Gait Analysis of Amputee Dogs Using a Pressure-Sensitive Walkway.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform gait analysis using a pressure-sensitive walkway in dogs submitted to high (total) or low amputation (partial) of one forelimb or hindlimb. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 39 dogs met the inclusion criteria. The reasons for the amputations were motor vehicle accidents in 38 dogs and possible limb malformation in 1 dog. The amputee dogs were divided into four groups: G1 (n = 10)-high forelimb; G2 (n = 10)-low forelimb; G3 (n = 9)-high hindlimb; and G4 (n = 10)-low hindlimb. For kinetic evaluation, the dogs were walked across a pressure-sensitive walkway. RESULTS: In dogs with forelimb amputation, the percentage of body weight (%BW) distribution on the contralateral forelimb was 50.7% in cases of high amputation and 55.5% in cases of low amputation, while the %BW distribution on the hindlimbs, mainly in the ipsilateral hindlimb, was 27.9% in cases of high amputation and 27.1% in cases of low amputation. In cases of high amputation of the hindlimb, the %BW distribution was 71.5% on the forelimbs and 29.7% on the contralateral hindlimb, while in cases of low amputation, the distribution was mainly for the contralateral hindlimb and ipsilateral forelimb. No statistical difference was noted between the amputation levels, except for the contralateral limb in cases of low and high amputation of the hindlimbs concerning the overload percentage and %BW distribution. CONCLUSION: The amputation level of one forelimb did not influence the %BW distribution; however, in the hindlimb, this was higher for the contralateral limb in dogs submitted to high amputation.

Radiographic measurements of the hind limbs in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.).

BACKGROUND: Radiographic measurements are a useful tool to assess skeletal health and development in primates. This study aimed to perform radiographic measurements of hind limbs in capuchin monkeys. METHODS: Twelve Sapajus spp. were used; ten adults and two sub-adults, nine females and three males. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The pelvimetry showed that the pelvic inlet area presented mean values of 7.63, 10.23, and 5.43 cm2 for adult males, adult females, and sub-adult females, respectively. The mean inclination angle was 129.45° and the mean values for the mechanical lateral proximal and distal femoral angles were 102.32° and 90.93°, respectively. The mean values for the anatomic lateral proximal and distal femoral angles were 104.59° and 85.98°, respectively. In conclusion, the radiographic measurements proved feasible for hind limb evaluation in Sapajus spp. and can be used for comparison with animals presenting orthopedic lesions.

Eleven-year retrospective analysis of acquired diaphragmatic hernia in 49 dogs and 48 cats.

Data on dogs and cats that underwent surgery for a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia were retrospectively collected and analyzed, with an objective to identify factors that influenced the survival rate. Forty-nine dogs and 48 cats were included. The predominant respiratory clinical sign was dyspnea, and the interval from trauma to development of clinical signs did not influence patient survival. Concurrent orthopedic and/or soft tissue injuries were identified in 48.45% of the animals. Intraoperative complications occurred in 14 dogs and 5 cats, and postoperative complications in 7 dogs and 6 cats. Intraoperative death occurred in 6.2% and postoperative death in 8.3% from 1 h to 10 d after surgery. Animals that received surgical treatment within 48 h after diagnosis had a lower risk of death. Conversely, concurrent injuries and intraoperative and postoperative complications were the main factors associated with a higher risk of death.

Analyse rétrospective sur onze ans des hernies diaphragmatiques acquises chez 49 chiens et 48 chats. Les données sur les chiens et les chats ayant subi une intervention chirurgicale pour une hernie diaphragmatique traumatique ont été recueillies et analysées rétrospectivement, dans le but d'identifier les facteurs qui ont influencé le taux de survie. Quarante-neuf chiens et 48 chats ont été inclus. Le signe clinique respiratoire prédominant était la dyspnée, et l'intervalle entre le traumatisme et le développement des signes cliniques n'a pas influencé la survie des patients. Des lésions orthopédiques et/ou des tissus mous concomitantes ont été identifiées chez 48,45 % des animaux. Des complications peropératoires sont survenues chez 14 chiens et cinq chats, et des complications postopératoires chez sept chiens et six chats. Le décès peropératoire est survenu chez 6,2 % et le décès postopératoire chez 8,3 % de 1 h à 10 j après la chirurgie. Les animaux qui ont reçu un traitement chirurgical dans les 48 h après le diagnostic avaient un risque de décès plus faible. À l'inverse, les blessures concomitantes et les complications peropératoires et postopératoires étaient les principaux facteurs associés à un risque de décès plus élevé.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Comparison of ultrasonographic renal measurements in kittens up to 3 months of age and young cats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate renal measurements by B-mode ultrasound in kittens during their first 3 months and compare them with those of young adult cats. METHODS: Forty-eight healthy mixed-breed cats (24 males and 24 females) were enrolled in this study. The cats were divided into six age groups: groups 1-5 (kittens) and group 6 (young adult cats). Each kidney was examined using B-mode imaging and the following measurements taken: renal length (RL), renal height (RH), renal width (RW), cortical thickness (CoT), medullary thickness (MdT) and corticomedullary ratio (CMr). The ratio and correlation of RL to aortic diameter (AoD) and the length of the fifth/sixth lumbar vertebrae (LLV) were also determined. RESULTS: Among groups, there was a statistically significant difference between RW, renal volume (RV), CoT, MdT and CMr. The smallest renal dimensions were obtained in the youngest kittens (up to 10 days of age), including RL (1.84 ± 0.40 cm), RH (1.14 ± 0.17 cm), RW (1.25 ± 0.20 cm) and RV (1.47 ± 0.68 ml). A strong correlation was observed between RL:AoD and RL:LLV, allowing for linear regression equations and reference intervals for RL:AoD and RL:LLV to be created for each age group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: B-mode ultrasound showed that renal measurements in kittens differed from those in young adult cats, and that the renal dimensions, renal CoT and CMr increased with the growth of the cat. The RL-LLV ratio is a reliable method for measuring RL according to age group.

Effects of Reticulated Hyaluronic Acid Alone or Associated With Whole-Body Vibration in Dogs With Osteoarthritis Due to Hip Dysplasia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of reticulated hyaluronic acid (HA) alone or associated with whole-body vibration (WBV) in dogs with osteoarthritis due to hip dysplasia. Fourteen dogs were randomized assigned into 2 groups of 7 animals: Group 1 (G1) - single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid; Group 2 (G2) - single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid associated with WBV sessions. The affected hip joint received 0.70 mL of reticulated HA guided by ultrasound. Dogs were submitted to a single session of WBV (30 and 50 Hz, for 15 min) every 48 hours for 12 weeks. Dogs were evaluated for morphometric measurements; orthopedic, radiographic and lameness scores of the hip joints; kinetic analysis; and ultrassonographic measurement of the following muscles: middle gluteal, vastus lateralis and biceps femoris. The morphometric measurements, lameness scores, and muscle measurements were conducted at 10 minutes before treatments (TP0), and at days 30 (TP30), 60 (TP60) and 90 (TP90) after treatments. The orthopedic and radiographic scores and kinetic analysis were performed at TP0 and TP90. The scores of lameness showed a statistical decrease in G1 and G2 between time-points. Significant decreases (P = .01) were observed in orthopedic scores in both groups between time-points. The Peak Vertical Force between TP0 and TP90 was significantly higher in G2 (P = .01). Vertical Impulse was null in G1 and positive in G2. Dogs treated with single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid alone and associated with WBV had beneficial effects in dogs with osteoarthritis due to hip dysplasia, however the association of viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid and WBV had an earlier improvement clinical outcome and allowed better kinetic results.

Joint involvement in canine visceral leishmaniasis: Orthopedic physical examination, radiographic and computed tomographic findings.

This study aimed to evaluate the joint involvement in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis by means of orthopedic physical examination, radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings. Of the 46 evaluated dogs, an overall of 91.3 % presented joint (carpal, tarsal, elbows, and stifle) abnormalities, observed on physical examination, radiography and/or CT. In 67.3 % of the dogs orthopedic examination showed no abnormalities. Among the 31 dogs with normal orthopedic examination, 61.3 % showed radiographic and CT findings suggestive of osteoarthritis, 25.8 % presented normal radiographs with abnormalities evidenced only on CT, while 12.9 % presented normal radiographs and CT imaging. From the 15 dogs with abnormal orthopedic examination, 80 % had abnormal radiographic and CT findings suggestive of osteoarthritis, while 20 % presented normal radiographs with abnormalities evidenced only in their CT. Radiographic and CT findings included evident trabecular pattern, subchondral bone sclerosis, osteolysis, mixed bone lesions (osteolytic-proliferative lesions), soft tissue swelling around the joint (edema), joint space narrowing, bone proliferation, osteophytes, bone cyst and cartilage flap. Based on CT results the most affected joints, among those assessed, were the tarsal (80.9 %), followed by stifle (78.5 %), carpal (64.2 %), and elbows (54.7 %). Except by one dog that presented only one stifle joint compromised, the other three joints presented bilateral abnormalities in all dogs.

Masquelet-Induced Membrane Characteristics in Chicken Radii Bone Defects.

This study evaluated the formation of a Masquelet-induced membrane created through the formation of segmental bone defects in the radii of 15 healthy domestic chickens. When the chickens were in a surgical plane of anesthesia, a 1.5-cm segmental bone defect was produced in the left radius, which was subsequently filled with a bone cement spacer during its pasty polymerization phase. The bone defects were evaluated through radiographic imaging immediately after surgery and at 7, 15, 21, and 30 days after the creation of the bone defect. Five birds were euthanatized at 15, 21, and 30 days postoperatively for histological evaluation of the bone defect site. Immediate postoperative radiographic examination of the radii showed the presence of bone cement, which occupied the segmental bone defect. Thirty days after the surgical procedure, the presence of new bone formation at the fractured extremities was evident in the 5 remaining chickens. Histologically, the induced-membrane had 3 distinct zones at 15 days postoperatively, including 1 cell layer in contact with the bone cement spacer, 1 layer with collagen fibers, and 1 layer in contact with muscle, which was composed of disorganized connective tissue, active fibroblasts, and blood vessels. Twenty-one days after surgery, the zones were less defined, and there were metaplastic areas comprising cartilage and bone. Postoperative, diffuse mineralization of the membrane was observed 30 days after the surgical procedure. Formation of the induced membrane was observed during all periods of evaluation. The best histological characteristics for the Masquelet-induced membrane were detected 15 days after the formation of the bone defect, suggesting this would be the optimal time for second-stage surgery for bone reconstruction.

Evaluation of hip joint laxity in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) / Avaliação da lassitude da articulação coxofemoral em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous)

Like canids, crab-eating foxes may probably be predisposed to similar orthopedic diseases of domestic dogs, such as hip dysplasia. However, for the adequate hip dysplasia diagnosis in wild animals, the normality characteristics of each species must be determined. This study aimed to estimate radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) values of hip joint laxity in healthy crab-eating foxes. Fifteen intact crab-eating foxes, eight males and seven females, ages 1 to 5 and mean body mass of 6.66kg were used. Norberg angle (NA) was calculated from ventrodorsal hip-extended radiographs. To calculate the dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) score, the center distance (CD) index, the lateral center edge angle (LCEA), and the dorsal acetabular rim angle (DARA), measurements obtained from transverse CT images were used. No statistically significant differences were observed between the right and left sides in the radiographic and tomographic parameters. The mean NA was 107.57°. The mean DLS score, the CD index, the LCEA, and the DARA were 60.79%, 0.16, 98.25° and 13.47°, respectively. The data obtained are helpful in characterizing mean values of the hip joint in healthy crab-eating foxes, and can contribute to the knowledge of the species.(AU)

Como canídeos, os cachorros-do-mato podem estar predispostos a doenças ortopédicas semelhantes aquelas de cães domésticos, tais como a displasia coxofemoral. No entanto, para o diagnóstico adequado da displasia coxofemoral em animais selvagens, os padrões de normalidade de cada espécie precisam ser determinados. Sendo assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo estimar os valores radiográficos e tomográficos (TC) da lassitude da articulação coxofemoral em cachorros-do-mato hígidos. Foram utilizados quinze cachorros-do-mato não castrados, oito machos e sete fêmeas, com idades entre 1 e 5 anos e massa corporal média de 6,66kg. O ângulo de Norberg (NA) foi calculado a partir de radiografias na projeção ventrodorsal com os membros estendidos. Para calcular o escore de subluxação dorsolateral (DLS), o índice de distância central (CD), o ângulo da margem central lateral (LCEA) e o ângulo da borda dorsal acetabular (DARA), foram utilizadas as mensurações obtidas a partir de imagens transversais da TC. Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre os lados direito e esquerdo nos parâmetros radiográficos e tomográficos. A média do NA foi de 107,57°. As médias do escore do DLS, do índice de CD, e dos ângulos LCEA e DARA foram, respectivamente, 60,79%, 0,16, 98,25° e 13,47°. Os dados obtidos são úteis para a caracterização dos valores médios referentes à articulação coxofemoral de cachorros-do-mato e podem contribuir para o conhecimento da espécie.(AU)

Evaluation of hip joint laxity in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous)

ABSTRACT: Like canids, crab-eating foxes may probably be predisposed to similar orthopedic diseases of domestic dogs, such as hip dysplasia. However, for the adequate hip dysplasia diagnosis in wild animals, the normality characteristics of each species must be determined. This study aimed to estimate radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) values of hip joint laxity in healthy crab-eating foxes. Fifteen intact crab-eating foxes, eight males and seven females, ages 1 to 5 and mean body mass of 6.66kg were used. Norberg angle (NA) was calculated from ventrodorsal hip-extended radiographs. To calculate the dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) score, the center distance (CD) index, the lateral center edge angle (LCEA), and the dorsal acetabular rim angle (DARA), measurements obtained from transverse CT images were used. No statistically significant differences were observed between the right and left sides in the radiographic and tomographic parameters. The mean NA was 107.57°. The mean DLS score, the CD index, the LCEA, and the DARA were 60.79%, 0.16, 98.25° and 13.47°, respectively. The data obtained are helpful in characterizing mean values of the hip joint in healthy crab-eating foxes, and can contribute to the knowledge of the species.

RESUMO: Como canídeos, os cachorros-do-mato podem estar predispostos a doenças ortopédicas semelhantes aquelas de cães domésticos, tais como a displasia coxofemoral. No entanto, para o diagnóstico adequado da displasia coxofemoral em animais selvagens, os padrões de normalidade de cada espécie precisam ser determinados. Sendo assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo estimar os valores radiográficos e tomográficos (TC) da lassitude da articulação coxofemoral em cachorros-do-mato hígidos. Foram utilizados quinze cachorros-do-mato não castrados, oito machos e sete fêmeas, com idades entre 1 e 5 anos e massa corporal média de 6,66kg. O ângulo de Norberg (NA) foi calculado a partir de radiografias na projeção ventrodorsal com os membros estendidos. Para calcular o escore de subluxação dorsolateral (DLS), o índice de distância central (CD), o ângulo da margem central lateral (LCEA) e o ângulo da borda dorsal acetabular (DARA), foram utilizadas as mensurações obtidas a partir de imagens transversais da TC. Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre os lados direito e esquerdo nos parâmetros radiográficos e tomográficos. A média do NA foi de 107,57°. As médias do escore do DLS, do índice de CD, e dos ângulos LCEA e DARA foram, respectivamente, 60,79%, 0,16, 98,25° e 13,47°. Os dados obtidos são úteis para a caracterização dos valores médios referentes à articulação coxofemoral de cachorros-do-mato e podem contribuir para o conhecimento da espécie.

Use of Reticulated Hyaluronic Acid Alone or Associated With Ozone Gas in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis Due to Hip Dysplasia in Dogs.

This study aimed to evaluate reticulated hyaluronic acid alone or associated with ozone gas in the treatment of osteoarthritis due to hip dysplasia in dogs. Fourteen client-owned dogs were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1-single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid; Group 2-single intra-articular infiltration injection of hyaluronic acid associated with ozone gas. Each hip joint received an average of 0.75 mL of reticulated hyaluronic acid ultrasound-guided. Ozone gas at a dose of 45 µg/mL was incorporated into hyaluronic acid by insufflation. Dogs were evaluated for body condition scoring, orthopedic examination and radiographic scores of the hip joints, goniometric measurements of the hip joints, visual gait score, and kinetic analysis. The evaluations were conducted immediately before treatments (M0), and at days 30 (M1), 60 (M2), and 90 (M3) after treatments. There were no significant differences in body mass and body condition scoring (5-point scale) in each group in all evaluation moments. The scores of orthopedic examination of the hip joints showed statistical differences in each group between moments (M0 > M3), but differences were not observed between groups. No statistical differences were found for radiographic scores in each group between moments, but differences were observed between groups immediately prior to treatments (G1 > G2) and 90 (G1 > G2) after treatments. Goniometric measurements of hip flexion and extension showed no significant differences in each group between moments or between groups. No statistical differences between groups were found concerning the lameness score. There were significant differences for lameness score among moments in Group 1, being M0 > M2 and M0 > M3, and Group 2 in which M0 > M1, M0 > M2, and M0 > M3. The mean percentage of change of PVF and VI between M3 and M0 in Group 1 was almost null and in Group 2 was positive, being 31.1 ± 29.4 and 10.6 ± 25.4, respectively. In conclusion, the intra-articular viscosupplementation alone or associated with ozone gas allowed improvement of lameness scores and orthopedic examination score. In Group 2 the association of ozone gas had better results on kinetic analysis.

Radiographic Measurements of the Cardiac Silhouette in Healthy Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots (Amazona aestiva).

The objective of this investigation was to determine radiographic measurements, without chemical restraint, of the cardiac silhouette in 34 healthy, adult blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) of unknown sex with a mean body weight of 393 g. The birds were fasted 3 hours before the radiographic examinations. Three thoracic radiographic views (ventrodorsal, right lateral, and left lateral) were obtained from each bird for assessment. There was no significant statistical difference between right and left radiographic measurements. The mean values of the measurements in the ventrodorsal views were heart width of 21.04 mm and coelomic cavity width of 50.61 mm. The mean values of the measurements in the lateral views were left heart length of 23.44 mm, right heart length of 23.40 mm, left sternal length of 65.69 mm, and right sternal length of 65.03 mm. A strong correlation and ratio of 43% between the heart width and coelomic cavity width and a moderate correlation and ratio of 36% between the heart length and sternal length were observed. In conclusion, the radiographic measurements of the cardiac silhouette in healthy blue-fronted Amazon parrots can be obtained without chemical restraint. The values obtained can be used to assist in the detection of cardiomegaly or microcardia in blue-fronted Amazon parrots.

Radiographic evaluation of the forelimbs and hind limbs of marmosets (Callithrix spp.).

BACKGROUND: The maintenance of marmosets in captivity may trigger various disorders. The objective of this study was to provide a radiographic evaluation of the forelimbs and hind limbs of marmosets rescued from illegal wildlife trade and maintained in captivity. METHODS: Fourteen marmosets were studied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Three marmosets were apparently normal. Of the eleven marmosets with radiographic changes in the hind limbs, five had pelvic narrowing and bilateral varus deviation of the femur, with one suggestive of rickets and another of osteomalacia. The other marmosets showed changes such as malunion of acetabular fracture, transtibial amputation, tibial antecurvatum, and knee osteoarthritis. Six marmosets showed alterations in the forelimbs such as radius fracture, scapulohumeral subluxation, and elbow joint incongruence. In conclusion, 78.57% of the marmosets had bone and/or joint changes detected by plain radiography, which were found predominantly in the hind limbs and without impediment to locomotion in captivity.

Sonography and sonoelastography in the detection of malignancy in superficial lymph nodes of dogs.

BACKGROUND: The clinical applicability of sonography and sonoelastography (SOE) in the detection of lymph node malignancy in dogs has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To compare sonographic and sonoelastographic findings between malignant and benign superficial lymph nodes and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of those methods. ANIMALS: One-hundred sixteen lymph nodes of 54 dogs. METHODS: A prospective observational study was used to investigate sonographic features and elasticity scores of malignant and benign superficial lymph nodes. Lymph nodes were categorized as malignant or benign according to cytology or histopathology. Quantitative variables were compared using Student's unpaired t test. Prevalence of categorical variables was compared using nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Diagnostic performance was calculated by receiver-operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Forty-nine malignant and 67 benign lymph nodes were included. Malignant nodes had larger long axis (LA; P = .0002), short axis (SA; P < .0001) and short-to-long axis ratio (P < .0001) in comparison with benign nodes. Malignant nodes had a higher prevalence of mixed vascular distribution on Doppler color flow mapping (P < .005) and on power Doppler (P < .0001) and higher resistivity index (RI; P < .0001), pulsatility index (P < .0001), and elasticity score (P < .0001) in comparison with benign nodes. Short axis, elasticity score, and RI offered the best accuracies, 80.2%, 78.1%, and 77.7% (P < .05), respectively, for malignancy detection. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Results support the use of Doppler sonography and SOE as auxiliary methods to brightness mode sonography to detect nodal malignancy.

Radiographic determination of pelvic limb orthopaedic measurements in maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

The aim of this study was to determine some radiographic reference values for hip joint, femur and patella in maned wolves. Ten maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), five live (G1) and five cadavers (G2), were used. There were no statistically significant differences in the radiological measurements between right and left pelvic limbs of the G1 and G2, except for mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle (mLPFA) in both Groups. The comparison of the measurements between Groups showed difference only for mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA). Norberg angle values were 113.1° and 112.9° for G1 and G2. The values of femoral angle of inclination by Hauptman A and Hauptman B methods were 139.7° and 128.6° for G1, and 139.3° and 128.7° for G2. Femoral varus angle values were 5.5° for G1 and 3.9° for G2. The values of anatomic lateral distal femoral angle and anatomic lateral proximal femoral angle were 96.8° and 95.2° for G1, and 95.0° and 95.6° for G2. The values of mLDFA for G1 and G2 were 96.5° and 95.7°. The values of mLPFA were 95.8 (right) and 93.5 (left) for G1, and 95.7 (right) and 93.8 (left) for G2. The values of patellar ligament length, patellar length and L:P ratio were 4.6, 2.4 cm and 1.9 for G1, and 4.4, 2.3 cm and 1.8 for G2. In conclusion, the radiographic reference values described for the hip joint, the femur and the patella, may be useful in the diagnosis of diseases and deformities in maned wolves.

A retrospective study of quadrigeminal arachnoid cysts diagnosed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography in 26 dogs / Estudo retrospectivo de cistos aracnoides da cisterna quadrigeminal diagnosticados pela ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada em 26 cães

Arachnoid cysts are accumulations of cerebrospinal fluid that occur within the arachnoid membrane due to the splitting or duplication of this structure. The aim of this retrospective study is to report the occurrence of this condition in 26 dogs, as well as to describe the findings of computed tomography imaging and magnetic resonance image scans and to correlate these with the clinical signs. A prevalence of the condition was observed in males, predominantly in the small breeds Miniature Pinscher and Shih Tzu, with age raging from 2 months to 9 years. The mainly clinical signs observed in these dogs were seizures and cerebellar ataxia. The study concluded that in 17 dogs the quadrigeminal arachnoid cyst was regarded as an incidental finding, in 6 dogs this condition was regarded as the determinant cause of the clinical signs, and in 3 dogs some clinical signs were associated with arachnoid cyst, but they also presented clinical signs involving others sites of intracranial lesion. (AU)

Cistos aracnoide são acúmulos de líquido cefalorraquidiano que ocorre dentro da membrana aracnoide devido à divisão ou duplicação desta estrutura. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo é relatar a ocorrência dessa condição em 26 cães, assim como descrever os aspectos de imagem pela tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética e correlacionar com os sinais clínicos. No estudo observamos a prevalência em machos, em raças de pequeno porte, com predomínio de Pinscher miniatura e Shih Tzu, com idade variando de dois meses a nove anos. Os principais sinais neurológicos observados nestes animais foram crises epiléticas e ataxia cerebelar. Foi possível concluir que em 17 cães o cisto aracnoide quadrigeminal foi considerado um achado incidental, em seis cães essa condição foi considerada a causa determinante dos sinais clínicos, e em três cães alguns sinais estavam associados com o cisto aracnoide, porém esses animais apresentaram sinais clínicos relacionados a outros sítios de lesão intracraniana.

Abdominal ultrasonography of the healthy howler monkey (Alouatta fusca).

Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in six healthy adult brown howler monkeys Alouatta fusca and the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the liver, gallbladder, stomach and urinary tract described for the first time. Findings were compared with post-mortem studies. The renal cortex was isoechoic to the spleen and isoechoic or hyperechoic to the liver. Kidney length and renal arterial resistive index, systolic and diastolic velocity were calculated. The liver showed a homogeneous hypoechogenic echotexture. The aim of this study was to describe the normal abdominal viscera echoanatomy providing information of normal abdominal anatomical structures in the howler monkey.

Portal Vein Dopplerflowmetry in healthy sheep according to age / Dopplerfluxometria da veia portal em ovinos hígidos de acordo com a idade

Pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate portal blood flow, portal velocity and portal congestion index in 24 healthy sheep divided into groups (lambs, yearlings and ewes), according to age. Measurements were performed at the 11th right intercostal space using ideal insonation angle and uniform insonation method. Mean values obtained in each group were compared with one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey post-hoc test. Portal velocity and portal blood flow were statistically similar between the groups (P>0.05). Mean portal velocity were 17.75; 17.13 and 16.75; while mean portal blood flow were 26.65; 31.04 and 24.32 for lambs, yearlings and ewes, respectively. Portal congestion index was statistically distinct between the groups and values for lambs, yearlings and ewes were 0.009; 0.058 and 0.09, respectively (P<0.01). Statistical differences were observed in portal vein diameter, portal vein area and portal congestion index between the groups, presumably due to influence of weight and not to age.(AU)

A ultrassonografia com Doppler pulsado foi utilizado para avaliar o fluxo sanguíneo portal, velocidade portal e índice de congestão portal em 24 ovinos saudáveis divididos em grupos (cordeiros, borregos e ovelhas), de acordo com a idade. As medições foram realizadas no 11o espaço intercostal direito utilizando ângulo de insonação ideal e método de inclusão uniforme. Os valores médios obtidos em cada grupo foram comparados com ANOVA, seguido pelo teste post-hoc de Tukey. A velocidade portal e o fluxo de sangue portal foram estatisticamente semelhantes entre os grupos (P>0,05). A velocidade portal média foram 17,75; 17,13 e 16,75; enquanto o fluxo de sangue portal médios foram 26,65; 31,04 e 24,32 para cordeiros, borregos e ovelhas, respectivamente. O índice de congestão portal foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos e os valores para cordeiros, novilhos e ovelhas foram 0,009; 0,058 e 0,09, respectivamente (P<0.01). Observaram-se diferenças estatísticas nos diâmetros da veia porta, na área da veia porta e nos índices de congestão portal entre os grupos, provavelmente devido à influência do peso e não pela idade.(AU)

Ultrasonographic anatomy of the healthy southern tigrina ( Leopardus guttulus) abdomen: comparison with domestic cat references.

Objectives The aim of the study was to describe the normal abdominal echoanatomy of the tigrina and to compare it with the abdominal echoanatomy of the domestic cat. Reference intervals for the normal abdominal ultrasonographic anatomy of individual species are important for accurate diagnoses and interpretation of routine health examinations. The hypothesis was that the echoanatomy of the tigrina was similar to that of the domestic cat. Methods Eighteen clinically healthy tigrina were selected for abdominal ultrasound examination, in order to obtain normal parameters of the bladder, spleen, adrenal gland, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, liver and gall bladder, and Doppler parameters of liver and kidney vessels. Results The splenic parenchyma was consistently hyperechoic to the kidneys and liver. The liver, kidneys and spleen had similar echotexture, shape and dimensions when compared with the domestic cat. The gall bladder was lobulated and surrounded by a clearly visualized thin, smooth, regular echogenic wall. The adrenal glands had a bilobulated shape. The urinary bladder had a thin echogenic wall. The Doppler parameters of the portal vein and renal artery were similar to the domestic cat. Conclusions and relevance The results support the hypothesis that the ultrasonographic parameters of the abdominal viscera of the southern tigrina are similar to those of the domestic cat.

Benign Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in a Wild Toco Toucan ( Ramphastos toco ).

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that comprise neurofibromas, schwannomas, neurilemmomas, and perineuromas. In animals, peripheral nerve sheath neoplasms are most commonly diagnosed in dogs and cattle, followed by horses, goats, and cats, but their occurrence is uncommon in birds. An adult, free-living, male toco (common) toucan ( Ramphastos toco ) was admitted to the zoo animal clinic with weight loss, dehydration, and presence of a soft nodule adhered to the medial portion of the left pectoral muscle. Clinical, cytologic, and computed tomography scan results were indicative of a neoplasm. The toucan died during surgical resection of the mass. Necropsy, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. To our knowledge, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor has not previously been reported in a toucan or any other species in the order Piciformes.

Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation and gait analysis of Brazilian minipigs with syndactyly.

OBJECTIVE To characterize a population of Brazilian minipigs with naturally occurring syndactyly by use of plain radiographs and CT images and to evaluate kinetic and temporospatial variables by use of a pressure-sensing walkway. ANIMALS 10 Brazilian minipigs from 6 to 8 months of age (group 1, 5 healthy pigs [body weight, 10.5 to 18.5 kg]; group 2, 5 pigs with syndactyly [body weight, 7.5 to 18.0 kg]). PROCEDURES Forelimbs and hind limbs of all pigs were assessed by use of radiography and CT. Gait was analyzed by use of a pressure-sensing walkway. RESULTS All limbs of all pigs of group 2 had syndactyly. Two forelimbs had complex-1 syndactyly, and 8 forelimbs had complex-2 syndactyly. Four hind limbs had simple syndactyly, 1 hind limb had complex-1 syndactyly, and 5 hind limbs had complex-2 syndactyly. Kinetic and temporospatial values and symmetry indices did not differ between groups. Plantar and palmar surfaces of healthy pigs had 2 areas of maximum pressure, whereas plantar and palmar surfaces of pigs with syndactyly had only 1 area of maximum pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this population of pigs, the most common type of syndactyly was complex-2, and comparison with the healthy group revealed no alteration in kinetic and temporospatial variables. Therefore, results suggested that syndactyly in young minipigs did not cause locomotor disturbances.