestaçäo. Os níveis de estrogeno plasmáfico foram mais elevados no grupo das fêmeas que mantiveram a gestaçäo. Os exames citológicos, microbiológicos e histopatológicos revelaram que a maioria das éguas com diagnóstico de morte embrionária eram portadoras de endometrites

Diagnóstico ultra-sonográfico de piometra em cadelas / Ultrasonographic diagnosis of pyometera in bitches

A ultra-sonografia do tipo B (SCANNER 450 (5MHz), Pie Medical, Holanda) foi utilizada isolada ou em conjunto com exames laboratoriais e radiográficos em 33 cadelas com história clínica compatível com piometra. O útero dilatado apresentou imagem ultra-sonográfica de uma estrutura tubular bem definida com diâmetro entre 0,5 e 4,0 cm. O conteúdo luminal uterino apresentou menor ecogenicidade que a parede, com cintilaçöes ecogênicas bem evidentes. Houve concordância entre o aumento da viscosidade da secreçäo e a intensidade ecogênica. O diagnóstico ultra-sonográfico foi possível em 31 animais (94 por cento), e foi confirmado através de laparotomia ou necrópsia. Concluímos que a ultra-sonografia do tipo B é método eficiente, podendo ser utilizado no diagnóstico da piometra canina

Estudo da técnica de coleta, congelaçäo e descongelaçäo de embriöes de caprinos (Capra hircus), da raça Saanen, portadores da translocaçäo 5/15 / Study of embryos colect technique, frozen and thawing of Saanen (Capra hircus), goats bearing 5/15 translocation

No presente trabalho foi realizado um estudo da técnica cirúrgica de coleta de embriöes na espécie caprina, utilizando-se doadoras heterozigotas para a translocaçäo 5/15, acasaladas com animal translocado. Simultaneamente foram observados aspectos técnicos inerentes à criopreservaçäo, descongelaçäo e cultivo das estruturas recuperadas. Frente ao tratamento superovulatório, o cio foi observado em 24 ou 48 horas após a remoçäo da esponja intravaginal e foram recuperadas 71 estruturas viáveis em 43 coletas. O 1-2 Propanodiol mostrou-se eficiente criopreservador, permitindo cultivo de todos os embriöes, fato näo observado quando utilizou-se o Glicerol. As aderências provocadas pelas repetidas coletas constituem-se no grande desafio no sentido de se aperfeiçoar a técnica, pois säo consideradas um fator limitante ao uso de doadores no início da vida reprodutiva