An overweight/obesity survey among dogs and cats attended at a veterinary teaching hospital during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic / Uma pesquisa sobre sobrepeso/obesidade em cães e gatos atendidos em um hospital veterinário escola durante o segundo ano de pandemia de COVID-19

Anecdotal reports suggest that the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) has increased overweight and obesity prevalence in dogs and cats. The present report aimed to perform a retrospective overweight/obesity survey on 1,001 consecutive cases attended in the Veterinary Clinics Hospital from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul during its reopening to the public after months closed due to the pandemic. The overall overweight or obesity observed prevalence was 36.63%; being the frequency in cats slightly greater (38.37%) than compared to dogs (35.76%). No local increase in these frequencies was detected. Neutering (dogs and cats), age greater than 10 years (dogs), and male gender (cats) were factors associated with overweight/obesity. Bodyweight was not registered in about 30% of the medical records, while the body condition score was not registered in about 50% of the cases. These flaws were more often observed in feline medical records and efforts to improve these data records are warranted.

Especula-se que a pandemia pelo novo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) tenha agravado a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em cães e gatos. O presente artigo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento de sobrepeso/obesidade, o qual avaliou os registros de 1001 casos consecutivos atendidos no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, durante a reabertura da instituição ao público, após meses fechada devido à pandemia. Observou-se uma prevalência de sobrepeso ou de obesidade de 36,63%, sendo a frequência ligeiramente maior em gatos (38,37%) do que em cães (35,76%) e não sendo documentado aumento local na prevalência. Castrações (cães e gatos), idade > 10 anos (cães) e sexo masculino (gatos) foram associadas ao sobrepeso/obesidade. Em cerca de 30% das fichas não havia peso registrado, e em cerca de 50% não havia registro de ECC. Essas falhas foram mais frequentes em fichas de felinos e demandam medidas para aumentar o registro desses dados pelas equipes clínicas.

Spineless cactus use management on microbiological quality, performance, and nutritional disorders in sheep.

The physically effective neutral detergent fiber content alone has not been able to explain the appearance of diarrhea in ruminants fed diets with large volumes of spineless cactus, so the proliferation of enterobacteria in spineless cactus may be associated with cases of diarrhea in sheep. In the in vitro test, used two varieties of spineless cactus, both of which were chopped to particles of 4 and 2 cm2. For the in vivo test, 15 lambs were allocated to three treatment groups, namely, spineless cactus crushed and immediately supplied to the animals; spineless cactus crushed 8 h before supply; and silage of spineless cactus. The variables evaluated were dry matter intake, weight gain, fecal score, hemogram, and fecal colony count. In the in vitro test, higher Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria counts were found both at 12 h and 24 h when the spineless cactus was crushed to 2 cm2 in both varieties. The sheep fed the spineless cactus crushed 8 h prior to supply showed the highest Enterobacteriaceae count in the feces (8.48 CFU/g), compared to animals fed silage of spineless cactus (4.95 CFU/g). It can thus be concluded that the management of spineless cactus influences the development of total and fecal coliforms, especially when it is chopped to 2 cm2 and exposed to the environment for periods longer than 7 h, and that the bacterial population can be controlled by administering the spineless cactus in the form of silage.

The analysis of computer data regarding obesity and associated diseases in cats examined at private veterinary practices

Background: Cats can be defined as being overweight if their bodyweight is 15% above optimum weight and classified as obese if they are more than 30% above their optimum weight. There is a general agreement among investigators that the incidence of excess body weight in cats is increasing. Obesity has considerable impacts on the health of cats and is linked to a variety of health issues including orthopedic disease, diabetes mellitus and non-allergic skin conditions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and associated diseases in cats examined at some veterinary practices in Istanbul-Turkey. Materials, Methods & Results: Data of 2,272 patients examined at four private veterinary practicesin Istanbul was studied to reveal the association between body weight and diseases. Information regarding sex, age and neutering status was also considered for each patient. Patients were classified according to their body weight to three groups as lightweight (female: 3.0 kg and under, male: 4.5 kg and under), optimum -weight (female: 3.0-4.5 kg, male: 4.5-5.5 kg) and overweight/obese (female: 4.5 kg and over, male: 5.5 kg and over). Accounting all adult cats treated by the clinics, diagnoses of osteoarthritis, heart diseases, dermatological diseases, hepatic lipidosis, metabolic syndrome - diabetes mellitus, lameness, gastrointestinal diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, neoplasia and urinary diseases were statistically evaluated. Considering data coming from 2,272 cats, which were referred to veterinary practices, 33.12%, were classified as overweight-obese, 40.04% were optimum-weight and 26.84% were lightweight. It was determined that overweight-obese cats were more likely to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis and hepatic lipidosis compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Overweight-obese cats were more likely to be diagnosed with gastrointestinal disease and neoplasia compared to lightweight cats (P < 0.05).[...](AU)

The analysis of computer data regarding obesity and associated diseases in cats examined at private veterinary practices

Background: Cats can be defined as being overweight if their bodyweight is 15% above optimum weight and classified as obese if they are more than 30% above their optimum weight. There is a general agreement among investigators that the incidence of excess body weight in cats is increasing. Obesity has considerable impacts on the health of cats and is linked to a variety of health issues including orthopedic disease, diabetes mellitus and non-allergic skin conditions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and associated diseases in cats examined at some veterinary practices in Istanbul-Turkey. Materials, Methods & Results: Data of 2,272 patients examined at four private veterinary practicesin Istanbul was studied to reveal the association between body weight and diseases. Information regarding sex, age and neutering status was also considered for each patient. Patients were classified according to their body weight to three groups as lightweight (female: 3.0 kg and under, male: 4.5 kg and under), optimum -weight (female: 3.0-4.5 kg, male: 4.5-5.5 kg) and overweight/obese (female: 4.5 kg and over, male: 5.5 kg and over). Accounting all adult cats treated by the clinics, diagnoses of osteoarthritis, heart diseases, dermatological diseases, hepatic lipidosis, metabolic syndrome - diabetes mellitus, lameness, gastrointestinal diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, neoplasia and urinary diseases were statistically evaluated. Considering data coming from 2,272 cats, which were referred to veterinary practices, 33.12%, were classified as overweight-obese, 40.04% were optimum-weight and 26.84% were lightweight. It was determined that overweight-obese cats were more likely to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis and hepatic lipidosis compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Overweight-obese cats were more likely to be diagnosed with gastrointestinal disease and neoplasia compared to lightweight cats (P < 0.05).[...]

Aspectos nutricionais e ambientais da obesidade canina / Nutritional and environment aspects of canine obesity

A obesidade é a doença nutricional mais frequente em cães, leva a uma série de alterações nas funções corporais e limita a longevidade dos animais. Vários fatores contribuem para o desenvolvimento da obesidade em cães, como genética, raça, idade, falta de atividade física, composição calórica dos alimentos, tipo e a forma de alimentação, distúrbios hormonais, medicamentos e fatores relacionados com os proprietários. Devido à falta de estudos sobre os aspectos nutricionais e ambientais envolvidos no desenvolvimento da obesidade canina, o presente trabalho objetivou obter estas informações por meio de enquetes a proprietários. Foram realizadas 254 entrevistas com proprietários de cães com sobrepeso ou obesos, atendidos em Hospitais Veterinários Universitários. Selecionaram-se cães com escore de condição corporal (ECC) de 6 a 9, de acordo com escala descrita por LAFLAMME (1997). A maioria dos cães acometidos eram fêmeas adultas castradas, sem raça definida (33%) ou Poodles (17%). De acordo com 36% dos respondentes, o excesso de alimento era a possível razão do ganho de peso dos animais. Apenas 52% dos proprietários tentaram realizar controle de peso do seu animal, principalmente reduzindo a quantidade de alimento. Não houve correlação entre a condição corporal do proprietário, nível de escolaridade, renda familiar e ambiente domiciliar dos proprietários com o ECC dos animais. As informações obtidas podem auxiliar na identificação dos fatores nutricionais e ambientais envolvidos no desenvolvimento da obesidade em cães, podendo adotar medidas preventivas e desenvolver melhores estratégias para o tratamento.(AU)

Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs and may cause many changes in body systems and limit the longevity of the animals. Many factors contribute to the development of obesity in dogs, as genetics, breed, age, lack of physical activity, caloric food composition, type and form of nutrition, hormonal disorders, medicine, and factors related to the owners. Due to the lack of studies on the nutritional and environmental aspects involved in the development of canine obesity, the present study aimed to obtain information through owners surveys. Interviews with 254 owners of overweight or obese dogs were conducted at University Veterinary Hospitals. Dogs were selected through body condition score (BCS) from 6 to 9, according to the scale described by LAFLAMME (1997). The data were coded, tabulated and submitted to frequency analysis and correlation (Spearman Test). Most affected dogs were castrated adult female of mixed breeds (33%) or poodles (17%). For most respondents (36%), food excess was the possible reason for the weight gain of pets. Only half of the owners have tried to achieve weight control of their pet, especially reducing the amount of food. There was no correlation between body condition of the owner, educational level, family income and home environment of the owners with pets BCS. Information obtained may help identifying nutritional and environmental factors involved in the development of obesity in dogs and can provide better preventive measures and strategies for treatment.(AU)

Compromised nutrition in gerbils infected by Cystoisospora felis detected through an animal performance analysis tool.

The impact of Cystoisospora felis infection on the nutritional efficiency of gerbils was studied. The variables weight gain and feed intake were measured during four weeks in 28 laboratory gerbils, of which 14 were inoculated with 3.5 × 10(5) sporulated oocysts of C. felis and the remaining 14 were controls. The animals from both groups were weighted, killed, eviscerated and had their carcasses and tissues weighted and compared. A modern tool designed for measuring nutritional performance of farm animals was applied. The results showed compromised nutritional efficiency of the infected animals within the first week after infection. The consequences of these results are discussed here, including the potential impact of infection on farm animals performance.

Compromised nutrition in gerbils infected by Cystoisospora felis detected through an animal performance analysis tool / Comprometimento nutricional em gerbis infectados por Cystoisospora felis detectado através de uma ferramenta de análise de desempenho animal

The impact of Cystoisospora felis infection on the nutritional efficiency of gerbils was studied. The variables weight gain and feed intake were measured during four weeks in 28 laboratory gerbils, of which 14 were inoculated with 3.5 × 10(5) sporulated oocysts of C. felis and the remaining 14 were controls. The animals from both groups were weighted, killed, eviscerated and had their carcasses and tissues weighted and compared. A modern tool designed for measuring nutritional performance of farm animals was applied. The results showed compromised nutritional efficiency of the infected animals within the first week after infection. The consequences of these results are discussed here, including the potential impact of infection on farm animals performance.

O impacto da infecção por Cystoisospora felis na eficiência nutricional de gerbis foi estudado. As variáveis ganho de peso e consumo de ração foram mensuradas durante quatro semanas em 28 gerbis de laboratório, dos quais 14 foram inoculados com 3,5 × 10(5) oocistos esporulados de C. felis e os 14 restantes serviram como controle. Os animais de ambos os grupos foram pesados, mortos, eviscerados e tiveram suas carcaças e tecidos pesados e comparados. Uma ferramenta moderna desenvolvida para mensurar o desempenho nutricional de animais de produção foi aplicada. Os resultados mostraram eficiência nutricional comprometida dos animais infectados na primeira semana após a infecção. As consequências destes resultados são discutidas aqui, incluindo o possível impacto de infecção no desempenho de animais de produção.

Compromised nutrition in gerbils infected by Cystoisospora felis detected through an animal performance analysis tool / Comprometimento nutricional em gerbis infectados por Cystoisospora felis detectado através de uma ferramenta de análise de desempenho animal

The impact of Cystoisospora felis infection on the nutritional efficiency of gerbils was studied. The variables weight gain and feed intake were measured during four weeks in 28 laboratory gerbils, of which 14 were inoculated with 3.5 × 10(5) sporulated oocysts of C. felis and the remaining 14 were controls. The animals from both groups were weighted, killed, eviscerated and had their carcasses and tissues weighted and compared. A modern tool designed for measuring nutritional performance of farm animals was applied. The results showed compromised nutritional efficiency of the infected animals within the first week after infection. The consequences of these results are discussed here, including the potential impact of infection on farm animals performance.(AU)

O impacto da infecção por Cystoisospora felis na eficiência nutricional de gerbis foi estudado. As variáveis ganho de peso e consumo de ração foram mensuradas durante quatro semanas em 28 gerbis de laboratório, dos quais 14 foram inoculados com 3,5 × 10(5) oocistos esporulados de C. felis e os 14 restantes serviram como controle. Os animais de ambos os grupos foram pesados, mortos, eviscerados e tiveram suas carcaças e tecidos pesados e comparados. Uma ferramenta moderna desenvolvida para mensurar o desempenho nutricional de animais de produção foi aplicada. Os resultados mostraram eficiência nutricional comprometida dos animais infectados na primeira semana após a infecção. As consequências destes resultados são discutidas aqui, incluindo o possível impacto de infecção no desempenho de animais de produção.(AU)

Glycoconjugate histochemistry in the small and large intestine of normal and Solanum glaucophyllum-intoxicated rabbits.

Vitamin D participates in mineral homeostasis, immunomodulation, cell growth and differentiation. The leaves of Solanum glaucophyllum contain high levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 as glycoside derivatives and their chronic ingestion generates a hypervitaminosis D-like state. We analyzed changes on carbohydrate expression as a cell differentiation indicator on samples of the small and large intestine of S. glaucophyllum-intoxicated rabbits, using conventional and lectin histochemistry. Male New Zealand white rabbits were intoxicated with S. glaucophyllum during two or four weeks and killed the day after. A group of animals ("possibly recovered group") were intoxicated during 15 days and killed at day 45 of the beginning of the experiment. We found changes in the lectin binding pattern in the small and large intestine of the intoxicated rabbits. Some of these changes were reverted in the possibly recovered group. Vitamin D could be a new regulator factor of the intestinal glycosylation process.

Biometric and food consumption parameters of rats subjected to hypoproteic and hipercaloric diet / Parâmetros biométricos e de consumo alimentar de ratos submetidos à dieta hipoprotéica e hipercalórica / Parámetros biométricos y de consumo alimentar de ratones sometidos a la dieta hipoprotéica e hipercalórica

A carência de proteínas, causando Kwashiorkor, é o tipo de má-nutrição mais prevalente, pois fontes de alimentos protéicos, geralmente, são mais onerosas. Para estudos experimentais, o rato tem sido o principal modelo para avaliar as conseqüências de ingestão de dietas com diferentes teores protéicos, contudo ainda não estão claros os níveis de severidade dessas dietas para essa espécie. Nesse sentido, propõe-se avaliar a severidade de uma dieta hipoprotéica a 4% para ratos jovens. Para tanto, utilizaram-se 30 ratos Wistar (90 dias de idade), os quais foram divididos em dois grupos: controle (GC) e experimental (GC). O GC recebeu dieta normoprotéica, enquanto o GE recebeu dieta com 4% de teor de proteínas, ambos, durante 12 semanas. No final do experimento, avaliaram-se o peso, o crescimento, a massa gorda e massa magra dos animais. Os animais do GE não ganharam peso, tiveram retardo no crescimento, formaram menos massa gorda e menos massa muscular.

ABSTRACT: The protein lack causing Kwashiorkor is the most prevalent kind of malnutrition, because the food sources of proteins are usually more expensive. For experimental investigations, the rat has provided the primary model to evaluate the consequences of the ingestion of diets with different protein levels; however, the degrees of severity of these diets for thesespecies are still not clear. In this sense, we aimed at evaluating the severity of a 4%-hypoproteic diet on young rats. We used30 Wistar rats (90 days old), which were divided in two groups: control (CG) and experimental (EG). CG rats were fed with normoprotein chow, while EG rats were fed with a chow having 4% protein, for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, we evaluated the weight, growth, and fat and lean masses of the animals. The rats from EG did not gain weight, they had growth retardation, and built less fat and muscle masses.

RESUMO: A carência de proteínas, causando Kwashiorkor, é o tipo de má-nutrição mais prevalente, pois fontes de alimentos protéicos, geralmente, são mais onerosas. Para estudos experimentais, o rato tem sido o principal modelo para avaliar as conseqüências de ingestão de dietas com diferentes teores protéicos, contudo ainda não estão claros os níveis de severidade dessas dietas para essa espécie. Nesse sentido, propõe-se avaliar a severidade de uma dieta hipoprotéica a 4% para ratos jovens. Para tanto, utilizaram-se 30 ratos Wistar (90 dias de idade), os quais foram divididos em dois grupos: controle (GC) e experimental (GC). O GC recebeu dieta normoprotéica, enquanto o GE recebeu dieta com 4% de teor de proteínas, ambos, durante 12 semanas. No fi nal do experimento, avaliaram-se o peso, o crescimento, a massa gorda e massa magra dos animais. Os animais do GE não ganharam peso, tiveram retardo no crescimento, formaram menos massa gorda e menos massa muscular.

Hematologic and biochemical parameters of rats subjected to hypoproteic and hipercaloric diet / Parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de ratos submetidos à dieta hipoprotéica e hipercalórica / Parámetros hematológicos y bioquímicos de ratones sometidos a la dieta hipoprotéica e hipercalórica

A má-nutrição é um problema de saúde pública que ainda assola crianças e adultos no mundo inteiro, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento. A carência de proteínas, causando Kwashiorkor, é o tipo de má-nutrição mais prevalente, pois fontes de alimentos protéicos, geralmente, são mais onerosas. Uma dieta hipoprotéica causa alterações metabólicas num animal em intensidades diretamente proporcionais ao nível de depleção de proteínas, bem como o tempo em que o indivíduo permanece sob o estado de subnutrição. Nesse sentido, propõe-se avaliar a severidade de uma dieta hipoprotéica a 4% para ratos jovens. Utilizam-se 30 ratos Wistar (90 dias de idade), divididos em grupo controle (15) e experimental (15). O GC recebeu dieta normoprotéica, enquanto o GE recebeu dieta com 4% de teor de proteínas, ambos durante 12 semanas. No final do experimento, sangue foi coletado para realização de hemograma e dosagem de atividade de fosfatase alcalina, alanina aminotrasferase, além da concentração de proteínas totais e frações, colesterol total, triglicerídeos, uréia, ácido úrico, T3, T4 e aminoácidos plasmáticos. Os animais do GE demonstraram menor atividade defosfatase alcalina no sangue, anemia microcítica normocrômica, hipoproteinemia, hipoglobulinemia, reduação na concentração plasmática de triglicerídeos, aumento da concentração plasmática de T3 e T4 e diminuição da concentração plasmática dos seguintes aminoácidos: metionina, fenilalanina, valina, leucina e isoleucina.

ABSTRACT: Malnutrition is a public health issue which still affects children and adults all over the world, especially in developing countries. Protein defi ciency causing Kwashiorkor is the most prevalent type of malnutrition, because protein-rich foods are generally expensive. A hypoproteic diet causes metabolic alterations in an animal which are directly proportional to the degree of protein depletion, as well as to the duration of the malnutrition. In this sense, we proposed to evaluate the severity of a 4%-hypoproteic diet in young rats. We used 30 Wistar rats (90 days of age), divided in control (CG, n=15) and experimental (EG, n=15) groups. CG was fed with a normoprotein chow, while EG was fed with a diet having 4% protein, for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected for determination of the hemogram, activities of alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase, and concentration of total and fractional proteins, total cholesterol, triglycerides,urea, uric acid, T3, T4 and plasma aminoacids. The animals from EG had lower activity of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme in blood, normochromic microcytic anemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoglobulinemia, decreased plasma triglyceride concentration, increased plasma concentrations of T3 and T4, and decreased plasma concentrations of the following aminoacids: methionine, phenylalanine, valine, leucine and isoleucine

RESUMEN: La mala nutrición es un problema de salud pública que todavía aniquila niños y adultos en el mundo entero, principalmente en países en desarrollo. La falta de proteínas, causando Kwashiorkor, es el tipo de mala nutrición más común, pues fuentes de alimentos proteicos, generalmente, son más caras. Una dieta poco proteica causa alteraciones metabólicas en un animal en intensidades directamente proporcionales al nivel de depleción de proteínas, así como el tiempo en que el individuo queda bajo el estado de baja nutrición. En ese sentido, proponemos evaluar la severidad de una dieta de bajo contenido proteico al 4% para ratones jóvenes. Utilizamos 30 ratones Wistar (90 días de edad), divididos en grupo control (15) y experimental (15). El GC recibió dieta normoproteica, mientras el GE recibió dieta con el 4% de cantidad de proteínas, ambos durante 12 semanas. Al fi nal del experimento, sangre fue recolectado para realización del examen de la sangre y cantidad de actividad de fosfatase alcalina, alanina aminotrasferase, además de la concentración de proteínas totales y fracciones, colesterol total, triglicerídeos, urea, ácido úrico, T3, T4 y aminoácidos plasmáticos. Los animales del GE demostraron menor actividad de fosfatase alcalina en la sangre, anemia microcítica normocrómica, hipoproteinemía, hipoglobulinemia, reducción en la concentración plasmática de triglicerídeos, aumento de la plasmática de T3 y T4 y disminución de la concentración plasmática de los siguientes aminoácidos: metionina, fenilalanina, valina, leucina y isoleucina

Biometric and food consumption parameters of rats subjected to hypoproteic and hipercaloric diet / râmetros biométricos e de consumo alimentar de ratos submetidos à dieta hipoprotéica e hipercalórica / Parámetros biométricos y de consumo alimentar de ratones sometidos a la dieta hipoproteíca e hipercalórica

A carência de proteínas, causando Kwashiorkor, é o tipo de má-nutrição mais prevalente, pois fontes de alimentos protéicos, geralmente, são mais onerosas. Para estudos experimentais, o rato tem sido o principal modelo para avaliar as conseqüências de ingestão de dietas com diferentes teores protéicos, contudo ainda não estão claros os níveis de severidade dessas dietas para essa espécie. Nesse sentido, propõe-se avaliar a severidade de uma dieta hipoprotéica a 4% para ratos jovens. Para tanto, utilizaram-se 30 ratos Wistar (90 dias de idade), os quais foram divididos em dois grupos: controle (GC) e experimental (GC). O GC recebeu dieta normoprotéica, enquanto o GE recebeu dieta com 4% de teor de proteínas, ambos, durante 12 semanas. No final do experimento, avaliaram-se o peso, o crescimento, a massa gorda e massa magra dos animais. Os animais do GE não ganharam peso, tiveram retardo no crescimento, formaram menos massa gorda e menos massa muscular.(AU)

The protein lack causing Kwashiorkor is the most prevalent kind of malnutrition, because the food sources of proteins are usually more expensive. For experimental investigations, the rat has provided the primary model to evaluate the consequences of the ingestion of diets with different protein levels; however, the degrees of severity of these diets for these species are still not clear. In this sense, we aimed at evaluating the severity of a 4%-hypoproteic diet on young rats. We used 30 Wistar rats (90 days old), which were divided in two groups: control (CG) and experimental (EG). CG rats were fed with normoprotein chow, while EG rats were fed with a chow having 4% protein, for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, we evaluated the weight, growth, and fat and lean masses of the animals. The rats from EG did not gain weight, they had growth retardation, and built less fat and muscle masses.(AU)

La falta de proteínas, causando Kwashiorkor, es el tipo de mala nutrición más predominante, pues fuentes de alimentos protéicos, generalmente, son más costosos. Para estudios experimentales, el ratón ha sido el principal modelo para evaluarse las consecuencias de ingestión de dietas con distintos teores protéicos, aún así todavía no están claros los niveles de severidad de esas dietas para esa especie. En ese sentido, proponemos evaluar la severidad de una dieta hipoprotéica al 4% para ratones jóvenes. Para tanto, utilizamos 30 ratones Wistar (90 días de edad), los caules fueron divididos en dos grupos: control (GC) y experimental (GE). El GC recibió dieta normoprotéica, mientras que el GE recibió dieta con el 4% de teor de proteínas, ambos durante 12 semanas. Al fi nal del experimento, evaluamos el peso, el crecimiento, la masa gorda y masa delgada de los animales. Los animales del GE no ganaron peso, tuvieron retraso en el crecimiento, formaron menos masa gorda y menos masa muscular(AU)

Hematologic and biochemical parameters of rats subjected to hypoproteic and hipercaloric diet

A má-nutrição é um problema de saúde pública que ainda assola crianças e adultos no mundo inteiro, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento. A carência de proteínas, causando Kwashiorkor, é o tipo de má-nutrição mais prevalente, pois fontes de alimentos protéicos, geralmente, são mais onerosas. Uma dieta hipoprotéica causa alterações metabólicas num animal em intensidades diretamente proporcionais ao nível de depleção de proteínas, bem como o tempo em que o indivíduo permanece sob o estado de subnutrição. Nesse sentido, propõe-se avaliar a severidade de uma dieta hipoprotéica a 4% para ratos jovens. Utilizam-se 30 ratos Wistar (90 dias de idade), divididos em grupo controle (15) e experimental (15). O GC recebeu dieta normoprotéica, enquanto o GE recebeu dieta com 4% de teor de proteínas, ambos durante 12 semanas. No final do experimento, sangue foi coletado para realização de hemograma e dosagem de atividade de fosfatase alcalina, alanina aminotrasferase, além da concentração de proteínas totais e frações, colesterol total, triglicerídeos, uréia, ácido úrico, T3, T4 e aminoácidos plasmáticos. Os animais do GE demonstraram menor atividade defosfatase alcalina no sangue, anemia microcítica normocrômica, hipoproteinemia, hipoglobulinemia, reduação na concentração plasmática de triglicerídeos, aumento da concentração plasmática de T3 e T4 e diminuição da concentração plasmática dos seguintes aminoácidos: metionina, fenilalanina, valina, leucina e isoleucina.(AU)

Malnutrition is a public health issue which still affects children and adults all over the world, especially in developing countries. Protein defi ciency causing Kwashiorkor is the most prevalent type of malnutrition, because protein-rich foods are generally expensive. A hypoproteic diet causes metabolic alterations in an animal which are directly proportional to the degree of protein depletion, as well as to the duration of the malnutrition. In this sense, we proposed to evaluate the severity of a 4%-hypoproteic diet in young rats. We used 30 Wistar rats (90 days of age), divided in control (CG, n=15) and experimental (EG, n=15) groups. CG was fed with a normoprotein chow, while EG was fed with a diet having 4% protein, for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected for determination of the hemogram, activities of alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase, and concentration of total and fractional proteins, total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, T3, T4 and plasma aminoacids. The animals from EG had lower activity of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme in blood, normochromic microcytic anemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoglobulinemia, decreased plasma triglyceride concentration, increased plasma concentrations of T3 and T4, and decreased plasma concentrations of the following aminoacids: methionine, phenylalanine, valine, leucine and isoleucine.(AU)

La mala nutrición es un problema de salud pública que todavía aniquila niños y adultos en el mundo entero, principalmente en países en desarrollo. La falta de proteínas, causando Kwashiorkor, es el tipo de mala nutrición más común, pues fuentes de alimentos proteicos, generalmente, son más caras. Una dieta poco proteica causa alteraciones metabólicas en un animal en intensidades directamente proporcionales al nivel de depleción de proteínas, así como el tiempo en que el individuo queda bajo el estado de baja nutrición. En ese sentido, proponemos evaluar la severidad de una dieta de bajo contenido proteico al 4% para ratones jóvenes. Utilizamos 30 ratones Wistar (90 días de edad), divididos en grupo control (15) y experimental (15). El GC recibió dieta normoproteica, mientras el GE recibió dieta con el 4% de cantidad de proteínas, ambos durante 12 semanas. Al fi nal del experimento, sangre fue recolectado para realización del examen de la sangre y cantidad de actividad de fosfatase alcalina, alanina aminotrasferase, además de la concentración de proteínas totales y fracciones, colesterol total, triglicerídeos, urea, ácido úrico, T3, T4 y aminoácidos plasmáticos. Los animales del GE demostraron menor actividad de fosfatase alcalina en la sangre, anemia microcítica normocrómica, hipoproteinemía, hipoglobulinemia, reducción en la concentración plasmática de triglicerídeos, aumento de la plasmática de T3 y T4 y disminución de la concentración plasmática de los siguientes aminoácidos: metionina, fenilalanina, valina, leucina y isoleucina.(AU)

Follicular development and steroid concentrations in cows with different levels of fertility raised under nutritional stress.

The aim of the present study was to characterize ovarian follicular development and steroid concentrations during postpartum and the estrous cycle of Brangus Ibagé cows (3/8 Nelore + 5/8 Aberdeen Angus) with different levels of fertility. Cows were classified as having high or low fertility according to the calving interval (CI). The average CI of the herd from which cows used in this study were selected was 404.6+/-5.44 and 711.2+/-20.89 days for the high and low fertility groups, respectively. Four cows of high fertility and five cows of low fertility had calves removed between 70 and 100 days after parturition. Ovarian activity was monitored daily by ultrasound for 16 days after calf removal. Days to emergency of the first follicular wave after calf removal, number of follicles with diameter >9 mm, growth rate of largest follicle, maximum diameter of largest follicle, length (days) and number of follicular waves were recorded. During this period, blood was collected daily for measurements of serum progesterone (P(4)) and estradiol (E(2)) concentrations. In another experiment, ovarian activity and P(4) and E(2) concentrations were examined during estrous cycle in five cows of high fertility and four cows of low fertility. Ovarian activity and steroid concentrations were assessed from the day prior to estrus to the 15th day of the estrous cycle (estrus = day 0). In postpartum cows of high fertility, the total number of follicles >5mm and the maximum diameter of the largest follicle were higher than in cows of low fertility (P < 0.05). Concentrations of P(4) and E(2) did not differ between groups in the postpartum cows. However, E(2) increased 5 days after calf removal (around 90 days of postpartum) in the high fertility group, followed by an increase in P(4) with average values indicating ovulation around 100 days postpartum. In cycling cows, the profile of follicular development was similar between cows of high and low fertility. There was no difference between groups for number of follicles >5mm, but the day effect was significant (P < 0.01). Plasma concentrations of P(4) and E(2) were similar in both groups. These data suggest that cows, from a population raised in the same environment have different fertility as a consequence of individual physiological characteristics.

Association between nutritional indicators and infectivity of dogs seroreactive for Trypanosoma cruzi in a rural area of northwestern Argentina.

The association between the nutritional state of mongrel dogs naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and their infectivity to Triatoma infestans bugs and immune response to Trypanosoma cruzi were studied in the rural village of Amamá, northwestern Argentina. All of the 97 evaluated dogs were classified into one of three categories of external clinical aspect (ECA) based on the degree of muscle development, external evidence of bone structures, state of the hair of the coat, existence of fatty deposits, and facial expression. ECA was significantly associated with two nutritional indicators, hematocrit and skin-fold thickness, but not with total serum proteins. For all dogs, hematocrit was significantly correlated with skin-fold thickness. The 2-year survival probability decreased significantly from 60.7% for dogs with good ECA to 45.9% and 31.2% for those with regular and bad ECA, respectively. The age-adjusted relative odds of infection for Triatoma infestans xeno-diagnosis nymphs that fed once on a dog seroreactive for Trypanosoma cruzi decreased significantly as ECA improved, when tested by multiple logistic regression analysis. A delayed hypersensitivity reaction was observed in all of the seroreactive dogs with good ECA but only in 45-50% of those with regular or bad ECA. Dogs with bad ECA had a 2.6 and 6.3 times greater probability of infecting triatomines after a single full blood meal than dogs with regular or good ECA, respectively. Our study shows that the reservoir competence of dogs for Trypanosoma cruzi was associated with ECA, which is a surrogate and valid index of nutritional state.

Growth of skeletal components in the young squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus boliviensis): a longitudinal experiment.

A functional skeletal criterion, as an extension of the van der Klaauw's cranial theory, was adopted in the present study. The null hypothesis tested was: "The major skeletal components of the platyrrhine body grow linearly, regardless of their functional dependence to different demands." The acceptance of the hypothesis will imply that all Saimiri skeletal growth may be satisfactorily explained by independent variables in a single equation. The rejection will suggest that such skeletal growth patterns have to be explained by variables in several different equations, and perhaps these equations may vary with the effect of sex and undernutrition. Control and undernourished squirrel monkeys were radiographed monthly for 2 years; they were also measured; and their volumetric and morphometric neurocranial, facial, and pelvic indices were calculated. The curves that best described each of the 24-point sequences were obtained. Three main growth patterns were observed: 1) Simple linear (femur length for all groups, and pelvic index for control and undernourished females), for which the simple regression equation explained more than 95% of the variation; 2) Complex linear (pelvic index for control and undernourished males, and neurocranial and facial indices for all of the groups), for which more than 95% of the variation was explained by one of the four four-function type equations; and 3) Noncorrelated with age (neurofacial index for undernourished males, and pelviofemoral index for control females and undernourished males and females), which showed nonsignificant correlations with respect to age. The food intake and the oscillations of the environmental temperature might help to explain the undulating growth trajectory observed in the complex linear components.

Clinical problems of sloths (Bradypus sp. and Choloepus sp.) in captivity.

A 20-yr retrospective study of disease prevalence was carried out for 51 sloths (34 Bradypus sp. and 17 Choloepus sp.) at the São Paulo Zoo. A total of 81 clinical disorders were detected, including nutritional (45.7%), digestive (12.3%), and respiratory (12.3%) problems and injuries (6.1%). A definitive diagnosis was not possible in 8.6% of the cases. The incidence of disease varied according to seasonal climate (winter, 32.5%; spring, 24%; summer, 22.9%; autumn, 20.5%), time in captivity (96.4% of diseases occurred within the first 6 mo and 3.6% occurred thereafter), and type of enclosure (quarantine cage, 96.4%; exhibition enclosure, 3.6%). Both young animals (86.7%) and adults (3.2%) were affected. Parasites were identified by fecal examination in 45.4% of animals with clinical illness (Ascaris sp., 80%; Coccidia sp., 20%). Bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter freundii were isolated from feces and/or organs. The first 6 mo in captivity are critical for these animals. Proper management and early identification of medical conditions in captivity have implications for sloth population in the wild.

Clinical disorders observed in anteaters (Myrmecophagidae, Edentata) in captivity.

The major health problems found in 103 captive lesser anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla) and giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), family Myrmecophagidae, are presented and correlated with management. The most common of 200 recorded clinical disorders involved the digestive system (26%), nutritional deficiency (20%), injury (15.5%), respiratory system (10%), skin (7%) and circulatory system (4.5%), but 13% of the cases were inconclusive. Parasites were identified in 48.5% of faecal samples, mainly the eggs of nematodes (40%), of which the commonest were Trichuris spp (28%) and Strongyloides spp (11%); protozoa (16%), of which the commonest were Eimeria spp (10%), Entamoeba spp (5%) and Giardia spp (1%); and cestodes (8%) and acanthocephalids (1%). Bacteria cultured from the various materials included Salmonella enteritidis, S. cholerasuis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Streptococcus spp and Staphylococcus spp. The ectoparasites found were Amblyomma spp and Otodectis spp (Arthropoda, Acaridae).

[The etiology of "Cara inchada," a periodontal disease of young cattle in Brazil]. / Zur Atiologie der "Cara inchada", einer parodontalen Erkrankung der Jungrinder in Brasilien.

A sequence of research on "Cara inchada", a periodontal disease of young cattle (CI), involving heavy losses in Brazil, is described and results of laboratory investigations and field experiments are reported. A suspicion of being a primary nutritional disease of the skeleton could not be confirmed. In the other hand, bacteria, especially of the genus Bacteroides, were isolated from the periodontal CI-lesions. These bacteria possess enough pathogenic potential, through the production of enzymes and endotoxins, to cause primary destruction of the periodontal tissues. The lesions of the upper jaw, and also of the mandibula, of the diseased animals were diagnosed as a purulent periodontitis and a secondary ossifying alveolar periostitis. As CI occurs enzootically on new, cultivated pastures in cleared forest and savanna areas, and as the incidence of the disease declines with the years of pasture use, in order to disappear again, it can be postulated that a determining factor exists in the soil and consequently in the pasture, the disturbance of the equilibrium of the microflora in the formerly virgin soil possibly causes a modification of the flora of the rumen and the oral cavity, so that bacteria, as Bacteroides spp., present in the subgingival space, could dominate and become pathogenic. The frequent diarrhoea observed in calves affected by CI could be a consequence of the modification of the microflora in the digestive tract. Accordingly, CI could be considered as an infectious periodontitis of calves due to altered ecological soil conditions.