The most common congenital malformations in dogs: Literature review and practical guide.

Congenital malformations can affect almost 7% of canine newborns. The increase of commercial dog breeding and inbreeding used to maintain the striking characteristics of each breed, the appearance of malformations has become increasingly common, especially in brachycephalic dogs. The causes are diverse, and include genetic, nutritional, iatrogenic, and infectious factors, often making it difficult to establish a cause-consequence relationship. The high mortality associated with malformations comes not only from the fact that some are incompatible with life, but also because even if many undergo surgical treatment or correction, they require specific management, monitoring, and clinical treatment for an indefinite period of time. The most common malformations such as cleft lip and palate, hydrocephalus and anasarca have been studied for a long time, and it is currently known that brachycephalic dogs have a greater predisposition, however, for other less common conditions as gastroschisis and hypospadias, there is only a few case reports. The appearance of congenital defects in a litter leads to financial losses for the breeder, emotional losses for the owner and the veterinarian and harms the well-being of that individual. For this reason, the aim of this review article is to gather relevant information on the characteristics, diagnosis, and management of the main malformations in puppies. It is essential that the veterinarian is prepared to diagnose and treat these conditions, reducing negative impacts on animals and owners.

The importance of the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs in the neonatal period.

The neonatal period represents a critical stage for the establishment and development of the gut microbiota, which profoundly influences the future health trajectory of individuals. This review examines the importance of intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs, aiming to elucidate the distinct characteristics and variations in the composition between these two species. In humans, the intestinal microbiota contributes to several crucial physiological processes, including digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system development, and modulation of host metabolism. Dysbiosis, an imbalance or disruption of the gut microbial community, has been linked to various disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and even neurological conditions. Furthermore, recent research has unveiled the profound influence of the gut-brain axis, emphasizing the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, impacting cognitive function and mental health. Similarly, alterations in the canine intestinal microbiota have been associated with gastrointestinal disorders, including chronic enteropathy, such as inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, and ulcerative histiocytic colitis. However, our understanding of the intricacies and functional significance of the intestinal microbiota in dogs remains limited. Understanding the complex dynamics of the intestinal microbiota in both humans and dogs is crucial for devising effective strategies to promote health and manage disease. Moreover, exploring the similarities and differences in the gut microbial composition between these two species can facilitate translational research, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic interventions and strategies to enhance the well-being of both humans and dogs.

Safety Assessment of an Oral Therapeutic Dose of Firocoxib on Healthy Horses.

Firocoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug specifically formulated for veterinary medicine and selectively acts on inhibiting the cyclooxygenase 2 enzyme (COX-2). This study evaluated the possible adverse effects of administering oral therapeutic firocoxib on gastric mucosa, hematological parameters, coagulation cascade, and hepatic and renal biochemistry in healthy horses. Nine clinically healthy Arabian horses, approximately 9 years old, received 0.1 mg/kg of oral firocoxib for 14 days. The gastroscopic examination was conducted 1 day before starting treatment (D0) and two days after the last blood collection (D23). Venous blood samples were obtained for laboratory tests on day 1, immediately prior to the initiation of treatment (D1), after 7 and 14 days of treatment (D7 and D14), and 7 days after the conclusion of treatment (D21. No changes were found in the gastroscopic and hematological tests. Coagulation and serum biochemistry levels remain between these species' average values. However, the increased activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) indicate reduced blood coagulation capacity, which contradicts the expected effect of treatment with selective COX-2 inhibitors, as these drugs theoretically promote coagulation. Administering firocoxib to horses is safe as it does not cause significant adverse reactions. Therefore, it is a suitable option for managing inflammatory conditions in these animals with attention to an unexpected adverse anti-coagulopathy effect, and further study is warranted.

True vaginal prolapse associated with retroflection of the urinary bladder in a bitch.

True vaginal prolapse is rare in bitches and is most likely to occur near whelping. A 2-year-old intact female Brazilian mastiff, 39.5 kg, had a true vaginal prolapse associated with urinary bladder retroflection; the female was in estrus, and concomitantly had diarrhea for 3 d, plus vaginal hyperplasia, and ultimately a vaginal prolapse. Ultrasound examination and retrograde urethrocystography were extremely important for detection and identification of the position (retroflection) of the urinary bladder within the prolapsed vagina. These tools, therefore, are recommended for a conclusive diagnosis and surgical planning, to avoid trans- and postoperative complications, e.g., urethral damage or bladder rupture. Prompt diagnosis and surgical correction enabled a favorable prognosis and rapid postoperative recovery, avoiding complications or ultimately death of the dog.

Prolapsus vaginal vrai associé à une rétroflexion de la vessie chez une chienne. Le prolapsus vaginal vrai est rare chez les chiennes et est plus susceptible de se produire près de la mise-bas. Une femelle dogue brésilien intacte de 2 ans, pesant 39,5 kg, a eu un prolapsus vaginal vrai associé à une rétroflexion de la vessie urinaire; la femelle était en oestrus et avait simultanément de la diarrhée pendant 3 jours, plus une hyperplasie vaginale et finalement un prolapsus vaginal. L'examen échographique et l'urétrocystographie rétrograde étaient extrêmement importants pour la détection et l'identification de la position (rétroflexion) de la vessie dans le vagin faisant prolapsus. Ces outils sont donc recommandés pour un diagnostic concluant et une planification chirurgicale, afin d'éviter les complications trans- et postopératoires, par exemple des lésions urétrales ou une rupture de la vessie. Un diagnostic rapide et une correction chirurgicale ont permis un pronostic favorable et une récupération postopératoire rapide, évitant les complications ou éventuellement le décès du chien.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

In vivo embryo development in bitches inseminated laparoscopically after ovulation time estimated based on a single progesterone determination.

Logistic and economical limitations are often the causes of dog owners not accurately monitoring the estrous cycle and the optimal insemination time. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo early embryonic development in bitches, after the analysis of sequential vaginal cytologies associated to single progesterone measurement and single laparoscopic insemination with high quality semen (fresh and with high spermatozoa concentration) or low-quality semen (frozen/thawed and with low spermatozoa concentration) at 48 h post- ovulation time predicted on a single progesterone measurement. Ten bitches were inseminated with 250 x 106 fresh spermatozoa (80% motility), and ten with 80 x 106 frozen/thawed spermatozoa (60% motility) in the cranial part of each uterine horn. Seven days later, ovariohysterectomy was performed and the oviducts and uterine horns and body were flushed to recover embryos and unfertilized oocytes. In 80% of the bitches inseminated with fresh and 50% of bitches inseminated with frozen/thawed semen, embryos at 2 to 8 cells stage were recovered mostly from the, oviducts. This study indicates that pregnancies can be obtained with a single laparoscopic intrauterine insemination after single serum progesterone measurement, although with a low number of embryos. This result should be taken into account in case economic or logistic restrictions that affect the possibility of owners to plan an accurate monitoring of the optimal breeding time using fresh and frozen semen.

Congenital malformations in brachycephalic dogs: A retrospective study.

The popularity of brachycephalic dogs has increased in recent years due to their docile temperament and peculiar features. The historical inbreeding and consequent lack of genetic diversity involved in the development of these breeds led to an increase in the manifestation of deleterious genes that may lead to malformations. In addition, there are serious health issues intrinsic to the conformation, mainly attributed to these extreme characteristics. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to observe the frequency of malformations in brachycephalic dogs compared to the pure and mixed breeds (MB). The medical records of pregnant bitches admitted at the Service of Obstetrics and Animal Reproduction (SORA) from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrieved from the hospital's computer system and analyzed one by one. Seven hundred sixty-eight neonates born from 168 litters were included in this study. Of these litters, 72.6% (122/168) were brachycephalic. Malformations were found in 52 puppies, with an incidence of 6.77% (52/768). Of the 32 litters that produced malformed puppies, 28 were brachycephalic (87.5%). In total, 23 types of malformations were registered, the most common being cleft palate (1.30%) and anasarca (1.17%). Ten of the puppies (10/52; 19.23%) presented two or more associated malformations. Bitches above 7 years were more prone to present malformed puppies in their litters. Brachycephalic breeds were 3.03 times more likely to present malformed neonates when compared to other breeds; the odds ratio increased to 5.07 when modern brachycephalic was compared to ancestral brachycephalic. Regarding the mode of delivery, elective cesarean sections accounted for 66.6% of births while 19.64% were eutocic vaginal deliveries, and 13.69% were dystocic. The presence of malformed puppies in a litter causes suffering for the owner, the bitch and for the puppy itself, therefore, the veterinarian plays a key role in this scenario. Knowledge about congenital abnormalities, their causes, diagnosis, and approach is essential to reduce the incidence of malformations and improve the quality of life of these animals.

Influence of Vitrification Device, Warming Protocol, and Subsequent In Vitro Culture on Structural Integrity of Testicular Fragments from Adult Domestic Cats.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the integrity of cat testicular tissues after vitrification with different devices followed by different warming conditions. The influence of vitro culture for 24 hours after warming also was examined. Testicular tissues from adult domestic cats were dissected in small fragments that were vitrified using Cryotop® or threaded on fine needles, warmed (directly at 37°C or with a preliminary 10 seconds exposure to 50°C), and/or cultured in vitro for an additional 24 hours. For each treatment group, tissues were assessed based on histology, apoptosis, and sperm DNA integrity. Results showed that fragments of testicular tissues were efficiently cryopreserved (maintaining the quality of all cell types) with vitrification with Cryotop followed by direct warming at 37°C, and additional culture of 24 hours at 38.5°C. These encouraging results are paving the road to optimize preservation protocols and use them for systematic banking of tissues from genetically valuable felids.

Granulosa cells in three-dimensional culture: A follicle-like structure for domestic cat vitrified oocytes.

Follicle-like structures are three-dimensional matrices joint with living cells that allow the in vitro development of female gametes in more physiological conditions. They have been shown to be beneficial to fresh oocytes in different species, and in this study, domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) granulosa cells were used to create a functional follicle-like structure aimed at supporting the in vitro maturation of conspecific vitrified oocytes, key players of fertility preservation programmes that usually struggle to acquire their full developmental competence after warming. Cat granulosa cells were cultured for up to 6 days in three-dimensional barium alginate microcapsules (i.e. follicle-like structures) or in two-dimensional monolayers, and their steroidogenic ability (estradiol and progesterone secretion) was assessed to confirm their functionality. The same systems were used (on day 2 or 6 of granulosa cells culture) for the in vitro maturation (IVM) of Cryotop® vitrified immature cat oocytes and compared with microdrops of IVM medium without cells (control). Granulosa cells were able to maintain their functionality in vitro in both the conditions, even if with a different extent of hormonal secretion along culture (p = .02). Vitrified oocytes resumed meiosis at higher rates when cultured with 2 days old granulosa cells (p = .03), but full maturation rates slightly raised when granulosa cells were cultured longer, albeit without differences with the control group. This study paved the road for the creation of enriched culture systems in the domestic cat, but innovations are strongly needed for vitrified oocytes that deserve better chances to develop in vitro.

Developmental Competence of Domestic Cat Vitrified Oocytes in 3D Enriched Culture Conditions.

Cryoinjuries severely affect the competence of vitrified oocytes (VOs) to develop into embryos after warming. The use of culture conditions that provide physical and chemical support and resemble the in vivo microenvironment in which oocytes develop, such as 3D scaffolds and coculture systems, might be useful to improve VOs outcomes. In this study, an enriched culture system of 3D barium alginate microcapsules was employed for the in vitro embryo production of domestic cat VOs. Cryotop vitrified-warmed oocytes were in vitro matured for 24 h in the 3D system with or without fresh cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in coculture, whereas a control group of VOs was cultured in traditional 2D microdrops of medium. After in vitro fertilization, presumptive embryos were cultured in 3D or 2D systems according to the maturation conditions. Vitrified oocytes were able to mature and develop into embryos in 3D microcapsules (17.42 ± 11.83%) as well as in 2D microdrops (14.96 ± 8.80%), but the coculture with companion COCs in 3D resulted in similar proportions of VOs embryo development (18.39 ± 16.67%; p = 1.00), although COCs presence allowed for blastocyst formation (0.95 ± 2.52%). In conclusion, embryos until late developmental stages were obtained from cat VOs, and 3D microcapsules were comparable to 2D microdrops, but improvements in post-warming conditions are still needed.

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILSTM) using an umbilical hernial approach for cryptorchidectomy of a degenerated testis in a dog / Aplicação do portal único (SILSTM) por acesso herniário umbilical para criptorquidectomia de testículo degenerado em cão

ABSTRACT: SILSTM via an umbilical hernia opening was used in the correction of an abdominal cryptorchidism in a dog. The SILSTMport was inserted through a 2.5 cm skin incision on the umbilical hernia and pneumoperitoneum was established with CO2. A 10mm telescope, 5mm laparoscopic Babcock clamp, and a clamp with combined cutting and coagulation features were used for the dissection and removal of the testicle through the SILSTM port. The treatment proved to be effective, easy, and quick to perform. However, the lack of triangulation between clamps and telescope limited the movement of the instruments, making it more laborious than a multiple-trocar approach. It can be concluded that the use of a SILSTM port through a pre-existing opening of the abdominal wall enables a reduction of the risks associated with multiple incisions; such as injury and manipulation of internal organs, pain, bleeding, and development of new hernias.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se proceder um tratamento para um caso de criptorquidismo canino, utilizando-se abordagem laparoscópica com portal único SILSTM, por meio de acesso abdominal via abertura de hérnia umbilical. Realizou-se uma incisão de 2,5 cm da pele em cima da hérnia umbilical, por onde introduziu-se trocater SILSTM, seguido do estabelecimento do pneumoperitônio com CO2. Utilizou-se ótica de 10mm, pinça laparoscópica de apreensão tipo Babcock de 5mm e pinça com corte e coagulação simultâneos para liberação e retirada do testículo e do trocater SILSTM, pelo acesso herniário. O tratamento proposto mostrou-se efetivo, de execução relativamente fácil e rápida. Entretanto, a ausência de triangulação entre as pinças e a óptica resultou em maior limitação na movimentação dos instrumentais, em comparação ao procedimento realizado com utilização de múltiplos portais. Pode-se concluir que a utilização do trocater SILSTM em uma falha pré-existente da parede abdominal possibilita significativa redução dos riscos potenciais de múltiplas incisões, como lesão de órgãos internos, manipulação, dor, sangramento e formação de novas hérnias.

Vitrification of cat ovarian tissue: Does fragment size matters?

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not the size of the ovarian fragment influences its resistance to cryostorage. For that purpose, ovaries were collected from 34 queens (various breeds, age 1-5 year) by routine ovariectomy, transported to the laboratory and then sectioned in different sizes (3 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm, 5 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm and 7 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm) and randomly assigned to a control (GC3, GC5 and GC7, respectively) or vitrified (GV3, GV5 and GV7, respectively) groups. Vitrified-warmed fragments were evaluated by histomorphology and immunohistochemistry (for apoptotic rates by using cleaved caspase-3). Histological examination reveals that 72.97% of the follicles in GV3 and 72.58% in GV5 were normal while only 42.86% of the follicles in GV7. The main morphological alteration presented in all groups was a detachment of the epithelial cells. Similarly, immunohistochemistry evaluation using caspase 3 revealed a small proportion of apoptotic cells in GV3 (8.43%) while in GV7 30.43% of the cells expressed cleaved caspase-3. These findings indicate that fragments sectioned in 3 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm (27 mm3 ) seem more adequate for perfusion of the cryoprotectant, causing less damage to the cell after vitrification-warming.

Cat epididymal semen cryopreserved with and without vitamin E: effect on sperm parameters and lipid peroxidation.

The aims of this study were to investigate: 1) if the addition of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) in three concentrations (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mM) is able to preserve spermatozoa integrity after thawing and 2) the effect of α-tocopherol supplementation on lipid peroxidation. Fifty four domestic cats were used in this study constituting 18 pools (3 cats per pool). Each pool was submitted at four experimental groups: group 0 (control) - epididymal sperm were frozen with a commercial Botucrio® extender; group 0.3, group 0.6 and group 0.9 - the extender was supplemented with 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mM of α-tocopherol, respectively. Each semen sample was evaluated for motility, progressive forward motility, morphology, sperm viability (plasma membrane integrity-PMI), hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), before and after thawing. The evaluation of lipid peroxidation reaction by Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) test was performed on thawed semen only. Results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between control and the three α-tocopherol groups with regards to motility and progressive motility after thawing (P > 0.05). As expected, in fresh samples viability was significantly higher than in all the cryopreserved groups in which there was no positive influence of any of the α-tocopherol concentration used. Lipid peroxidation was higher in the supplemented groups 0.6 and 0.9 mM of α-tocopherol than in control and in 0.3 mM group. In conclusion, the addition of α-tocopherol to the commercial extender had no positive influence on reduction of lipid peroxidation. This topic deserves further investigations to better understand the effect of cryopreservation procedures on epididymal spermatozoa and to establish adequate strategies to counteract sperm cryodamages.

Administração de toxina botulínica A e a orquiectomia no tratamento da hiperplasia prostática benigna do cão / Botulinum toxin A administration and orchiectomy in the treatment of canine benign prostatic hyperplasia

A fisiopatologia da hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB) não está totalmente compreendida, no entanto, a diidrotestosterona é o principal hormônio envolvido. Recentemente, o efeito da toxina botulínica A (TB-A) foi investigado, mostrando que esta induz atrofia do parênquima e redução do volume prostático. Com base nisso, este estudo teve como objetivos comparar os efeitos da administração da TB-A com a orquiectomia no tratamento da HPB, além de avaliar os efeitos da TB-A sobre a libido e qualidade do sêmen. Para tanto, 16 cães adultos foram submetidos à castração ou administração de 500U de TB-A, e avaliados durante 16 semanas. A orquiectomia mostrou-se um excelente tratamento, promovendo redução de 80% do volume prostático. Aplicação da TB-A não ocasionou alterações na libido, ereção ou qualidade e características seminais. Por outro lado, reduziu significamente o volume da próstata. Os resultados sugerem que a administração intraprostática de TB-A é um tratamento alternativo efetivo e sem efeitos colaterais para cães destinados a programas de reprodução. No entanto, esta terapia apresenta reduções inferiores do volume prostático, quando comparada com a orquiectomia.

The pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not completely known, however, dihydrotestosterone is a hormone involved in enlargement of the prostate. Recently, the effect of botulinum toxin A (BT-A) was investigated and has shown to induce atrophy of the gland. Based on that, the aims of this study were to compare the effects of administration of BT-A with orchiectomy in the treatment of BPH, in addition to assessing the effects of BT-A on libido and semen quality. Therefore, 16 sexually intact male dogs were submitted to orchiectomy or administration of 500U BT-A, and evaluated for 16 weeks. Orchiectomy presented excellent results, reducing the prostate volume up to 80%. Administration of BT-A did not interfered on libido, erection or semen characteristics. On the other hand, reduced significantly the prostate volume. The results suggest that intraprostatic injection of BT-A is an effective alternative treatment without adverse effects for valuable breeding dogs with BPH. However, this therapy showed lower reduction of prostate volume when compared to orchiectomy.

Distribution of cortical granules and meiotic maturation of canine oocytes in bi-phasic systems.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different bi-phasic systems with gonadotrophins and steroids on in vitro maturation rates of oocytes obtained from bitches at different reproductive stages (follicular, luteal, anoestrous). In System A (control) oocytes were matured for 72h in base medium (BM) with 10IUmL(-1) human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), 1µgmL(-1) progesterone (P4) and 1µgmL(-1) oestradiol (E2); in bi-phasic System B oocytes were matured for 48h in BM with hCG and for 24h in BM with P4; in bi-phasic System C oocytes were matured for 48h in BM with hCG, P4 and E2, and for 24h in BM with P4; in System D, oocytes were cultured in BM without hormonal supplementation. Data were analysed by ANOVA. There was a positive effect of the bi-phasic systems on germinal vesicle breakdown, metaphase I and metaphase II rates, irrespective of reproductive status (P<0.05). Bi-phasic systems were also beneficial for cortical granule distribution (an indication of cytoplasmic maturation) and its relationship to nuclear status: 74.5% of the oocytes cultured in System B and 85.4% of those cultured in System C presented both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation (P<0.001). The stage of the oestrous cycle did not influence maturation rates.

Semen parameters and seminal plasma protein and biochemical profiles of dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia after botulinum toxin type A intraprostatic injection / Parâmetros seminais e perfis bioquímicos e proteicos do plasma seminal de cães com hyperplasia prostática benigna após a administração intra-prostática de toxina botulínica tipo A

This study aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations of botulinum toxin type A (BT-A) on semen parameters, and seminal plasma biochemical and protein profiles of dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eighteen sexually intact male dogs with BPH were randomly divided in three groups, and received an intraprostatic injection of saline solution (control group - CG), 250UI (GI) or 500UI (GII) of BT-A under transabdominal ultrasound guidance. Semen was collected at baseline, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Semen parameters were determined and seminal plasma pH, total protein (TP), total chlorides (TC), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) concentrations were assessed. One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrilamide gel eletrophoresis (SDS- PAGE) was performed to determine seminal plasma protein profile. Sperm parameters and seminal plasma pH, TP, TC, Ca and K mean values did not change significantly at any time point and among treated groups (P>0.05). The SDS-PAGE analysis of the pooled fractions identified 31 protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 3.9 to 106.2kDA in all treatment groups during the entire evaluation period. Regardless the used dose, intraprostatic BT-A injection do not alter semen parameters and seminal plasma biochemical and protein profiles of dogs with BPH.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a ação de diferentes concentrações de toxina botulínica tipo A (TB-A) sobre os parâmetros seminais, perfis bioquímicos e proteicos do plasma seminal de cães com hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB). Dezoito cães hígidos, não orquiectomizados com HPB foram divididos em três grupos, os quais foram submetidos à injeção intra-prostática de solução salina (grupo controle - GC), 250UI (GI) ou 500UI (GII) de TB-A. Amostras seminais foram coletadas previamente aos tratamentos e após 2, 4 e 8 semanas. Os parâmetros seminais assim como os valores de pH e concentrações de proteínas totais (TP), cloretos totais (CT), cálcio (Ca), potássio (K), sódio (Na) do plasma seminal foram mensurados após as coletas. O perfil proteico do fluido prostático foi estabelecido por meio de eletroforese SDS-PAGE. Não foram constatadas diferenças significativas quanto aos parâmetros espermáticos e perfil bioquímico do plasma seminal intragrupos e intergrupos (P>0,05). À SDS-PAGE foram identificadas 31 bandas proteicas com pesos moleculares de 3,9 a 106,2kDA, em todos os tratamentos e durante todo o período de avaliação. Dessa forma, concluiu-se que, independentemente da dose utilizada, a injeção intra-prostática de TB-A não altera os parâmetros seminais, assim como os perfis bioquímico e proteico do plasma seminal de cães com HPB.

Intra-prostatic injection of botulinum toxin type A in treatment of dogs with spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common, naturally developing, age-related condition in dogs. The pathogenesis of BPH is not completely known; however, DHT is a hormone involved in enlargement of the prostate. Recently, the effect of botulinum toxin A (BT-A) was investigated in the rat and human prostate and has shown to induce atrophy of the gland on the canine prostate. This study investigated the effect of BT-A in the canine prostate and on the semen. Eight sexually intact male dogs with BPH (detected radiographically and ultrasonographically), and with clinical signs of BPH (e.g. hematuria or tenesmus) were used. Each lobe of the prostate received an injection of 125 U of BT-A with one-needle pass under transabdominal ultrasound guidance. The clinical results were evaluated at baseline and after treatment. No local complications or systemic adverse effects were reported. At 4 weeks, the mean prostate volume (PV) was not significantly changed after BT-A (from 17.70 ± 6.34 to 16.48 ± 5.98 cm(3)). At 8 weeks the PV had further decreased to 16.04 ± 5.80 cm(3), reaching its maximum effect, but that change was not significant. The results were maintained at 16 weeks. All dogs had normal libido, erection, and ejaculation during semen collection. No significant difference was observed in all seminal parameters. Results suggest that the administration of 250 U of BT-A do not contribute to PV reduction and do not adversely affect the semen quality of dogs with BPH.

Uterine leucocyte infiltration after artificial insemination in bitches.

In the present study, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were enumerated to evaluate acute uterine inflammation after artificial insemination in the bitch. It was concluded that the canine seminal plasma possessed an immunomodulating action. However, the most commonly used extender for freezing canine semen (Tris glucose with egg yolk and glycerol) was a potential inducer of uterine inflammation.

Omentalização prostática em cães / Prostatic omentalisation in dogs

A próstata é a única glândula sexual nos cães e, embora seja encontrada em todos os mamíferos, sua importância clínica é maior no homem e nesta espécie animal devido à quantidade de afecções que os acometem. Diversas técnicas cirúrgicas têm sido utilizadas para o tratamento de cistos e abscessos prostáticos em cães, e há alguns anos foi relatado o primeiro uso da técnica de omentalização prostática para o tratamento de cistos e abscessos, com sucesso efetivo, e até o momento, não há informações de seu emprego no Brasil. Sendo assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a recuperação e período pós-operatório de animais submetidos a esta técnica, durante período de 2002 a 2004. Foram estudados 17 machos, sendo 11 com cistos prostáticos, 4 com abscesso e 2 com cisto paraprostático. Quinze se recuperaram sem complicações, enquanto um apresentou incontinência urinária por dois dias após a cirurgia. Um animal veio a óbito em decorrência de septicemia preexistente. A baixa incidência de complicações e o curto período de hospitalização fazem da omentalização a cirurgia de escolha para o tratamento de abscessos e cistos prostáticos em cães.

The prostate is the only acessory sex gland in the male dog and, although the prostate is found in all mammals, it has a great importance in men and dogs due to the frequency of disorders. Several techniques have been employed for the treatment of prostatic cysts and abscesses and, a few years ago, it was successfully described the use of prostatic omentalisation for this purpose; until now, there are no data about this surgery in Brazil. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the animal recovery, as well as the post operative period of dogs that underwent prostatic omentalisation, from 2002 to 2004. It was evaluated 11 dogs with prostatic cysts, 4 dogs with prostatic abscesses and 2 with paraprostatic cysts. Fifteen dogs had an uneventful recovery while one dog had a minor incontinence for two days. One dog died due to a previous long term sepsis. The low incidence of post operative complications and brief hospitalization period make omentalisation the surgery of choice for the treatment of prostatic cysts and abscess.