TonoVet Plus®: Higher reliability and repeatability compared with Tono-Pen XL™ and TonoVet® in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of the Tono-Pen XL™, TonoVet® and TonoVet Plus® tonometers by manometric evaluation, and to establish adjustment equations for intraocular pressure (IOP) estimates in rabbits. ANIMAL STUDIED: Rabbits. PROCEDURES: A postmortem study was conducted on seven rabbit eyes to verify the correlation between manometry and tonometry with an artificial incremental increase in IOP from 5 and 60 mmHg. A clinical study was conducted to evaluate accuracy and to establish reference values for the species, with measurement of IOP in 17 animals, for 2 consecutive days, with the same tonometers and calibrations used in the postmortem evaluations. RESULTS: There were strong linear trends for all evaluated tonometers. In the in-vivo evaluation, the mean IOP values were: 14.23 ± 1.75 (Tono-Pen XL™); 13.89 ± 2.07 (TonoVet® calibration mode 'd'); 8.88 ± 1.24 (TonoVet calibration mode 'p'); 18.59 ± 1.94 (Tonovet Plus®). There was a significant difference in the two evaluation times for the two TonoVet® calibration modes. The adjustment equations generated from the manometry for the evaluated tonometers were: Y = 0.2570X + 2.219 (Tono-Pen XL™), Y = 0.2289X + 2.389 (TonoVet® 'd'), Y = 0.4043X + 4.062 (TonoVet® 'p'), Y = 0.1233X + 0.3644 (TonoVet Plus®) (X is device-estimated IOP). CONCLUSIONS: All evaluated tonometers were well correlated with the manometry, with an underestimation of IOP by all devices. Applying adjustment formulas may compensate for systematic errors. TonoVet Plus® was well tolerated, and showed better repeatability and reliability in successive evaluations.

Rabbit as an Animal Model for Ocular Surface Disease, Tear Osmolarity, Electrolyte, and Tear Ferning Profiles.

SIGNIFICANCE: The tear film promotes ocular surface health and protection through its various constituents' functions. The application of methods for ocular surface examination is essential in the research of diseases that affect the tear film. Rabbits have been used as a model to study some human ocular diseases and to test ophthalmic products. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine the biochemical profile, osmolarity, and tear ferning patterns of rabbit tears. METHODS: Ten rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were evaluated for tear osmolarity, tear ferning types and grades (using Rolando and Masmali scales), and biochemical analysis of total protein, urea, and electrolytes (chloride, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, and calcium). RESULTS: Median ± semi-interquartile range for tear osmolarity was 283.5 ± 7.5 mOsm/L. Tear ferning test grades were type 1.0 ± 0.5 on the Rolando scale and 1.0 ± 0.5 on the Masmali scale. Type I and grade 1 were the most commonly observed ferning classifications (60 and 50%, respectively) for the rabbits' tears. Results for electrolytes and other biochemical compounds were as follows: total protein 4.40 g/dL, urea 130.60 mg/dL, chloride 196.51 mEq/L, phosphate 7.35 mg/dL, iron 95.76 µg/dL, sodium 202.04 mmol/L, potassium 12.74 mmol/L, and calcium 11.53 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the various tests described herein may serve as a basis for research using rabbits as an ophthalmic disease model and in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents used for ocular health.

Photography-based method for assessing fluorescein clearance test in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The fluorescein clearance test (FCT) provides insight into the tear film dynamics. The purpose of this study was to describe an inexpensive and practical method for assessing FCT in dogs, using photography and software analysis, and to assess the retention time of 1 vs. 2 eye drops on the canine ocular surface. METHODS: (i) In vivo - Eight healthy German Shepherd dogs were recruited. Following topical anesthesia with 0.5% proxymetacaine, each eye sequentially received (1 week apart) either 1 drop (35 µL) or 2 drops (70 µL) of 0.5% fluorescein. A Schirmer strip was inserted in the ventral conjunctival fornix for 10 s at the following times: each 10 min for 100 min, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. (ii) In vitro - Schirmer strips were placed for 10 s in contact with microplate wells containing 1 or 2 drops of 0.5% fluorescein. In both experiments, the fluorescein-impregnated Schirmer strips were immediately imaged, and the area and intensity of fluorescein uptake were analyzed with ImageJ software. For the in vitro experiment, images were evaluated by the same examiner (repeatability) or two examiners (reproducibility). RESULTS: Photography-based FCT was easy to perform and showed high repeatability and reproducibility (coefficients of variation ≤2.75%). In vivo, the area and intensity of fluorescein uptake on Schirmer strips were significantly greater at 30 min and 40 min post- fluorescein instillation in the 2 drops vs. 1 drop groups (p ≤ 0.044). Compared to baseline, the residual fluorescein uptake on Schirmer strips was < 5% at 60 min and 90 min in the 1 drop and 2 drops groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Photography-based FCT is a practical and reliable diagnostic tool with various clinical and research applications in veterinary medicine. Instillation of two drops provided greater amount and longer retention on the anesthetized canine ocular surface than a single drop. Fluorescein clearance time of a single drop in dolichocephalic dogs is 60 min.

Cardiorespiratory effects of epidural anesthesia using lidocaine with morphine or dexmedetomidine in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) undergoing bilateral tubal ligation surgery, anesthetized with isoflurane.

BACKGROUND: Epidural anesthesia is indicated to decrease other anesthetic requirements, prolong analgesia, and reduce side effects. In primates, its use has been scarcely described. The aim was to evaluate the cardiorespiratory effects of epidural anesthesia with lidocaine and dexmedetomidine (DEX) or morphine (MOR). METHODS: Ten female capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) received epidural anesthesia with lidocaine and DEX or MOR under general anesthesia. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in heart rate with DEX and in blood pressure in all groups, with no changes in SpO2 . There was a significant reduction in rectal temperature over time. A stable cardiac rhythm was observed; however, there was a prolonged QT interval with DEX. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural anesthesia with access to the lumbosacral space was safe and easy to perform. DEX decreased heart rate. All groups promoted a decrease in rectal temperature with respiratory and cardiac rhythm stability; however, hypotension should be considered.

Orbital multilobular osteochondrosarcoma in a dog / Osteocondrossarcoma multilobular em órbita de cão

Retrobulbar tumors may arise from any orbital tissue. Some are primary and others may extend from adjacent structures or derived from metastases. Multilobular osteochondrosarcomas are regarded as slowly growing and potentially malignant neoplasms in dogs. This tumor is of rare occurrence on retrobulbar region. This paper aims to report a rare case of female dog, Shih Tzu, spayed, five-year-old, that was referred to the Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, with an increased volume in the orbital space, after enucleation for exophthalmia of unknown etiology. This animal was evaluated clinic and the diagnosis image (radiography and computed tomography) demonstrated a large formation of bone predominantly in the region of the right orbit and zygomatic arch, with invasion and destruction of adjacent bones. Due to her poor quality of life, the dog was submitted to euthanasia and after necropsy. On gross examination, an encapsulated nodular mass with an irregular surface, measuring 5.6 x 4.6 x 3.9 cm, was located in the right lateral skull, occupying the orbit with displacement of the zygomatic arch. The tumor was identified by histopathology as a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm, multilobular osteochondrosarcoma. Thus, differential diagnoses for exophthalmos should include cancers, including the multilobular osteocondrossarcoma.

Tumores retrobulbares podem originar-se de qualquer tecido orbital. Alguns são primários e outros podem estender-se a partir de estruturas adjacentes ou derivados de metástases. O osteocondrosarcoma multilobular é um tumor considerado de crescimento lento, potencialmente maligno e sua ocorrência é considerada rara em região orbital. Este trabalho objetiva descrever um caso de uma cadela, Shih Tzu, castrada, com cinco anos, atendida no Hospital de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brasil, com apresentação de aumento de volume no espaço orbital, após enucleação devido a exoftalmia de etiologia desconhecida. O animal foi avaliado clinicamente e por exames de imagem (radiografia e tomografia computadorizada), os quais demonstraram uma grande formação óssea predominantemente na região da órbita direita e arco zigomático, com invasão e destruição dos ossos adjacentes. Devido às más condições de sobrevida apresentada pelo animal, foi indicado o procedimento de eutanásia e por fim, submetido à necropsia. No exame macroscópico, uma massa nodular encapsulada de superfície irregular, medindo 5,6 x 4,6 x 3,9 centímetros, foi localizada no crânio lateral direito, ocupando a órbita com deslocamento do arco zigomático. O tumor foi identificado por exame histopatológico como neoplasia mesenquimal maligna, osteocondrossarcoma multilobular. Desta forma, diagnósticos diferenciais para exoftalmia devem incluir neoplasias, dentre elas o osteocondrossarcoma multilobular.

Polymethylmethacrylate orbital implants with interconnecting channels. A retrospective study following enucleation in dogs and cats.

PURPOSE: This study describes the use of polymethylmethacrylate implants with interconnecting channels (PIIC) to fill the orbit following enucleation in 31 dogs and 11 cats. METHOD: Seven channels were drilled into the implant. A central channel, running from the PIIC pole to its flat surface, was used to pass sutures anchoring the PIIC to the orbital fascia, minimizing the likelihood of extrusion. Six more channels allowed ingrowth of fibrovascular tissue into the PIIC, which reduces the risk of extrusion. Patients were evaluated 3, 10, and 30 days postoperatively, with 15 of 42 patients followed for 6-20 months. Ultrasound examination was performed in seven patients 15-510 days postoperatively, and two implants were studied histopathologically. RESULTS: Implants were well tolerated and prevented skin concavity, leading to good cosmetic results. Blood flow was imaged in vessels growing into the channels, and histopathologically a collagenous, fibrovascular capsule was seen surrounding the PIIC and invading its channels. CONCLUSIONS: PIICs are a safe and cosmetic solution to anophthalmic orbits, allowing ingrowth of blood vessels and fibrovascular tissue.

Cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega no preenchimento de cavidade anoftálmica – estudo clínico / Double-setting a-tricalcium phosphate cement for the completion of anophthalmic cavity – clinical study

Foi avaliada a conveniência do emprego do cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega como implante para o preenchimento de cavidade anoftálmica de cães. Os animais foram provenientes do Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hos- pital Veterinário, da Universidade Estadual Paulista – Câmpus de Jaboticabal e de uma clínica privada. O trabalho foi realizado em dois anos. A idade dos pacientes oscilou entre 2 a 11 anos e o peso de 9 a 50 kg. Os implantes variaram de 19 a 25 mm de diâmetro. O edema local foi observado em todos os animais durante o pós-operatório imediato. Das dez cirurgias realizadas em sete animais, em nove (90%) o resultado estético foi satisfatório, enquanto em um (10%) foi insatisfatório, devido a complicações que levaram à remoção do implante. A utilização do cimento de alfa-fosfato tri- cálcico de dupla pega no preenchimento de cavidade anoftálmica mostrou-se factível e é uma alternativa que possibilita boa aparência estética após a remoção do bulbo do olho.

The double-setting alpha-tricalcium phosphate bone cement was evaluated as an orbital implant for filling the ano- phthalmic cavity of dogs. The animals were from the Ophthalmology Unit of the Veterinary Hospital, Universidade Estadual Paulista – Jaboticabal, and from a private veterinary clinic. The study was conducted during two years. The patients’ age ranged from 2-11 years old, and their weight from 9-50 kg. The implants ranged from 19 to 25 mm in diameter. Local edema was observed in all animals during the immediate postoperative period. Of the ten performed surgeries in seven animals, a satisfactory, aesthetic result was observed in nine (90%) while in one (10%) of them it was unsatisfactory due to complications that led to the implant removal. The use of the double-setting alpha-tricalcium phosphate bone cement to fill anophthalmic sockets is feasible and could be an alternative to improve the cosmetic appearance after eyeball removal.

Treatment of the lateral patellar luxation in toy poodles

O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi relatar a ocorrência de luxação lateral em poodles. Os animais foram encaminhados ao Serviço de Ortopedia do Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Campus de Jaboticabal, SP/Brasil, doze poodles, sete fêmeas e cinco machos, com idades variando entre três a nove meses. Ao exame clínico, notaram-se sinais de dor, claudicação e deformidades físicas dos membros afetados. Realizaram-se procedimentos cirúrgicos de condroplastia com sobreposição medial de retalho do retináculo e a transposição medial da crista tibial. O retorno à função do membro afetado ocorreu em um período de uma a duas semanas de pós-cirúrgico. Apesar de ser condição patológica rara em poodles, a reconstituição cirúrgica foi de fácil execução pela similaridade desta com a correção para luxação medial de patela. A luxação lateral de patela é rara em cães de raça pequena, e quando presente, é de origem congênita, podendo progredir para marcante impotência funcional dos membros afetados.

Artrodese do carpo em gatos associada à hidroxiapatita / Arthrodesis of the carpus in cats associeted with hydroxyapatite

Realizaram-se artrodeses carpais em dois gatos como forma de tratamento para alterações severas na articulação carpiana. A hidroxiapatita foi empregada para preenchimento do espaço articular do carpo. Os animais foram encaminhados ao Serviço de Ortopedia do Hospital Veterinário, UNESP, Campus de Jaboticabal, São Paulo - Brasil. O animal 1, Siamês, 10 anos de idade, apresentava apoio inadequado do membro torácico esquerdo, dor, hiperextensão, instabilidade, luxação, degeneração articular e osteartrite da articulação radiocárpica. O animal 2, sem raça definida, 8 meses de idade, apresentava apoio inadequado do membro torácico direito, hiperflexão da articulação cárpica, contração dos tendões da região carpiana, rotação externa do olécrano e o membro voltado para dentro. Foram aplicados fixadores esqueléticos externos (tipo IIb) com barras de polimetilmetacrilato, em ambos os casos. As avaliações clínicas e radiográficas após os procedimentos, demonstraram que a hidroxiapatita é uma alternativa promissora como substituto para os enxertos ósseos.

Considerations about electroretinography in dogs

Electroretinography is a technique used for the objective assessment of retinal function and is useful as an auxiliary diagnostic tool for various ophthalmopathies. We report here information about the indications, components and measurements of the electroretinogram (ERG) and about the flash ERG technique illustrated by the Classic/Standard protocol used in the Ophthalmology Unit of the ôGovernador Laudo Natelö Veterinary Hospital, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, State University of Säo Paulo (UNESP), Jaboticabal Campus.