Mieloma múltiplo em cão com apresentação clínica atípica de paralisia facial bilateral: relato de caso / Multiple Myeloma in dog with atypical clinical presentation of bilateral facial paralysis: case report

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho relatar um caso de mieloma múltiplo (MM) em uma cadela com apresentação clínica atípica de rigidez da musculatura facial. Foram realizados hemogramas seriados, exames bioquímicos, sumário de urina, sorologia para leishmaniose, radiografias de crânio, citologia de medula óssea e eletroforese de proteínas séricas. O infiltrado plasmocitário em medula óssea >20%, a gamopatia monoclonal e as lesões compatíveis com lise óssea, observados no mielograma, eletroforese de proteínas e exame radiográfico, respectivamente, foram determinantes para conclusão diagnóstica de MM. A doença pode ter uma apresentação clínica variável em cães e representar um desafio ao diagnóstico na clínica de animais de companhia, principalmente em áreas endêmicas de doenças infecciosas que se manifestam com apresentações clínicas e laboratoriais semelhantes.(AU)

This paper reports a case of multiple myeloma (MM) in a bitch with atypical clinical presentation of rigidity of the facial muscles. Hemogram, biochemical tests, urinalysis, serology for leishmaniasis, skull radiography, bone marrow cytology and serum protein electrophoresis were performed. The plasma cell infiltration in bone marrow was >20 %, the monoclonal gammopathy and lesions compatible with bone lysis observed in the myelogram, protein electrophoresis and radiographic examination respectively, were decisive for diagnostic conclusion of MM. The disease may have a variable clinical presentation in dogs and pose a challenge for diagnosis in the pet clinic, especially in endemic areas of infectious diseases that present with similar clinical and laboratory presentations.(AU)

Televisits: sustaining long distance family relationships among institutionalized elders through technology.

The role of social support in the health of older persons is well documented. This support is particularly important for isolated nursing home residents. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of using low-cost videophones to enhance communication between nursing home residents and their families. Ten pairs of residents and family members received videophones and engaged in regular televisits for six months. All participants completed brief survey instruments prior to and after the study period to determine the effects of the televisits on the frequency and quality of contacts. A post-study survey assessed ease and satisfaction with using videophones. Findings include identification of technical and design problems, possible solutions, factors affecting actual use of equipment, and conditions under which benefits of use may be optimal. Categories for estimating potential actual users are suggested. Importantly, the study demonstrates that videophones can be used successfully by a wide range of frail nursing home residents and can enhance social interactions, regardless of distance. Affordable videophone technology offers the potential for reduced isolation among institutionalized elders and others with distance and mobility barriers.