Randomized single-blinded prospective comparison between ozone therapy and electroacupuncture for canine thoracolumbar disk disease.

Ozone therapy has been used to control pain in animals. Moreover, electroacupuncture (EA) has been effective in neurological recovery and pain control in dogs with thoracolumbar discopathy. EA was compared with Ozone applied at acupuncture points in dogs with signs of thoracolumbar disk disease. Chondrodystrophic mongrel dogs, with lesion scores between 1 and 4, were randomly divided into groups: EA (n = 13) - electroacupuncture at BL20, BL23, ST36, KID3 and BL60 and dry needle in lumbar Bai Hui, and OZO (n = 15) - paravertebral application of 3 mL ozone (20 µg / mL) at BL20, BL23, lumbar Bai Hui, ST36, and KID3/BL60, both groups with weekly applications. No significant differences were observed between groups in weekly blind pain assessments using a dynamic interactive visual analog scale, and neurological assessments using a numerical-functional scale. Both groups showed a progressive improvement in pain control and neurological condition, which was observed when comparing the group's EA and OZO in dogs with all lesion scores. The time of return to locomotion (days) of dogs scored 3 and 4, between groups EA (10.6 ± 5.4) and OZO (14.5 ± 15.7), had no significant differences. Ozone therapy was effective to control pain and motor rehabilitation and sensory functions of dogs with thoracolumbar discopathy signs, just as electroacupuncture. Ozone application was a quick and easy-to-handle treatment. Paravertebral and subcutaneous routes did not require anesthesia or other advanced imaging technology, besides being safe and effective.

Ultrasonographic aspects of the gallbladder mucocele in 30 dogs: retrospective study / Aspectos ultrassonográficos da mucocele biliar em 30 cães: estudo retrospectivo

Gallbladder mucocele is characterized by hyperplasia of the gallbladder epithelium, increased mucus production, accumulation, and densification of the bile content, which can lead to biliary obstruction, necrosis, and rupture of the gallbladder wall. Its finding may be accidental or related to symptoms. A retrospective study (2016-2019) was carried out based on abdominal ultrasound examinations in dogs, correlating aspects of the gallbladder and biliary system in the mucocele with existing comorbidities. Thirty dogs diagnosed with biliary mucocele were evaluated, of which 46.66% had the disease at an early stage, and 53.33% showed a more advanced stage. Of these, 66.66% were related to endocrinopathies and hyperadrenocorticism. Signs of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction and biliary peritonitis were observed in two animals. Due to their potential risk of complications, follow-up ultrasound assessments are indicated in cases that opt for clinical treatment, not excluding the need for surgical intervention.(AU)

A mucocele biliar caracteriza-se pela hiperplasia do epitélio da vesícula biliar, aumento da produção de muco, acúmulo e densificação do conteúdo biliar, podendo levar à obstrução, necrose e ruptura da parede da vesícula biliar. Seu achado pode ser acidental ou estar relacionado à sintomatologia. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo (2016-2019) a partir de exames ultrassonográficos abdominais em cães, correlacionando os aspectos da vesícula biliar na mucocele, com comorbidades existentes. Foram avaliados 30 cães com diagnóstico de mucocele biliar, dos quais 46,66% apresentaram a doença em estágio inicial e 53,33% demonstraram estágio mais avançado. Destes, 66,66% tinham endocrinopatias, principalmente hiperadrenocorticismo. Sinais de obstrução de vias biliares extra-hepáticas e peritonite biliar foram observados em dois animais. Por seu potencial risco de complicação, avaliações ultrassonográficas de seguimento são indicadas nos casos de tratamento clínico, não se descartando a necessidade de intervenção cirúrgica.(AU)

Sedative Effect of Ketamin-Midazolam Administered at Acupoint GV20 Compared to Intramuscular Route in Blue-Fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva): a Pilot Study.

Background: The growth of exotic pet medicine is leading to fast developments in clinical investigations on birds. Acupuncture, specifically pharmacopuncture, offers safe chemical restraint options. Objectives: To investigate pharmacopuncture at acupoint GV20 in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) using ketamine and midazolam. Methods: Sixteen healthy birds were distributed into four groups (C: intramuscular control; 1/2 C: 1/2 dose intramuscular control; 1/2 GV20: 1/2 dose at acupoint GV20; 1/5 GV20: 1/5 dose at acupoint GV20). Degree of sedation, latency, recuperation time, heart and respiratory rate, and body temperature were measured. Quantitative data were analyzed by a Student's t-test. Results: The C, 1/2 C, and 1/2 GV20 groups showed the same degree of sedation. The 1/2 GV20 group showed longer latency times (6 ± 2.1) than the 1/2 C (2.5 ± 0.5) group. Sedation time did not differ between the C (28 ± 9.8), 1/2 C (30.5 ± 8.6), and 1/2 GV20 (41 ± 22.24) groups. The 1/2 GV20 group recuperated faster (13.7 ± 3.7) than the C group (64.2 ± 3.5). The C and 1/2 C groups showed tremors and slow and unstable recovery. Two animals in the C group showed mild hypothermia (38°C). Conclusion: The use of 1/2 GV20 was effective and safe to sedate blue-fronted Amazon parrots without side effects, providing easy, stable, and fast recovery. The use of 1/5 GV20 had a shorter sedation time. These findings show that the combination of acupuncture and drugs provides new possibilities for efficient anesthetic protocols with fewer side effects in birds.

Retrospective Study (2009-2014): Perineal Hernias and Related Comorbidities in Bitches.

Retrospective study based on data extracted from medical records of dogs diagnosed with perineal hernia between 2009 and 2014; medical records of bitches were selected for further analysis to determine the prevalence of perineal hernias in bitches and to investigate potential comorbidities. Perineal hernia was diagnosed in 182 dogs (174 males and 8 females; 96% and 4%, respectively). Surgical correction was performed in 6 bitches. Surgical procedures corresponded to internal obturator muscle transposition with or without polypropylene mesh reinforcement (n = 5) and semitendinosus muscle transposition flap (n = 1). Major comorbidities associated with perineal hernias in adult bitches were trauma (n = 3; 7.3 ± 1.5 years; 7.1 ± 8.5kg) and persistent cough secondary to conditions such as bronchitis, tracheal collapse, and cardiopathy in aged, small-sized patients (n = 3; 13.6 ± 2.0 years; 2.3 ± 0.1kg). Perineal hernias are uncommon in bitches and tend to be associated with comorbidities in these patients. Aged female dogs suffering from uncontrolled chronic cough secondary to cardiopathy or bronchitis are at risk of developing perineal hernia. Previous trauma to the pelvis is another potential risk factor for perineal hernia development in female dogs.

Morphology and morphometry of the foramen magnum in Toy Poodle and Yorkshire terrier dogs / Morfologia e morfometria do forame magno em cães das raças Poodle Toy e Yorkshire terrier

The occipital dysplasia has been characterized by a dorsal enlargement of the foramen magnum which can vary in size and shape. Clinical signs may be present or not in animals with occipital dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to radiographically analyze the morphology and morphometry of the foramen magnum of thirty healthy dogs. This study chose to use fifteen Yorkshire terrier dogs and fifteen Toy Poodle dogs in order to characterize the radiographic aspects of the foramen magnum and contribute to the diagnosis and critical analysis of the occipital dysplasia importance. According to the foramen magnum morphology and tracings, it was possible to classify the radiographic aspects into different shapes varing from oval and quadrangular. Out of 26 (86.7 percent) animals had a dorsal enlargement and 4 (13.3 percent) showed normal foramen magnum. Animals without any clinical signs that are radiographically classified as dysplastic dogs may simply represent an anatomic variation of the foramen magnum.

A displasia do occipital é o alargamento dorsal do forame magno, o qual pode variar a sua forma e tamanho e os animais com esta alteração morfológica podem ou não apresentar manifestações clínicas. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar radiograficamente a morfologia e a morfometria do forame magno de 30 cães assintomáticos das raças Poodle toy e Yorkshire terrier, sendo 15 de cada, a fim de se caracterizar os aspectos radiográficos do forame magno e contribuir para o diagnóstico e análise crítica da relevância da displasia do occipital. O forame magno apresentou aspectos que variaram de oval a quadrangular. A presença do alargamento dorsal ocorreu em 26 (86,7 por cento) animais e a ausência em apenas quatro (13,3 por cento). Animais sem manifestações clínicas, que apresentam graus variados de alargamento dorsal e são classificados radiograficamente como displásicos, podem apenas representar variações anatômicas do forame magno.

Exames radiográficos simples e tomográficos do segmento lombossacro da coluna vertebral em cães da raça Pastor Alemão: estudo comparativo / Radiographics and tomographics findings of the lumbosacral junction in German Sheperd dogs: comparative study

O termo síndrome da cauda equina (SCE) define as manifestações clínicas oriundas da disfunção sensorial e/ou motora causada pela lesão das raízes nervosas que formam a porção terminal da medula espinhal. A estenose lombossacra é a causa mais comum, correlacionando-se à salterações das partes moles e/ou tecidos ósseos neste segmento. Este estudo teve por objetivo realizar uma análise crítica da contribuição dos métodos de imagem, quais sejam exames: radiográfico simples e tomográfico, para avaliação do segmento lombossacro em 30 cães daraça Pastor Alemão. Sendo treze animais pertencentes ao grupo (A) sem manifestações clínicas e alterações radiográficas no segmento lombosacro; doze animais pertencentes ao grupo (B) sem manifestações clínicas com alterações radiográficas no segmento lombossacro e cinco animais pertencentes ao grupo (C) com manifestações clínicas e portadores de alterações radiográficas no segmento lombossacro. Todos os exames foram submetidos a um protocolo de avaliação. O exame tomográfico mostrou-se superior na avaliação do canal vertebral, foramens intervertebrais e processos articulares, os quais puderam ser avaliados com maior riqueza de detalhes. Concluiu-se com esta pesquisa que as duas modalidades de imagem se complementam, constituindo ferramentas importantes na avaliação clínico-cirúrgica do segmento lombossacro, auxiliando no diagnóstico, estabelecimento do prognóstico e da terapêutica a ser adotada.

The name cauda equina syndrome defines the clinical signs that come from the sensory and or motor neural dysfunction caused by the terminal part of the spinal cord and adjacent nerve roots damages.The stenosis lumbosacral is the most frequent cause, correlating to the alterations of the soft tissues and/ or the bone tissues in the lumbosacral segment. The aim of this study was to analyze critically the real contribution of diagnostic imaging (X-Ray and CT), of the lumbosacral region of 30 German shepherd dogs. There were thirteen animals that belonged to the group (A) without clinical signs and X Ray alterations in the lumbosacral segment; twelve animals belongedto the group (B) without clinical signs, with X-Ray alterations in the lumbosacral segment; five animals belonged to the group (C) with clinical signs and they had X-Ray alterations in the lumbosacral segment. All exams were submitted to one evaluation report. The CT examination showed being superior in the evaluation of the vertebral canal, intervertebral foramen and the articular processes, which could be evaluated with a greater number of details. It was concluded with this research that the two modalities of images complement each other, becoming important tools in the clinical-surgical evaluation in the lumbosacral segment, helping in the diagnosis, prognostic and therapeutic to be adopted.

Evaluation of electroacupuncture in bone healing of radius-ulna fracture in dogs / Avaliação da eletroacupuntura na consolidação óssea em cães com fratura de rádio-ulna

Acupuncture promotes peripherical sensory stimulation and local and distant release of neuropeptides and can influence bone healing. The aim of this controlled and prospective clinical study was to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) in bone healing and bone mineral content of canine radius-ulna fracture after closed reduction and external immobilization. Ten dogs with radius-ulna fractures were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups. Group 1 dogs (n=5) received percutaneous EA immediately after closed reduction and external immobilization; after this first treatment, the frequency of application was twice a week during 4 weeks. Group 2 dogs (n=5) did not receive EA treatment. Radiographic score (RS) system and Radiographic optical densitometry (ROD) were used to assessment of fracture healing at the first day of clinical evaluation (M1), 30 days (M30) and 45 days after treatment (M45). Values of P<0.05 were considered significant. Mean±SD ROD values (mmAl) between groups 1 and 2 did not differ significantly (P=0.15) at all periods, respectively M1 values (4.94±0.94; 4.3±1.14), M30 (5.19±1,24; 4,91±1.45) and M45 (5.16±1.12; 5.31±1.71). Mean±SD RS values of group 1 at M30 (2.8±0.83) was significantly different (P=0.003) from M45 (4.6±0.54). However, mean±SD RS values of group 2 at M30 (4.4±1.51) was not significantly different (P=0.30) from M45 (5.16±0.75). Comparisons of mean±SD RS values between groups 1 and 2 showed no significant difference at M30 (P=0.07) and M45 (P=0.19). Results demonstrated that EA treatment did not accelerate bone healing and did not enhance bone mineral density in canine radius-ulna fracture during the 45 days of follow-up.

Acupuntura promove estimulação sensorial periférica e liberação de neuropeptídeos, podendo influenciar a consolidação óssea. O objetivo deste estudo clínico prospectivo foi avaliar os efeitos da eletroacupuntura (EA) na consolidação óssea e densidade mineral óssea em cães com fratura de rádio-ulna (FRU) após redução fechada e imobilização externa. Dez cães com FRU foram aleatoriamente destinados em dois grupos. Grupo 1 (n=5) recebeu EA percutânea imediatamente após a redução fechada e imobilização externa; após este primeiro momento, foram feitas aplicações duas vezes por semana durante 4 semanas. Grupo 2 (n=5) não recebeu EA. Um sistema de escore radiográfico (ER) e densitometria óptica radiográfica (DOR) foram utilizados para avaliar a consolidação da fratura no primeiro dia de avaliação clínica no hospital (M1), 30 dias (M30) e 45 dias (M45) após tratamento. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Valores (média ±DP) de DOR (mmAl) entre os grupos 1 e 2 não tiveram diferença significativa (P=0.15) em todos os momentos, respectivamente valores de M1 (4.94±0.94; 4.3±1.14), M30 (5.19±1,24; 4,91±1.45) e M45 (5.16±1.12; 5.31±1.71). Média±DP de ER do grupo 1 no M30 (2.8±0.83) foi significativamente diferente (P=0.003) do M45 (4.6±0.54). Entretanto, média±DP de ER do grupo 2 no M30 (4.4±1.51) não teve diferença significativa (P=0.30) do M45 (5.16±0.75). Comparações dos valores de ER entre os grupos 1 e 2 não tiveram diferença significativa no M30 (P=0.07) e M45 (P=0.19). Conclui-se que a EA não acelerou a consolidação óssea e não aumentou a densidade mineral óssea em cães com FRU durante os 45 dias avaliados após o tratamento.

Evaluation of electroacupuncture treatment for thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of electroacupuncture combined with standard Western medical treatment versus Western medical treatment alone for treatment of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective controlled study. ANIMALS: 50 dogs with signs of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease. PROCEDURES: Dogs were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups and classified as having grade 1 to 5 neurologic dysfunction. Dogs in group 1 received electroacupuncture stimulation combined with standard Western medical treatment; those in group 2 received only standard Western medical treatment. A numeric score for neurologic function was evaluated at 4 time points to evaluate effects of treatments. RESULTS: Time (mean +/- SD) to recover ambulation in dogs with grade 3 and 4 dysfunction in group 1 (10.10 +/- 6.49 days) was significantly lower than in group 2 (20.83 +/- 11.99 days). Success (able to walk without assistance) rate for dogs with grade 3 and 4 dysfunction in group 1 (10/10 dogs) was significantly higher than that of similarly affected dogs in group 2 (6/9 dogs). Dogs without deep pain perception (grade 5 dysfunction) had a success (recovery of pain sensation) rate of 3 of 6 and 1 of 8 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, but the difference was not significant. Overall success rate (all dysfunction grades) for group 1 (23/26; 88.5%) was significantly higher than for group 2 (14/24; 58.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Electroacupuncture combined with standard Western medical treatment was effective and resulted in shorter time to recover ambulation and deep pain perception than did use of Western treatment alone in dogs with signs of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease.

Electro-acupuncture and Chinese herbs for treatment of cervical intervertebral disk disease in a dog.

A non-ambulatory dog with tetraparesis following a pain episode that had evolved over 2 months was submitted for medical treatment and diagnosed with intervertebral disk disease at C3-C4 and dorsal extradural compression at C1-C2 and C3-C4 using myelography and computed tomography. The dog experienced ambulation recovery after 15 days of treatment with only electroacupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, with marked improvement occurring after only 10 treatments. Six months of followup demonstrated that the dog was stable and had no recurrence of symptoms. Therefore, it was concluded that the combination of electroacupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine was responsible for motor rehabilitation.