Approaches to Laparoscopic Training in Veterinary Medicine: A Review of Personalized Simulators.

Veterinary minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has experienced notable growth in recent years, yet the availability of specialized training tools remains limited and not readily accessible to practitioners worldwide. While borrowing simulators from human medicine practices suffices for acquiring fundamental laparoscopic skills, it proves inadequate when addressing procedure-specific nuances. Veterinary professionals are now taking steps to create simulators tailored to their patients, although the validation process can be time-consuming. Consequently, the availability of advanced laparoscopic simulators for veterinary training remains scarce. The present study aims to highlight custom-made simulators. A comprehensive search across five databases was conducted to uncover the simulators documented from 2010 to 2022. A total of five simulators emerged from this search, with four grounded in a canine model and only one in an equine model. These models underwent validation and were found to be effective in training surgeons for their designated tasks. The findings underscore a limited array of simulators, predominantly catering to two species (horses and dogs). Considering these findings, it is evident that further research is imperative to create laparoscopic simulators capable of facilitating advanced veterinary training. This would enable the continued evolution of surgical techniques across diverse species, including ruminants, small mammals, and non-mammalian animals.

Clinical Evaluation of Medical Ozone Use in Domestic Feline Cutaneous Wounds-A Short Case Series.

Support and management of second-intention wound healing involves frequent dressing changes having different properties. Dressings can range from simple ones, such as nonadherent dressings, to more complex options, such as foam, hydrocolloid, alginate or negative pressure dressings. Seven cats were enrolled in the study with a total of nine wounds of various sizes with different etiology sizes and localizations. Three methods of local ozone administration were used to cover more of the ozone properties in the treatment of wounds: bagging, perilesional subcutaneous infiltrations and lavages with ozonated saline. Evaluation of the healing process was performed by clinical observation and wound area measurements every seven days until the complete recovery of the patients. The results of this study should encourage clinicians to consider medical ozone as a new therapeutic approach with regenerative properties in the second-intention healing of cats presenting cutaneous wounds.

The evaluation of the osteopromoting capabilities of composites based on biopolymers and gold/silver nanoparticles doped bioactive glasses on an experimental rat bone defect.

The most important concept behind using bone scaffolds is the biocompatibility of the material to avoid a local inflammatory response and must have the following properties: osteoinduction, osteoconductivity, angiogenesis, and mechanical support for cell growth. Gold nanoparticles/gold and silver nanoparticles -containing bioactive glasses in biopolymer composites have been used to enhance bone regeneration. These composites were testedin vitroon fibroblast and osteoblast cell lines using MTT tests, immunofluorescence, scanning electron microscopy analysis, andin vivoin an experimental bone defect in Sprague-Dawley rats. Both composites promoted adequate biological effects on human fibroblastic BJ (CRL 2522TM) cell lines and human osteoblastic cells isolated from the human patella in terms of cell proliferation, morphology, migration, and attachment. Most importantly, they did not cause cellular apoptosis and necrosis. According to the histological and immunohistochemical results, both composites were osteoinductive and promoted new bone formation at 60 d. Evidence from this study suggests that the small amount of silver content does not influence negatively thein vitroorin vivoresults. In addition, we obtained accurate results proving that the existence of apatite layer and proteins on the surface of the recovered composite, supports the validity ofin vitrobioactivity research.

In Vitro Study of Composite Cements on Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Palatal Origin.

Uniform filler distribution in composites is an important requirement. Therefore, BaO glass, nano hydroxyapatite and quartz filler distribution was realized through PCL microcapsules which progressively release filler during matrix polymerization. Two composites were realized based on a complex matrix containing BisGMA, UDMA, HEMA and PEG400 mixed with a previously described mineral filler: 33% for C1 and 31% for C2. The spreading efficiency was observed via SEM, revealing a complete disintegration of the microcapsules during C1 polymerization, while C2 preserved some microcapsule parts that were well embedded into the matrix beside BaO filler particles; this was confirmed by means of the EDS spectra. Mesenchymal stem cells of palatal origin were cultured on the composites for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level was measured at each time interval and the cytotoxicity was tested after 3, 5 and 7 days of co-culture on the composite samples. The SEM investigation showed that both composites allowed for robust proliferation of the cells. The MSC cell pluripotency stage was observed from 1 to 3 days with an average level of ALP of 209.2 u/L for C1 and 193.0 u/L for C2 as well as a spindle cell morphology. Cell differentiation occurred after 5 and 7 days of culture, implied by morphological changes such as flattened, star and rounded shapes, observed via SEM, which were correlated with an increased ALP level (279.4 u/L for C1 and 284.3 u/L for C2). The EDX spectra after 7 days of co-culture revealed increasing amounts of P and Ca close to the hydroxyapatite stoichiometry, indicating the stimulation of the osteoinductive behavior of MSCs by C1 and C2. The MTT assay test showed a cell viability of 98.08% for C1 and 97.33% for C2 after 3 days, proving the increased biocompatibility of the composite samples. The cell viability slightly decreased at 5 and 7 days but the results were still excellent: 89.5% for C1 and 87.3% for C2. Thus, both C1 and C2 are suitable for further in vivo testing.

Combined Oxygen-Ozone Therapy for Mesh Skin Graft in a Cat with a Hindlimb Extensive Wound.

This case report describes a new therapeutic approach for a domestic shorthaired female cat, who has an extensive posttraumatic wound in the right hind limb. After patient stabilization, general anesthesia was started and the wound was cleaned and debrided of devitalized tissues, followed by the application of ozone therapy and bandage. Eight sessions of ozone therapy were performed for 17 days until the application of the skin graft. Three more sessions of ozone therapy were performed every 3 days postoperatively. The bagging method and the perilesional infiltration method were used. The ozone therapy ensured an accelerated recovery of the patient without any complications. According to our knowledge, this is the first case report with the use of ozone therapy to support a free skin graft in a cat. The new therapeutic approach could be used to accelerate healing of the wounds with a significant lack of substance, by supporting pre- and post-operative skin grafts.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 Expression in Alveolar Bone Addition With Autologous Blood, Lyophilized Bone and Atelocollagen.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The biomaterials used in guided bone regeneration have undergone significant diversification in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate alveolar bone addition and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) expression using an improved autologous and xenogeneic biomaterial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chronic marginal periodontitis was induced in sheep; the intervention group received bone addition as periodontal therapy, using a composite system with lyophilized bovine bone enriched with atelocollagen type 1, platelet-rich plasma and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF). Six weeks after the intervention, the dentoalveolar structures were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining, to evaluate bone addition and BMP7 expression. RESULTS: The untreated sheep showed inflammation, periodontal ligament destruction, remnants of calculus and bacterial plaque as well as foreign bodies in the desmodontal space, without sings of repair. In the treated sheep, fibroblasts/fibrosis, cartilage and/or new bone, cellular cementum and desmodontium, along with remnants of biomaterial with various degrees of cellularity were observed. In the untreated group, the presence of BMP7 was found in osteoblasts and osteocytes while in the treated group, it was mainly found in the biomaterial remnants, while immunohistochemical staining was less intense in the newly formed osteo-periodontal tissues. Quantitative analysis using the Mann-Whitney U-test showed highly statistically significant differences between the two groups, demonstrating the efficiency of this composite system. CONCLUSION: The current composite system meets all the necessary conditions for promising guided alveolar bone regeneration.

Current Aspects Regarding the Clinical Relevance of Electroacupuncture in Dogs with Spinal Cord Injury: A Literature Review.

In recent years, the use of acupuncture and electroacupuncture has been increasing as more clinical research has been conducted showing positive results in the treatment of animals, particularly dogs. Electroacupuncture is a more complex and specific acupuncture technique that involves electrical stimulation on acupuncture needles. Most of the studies have shown that the beneficial effects of electroacupuncture are more evident than in acupuncture alone. This review included studies focused only on dogs with spinal cord injury. Research facility animals (mice, rats, and rabbits) were avoided. Titles and abstracts of identified articles were read, and outlines were made to be better understood. Clinical applications are discussed and suggested in each section. When specialists use this method, electroacupuncture can be an excellent complementary therapy for veterinary patients' pain control.

Evaluation of a genicular axial pattern flap to repair large cutaneous tibial defects in two dogs.

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcome after cutaneous reconstruction using genicular artery flaps has not been reported. Major cutaneous defects of the pelvic limb between the stifle and hock are frequent in dogs and closure is difficult due to lack of available skin from immediately adjacent areas. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report the first two clinical cases successfully managed by genicular axial pattern flap closure. A 2-year-old 38 kg (83.77-lb) intact male Labrador Retriever and a 14-year-old 42 kg (92.59-lb) spayed mixed breed female dog were admitted for the management of large skin defects in the lateral tibiotarsal joint. One defect was the result of a fibrosarcoma removal in the Labrador dog and the other defect was a chronic large wound caused by a car accident in the mixed breed female dog. Both defects were reconstructed by using genicular flaps. The bed of the wound in mixed breed dog was surgically debrided and underwent open wound management until a proper granulation tissue bed was formed before reconstruction. The skin defect in the Labrador dog was covered immediately after tumor removal. After surgery both dogs were bearing weight on the limbs normally. Small area of dehiscence occurred in both dogs 2 weeks after surgery. At follow-up examination one month after surgery, the surgical wound of the Labrador retriever still had a small area of dehiscence. Two months after surgery, the wound of the mixed breed dog was completely healed, covered with hair and no lameness was observed. CONCLUSION: Findings suggested that genicular axial pattern flap is a good option for reconstruction of large cutaneous defects of the lateral aspects of the tibia in dogs.

Use of clinical and computed tomography findings to assess long-term unsatisfactory outcome after femoral head and neck ostectomy in four large breed dogs.

Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO) is a salvage surgical procedure intended to eliminate hip joint laxity associated pain in the immature dog, or pain due to secondary osteoarthritis in the mature dog. The outcome of the procedure is associated with the size of the dog but the cause of a generally poorer outcome in larger breeds has not been determined. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term results of FHNO associated with unsatisfactory functional outcome by means of clinical examination and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Four large mixed breed dogs underwent FHNO in different veterinary clinics. Clinical and CT scanning evaluations were carried out long time after the procedures had been done. Hip pain, muscle atrophy, decreased range of motion and chronic lameness were observed at clinical examination. Extensive remodelling, unacceptable bone-on-bone contact with bony proliferation involving the femoral neck and acetabulum, but also excessive removal with bone lysis were observed by CT scanning. Revision osteotomy was performed in one dog. Deep gluteal muscle interposition was used, but no improvements were observed postoperatively. This is the first report on the evaluation of three-dimensional CT reconstructions of the late bone remodelling associated with poor clinical outcome in large dogs. The study shows that FHNO could lead to severe functional deficits in large breed dogs. An extensive follow-study is necessary to more accurately determine the frequency of such complications.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of endodontic intracanal medications.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The sterilization of the entire root canal system represents the main goal of every endodontist, given the fact that the control of the microbial flora is the key point of every root canal treatment. The diversity of microorganisms found inside the root canal and also the resistance of some bacterial species to intracanal medications led to a continuous development of new endodontic products. The present study focuses on the comparison of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of different endodontic products, two commercially available, one experimental plant based extract, and two control substances. METHODS: The disc diffusion assay was used to determine the antibacterial and antifungal properties of chlorhexidine, calcium hydroxide, a mix extract between Arctium lappa root powder and Aloe barbadensis Miller gel, Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and Fluconazole (as control substances). Two of the most common microorganisms found in endodontic infections were chosen: Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Candida albicans ATCC(10231). RESULTS: All tested substances showed inhibition zones around the discs, for Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans, including the experimental mix extract of Arctium lappa root powder with Aloe vera gel. CONCLUSION: The experimental mix extract of Arctium lappa root powder and Aloe vera gel is able to inhibit very resistant microorganisms, like Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.

Comparative immunohistochemical assessment of the effect of repetitive anesthesia with isoflurane and sevoflurane on rat liver / Avaliação imunohistoquímica comparativa do efeito da anestesia repetitiva com isoflurano e sevoflurano sobre o fígado de rato

Abstract Background and objectives: Inhalation anesthetics are used in human, as well as veterinary medical practice. In the present study we investigated the effect of isoflurane and sevoflurane on rat hepatocytes. Methods: A total of 40 Wistar female rats were used in this study. Animals were divided in groups of 5 rats. Groups IM, SM served as control groups. Groups I1, I2, I3 were used to study isoflurane and S1, S2, S3 for sevoflurane study. They were anesthetized 3 times, for 2 h long, at 2 days interval with a concentration of: 1.5% isoflurane (I1, I2, I3) and 2% sevoflurane (S1, S2, S3). The oxygen supply throughout the anesthesia was 1 L O2/min. Groups IM, IS, I1, S1 were sacrificed immediately after the last anesthesia. Groups I2, S2 were sacrificed 6 h after the last anesthesia, and groups I3, S3, 24 h post-anesthesia. Liver samples were harvested to highlight caspase-3 in apoptotic hepatocytes. Results: Following isoflurane administration, there were less than 1% cells in apoptosis highlighted in rat livers from groups IM, I1 and I2. At 24 h post-anesthesia (group I3), a small number of apoptotic hepatocytes was highlighted (around 3.23% cells in apoptosis), with a strictly periacinar disposition, randomly distributed in a small number of hepatic lobules. After sevoflurane administration, less than 1% apoptotic hepatocytes were identified at all control moments throughout the study. Conclusions: The results suggest that the anesthetics do not present a considerable hepatotoxicity. The comparative assessment of the two anesthetics shows that sevoflurane is superior to isoflurane.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Anestésicos inalatórios são usados em humanos e também na prática médica veterinária. No presente estudo investigamos o efeito de isoflurano e sevoflurano em hepatócitos de rato. Métodos: Foram usados neste estudo 40 ratos Wistar fêmeas. Os animais foram divididos em grupos de cinco. Os grupos IM e SM serviram como controle. Os grupos I1, I2 e I3 foram usados para o estudo de isoflurano e os grupos S1, S2 e S3 para o estudo de sevoflurano. Os ratos foram anestesiados três vezes, durante duas horas em intervalos de dois dias, com uma concentração de 1,5% de isoflurano (I1, I2, I3) e 2% de sevoflurano (S1, S2, S3). O fornecimento de oxigênio durante a anestesia foi de 1 L O2/min. Os grupos IM, IS, I1 e S1 foram sacrificados imediatamente após a última anestesia. Os grupos I2 e S2 foram sacrificados seis horas após a última anestesia e os grupos I3 e S3 foram sacrificados 24 horas após a anestesia. Amostras dos fígados foram colhidas para ressaltar a caspase-3 em hepatócitos apoptóticos. Resultados: Após a administração de isoflurano, havia menos de 1% das células em apoptose em destaque nos fígados dos ratos dos grupos IM, I1 e I2. Às 24 horas após a anestesia (grupo I3), um pequeno número de hepatócitos apoptóticos foi destacado (3,23% de células em apoptose), com uma disposição estritamente periacinar, distribuídos aleatoriamente em um pequeno número de lóbulos hepáticos. Após a administração do sevoflurano, menos de 1% de hepatócitos apoptóticos foi identificado em todos os momentos de controle ao longo do estudo. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que os anestésicos não apresentam uma hepatotoxicidade considerável. A avaliação comparativa dos dois anestésicos mostra que sevoflurano é superior ao isoflurano.

Vaginal prolapse with urinary bladder incarceration and consecutive irreducible rectal prolapse in a dog.

BACKGROUND: True vaginal prolapse is a rare condition in dogs and it is occasionally observed in animals with constipation, dystocia, or forced separation during breeding. If a true prolapse occurs, the bladder, the uterine body and/or distal part of the colon, may be present in the prolapse. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-year-old intact non pregnant Central Asian Shepherd dog in moderate condition, was presented for a true vaginal and rectal prolapse. The prolapses were confirmed by physical examination and ultrasonography. Herniation of the urinary bladder was identified within the vaginal prolapse. The necrotic vaginal wall was resected, the urinary bladder was reduced surgically and fixed to the right abdominal wall to prevent recurrence. Rectal resection and anastomosis was necessary to correct the rectal prolapse. Recurrence of the prolapses was not observed and the dog recovered completely after the surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, extreme tenesmus arising from constipation may have predisposed to the vaginal prolapse with bladder incarceration and secondarily to rectal prolapse. In the young female dog, true vaginal prolapse with secondary involvement of the urinary bladder and irreducible rectal prolapse is an exceptionally rare condition.

Comparative immunohistochemical assessment of the effect of repetitive anesthesia with isoflurane and sevoflurane on rat liver.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Inhalation anesthetics are used in human, as well as veterinary medical practice. In the present study we investigated the effect of isoflurane and sevoflurane on rat hepatocytes. METHODS: A total of 40 Wistar female rats were used in this study. Animals were divided in groups of 5 rats. Groups IM, SM served as control groups. Groups I1, I2, I3 were used to study isoflurane and S1, S2, S3 for sevoflurane study. They were anesthetized 3 times, for 2h long, at 2 days interval with a concentration of: 1.5% isoflurane (I1, I2, I3) and 2% sevoflurane (S1, S2, S3). The oxygen supply throughout the anesthesia was 1LO2/min. Groups IM, IS, I1, S1 were sacrificed immediately after the last anesthesia. Groups I2, S2 were sacrificed 6h after the last anesthesia, and groups I3, S3, 24h post-anesthesia. Liver samples were harvested to highlight caspase-3 in apoptotic hepatocytes. RESULTS: Following isoflurane administration, there were less than 1% cells in apoptosis highlighted in rat livers from groups IM, I1 and I2. At 24h post-anesthesia (group I3), a small number of apoptotic hepatocytes was highlighted (around 3.23% cells in apoptosis), with a strictly periacinar disposition, randomly distributed in a small number of hepatic lobules. After sevoflurane administration, less than 1% apoptotic hepatocytes were identified at all control moments throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the anesthetics do not present a considerable hepatotoxicity. The comparative assessment of the two anesthetics shows that sevoflurane is superior to isoflurane.

Diagnosis and surgical management of malignant ovarian teratoma in a green iguana (Iguana iguana).

BACKGROUND: Ovarian tumors in reptiles are uncommonly reported in the literature and for green iguanas previously reported cases include teratomas, one adenocarcinoma and one papillary cystadenocarcinoma. The present report is the first of a malignant ovarian teratoma in a green iguana. Complete and detailed pathological features, differential diagnosis and surgical management of malignant ovarian teratoma are discussed in this paper. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year-old intact female green iguana (Iguana iguana) with a clinical history of persistent anorexia and progressive abdominal distension was referred to the surgery department. On physical examination, a presumptive diagnosis of follicular stasis was established. Radiographic evaluation showed a large radioopaque mass within the abdomen, which was visible both in latero-lateral and ventro-dorsal exposures. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large intra-abdominal mass, with numerous cyst-like structures filled with liquid and a heterogeneous aspect with hypoechoic areas. Exploratory laparatomy was thus suggested and the mass was removed surgically. The histologic findings of the neoplasm were consistent with those of ovarian malignant teratoma. Surgical excision of the mass in our case was considered curative and after a follow-up period of 6 months the animal has recovered completely. CONCLUSIONS: A malignant ovarian teratoma has not been previously reported in green iguana and should be included in the list of differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors in this species. This report will contribute to a better understanding of the pathology of this rare tumor in green iguanas.

[Comparative immunohistochemical assessment of the effect of repetitive anesthesia with isoflurane and sevoflurane on rat liver]. / Avaliação imunohistoquímica comparativa do efeito da anestesia repetitiva com isoflurano e sevoflurano sobre o fígado de rato.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Inhalation anesthetics are used in human, as well as veterinary medical practice. In the present study we investigated the effect of isoflurane and sevoflurane on rat hepatocytes. METHODS: A total of 40 Wistar female rats were used in this study. Animals were divided in groups of 5 rats. Groups IM, SM served as control groups. Groups I1, I2, I3 were used to study isoflurane and S1, S2, S3 for sevoflurane study. They were anesthetized 3 times, for 2h long, at 2 days interval with a concentration of: 1.5% isoflurane (I1, I2, I3) and 2% sevoflurane (S1, S2, S3). The oxygen supply throughout the anesthesia was 1LO2/min. Groups IM, IS, I1, S1 were sacrificed immediately after the last anesthesia. Groups I2, S2 were sacrificed 6h after the last anesthesia, and groups I3, S3, 24h post-anesthesia. Liver samples were harvested to highlight caspase-3 in apoptotic hepatocytes. RESULTS: Following isoflurane administration, there were less than 1% cells in apoptosis highlighted in rat livers from groups IM, I1 and I2. At 24h post-anesthesia (group I3), a small number of apoptotic hepatocytes was highlighted (around 3.23% cells in apoptosis), with a strictly periacinar disposition, randomly distributed in a small number of hepatic lobules. After sevoflurane administration, less than 1% apoptotic hepatocytes were identified at all control moments throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the anesthetics do not present a considerable hepatotoxicity. The comparative assessment of the two anesthetics shows that sevoflurane is superior to isoflurane.

Paraclinical investigations of electroacupuncture analgesia in a rabbit ovariohysterectomy.

The aim of this study is to investigate paraclinical changes in glycemia, serum cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) due to electroacupuncture analgesia (EAA) in a rabbit undergoing an ovariohysterectomy. Seven clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Local and systemic analgesia was represented by EAA. Blood samples were collected at preoperative, operative, and postoperative times. At the operative time, increased cortisolemia does not promote a proportional increase in glycemia even though it is correlated with an increased level of ACTH. EAA follows the stress mechanism, which is coordinated by neuroendocrine activity. EAA in a rabbit ovariohysterectomy underscores the crucial involvement of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis with a direct influence on paraclinical changes, including changes in glycemia, cortisol, and ACTH, which are specific for stress changes.

Influence of electroacupuncture on thermal changes in a soft tissue defect.

This study investigated thermal changes in the skin at locations where soft tissue defects existed and acupuncture needles stimulated by using bipolar electroacupuncture (EA) had been inserted. Under general anesthesia (GA), experimental defects were made at the dorsum site of five New Zealand rabbits. Bipolar EA was used for 20 minutes to stimulate the experimental defects, and the skin temperature was monitored at the sites where the acupuncture needles had been inserted and the soft tissue defects existed. The initial thermography of those defects had the same trend as that of the negative pole of EA stimulation at the first acupoint. Skin thermography during the first 3 minutes of bipolar EA indicated a centrifugal vasoconstriction and a vasodilatation at the negative and positive poles, respectively. After that, the thermal change in soft tissue undergoing EA stimulation was not modified by a different EA polarity. The local temperature at the defect and its surroundings under both positive and negative electric loads was increased by 0.2-0.3 °C for vasodilatation. This study indicates that EA influences sympathetic modulation of soft tissue defects and that selective sympathetic modulation caused by bipolar EA is responsible for the clinical perception.

Influence of electroacupuncture on the soft tissue healing process.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of bipolar electroacupuncture (EA) on a soft tissue defect in rabbits. Ten clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups: the control group (Group C, n = 5) and the experimental (EA) group (Group T, n = 5). During neuroleptanalgesia, defects of soft tissue (skin and muscle) were made at the dorsum site on the rabbits in both groups, and those defects were stimulated using EA. The biopsy samples were collected on Day 2, Day 4, and Day 6, prepared for histology, and examined microscopically. On the 2(nd) day, in Group C, the inflammatory degree was higher than it was in Group T; on subsequent days, low or identical degrees of inflammation were observed in both groups. Proliferative fibrous activity was increased on Day 4 for Group T and identical for both groups on Day 6. The dynamics of the epidermal thickness were characterized by a high rate on Day 2, Day 4, and Day 6 for Group T. EA facilitates a low tissue mechanical stress and has a positive effect on the healing of muscular defects. EA enhances the healing process, with no side effects.

An unusual case of a mature teratoma on the left perineal region of a young cat: surgical treatment and pathological description.

A 10-month-old intact male cat with a clinical history of a large mass in the left perineal region was submitted to the surgery department. The mass had reportedly been present as a small swelling after birth. Cytological evaluation using a fine-needle aspirate showed eosinophilic keratinaceous debris, and was not convincing for the definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical excision was performed. Postoperative function and aesthetics were excellent. Based on gross and histological features the definitive diagnosis of the tumor was mature teratoma with ectodermal and endodermal components. After a follow-up period of 4 months, no signs of recurrence were evident. Surgical excision of the teratoma in our case was considered curative. A perineal location has not been previously reported in the cat and should be considered a rare condition in this species.