Effective recommendations towards healthy routines to preserve mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: To assess the adherence to a set of evidence-based recommendations to support mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its association with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Methods: A team of health workers and researchers prepared the recommendations, formatted into three volumes (1: COVID-19 prevention; 2: Healthy habits; 3: Biological clock and sleep). Participants were randomized to receive only Volume 1 (control), Volumes 1 and 2, Volumes 1 and 3, or all volumes. We used a convenience sample of Portuguese-speaking participants over age 18 years. An online survey consisting of sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaires and mental health instruments (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]) was administered. At 14 and 28 days later, participants were invited to complete follow-up surveys, which also included questions regarding adherence to the recommendations. A total of 409 participants completed the study - mostly young adult women holding university degrees. Results: The set of recommendations contained in Volumes 2 and 3 was effective in protecting mental health, as suggested by significant associations of adherence with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores (reflecting anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively). Conclusion: The recommendations developed in this study could be useful to prevent negative mental health effects in the context of the pandemic and beyond.

Effective recommendations towards healthy routines to preserve mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the adherence to a set of evidence-based recommendations to support mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its association with depressive and anxiety symptoms. METHODS: A team of health workers and researchers prepared the recommendations, formatted into three volumes (1: COVID-19 prevention; 2: Healthy habits; 3: Biological clock and sleep). Participants were randomized to receive only Volume 1 (control), Volumes 1 and 2, Volumes 1 and 3, or all volumes. We used a convenience sample of Portuguese-speaking participants over age 18 years. An online survey consisting of sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaires and mental health instruments (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]) was administered. At 14 and 28 days later, participants were invited to complete follow-up surveys, which also included questions regarding adherence to the recommendations. A total of 409 participants completed the study - mostly young adult women holding university degrees. RESULTS: The set of recommendations contained in Volumes 2 and 3 was effective in protecting mental health, as suggested by significant associations of adherence with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores (reflecting anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively). CONCLUSION: The recommendations developed in this study could be useful to prevent negative mental health effects in the context of the pandemic and beyond.

Persistent symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life after symptomatic pediatric COVID-19: A prospective study in a Latin American tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate demographic, anthropometric and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational study of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n=53) and pediatric subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 included as controls (n=52) was performed. RESULTS: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis (n=53) and follow-up was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). Twenty-three of 53 (43%) patients reported at least one persistent symptom at the longitudinal follow-up visit and 12/53 (23%) had long COVID-19, with at least one symptom lasting for >12 weeks. The most frequently reported symptoms at the longitudinal follow-up visit were headache (19%), severe recurrent headache (9%), tiredness (9%), dyspnea (8%), and concentration difficulty (4%). At the longitudinal follow-up visit, the frequencies of anemia (11% versus 0%, p=0.030), lymphopenia (42% versus 18%, p=0.020), C-reactive protein level of >30 mg/L (35% versus 0%, p=0.0001), and D-dimer level of >1000 ng/mL (43% versus 6%, p=0.0004) significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Chest X-ray abnormalities (11% versus 2%, p=0.178) and cardiac alterations on echocardiogram (33% versus 22%, p=0.462) were similar at both visits. Comparison of characteristic data between patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit and controls showed similar age (p=0.962), proportion of male sex (p=0.907), ethnicity (p=0.566), family minimum monthly wage (p=0.664), body mass index (p=0.601), and pediatric pre-existing chronic conditions (p=1.000). The Pediatric Quality of Live Inventory 4.0 scores, median physical score (69 [0-100] versus 81 [34-100], p=0.012), and school score (60 [15-100] versus 70 [15-95], p=0.028) were significantly lower in pediatric patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed a longitudinal impact on HRQoL parameters, particularly in physical/school domains, reinforcing the need for a prospective multidisciplinary approach for these patients. These data highlight the importance of closer monitoring of children and adolescents by the clinical team after COVID-19.

Breaking Bad News: A Study on Formal Training in a High-Risk Obstetrics Setting.

Background: Breaking bad news is a frequent task in high-risk obstetrics clinics. Few studies have examined the role of training in improving such a difficult medical task. Aim: To evaluate the influence of a training program on the participants' perceptions of bad news communication at a high-risk obstetrics center. Design: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Hospital das Clinicas, from March 2016 to May 2017. Setting/Participants: Maternal-fetal health specialists were invited to complete an institutional questionnaire based on the SPIKES protocol for communicating bad news before and after training. The training consisted of theoretical lectures and small group practice using role play. The questionnaire responses were compared using nonparametric tests to evaluate the differences in physicians' perceptions at the two timepoints. The questionnaire items were evaluated individually and in groups following the communication steps of the SPIKES protocol. Results: In total, 110 physicians were invited to participate. Ninety completed the pretraining questionnaire and 40 answered the post-training questionnaire. After training, there were significant improvements in knowing how to prepare the environment before delivering bad news (p = 0.010), feeling able to transmit bad news (p < 0.001), and to discuss the prognosis (p = 0.026), feeling capable of discussing ending the pregnancy (p = 0.003), and end-of-life issues (p = 0.007) and feeling confident about answering difficult questions (p = 0.004). The comparison of the grouped responses following the steps of the SPIKES protocol showed significant differences for "knowledge" (p < 0.001), "emotions," (p = 0.004) and "strategy and summary" (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The implementation of institutional training in breaking bad news changed the perception of the physicians in the communication setting.

Avaliação de anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais no tratamento da dor de ovinos submetidos à implantação de cânula ruminal e orquiectomia / Assessment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treatment of pain in sheep submitted to ruminal cannulation and orchiectomy

O presente trabalho objetivou comparar o efeito do flunixin meglumine, cetoprofeno e meloxicam no tratamento da dor pós-operatória de ovinos submetidos à implantação de cânula ruminal e orquiectomia. Foram utilizados 32 ovinos, machos, pesando em média 35,5±3,5kg, distribuídos em três grupos: GFlu (flunixin meglumine 1,1mg/kg i.v.), GCet (cetoprofeno 3,0mg/kg i.v.) e GMel (meloxicam 0,5mg/kg i.v.). Exame clínico e coletas de sangue foram realizados no M0 (pré-avaliação), M1 (10 minutos após a pré-avaliação), M2 (início da sutura para fixação da cânula ruminal), M3 (logo após o término da cirurgia) e em duas, 12, 23, 25, 48 e 72 horas após a cirurgia (M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h, M48h e M72h), quando foram avaliados cortisol, glicose, proteína total, albumina, γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatina quinase (CK), ureia, creatinina e hemograma. Nos M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h e M48h, foi realizada avaliação comportamental. O GFlu apresentou maior concentração de cortisol no M12h e no M48h e maior escore de dor na fístula e no testículo no M12h, quando comparado ao GMel. Os animais do GCet apresentaram menor interação com outros membros da baia no M23h. A ação analgésica do meloxicam foi maior em animais submetidos à implantação de cânula ruminal e orquiectomia, quando comparado ao flunixin meglumine e ao cetoprofeno.(AU)

This study aimed to compare the effect of flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and meloxicam in the treatment of postoperative pain in sheep submitted to ruminal cannulation and orchiectomy. 32 sheep were submitted to implantation of rumen cannula and orchiectomy, divided into three groups: GFlu (Flunixin meglumine 1,1mg/kg i.v.); GCet (Ketoprofen 3,0mg/kg i.v.); GMel (Meloxicam 0,5mg/kg i.v.). Clinical examination and blood samples were performed at M0 (pre-evaluation), M1 (10 minutes after pre-evaluation), M2 (beginning ruminal cannula), M3 (immediately post-surgery), and M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h, M48h and M72h (2h, 12h, 23h, 25h, 48h and 72 hours post-surgery) with the evaluation of cortisol, glucose, total protein, albumin, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), urea, creatinine and blood count. At M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h and M48h a behavioral evaluation was performed. The GFlu showed higher concentration of cortisol at M12h and M48h and greater pain score related with fistula and testis procedures at M12h when compared to GMel. Animals in the GCet group presented lower interaction with other animals in the same M23h paddock. The analgesia provided by Meloxicam was higher than flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen in animals submitted to placement of ruminal cannula and orchiectomy.(AU)

Bloqueio do plexo braquial em jumento - relato de caso / Brachial plexus block in donkey - case report

A anestesia locorregional reduz o requerimento de agentes inalatórios e diminui as respostas autonômicas a estímulos cirúrgicos nocivos. Objetiva-se descrever um bloqueio anestésico do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulador em jumento, submetido à amputação do membro anterior direito. Foi realizada medicação pré-anestésica com detomidina 0,01mg.kg-1, indução com diazepam 0,05mg.kg-1 e cetamina 2mg.kg-1, todos pela via intravenosa (IV), e a manutenção da anestesia com isoflurano. O plexo braquial foi bloqueado por acesso subescapular, sendo usado neuroestimulador. Utilizou-se 1mg.kg-1 de bupivacaína 0,5% sem vasoconstritor, associada a 1mg.kg-1 de lidocaína 2% sem vasoconstrictor. Os valores de FC e ƒ durante o procedimento cirúrgico variaram de 62 a 78bpm e de 24 a 32rpm, respectivamente. Foram coletadas quatro amostras de sangue para dosagem de cortisol. Este, antes da aplicação da medicação pré-anestésica, foi de 6,4µg/dL e, 30 minutos após a MPA, foi de 2,8µg/dL. A recuperação anestésica foi rápida e sem complicações. O bloqueio do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulador mostrou-se eficaz em jumentos, fornecendo analgesia e anestesia satisfatória.(AU)

Locoregional anesthesia reduces the requirement for inhaled agents and reduces the autonomic responses to noxious surgical stimuli. The aim of this study was to describe an anesthetic block of the brachial plexus guided by a neurostimulator in a donkey submitted to right limb amputation. Preanesthetic medication was performed with detomidine 0.01mg.kg-1 induction with diazepam 0.05mg.kg-1 and ketamine 2mg.kg-1 all intravenously, and maintenance of anesthesia with isoflurane. The brachial plexus was blocked by subscapular access, using a neurostimulator. For this purpose, 1mg.kg -1 of bupivacaine 0.5%, without vasoconstrictor, and 1mg.kg- 1 of lidocaine 2%, without vasoconstrictor were used. The values of HR and ƒ during the surgical procedure ranged from 62 to 78bpm, and 24 to 32bpm, respectively. Four blood samples were collected for cortisol dosing. This, prior to the application of the pre-anesthetic medication was 6.4µg/dL and 30 minutes was 2.8µg/dL. Anesthesia recovery was rapid and uncomplicated. Neurostimulator-guided brachial plexus blockade proved to be effective in donkeys, providing satisfactory analgesia and anesthesia.(AU)

Lesões orais secundárias à leishmaniose visceral em um cão com hiperadrenocorticismo endógeno: relato de caso / Oral lesions secondary to visceral leishmaniasis in a dog with endogenous hyperadrenocorticism: case report

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi relatar um caso de leishmaniose visceral com apresentação mucosa em um cão com hiperadrenocorticismo. Um canino, macho, da raça Poodle, 11 anos de idade, foi atendido com histórico de disfagia, halitose e sialorreia. Ao exame físico, observou-se linfadenomegalia generalizada e alterações cutâneas, como rarefação pilosa, comedões, telangiectasia e atrofia cutânea. Além disso, o animal também apresentava formações orais localizadas na língua. Dos exames hematológicos e bioquímicos realizados, a única alteração encontrada foi elevação da fosfatase alcalina (1724u/L). O teste de supressão com a dexametasona em dose baixa foi executado para investigar hiperadrenocorticismo, tendo resultado positivo. Também foram realizados exames citológicos dos linfonodos, da medula óssea e das formações orais, tendo sido observada a presença de formas amastigotas de Leishmania sp. em todas as amostras. O animal foi submetido à biópsia incisional das formações orais, e a análise histopatológica demonstrou um quadro de inflamação granulomatosa com presença de grande quantidade de microrganismos morfologicamente compatíveis com formas amastigotas de Leishmania sp. no interior das células inflamatórias. Diante dos achados clínicos e dos exames complementares, diagnosticou-se um caso de leishmaniose com manifestação mucosa atípica, associado ao hiperadrenocorticismo, podendo essa endocrinopatia ter sido um fator predisponente para essa enfermidade infectocontagiosa.(AU)

The objective of the present study was to report a case of visceral leishmaniasis with mucosal presentation in a dog with hyperadrenocorticism. A canine, male, Poodle, 11 years old, was attended with a history of dysphagia, halitosis, and sialorreia. The physical examination revealed generalized lymphadenomegaly and cutaneous alterations such as hair loss, comedones, telangiectasia, and cutaneous atrophy. Futhermore, the animal also had localized oral formations on the tongue. From the hematological and biochemical tests performed, the only alteration was alkaline phosphatase elevation (1724u / L). The low dose dexamethasone suppression test was performed to investigate hyperadrenocorticism and found a positive result. In addition, cytological exams of lymph nodes, bone marrow and oral formations were also performed, and the presence of amastigote forms of Leishmania sp. were observed in all samples. The animal was submitted to incisional biopsy of the oral formations and the histopathological analysis showed a granulomatous inflammation with presence of large quantity of microorganisms morphologically compatible with amastigotes forms of Leishmania sp. within the inflammatory cells. Faced with clinical findings and complementary exams, a case of leishmaniasis with atypical mucosal manifestation, associated with hyperadrenocorticism, was diagnosed, and this endocrinopathy could have been a predisposing factor to this infectious-contagious disease.(AU)

Establishment of an anesthetic protocol for semen collection by electroejaculation in six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus Linnaeus, 1758) / Estabelecimento de um protocolo anestésico para coleta de sêmen por eletroejaculação em tatus-peba (Euphractus sexcinctus Linnaeus, 1758)

The aim was to verify the effects of different anesthetic protocols used during electroejaculation (EEJ) in six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus). Four sexually matured animals were physically restrained and subjected to semen collection by the EEJ following three treatments: The control group consisted of no use of anesthesia; in the others, the anesthetic combinations xylazine/ketamine/propofol or butorphanol/ ketamine/propofol were administered. For each group, twelve procedures were conducted for EEJ. Semen was evaluated for volume, color, aspect, motility, sperm concentration, morphology, viability, and functional membrane integrity. The highest efficiency (100% ejaculates) was achieved when the control group was used; the xylazine/ketamine/propofol association provided only 11 ejaculates from a total of 12 attempts (91.6% efficiency), while only 4 ejaculates (33% efficiency) were obtained with butorphanol/ketamine/propofol (P<0.05). Both protocols provided rapid induction and relaxation enough to perform the EEJ. In the use of butorphanol/ketamine/propofol, the animals recovered at 16.5±1.5min, a time shorter than in the use of xylazine/ketamine/propofol protocol, 20.7±1.0min (P>0.05). The semen volume and sperm concentration obtained in the use of xylazine/ketamine/propofol association were significantly higher than those verified for butorphanol/ketamine/propofol protocol. In conclusion, the xylazine/ketamine/propofol association is indicated for anesthesia of six-banded armadillos submitted to EEJ.(AU)

Objetivou-se verificar os efeitos de diferentes protocolos anestésicos usados durante a eletroejaculação (EEJ) em tatus-peba (Euphractus sexcinctus). Quatro animais sexualmente maduros foram contidos fisicamente e submetidos à coleta de sêmen por EEJ, seguindo três tratamentos: o grupo controle consistiu do não uso de anestesia; nos outros, foram administradas combinações anestésicas de xilazina/cetamina/propofol, ou butorfanol/cetamina/propofol. Para cada grupo, foram conduzidos 12 procedimentos de EEJ. O sêmen foi avaliado para volume, cor, aspecto, motilidade, concentração de espermatozoides, morfologia, viabilidade e integridade funcional da membrana. A mais alta eficiência (100% de ejaculados) foi alcançada quando o grupo controle foi utilizado; a associação de cetamina/xilazina/propofol forneceu apenas 11 ejaculados de um total de 12 tentativas (de eficiência 91,6%), enquanto apenas quatro ejaculados (eficiência de 33%) foram obtidos com butorfanol/cetamina/propofol (P<0,05). Ambos os protocolos forneceram rápida indução e relaxamento suficientes para executar a EEJ. Na utilização de butorfanol/cetamina/propofol, os animais se recuperaram em 16,5±1,5min, um tempo mais curto do que no uso de xilazina/cetamina/protocolo de propofol, 20,7±1,0min (P>0,05). O volume de sêmen e a concentração espermática obtidos no uso da associação xilazina/cetamina/propofol foram significativamente maiores do que os verificados para o protocolo butorfanol/cetamina/propofol. Em conclusão, a associação de cetamina/xilazina/propofol é indicada para anestesia de tatus-peba submetidos à EEJ.(AU)

Use of Non-invasive Methods for Evaluating the Testicular Biometry in Collared Peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two methods used to estimate testicular volume in the collared peccary. Calliper and ultrasonographic measurements of testicular dimensions (length, width and height) of both testes were taken on five adult collared peccaries. The testicular volume was calculated by Lambert's empiric formula: length (L) × width (W) × height (H) × 0.71, the formula of an ellipsoid L × W × H × 0.52, and Hansen's formula: L × W(2)  × 0.52. The calculated volumes were then compared with the actual ones, which were estimated by water displacement. The mean of true testicular volume was 22.65 ± 1.52 ml. Lambert's formula estimated testicular volume more accurately when ultrasound measurements were taken. However, when the calliper was the methodology used, the results were closest to the true volume, especially when Ellipsoid formula and Hansen's formula were applied, and underestimated the true volumes by 1.53 ± 1.75 ml and 1.53 ± 1.65 ml, respectively. This specific application of technologies in wild animals has the potential to revolutionize the selection process for the collared peccary entering artificial insemination or natural breeding programmes.

Comparison of different glycerol and egg yolk concentrations added to tris-based extender for the collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) semen freezing.

This study aimed to evaluate various concentrations of egg yolk (5, 10, or 20%) in combination with different concentrations of glycerol (3% or 6%) added to a Tris-based extender on the post-thaw characteristics of sperm obtained from Tayassu tajacu. For this purpose, semen from 10 sexually male mature collared peccaries was collected by electroejaculation and evaluated for sperm motility, vigour, viability, morphology and functional membrane integrity. The ejaculates were initially extended in Tris-fructose plus egg yolk (5%, 10% or 20%). After cooling, the semen was added to Tris-egg yolk plus glycerol (6% or 12%), resulting in a final concentration of 3% or 6% glycerol of the extender. Straws were frozen using liquid nitrogen and thawed in a water bath at 37°C for 30 s. The frozen-thawed semen was evaluated as reported for fresh semen. After thawing, a significant decrease was verified for sperm motility and vigour, for all the samples in comparison with fresh semen. However, no differences were evidenced among treatments for any sperm characteristics evaluated (p > 0.05), except for the combination between 10% egg yolk and 6% glycerol, which provided the worst preservation of functional membrane integrity (p < 0.05). The interactions between higher concentrations of egg yolk (20%) and glycerol (6%) and also between lower concentrations of the same substances (5% egg yolk and 3% glycerol) added to the Tris-based extender negatively affected the preservation of the normal sperm morphology after thawing (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of Tris-based extender added to 10% or 20% egg yolk plus 3% glycerol is recommended for effective sperm cryopreservation in collared peccaries.

Cryopreservation of collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) semen using a powdered coconut water (ACP-116c) based extender plus various concentrations of egg yolk and glycerol.

The objective was to determine the effectiveness of a powdered coconut water-based extender (ACP-116c), plus various concentrations of egg-yolk and glycerol, as an alternative for cryopreservation of collared peccary semen. Twelve ejaculates were obtained from captive adult males by electroejaculation, and evaluated for sperm motility, kinetic rating, viability, morphology, and functional membrane integrity. The ejaculates were apportioned into aliquots that were diluted in Tris plus 10% egg yolk and 3% glycerol, or in ACP-116c plus 10 or 20% egg yolk and 1.5 or 3% glycerol. Samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen and, after 1 mo, thawed at 37 °C for 1 min. After thawing, samples were evaluated as reported for fresh semen, and also for sperm membrane integrity (fluorescent probes) and kinematic parameters (computerized analysis). Results were presented as means ± SEM. Freezing and thawing decreased sperm characteristics relative to fresh semen. Overall, ACP-116c plus 20% egg yolk and 3% glycerol provided better (P < 0.05) sperm motility and kinetic rating (48 ± 6.1% and 2.8 ± 0.2, respectively) after thawing than Tris extender (30.4 ± 5.7% and 2.4 ± 0.2). However, there were no differences (P > 0.05) among treatments with regard to the other sperm characteristics. Based on computerized motion analysis, total (26.5 ± 5.9%) and progressive (8.1 ± 2.2%) motility were best preserved (P < 0.05) with the above-mentioned treatment. In conclusion, a coconut water-based extender, ACP-116c, plus 20% egg yolk and 3% glycerol, was effective for cryopreservation of semen from collared peccaries.

Influence of the thawing rate on the cryopreservation of semen from collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) using Tris-based extenders.

The objective was to evaluate the influence of the thawing rate on the quality of frozen-thawed (cryopreserved in Tris-based extenders) semen obtained from collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu). Semen from 13 sexually mature collared peccaries males were collected by electroejaculation, and evaluated for motility, vigor, sperm viability, membrane integrity, and sperm morphology. Semen was divided in two equal portions: the first was diluted in Tris-fructose and the other in Tris-glucose, with egg yolk (20%) and glycerol (3%) added to each portion. Extended semen was frozen in liquid nitrogen and thawed using two thawing protocols (37 degrees C for 1 min or 55 degrees C for 7 s, followed by an additional 30 s at 37 degrees C). There were no significant differences between the two extenders after extension, chilling, or glycerol addition. After thawing at 37 degrees C, there were 37.9 +/- 4.2% and 28.5 +/- 5.1% motile spermatozoa for samples extended in Tris-fructose and Tris-glucose, respectively, with 33.8 +/- 3.7% and 28.2 +/- 3.5% motile spermatozoa after thawing at 55 degrees C (no significant differences). Furthermore, there were no significant interactions between extenders and thawing protocols for any semen end point. In conclusion, semen from collared peccaries was successfully cryopreserved in Tris-based extenders and thawed with two protocols (37 degrees C for 1 min or 55 degrees C for 7 s).

Evaluation of anesthetic protocol for the collection of semen from captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) by electroejaculation.

The objective of this study is to verify and compare the effects of acepromazine-tiletamine-zolazepam and propofol used in anesthetic protocols for semen collection by electroejaculation from captive collared peccaries. Ten sexually mature animals were physically restrained and anesthetized by either intravenous administration of tiletamine-zolazepam (2mg/kg) after acepromazine premedication, or a propofol dose of 5mg/kg. The onset of anesthetic recovery was determined by the animals regaining consciousness and attempting to stand. Semen was collected by electroejaculation and evaluated for volume, pH, sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, percentage of live cells and functional membrane integrity. Six anesthetized animals with the acepromazine-tiletamine-zolazepam protocol showed erection, but semen could be collected in only four (40%) attempts. Of the animals anesthetized using propofol, nine showed erection, and the ejaculates were collected in eight (80%) attempts. Furthermore, propofol afforded rapid recovery of animals, and ejaculates with enhanced sperm motility and functional membrane integrity as compared with those collected by the other protocol (P<0.05). In conclusion, use of propofol for anesthetic restraint of collared peccaries enhanced collection of semen by electroejaculation.

Use of two anesthetic combinations for semen collection by electroejaculation from captive coatis (Nasua nasua).

The objective was to compare the effects of ketamine-xylazine or tiletamine-zolazepam combinations as anesthetic protocols for captive coatis (Nasua nasua) for semen collection by electroejaculation. Five mature male coatis were physically restrained and then anesthetized by im injections of ketamine (10mg/kg) plus xylazine (1mg/kg) or a tiletamine-zolazepam combination (8 mg/kg). For the two combinations, additional quarter-doses of ketamine or the tiletamine-zolazepam combination were administered when necessary. Semen was collected by electroejaculation and immediately evaluated for color, volume, pH, sperm motility, vigor, morphology, acrosomal integrity, and percentage of live cells. Overall, collection of nine ejaculates was attempted from five animals for each treatment. Regardless of the anesthetic combination, all animals developed an erection during each attempt to collect semen. Ejaculates were obtained in all (9 of 9) attempts that used ketamine-xylazine for anesthesia, but in only 3 of 9 attempts (P<0.05) when tiletamine-zolazepam was used. All ejaculates contained sperm, with no significant differences in semen characteristics between the two anesthetic combinations. Recovery was smooth in all animals. In conclusion, semen collection by electroejaculation in coatis was significantly more successful with the use of a ketamine-xylazine combination than with tiletamine-zolazepam.

Uso do propofol na indução anestésica de cutias (Dasyprocta sp.) / Use of propofol in the induction of anesthesia in agouti (Dasyprocta sp.)

Avaliou-se o emprego do propofol, por via intravenosa, como agente indutor anestésico em cutias (Dasyprocta sp), utilizando-se 10 fêmeas adultas, com pesos entre 1,5 a 2,0kg, criadas em cativeiro. Avaliaram-se as freqüências cardíaca e respiratória, a temperatura retal e a pressão arterial sistólica, antes da administração do propofol e logo após a anestesia dos animais. Foram mensurados o período hábil e de recuperação da anestesia. As médias das freqüências cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura retal e a pressão arterial sistólica basais foram de 220bcm, 92mrm, 38,95ºC e 110mmHg, respectivamente. Após a indução, as médias obtidas para essas variáveis foram de 214bcm, 84mrm, 39,05ºC e 80mmHg. As médias dos períodos hábil e de recuperação da anestesia foram de 10min e 45seg e 15min e 40seg, respectivamente. O propofol, quando utilizado em dose única, mostrou-se seguro, não alterando significativamente os parâmetros fisiológicos, podendo ser considerado um fármaco de escolha para a indução anestésica de cutias.

The endovenous use of propofol as inductor agent of anesthesia in agouti (Dasyprocta sp.) was evaluated using ten adut females, weighing 1.5 to 2.0kg, kept in captivity. Heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature, and systolic arterial blood pressure were measured before and after anesthesia. Time of anesthesia and time of recovering of the anesthesia were also measured. The averages of the heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature and the systolic blood pressure were 220bpm, 92mpm, 38.95ºC, and 110Hgmm, respectively. After the induction, the averages obtained for those variables were of 214bpm, 84mpm, 39.05ºC, and 80mmHg, respectively. The averages of the time of anesthesia and time of its recovery were 10min 45sec and 15min 40sec, respectively. Propofol when used in only one dose, was considered safe, since it did not disturbe the physiological parameters. Thus, propofol can be considered an alternative drug for anesthesia induction in agouti.