G-protein-coupled receptor MAS deletion produces a preeclampsia-like phenotype in FVB/N mice.

BACKGROUND: An unbalance in the renin-angiotensin (Ang) system (RAS) between the Ang II/AT1 and Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis appears to be involved in preeclampsia (PE), in which a reduction in Ang-(1-7) was observed. Here, we tested whether the reduction in the activity of the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis could be a contributing factor for the development of PE, using Mas-deficient (Mas-/-) mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cardiovascular parameters were evaluated by telemetry before, during pregnancy and 4 days postpartum in 20-week-old Mas-/- and wild-type (WT) female mice. Mas-/- mice presented reduced arterial blood pressure (BP) at baseline (91.3 ± 0.8 in Mas-/- vs. 94.0 ± 0.9 mmHg in WT, Diastolic, P<0.05). However, after the 13th day of gestation, BP in Mas-/- mice started to increase, time-dependently, and at day 19 of pregnancy, these animals presented a higher BP in comparison with WT group (90.5 ± 0.7 in Mas-/- vs. 80.3 ± 3.5 mmHg in WT, Diastolic D19, P<0.0001). Moreover, pregnant Mas-/- mice presented fetal growth restriction, increase in urinary protein excretion as compared with nonpregnant Mas-/-, oliguria, increase in cytokines, endothelial dysfunction and reduced ACE, AT1R, ACE2, ET-1A, and eNOS placental mRNA, similar to some of the clinical manifestations found in the development of PE. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that Mas-deletion produces a PE-like state in FVB/N mice.

Lophiosilurus alexandri, a sedentary bottom fish, adjusts its physiological parameters to survive in hypoxia condition.

We investigated blood gas, hematological and biochemical parameters, and gill morphology of Lophiosilurus alexandri juveniles submitted to hypoxia for 48 h, followed by recovery for 48 h. A total of 48 juveniles (360.0 ± 141.6 g) were distributed among eight tanks (120 L) and subjected to hypoxia condition (water with dissolved oxygen at 2.12 ± 0.90 mg L-1) or normoxia (at 5.60 ± 0.31 mg L-1). Blood gas values (pH, PvCO2, PvO2, sO2, HCO3-, stHCO3-, and base excess) in hypoxia were significantly different from normoxia, while for lactate and the electrolytes (K+, Na+, Cl-, and Ca2+) there was no significant change among treatments. The erythrocytes differed significantly between normoxia and hypoxia at 72 h (24 h of recovery), while for hemoglobin and hematocrit there were no significant differences. There was a significant difference in glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol for both normoxia and hypoxia, while plasma protein remained unchanged. All gill components (epithelial cells, erythrocytes, pillar cells, mucous cells, ionocytes, undifferentiated cells, and blood capillary lumen) differed significantly between normoxia and hypoxia. A reduction in the length of the primary lamella was observed in the hypoxia and recovery treatments, when compared to normoxia. The secondary branchial lamella showed no significant difference for both treatments. Juveniles of Lophiosilurus alexandri adapted well to hypoxia for 48 h, as they were able to adjust most of their physiological variables to survive this stress condition. After 48 h of hypoxia recovery, fish showed parameters similar to animals in normoxia. Thus, the present study shows that the tolerance to hypoxia conditions of L. alexandri, together with other important beneficial characteristics of the species, such as the high meat quality and high commercial value, demonstrates its great potential for production among regional species.

Comparison of midazolam and butorphanol combined with ketamine or dexmedetomidine for chemical restraint in howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) for vasectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated and compared cardiorespiratory and blood gas parameters, as well as sedation, analgesia and recovery of two protocols: ketamine (10 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg), with midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg), IM (KBM and DBM, respectively) in brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve brown howler monkeys were selected in two groups and evaluated for cardiorespiratory parameters and sedation, from 5-30 minutes after latency. Blood gas and arterial lactate were taken at 5 and 30 minutes. In the end, time and quality of recovery were evaluated. RESULTS: The HR in DBM group was significantly lower at all times. The sedation score was higher in DBM. Recovery in DBM was faster. All animals had moderate hypoxaemia. CONCLUSION: Both protocols produce satisfactory anaesthesia and analgesia, but DBM provides deeper sedation with faster recovery. Oxygen supplementation is recommended in both due to hypoxaemia.

Physiological and metabolic responses in juvenile Colossoma macropomum exposed to hypoxia.

This study aimed to evaluate hematological, biochemical, and gasometric parameters of tambaqui juveniles (Colossoma macropomum) exposed to hypoxia and subsequent recovery. Six animals were subjected to normoxia (basal) treatment with dissolved oxygen (DO) 6.27 ± 0.42 mg L-1. Water flow and aeration were reduced for 3 days (hypoxia), during which DO was 0.92 ± 0.37 mg L-1. Water flow and aeration were then reestablished with DO remaining similar to basal. The treatments were as follows: normoxia (basal); 24 h after initiating hypoxia (24H); 72 h after initiating hypoxia (72H); 24 h after reestablishing normoxia (24R); 48 h after reestablishing normoxia (48R); and 96 after reestablishing normoxia (96R). The highest glucose level was recorded at 24H (P < 0.05); the highest lactate level was at 72R; and the highest blood pH was at 24H and 72H (P < 0.05). The highest concentration of PvCO2 was at 24H (P < 0.05), while at 96R it was equivalent to basal (P > 0.05). The variable PvO2 was only higher than basal at 24R (P < 0.05). Juvenile C. macropomum managed to reestablish the main stress indicators (glucose and lactate) at 96R, while the other indicators varied during the study, with homeostatic physiology being reestablished during the recovery period.

Knowledge and perception about the welfare and mistreatment of dogs in Brazil.

Animal welfare encompasses the overall well-being of an animal, spanning both its physical and mental health, assessable through potential measurements. It stands in contrast to mistreatment, which involves actions, direct or indirect, that endanger an animal's well-being. This study sought to appraise the factors influencing the Brazilian population's understanding of dog welfare and mistreatment. The survey questions were adapted from the Animal Welfare Examination Protocol, utilized by veterinarians to evaluate suspected passive abuse cases in dogs. Out of 1377 responses, 1353 were valid and analyzed. Among the 19 assessed indicators, 15 demonstrated an adequate response rate surpassing 90% of all 1353 responses. However, for three questions related to comfort, a smaller yet notable percentage of responses were only minimally adequate. Moreover, in one question within the comfort assessment, 186 participants (13.74%) provided inadequate responses. This implies that these people could potentially subject animals to a state of low Animal Welfare. Lack of knowledge emerged as a potential root of passive abuse, specifically negligence. In the assessment of nutritional indicators, water supply and quality received unanimous adequate responses. In evaluating comfort perceptions, significant associations were noted between gender, dog ownership, family income, and responses regarding resting surface. Regarding health indicators, the majority responded appropriately. Female gender and dog ownership correlated with providing the appropriate response, while not owning a dog was associated with minimally adequate responses. In the context of comfort indicators, "Hitting the Dog" also demonstrated an association with gender, with females tending towards appropriate responses. Given the lack of significant correlation between educational levels and the most suitable responses, it underscores the urgency of implementing environmental education programs in schools with a focus on animal protection.

Comparison of two sedation protocols for diagnostic radiography in dogs with hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is an alteration with a high incidence in large dogs. The aim of the study was to compare the association of xylazine or dexmedetomidine with fentanyl for radiography with joint distractor for the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Fifteen healthy dogs, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd, were randomly submitted to treatments 0.2 mg/kg xylazine + 2.5 µg/kg fentanyl (XF) or 2 µg/kg dexmedetomidine + 2.5 µg/kg fentanyl (DF), intravenously. HR, f, SAP, MAP, DAP and TR were evaluated at intervals of 5 min before and after the administration of treatments; pH, PaCO2, PaO2, BE, HCO3-, SaO2, Na+, K+ and Hb at 5 and 15 min after treatment administration; and the quality of sedation at intervals of 5 min after administration of treatments. Latency, duration, and recovery times were also compared. The HR values showed a significant reduction in both groups, as well as pH, PaCO2, PaO2 and SaO2. Latency, duration and recovery times, and quality of sedation did not differ statistically between groups. Xylazine and fentanyl or dexmedetomidine and fentanyl combinations provide adequate sedation and analgesia for performing diagnostic radiographic procedures for hip dysplasia. However, oxygen supplementation is recommended to increase protocol safety.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains in bovine carcasses and the impact on the animal production chain.

Foodborne diseases are characterized by conditions that can induce symptomatic illnesses in their carriers, and therefore represent a serious problem. They are important conditions from a clinical and epidemiological point of view, and are associated with the occurrence of serious public health problems, with a strong impact on morbidity and mortality. The Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an enterobacterium associated with enteric conditions of variable intensity and which are accompanied by blood. The transmission routes are mainly based on the consumption of contaminated food and water sources. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are considered a serogroup of E. coli, are capable of producing Shiga-type toxins (Stx 1 and Stx 2) and the O157:H7 strain is one of the best-known serotypes. The early detection of this pathogen is very important, especially due to the capacity of contamination of carcasses destined for food consumption and supply of productive markets. Sanitary protocols must be developed and constantly reviewed in order to prevent/control the presence of the pathogen.

Differential blockade, comparative study of different ropivacaine concentrations (0.75%; 0.2%; 0.12%) for ultrasound guided sciatic and femoral nerve blocks in calves: Prospective cross-over study.

Pharmacodynamic understanding of the different local anesthetic concentrations allows adapting their use to diverse clinical/surgical procedures, such as intraoperative and/or postoperative analgesia. A crossover study was performed, where 6 calves (5 male and 1 female), weighing 120 ± 28 Kg, were subjected to combined sciatic and femoral nerve block using three ropivacaine concentrations. The treatments were: R0.75, using 0.75% ropivacaine; R0.2, 0.2% ropivacaine; and R0.12%, 0.12% ropivacaine. All treatments were performed with ultrasound and neurostimulation assistance, and a volume of 0.1 mL/kg of the respective local anesthetic solution was administered in each block point. The sites of mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) evaluation were based on the calf pelvic limb dermatomes. The proportion between desensitized areas, MNT elevation time and level of ataxia were registered. Elevation of MNT occurred in 100% of the tested areas in the R0.75 and R0.2 treatments, and in 82% of the R0.12 treatment. Mean MNT elevation times were 9.5 ± 0.7 h for R0.75, 6 ± 0.8 for R.02, and 2.4 ± 2.3 for R0.12, differing significantly between all treatments. No difference was observed between MNT elevation time and ataxia duration time, in each treatment. It is concluded that the duration of sensory-motor effects is dose-dependent, but there was not possible to detect block selectivity as the concentrations was reduced. More desensitized areas and extension were obtained with the use of higher concentrations.

The clinical effect of intravenous lipid emulsion on rabbits medicated with diazepam.

Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE) have been increasingly used to reverse a wide range of lipophilic drug intoxications. However, it is still unknown if these emulsions interfere with other lipophilic drugs routinely used while treating intoxicated patients, such as diazepam, one of the main antiepileptic drugs. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate whether the administration of a 20% ILE interferes with diazepam's clinical effect. We randomly allocated thirty rabbits to five groups. Three of those groups received diazepam (1.0 mg/kg, IV), one of which did not receive any additional treatment, while the two remaining groups were treated with ILE or lactated ringer solution (1.5 mL/kg followed by 0.25 mL/kg/min for 30 min). The fourth group only received lipid emulsion, and the fifth only lactated ringer. Successive neurological exams at 20 min intervals for a total of 100 min were performed to assess the rabbits' neurological state. We concluded that the ILE did not interfere with diazepam's clinical effect but, although unlikely, the possibility of recurrence of a sedative effect should be considered.

Effects of two different topographic approaches for combined sciatic and femoral nerve block in calves, guided by ultrasound and neurostimulation.

To evaluate the sensory and motor effects promoted by a combined sciatic and femoral nerve block in calves using two approaches. Six calves were used, in a crossover study. Ultrasound combined with neurostimulation, was used to perform the following block combinations: the proximal approach (PA), which consisted of the association of the parasacral approach (sciatic nerve block) and ventral to the ilium approach (femoral nerve block); distal approach (DA) consisted of the association of a lateral approach to the pelvic limb approach (sciatic nerve block), and an inguinal approach, underneath the femoral trigone (femoral nerve block). Pressure algometry and motor function of the limb where evaluated. Mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) increase, and ataxia duration means were 9.5 ± 0.7 kg and 10.4 ± 3.9 hr for PA and 10.4 ± 3.9 kg and 12.7 ± 1.9 hr for DA, respectively with no significant difference. There was no significant difference between MNT elevation time and the duration of ataxia using the same approach. The DA treatment showed significant MNT elevation in 72% of the tested regions, while the PA treatment showed an elevation in 100% regions tested. Topographic approaches closer to where the spinal nerves emerge produced a larger desensitised area.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine Low Doses with or without Midazolam in Cats: Clinical, Hemodynamic, Blood Gas Analysis, and Echocardiographic Effects.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the sedative, cardiorespiratory, echocardiographic, and blood gas effects of dexmedetomidine and methadone associated or not with midazolam for restraint chemistry in cats. Methods: Eighteen healthy young cats (4.06 ± 0.48 kg) were randomly sedated with two protocols, through the intramuscular route: dexmedetomidine (5 µg.kg-1), methadone (0.3 mg. kg-1) and midazolam (0.3 mg. kg-1) (DMTM, n = 9), or dexmedetomidine (7.5 µg.kg-1) and methadone (0.3 mg. kg-1) (DMT, n = 9). The cardiorespiratory parameters were measured at baseline, 5 and 10 minutes after pharmacological latency. The sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation scores were assessed before and 5 minutes after pharmacological latency, while arterial blood gas analysis and echocardiography were assessed before and after 10 or 15 minutes, respectively. Results: There was no difference between the protocols regarding the cardiorespiratory, blood gas, and echocardiographic parameters used. The scores for sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation also did not differ between the protocols, with the degree of sedation, analgesia, and myorelaxation considered satisfactory in both groups. A significant decrease in heart rate (HR) was observed after administration of the sedative protocols, reaching a maximum reduction at T10 (46% and 53% reduction in the DMT and DMTM groups, respectively). The reduction in HR had an impact on echocardiographic parameters such as CO, which decreased 53% and 56% in the DMT and DMTM groups, respectively. There was a significant reduction in PaO2, SaO2, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening in both protocols. SpO2 decreased significantly after 5 minutes of sedation in the DMT group, but with a minimum mean SpO2 of 92% in T5. The respiratory rate decreased significantly at 5 and 10 minutes in the DMTM group, while PaCO2 increased in both groups, indicating respiratory depression caused by the drugs. Conclusions and Relevance. The study pointed out that both sedative protocols can be recommended for clinical sedation of young and healthy cats in the doses used. However, both protocols resulted in cardiorespiratory depression in cats and also the particularities of the animals should be evaluated regarding reducing cardiac output by more than 50%.

Antinociceptive and analgesic effect of continuous intravenous infusion of maropitant, lidocaine and ketamine alone or in combination in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal analgesia consists of the combination of analgesic drugs at low doses to act in different places along the path of pain. Studies with continuous infusion of analgesic drugs in cats are not common. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of maropitant, lidocaine and ketamine alone or in combination (intravenous bolus + subsequent continuous intravenous infusion) in the management of acute postoperative pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Seventy healthy cats undergoing an ovariohysterectomy received a standard anesthetic protocol consisting of acepromazine and morphine, propofol (anesthesia induction), and isoflurane (anesthesia maintenance). The animals were stratified into seven groups (n = 10 in each group): control (CG), maropitant (MG), lidocaine (LG), ketamine (KG), maropitant + lidocaine (LMG), maropitant + ketamine (KMG), and maropitant + lidocaine + ketamine (LKMG). All drugs were injected first as an intravenous bolus and then by continuous intravenous infusion. During surgery, esophageal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, expired isoflurane concentration, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide at the end of expiration were evaluated at 7 time points. Postoperative pain was evaluated for 6 h after extubation using the visual analogue scale and the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale for assessing postoperative pain in cats. RESULTS: Adverse effects related to maropitant, lidocaine and ketamine infusion were not observed. Pain scores were lower in the MG, KG and LG groups when compared to the CG group using both scales. Although pain scores were also lower in all combination groups than CG, more animals in these groups required rescue analgesia compared to MG. This indicates that the postoperative analgesic effect of all drugs, either alone or in combination, confers analgesia, although the combinations did not promote greater analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous intravenous infusion of maropitant, lidocaine, and ketamine alone induces postoperative analgesic effect in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy, but combinations of these drugs did not increase the analgesic effect. No adverse effect was observed with any drug or their combination.

Prevalence of von Willebrand disease in dogs from Sao Paulo State, Brazil.

The aims of the current study were to assess the prevalence of von Willebrand disease (vWD) in dogs from the region of Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, and to evaluate laboratory tests to diagnose this disease. The study included 350 dogs of various ages, different breeds, and both sexes. Dogs included in the study had no historical or clinical evidence of abnormal bleeding. von Willebrand factor antigen (vWFAg), buccal mucosal bleeding time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and factor VIII activity were evaluated in their ability to diagnose vWD. The prevalence of vWD in dogs was 1.43% in the Botucatu region of Brazil. Determination of vWFAg was the best laboratory test to diagnose vWD.

Analgesic efficacy of perioperative use of vedaprofen, tramadol or their combination in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

The analgesic efficacy of tramadol and/or vedaprofen was evaluated in cats submitted for elective ovariohysterectomy, using a randomised double blind placebo controlled design. Forty adult female cats (3.0+/-0.32kg; 1.8+/-0.7 years) were distributed into four groups. Vedaprofen PO (0.5mg/kg), tramadol SC (2mg/kg), both, or placebo was administered 1h before surgery and every 24 and 8h, respectively, for 72h after surgery. Pain score evaluated by interactive visual analogue and composite pain score and hyperalgesia by the von Frey filament test were recorded at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 28, 32, 48, 52, 56, 72, 96h and on the 7th day after surgery. Animals treated with combined vedaprofen and tramadol treatment did not need rescue analgesia, did not develop hyperalgesia, and their serum cortisol concentrations and pain scores were lower than placebo until 24 and 72h after surgery, respectively. Combined vedaprofen and tramadol treatment provided more effective postoperative analgesia and prevented hyperalgesia than when used on their own. Multimodal technique is a superior method of treating pain after feline ovariohysterectomy. This work also provides evidence for the benefits of analgesia for up to 3 days following ovariohysterectomy.

Disfunções respiratórias felinas: caracterizando e diferenciando a asma e bronquite felinas / Feline respiratory dysfunctions: characterizing and differentiating feline asthma and bronchitis / Disfunciones respiratorias felinas: caracterización y diferenciación del asma y bronquitis felinas

As doenças respiratórias são consideradas doenças graves e potencialmente deletérias. Dentre elas, a asma e a bronquite crônica caracterizam-se como disfunções respiratórias que ameaçam constantemente o bem-estar dos gatos. Os pacientes apresentam mudanças na estrutura respiratória, reversíveis ou não, devido ao extenso quadro inflamatório, que obstrui o fluxo de ar, permite o acúmulo de muco e reduz o lúmen das vias aéreas. Os gatos acometidos apresentam tosses, respiração ruidosa, dispneia, e, em muitos casos, assumem posição ortopneica. O diagnóstico pode ser obtido através de exames de rotina, uso de radiografias torácicas, coleta e análise de fluidos broncoalveolares, e testes alergênicos. O manejo terapêutico baseia-se, combinado ou não, no uso de drogas como broncodilatadores, antiinflamatórios esteroidais, mucolíticos, antibióticos, agentes inalatórios e mudanças ambientais com objetivo de redução da exposição aos possíveis agentes alergênicos responsáveis pela incitação do quadro respiratório.

Respiratory diseases are considered serious and potentially harmful diseases. Among them, asthma and chronic bronchitis are characterized as respiratory disorders that constantly threaten the well-being of cats. The patients present changes in the respiratory structure, reversible or not, due to the extensive inflammatory condition, which obstructs the air flow, allows the accumulation of mucus and reduces the lumen of the airways. Affected cats have coughs, wheezing, dyspnoea, and in many cases assume an orthopneic position. The diagnosis can be obtained through routine exams, use of chest x-rays, collection and analysis of bronchoalveolar fluids, and allergen testing. Therapeutic management is based, combined or not, on the use of drugs such as bronchodilators, steroidal anti-inflammatory, mucolytics, antibiotics, inhalational agents and environmental changes in order to reduce exposure to possible allergenic agents responsible for the incitation of the respiratory condition.

Las enfermedades respiratorias son consideradas enfermedades graves y potencialmente dañinas. Entre ellos, el asma y la bronquitis crónica se caracterizan por ser trastornos respiratorios que amenazan constantemente el bienestar de los gatos. Los pacientes presentan cambios en la estructura respiratoria, reversibles o no debido al cuadro inflamatorio extenso, que obstruye el flujo de aire, permite la acumulación de moco y reduce la luz de las vías respiratorias. Los gatos afectados presentan tos, respiración ruidosa, disnea y, en muchos casos, adoptan una posición ortopneica. El diagnóstico se puede obtener mediante exámenes de rutina, uso de radiografías de tórax, recolección y análisis de líquidos broncoalveolares, y pruebas de alérgenos. El manejo terapéutico se basa, combinado o no, en el uso de fármacos como broncodilatadores, antiinflamatorios esteroides, mucolíticos, antibióticos, agentes inhalatorios y cambios ambientales con el objetivo de reducir la exposición a posibles agentes alergénicos responsables de incitar la afección respiratoria.

Amiloidose renal familiar em cães da raça Shar-Pei / Family renal amyloidosis in Shar-Pei dogs / Amiloidosis renal familiar en perros Shar-Pei

A amiloidose renal familiar é uma doença incomum em cães, que afeta os rins e está associada ao acúmulo anormal de proteínas amiloides, com capacidade de promover danos orgânicos progressivos com comprometimento de funcionalidade. Caracterizada pela presença de conteúdo proteináceo glomerular, a amiloidose frequentemente está associada a quadros de falência renal, com presença de sinais clínicos variados, sendo uma condição grave e complexa. O presente artigo tem como objetivo descrever os achados clínico-laboratoriais, de imagem e histopatológicos de amiloidose familiar em dois cães da raça Shar-pei. Os animais apresentavam parentesco direto e evidenciavam sinais de cansaço, prostração e emagrecimento progressivo. As evidências clínico-laboratoriais e ultrassonográficas sugeriram a presença de glomerulonefropatia, sendo essa confirmada por exame histopatológico. Os dois cães, diante da gravidade do quadro, foram a óbito. A análise histopatológica evidenciou deposição de material proteináceo fibrilar na região glomerular e tubular, bem como infiltrado linfoplasmocítico, característicos de amiloidose renal. É essencial lembrar que a amiloidose renal familiar em cães é uma doença complexa e que as origens devem ser investigadas. O tratamento é desafiador, diante da inexistência de um manejo terapêutico definido para a doença, sendo este muitas vezes ineficaz. A empatia e o cuidado no manejo dessa condição podem ajudar a melhorar a qualidade de vida do paciente e fornecer conforto ao proprietário durante esse processo desafiador.

Family renal amyloidosis is an uncommon disease in dogs, which affects the kidneys and is associated with abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins, capable of promoting progressive organic damage with impairment of functionality. Characterized by the presence of glomerular proteinaceous content, amyloidosis is often associated with renal failure, with the presence of varied clinical signs, being a serious and complex condition. This article aims to describe the clinical, laboratory, imaging and histopathological findings of familial amyloidosis in two Shar-pei dogs. The animals were directly related and evidenced signs of tiredness, prostration and progressive weight loss. Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic evidence suggested the presence of glomerulonephropathy, which was confirmed by histopathological examination. The two dogs, given the severity of the condition, died. Histopathological analysis showed deposition of fibrillar proteinaceous material in the glomerular and tubular region, as well as lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate, characteristic of renal amyloidosis. It is essential to remember that family renal amyloidosis in dogs is a complex disease and that the origins must be investigated. The treatment is challenging, given the lack of a defined therapeutic management for the disease, which is often ineffective. Empathy and care in managing this condition can help improve the patient's quality of life and provide comfort to the owner during this challenging process.

La amiloidosis renal familiar es una enfermedad poco común en perros, que afecta a los riñones y se asocia con la acumulación anormal de proteínas amiloides, con capacidad de promover daño orgánico progresivo con compromiso de la funcionalidad. Caracterizada por la presencia de contenido proteico glomerular, la amiloidosis suele asociarse a insuficiencia renal, con la presencia de signos clínicos variados, siendo una afección grave y compleja. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo describir los hallazgos clínico-laboratorios, imagenológicos e histopatológicos de la amiloidosis familiar en dos perros Sharpei. Los animales estaban directamente emparentados y presentaban signos de cansancio, postración y pérdida progresiva de peso. Los datos clínico-laboratorios y ecográficos sugirieron la presencia de glomerulonefropatía, la cual fue confirmada mediante examen histopatológico. Los dos perros, dada la gravedad del cuadro, fallecieron. El análisis histopatológico mostró depósito de material proteico fibrilar en la región glomerular y tubular, así como infiltrado linfoplasmocitario, característico de la amiloidosis renal. Es fundamental recordar que la amiloidosis renal familiar en perros es una enfermedad compleja y que es necesario investigar sus orígenes. El tratamiento es un desafío, dada la falta de un manejo terapéutico definido para la enfermedad, que muchas veces resulta ineficaz. La empatía y el cuidado en el manejo de esta afección pueden ayudar a mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente y brindar comodidad al propietario durante este desafiante proceso.

Gastric mucosal perfusion in dogs: effects of halogenated anesthetics and of hemorrhage.

The gastrointestinal tract is one of the first organs affected by hypoperfusion during hemorrhagic shock. The hemodynamics and oxygen transport variables during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation can be affected by the anesthetics used. In a model of pressure-guided hemorrhagic shock in dogs, we studied the effects of three halogenated anesthetics--halothane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane--at equipotent concentrations on gastric oxygenation. Thirty dogs were anesthetized with 1.0 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) of either halothane, sevoflurane, or isoflurane. A gastric tonometer was placed in the stomach to determine mucosal gastric CO(2) (PgCO(2)) and for the calculation of gastric-arterial PCO(2) gradient (PCO(2) gap). The dogs were splenectomized and hemorrhaged to hold mean arterial pressure at 40-50 mm Hg over 45 min and then resuscitated with the shed blood volume. Hemodynamics, systemic oxygenation, and PCO(2) gap were measured at baseline, after 45 min of hemorrhage, and at 15 and 60 min after blood resuscitation. Hemorrhage induced reductions of mean arterial pressure and cardiac index, while systemic oxygen extraction increased (p < .05), without significant differences among groups (p > .05). Halothane group showed significant lower PCO(2) gap values than the other groups (p < .05). After 60 min of shed blood replacement, all groups restored hemodynamics, systemic oxygenation, and PCO(2) gap to the prehemorrhage levels (p > .05), without significant differences among groups (p > .05). We conclude that halothane is superior to preserve the gastric mucosal perfusion in comparison to isoflurane and sevoflurane, in dogs submitted to pressure-guided hemorrhagic shock at equipotent doses of halogenated anesthetics.

Comparative study between target-controlled-infusion and continuous-infusion anesthesia in dogs treated with methotrimeprazine and treated with propofol and remifentanil.

PURPOSE: To compare two propofol infusion techniques in bitches subjected to ovary histerectomy by estimating the efficiency of the propofol target-dose, evaluating the cardiorespiratory and hemogasimetric attributes, and the bispectral scale index (BIS) as well as the recovery period characteristics. METHODS: Twenty anesthetized bitches were divided into two groups of 10 each (G1, G2). Animals of G1 were pre-treated with methotrimeprazine and anesthetized with target-controlled propofol infusion by means of a Harvard infusion pump combined to remifentanil through a syringe pump. RESULTS: Bradycardia and light hypotension, hemogasimetric and respiratory stability besides a good myorelaxation, more evident during continuous infusion and good hypnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Dosis used in both techniques, after methotrimeprazine pre-treatment and combined to the opioid, were efficient for the surgery. The target-controlled anesthesia required a smaller anesthetic consumption (propofol) with faster recovery periods.

Sedative, hematologic and hemostatic effects of dexmedetomidine-butorphanol alone or in combination with ketamine in cats.

Acute stress induced by physical restraint can interfere with the validity of laboratory findings. Sedation could minimize such stress. However, it is not known whether sedation can affect hematologic and hemostatic parameters in cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate hematologic and hemostatic parameters in domestic cats subjected to physical restraint in addition to one of two sedation protocols. In total, 50 cats were subjected to physical restraint and were then randomly divided into two groups of 25 animals, receiving dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg) and butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg; DB group) or dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg), butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg; DBK group). The cats were assessed for acute stress, sedation level, onset of sedation and duration of sedation. Blood samples were collected after handling and after sedation. The complete blood count (CBC), platelet count, buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), whole-blood clotting time, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and thrombin time (TT) were determined for each sample, before and after chemical restraint. No statistically significant differences were found in the hematologic parameters. Certain hemostatic parameters (PT, aPTT and TT) were higher in the DB group (P <0.05). The onset of sedation was similar in the two groups, and the duration of sedation was longer in the DBK group. Both sedation protocols were effective for short-duration chemical restraint for blood collection from the studied cats, and no clinically relevant effects on hematologic or hemostatic parameters were detected.

Tracheal avulsion in a cat / Avulsão traqueal em um gato

ABSTRACT: Tracheal avulsion is a condition seen in small animals and occurs as a result of a traumatic incident to the cervical and/or thoracic regions. The aim of this study is to report a case of tracheal avulsion in a cat using imaging examinations for diagnostic investigation. In this report, we examined an eight-month-old male, cat of undefined breed, diagnosed with tracheal avulsion using complementary imaging tests. This diagnosis was confirmed with post-mortem examination. Radiographic examination of the patient's thorax and a tracheoscopy were performed. These examinations revealed complete discontinuity of the tracheal circumference, the presence of focal and circumscribed dilation of the tracheal lumen and stenosis. The patient quickly died without clinical and surgical intervention. Macroscopic analysis revealed a tracheal diverticulum confirming the findings of the imaging tests. The use of radiographic examinations in conjunction with tracheoscopy was effective at diagnosing this condition.

RESUMO: A avulsão traqueal é uma condição identificada em pequenos animais e ocorre como resultado de um incidente traumático na região cervical ou torácica. O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em relatar um caso de avulsão traqueal em um felino doméstico submetido a exames de imagem para investigação diagnóstica. Um felino, macho, sem raça definida, de oito meses de idade, foi diagnosticado com avulsão traqueal por meio de exames complementares de imagem e com confirmação diagnóstica por exames post mortem. O paciente foi submetido a exames radiográficos do tórax e traqueoscopia. Os achados dos exames de imagem revelaram completa descontinuidade da circunferência traqueal, presença de dilatação focal e circunscrita do lúmen traqueal e estenose. O paciente morreu e não houve tempo hábil para intervenção cirúrgica. Na análise macroscópica identificou-se um divertículo traqueal, confirmando assim, os achados dos exames de imagem. A utilização dos exames radiográficos em conjunto com a traqueoscopia foi efetiva no diagnóstico dessa condição.