Increased frequency of pneumonia in dogs with meningioma in ventral rhombencephalon / Aumento da frequência de pneumonia em cães com meningioma em rombencéfalo ventral

Intracranial tumors occurring in specific brain regions, such as the cerebellopontine angle, may be associated with cranial nerve dysfunction and dysphagia in humans and animals. Although dysphagia is a known risk factor for pneumonia, only postoperative pneumonia has been investigated in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to describe the clinical and pathological features of dogs with untreated intracranial meningiomas and concomitant pneumonia. Data from post-mortem examination registries from 2011 to 2021 were used (n=23). The frequency of pneumonia and other characteristics were compared between dogs with meningiomas in the ventral rhombencephalon region (VR group; n=13) and those with meningiomas in other intracranial sites (OIS group; n=10). The frequency of pneumonia was higher in the VR group than in the OIS group (n=5 vs. n=0; P=0.039). Plaque-like lesions were also more common in the VR group than in the OIS group (P=0.012). Dogs with concomitant pneumonia had cerebellopontine angle (n=3) and basilar meningiomas (n=2), mainly plaque-like lesions extending to or from other brain areas. In dogs with concomitant pneumonia, meningiomas had invasive (n=5) and compressive (n=3) growth behaviors and nerve roots involved in the swallowing process were frequently affected. Microscopically, these meningiomas were classified as atypical (n=4) and meningiomas (n=1). The reported clinical signs included anorexia (n=3), adipsia (n=1), and dysphagia (n=1). Our findings suggest untreated dogs with ventral rhombencephalon meningiomas may develop cranial nerve damage and aspiration pneumonia.

Tumores intracranianos que ocorrem em regiões específicas do cérebro, como o ângulo ponto-cerebelar, podem estar associados à disfunção de nervos cranianos e disfagia em humanos e animais. Embora a disfagia seja um conhecido fator de risco para pneumonia, apenas a pneumonia pós-operatória tem sido investigada na medicina veterinária. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever as características clínicas e patológicas de cães com meningiomas intracranianos não tratados e pneumonia concomitante. Foram utilizados dados de registros de necropsias de 2011 a 2021. A frequência de pneumonia e outras características foram comparadas entre cães com meningiomas na região do rombencéfalo ventral (grupo VR; n=13) e aqueles com meningiomas em outros sítios intracranianos (grupo OIS; n=10). A frequência de pneumonia foi maior no grupo VR do que no grupo OIS (n=5 vs. n=0; P=0,039). Lesões tipo placa também foram mais comuns no grupo VR do que no grupo OIS (P=0,012). Cães com pneumonia concomitante apresentaram meningiomas no ângulo ponto-cerebelar (n=3) e região basilar (n=2), predominantemente lesões em forma de placa que se estendem de ou para outras áreas do cérebro. Em cães com pneumonia concomitante, os meningiomas apresentaram comportamentos de crescimento invasivo (n=5) e compressivo (n=3) e as raízes nervosas envolvidas no processo de deglutição foram frequentemente afetadas. Microscopicamente, esses meningiomas foram classificados como atípicos (n=4) e papilar (n=1). Os sinais clínicos relatados incluíram anorexia (n=3), adipsia (n=1) e disfagia (n=1). Nossos achados sugerem que cães com meningiomas no rombencéfalo ventral, não tratados, podem desenvolver lesão em nervos cranianos e pneumonia aspirativa.

Intralesional steroid injection after endoluminal esophageal stricture dilatation in a cat.

Background: Benign esophageal strictures arise from various etiologies, mostly severe esophagitis. Although endoscopic balloon dilation is still the first-line therapy, refractory or recurrent strictures do occur and remain a challenge to the endoluminal treatment. The aim of this report was to communicate a recurrent esophageal stricture resolution in a cat treated with balloon dilatation and steroid injections in Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Case Description: A 1-year-old spayed mix-breed female cat was consulted to the Veterinary Endoscopy Service for recurring regurgitation after two previous esophageal dilations. The cat had received doxycycline for Mycoplasma spp. infection and 20 days after the treatment consulted for dysphagia and regurgitation. Upper esophagogastroscopy (UGE) was performed with an Olympus CV-160 8.7 mm diameter endoscope; an annular 7 mm stricture was observed 3 cm caudal to the cranial esophagus sphincter. Three balloon dilatations procedures were performed with a Boston Scientific Controlled Radial Expansion (CRE) balloon 8-10-12 mm of 1 minute each. Because of ongoing clinical signs, another UGE was performed 15 days from the first procedure: a 3 mm stricture was encountered, balloon dilatation was repeated with 6-10-12 mm diameter, and a four-quadrant triamcinolone was injected in the submucosa. Clinically, the cat could eat with no alterations until day 20, where it started with mild dysphagia. Another UGE was performed, and the known stricture conserved a 11 mm diameter and balloon dilatation 12-15-16.5 mm with triamcinolone injection was repeated 30 days after the previous procedure. The cat could eat kibbles with no clinical signs in an 11-month follow-up. Conclusion: The alternative to triamcinolone injection after balloon dilatation presented in this clinical report was successful and it could be a therapeutic option for recurrent esophageal strictures in cats as it is in human medicine.

Fatal asphyxia due to laryngeal displacement by large-sized prey in a Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), Brazil / Asfixia por deslocamento laríngeo associado a consumo de presa de grande tamanho em boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis), Brasil

The Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) is a small odontocete distributed from Santa Catarina state, Brazil, to Honduras. Although it is currently considered “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, considerable knowledge on health and disease aspects of this species has been gained over the last decade. The main threats for the species are represented by multiple anthropic factors. Guiana dolphins feed on a variety of taxa, primarily teleosts, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Herein, we reported a case of severe laryngeal displacement and esophageal impaction with ulceration associated with a deglutted adult leatherjacket (Oligoplites sp.). This fish species is not a common prey item of Guiana dolphins diet. Severe upper aerodigestive compromise likely led to death by mechanical asphyxia (choke) in this dolphin. This report attested the occurrence of upper aerodigestive dysfunction due to overzealous feeding in Guiana dolphin and contributed to general knowledge on pathology of the species.(AU)

O boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis) é um pequeno odontoceto que ocorre desde o estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, até Honduras. Embora esta espécie seja considerada “quase ameaçada” pela União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza, um considerável conhecimento sobre diversos aspectos de saúde e doença nesta espécie foi adquirido na última década. As principais ameaças para a espécie são representadas por múltiplos fatores antrópicos. Os botos-cinza se alimentam de uma variedade de táxons, incluindo principalmente teleósteos, crustáceos e cefalópodes. No presente estudo relatamos um caso de deslocamento laríngeo grave e impactação esofágica com ulceração pela deglutição de um peixe adulto do gênero Oligoplites. Esta espécie de peixe não é um elemento comum da dieta dos botos-cinza. É possível que o comprometimento aerodigestivo grave tenha levado o animal à morte por asfixia mecânica. Este relato atesta a ocorrência de disfunção aerodigestiva superior devido à alimentação de tamanho excessivo por um boto-cinza, e contribui para o conhecimento geral de patologias na espécie.(AU)

Esophageal pythiosis in an ostrich (Struthio camelus) / Ptiose Esofágica em avestrus (Struthio camelus)

Uma avestruz-do-pescoço-vermelho, com dois anos de idade, apresentava um nódulo no terço médio do esôfago e foi submetida a procedimento cirúrgico. Histologicamente, observou-se uma área focalmente extensa de necrose estendendo-se da túnica mucosa à muscular, e, em algumas secções, à túnica adventícia. Circundando a área de necrose, observou-se uma reação inflamatória composta principalmente por granulócitos e macrófagos, associada à fibroplasia e neovascularização. Em meio às áreas de necrose e inflamação, verificavam-se numerosas imagens negativas de hifas em seções longitudinais e transversais, melhor apreciadas pela coloração de metenamina nitrato de prata de Grocott. O diagnóstico definitivo de infecção por Pythium insidiosum foi confirmado por imuno-histoquímica. A avestruz recebia água para consumo de um lago localizado em uma área de pastagem, no qual alguns cavalos haviam desenvolvido pitiose cutânea anteriormente.(AU)

Esophageal pythiosis in an ostrich (Struthio camelus) / Ptiose Esofágica em avestrus (Struthio camelus)

Uma avestruz-do-pescoço-vermelho, com dois anos de idade, apresentava um nódulo no terço médio do esôfago e foi submetida a procedimento cirúrgico. Histologicamente, observou-se uma área focalmente extensa de necrose estendendo-se da túnica mucosa à muscular, e, em algumas secções, à túnica adventícia. Circundando a área de necrose, observou-se uma reação inflamatória composta principalmente por granulócitos e macrófagos, associada à fibroplasia e neovascularização. Em meio às áreas de necrose e inflamação, verificavam-se numerosas imagens negativas de hifas em seções longitudinais e transversais, melhor apreciadas pela coloração de metenamina nitrato de prata de Grocott. O diagnóstico definitivo de infecção por Pythium insidiosum foi confirmado por imuno-histoquímica. A avestruz recebia água para consumo de um lago localizado em uma área de pastagem, no qual alguns cavalos haviam desenvolvido pitiose cutânea anteriormente.(AU)

The application prospects and development trends of orally disintegrating tablets to dogs / As perspectivas de aplicação de comprimidos com capacidade de desintegração por via oral aos cães

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) disintegrate rapidly in the mouth in seconds when placed at the tongue. The introduction of ODTs for dogs can address many needs, ranging from convenient dosing for dogs with dysphagia to extending life cycle of drugs. Now, different technologies are widely combined for developing ODTs. The combination makes ODTs have more properties, obtaining orally disintegrating sustained release tablets or orally disintegrating enteric tablets or enhancing the dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs and so on. The aim of this article is to give a comprehensive prospect to the application of ODTs to dogs, including ideal properties of drugs, indications of ODTs, considerations in developing ODTs and development trends of ODTs for dogs.

Os comprimidos de desintegração oral (ODTs) se desintegram rapidamente na boca em questão de segundos, quando colocados na língua. A introdução de ODTs para cães pode resolver muitas necessidades, que vão desde a dosagem conveniente para cães com disfagia à extensão do ciclo de vida de drogas. Hoje, diferentes tecnologias são amplamente usadas para desenvolver ODTs. A combinação torna ODTs com mais propriedades e obter comprimidos de desintegração oral de libertação sustentada ou comprimidos de desintegração oral entéricos ou melhorar a velocidade de dissolução e biodisponibilidade de drogas pouco solúveis em água e assim por diante. O objetivo deste artigo é dar uma perspectiva abrangente para a aplicação de ODTs para cães, incluindo a indicação das ODTs, considerações em ODTs em desenvolvimento, desenvolvimentos de ODTs para cães.

The application prospects and development trends of orally disintegrating tablets to dogs / As perspectivas de aplicação de comprimidos com capacidade de desintegração por via oral aos cães

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) disintegrate rapidly in the mouth in seconds when placed at the tongue. The introduction of ODTs for dogs can address many needs, ranging from convenient dosing for dogs with dysphagia to extending life cycle of drugs. Now, different technologies are widely combined for developing ODTs. The combination makes ODTs have more properties, obtaining orally disintegrating sustained release tablets or orally disintegrating enteric tablets or enhancing the dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs and so on. The aim of this article is to give a comprehensive prospect to the application of ODTs to dogs, including ideal properties of drugs, indications of ODTs, considerations in developing ODTs and development trends of ODTs for dogs.(AU)

Os comprimidos de desintegração oral (ODTs) se desintegram rapidamente na boca em questão de segundos, quando colocados na língua. A introdução de ODTs para cães pode resolver muitas necessidades, que vão desde a dosagem conveniente para cães com disfagia à extensão do ciclo de vida de drogas. Hoje, diferentes tecnologias são amplamente usadas para desenvolver ODTs. A combinação torna ODTs com mais propriedades e obter comprimidos de desintegração oral de libertação sustentada ou comprimidos de desintegração oral entéricos ou melhorar a velocidade de dissolução e biodisponibilidade de drogas pouco solúveis em água e assim por diante. O objetivo deste artigo é dar uma perspectiva abrangente para a aplicação de ODTs para cães, incluindo a indicação das ODTs, considerações em ODTs em desenvolvimento, desenvolvimentos de ODTs para cães.(AU)

Dysphagia secondary to Spirocerca lupi in a German shepherd dog

Background: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode that causes nodules in the esophagus and aortic aneurysms in dogs. Animals are infected by eating intermediate host (beetle) containing infective larvae or consuming viscera containing parasitic cysts from paratenic hosts. Dogs commonly have a subclinical presentation, but the most common signs are vomiting and regurgitation. Visualizing nodules or neoplastic masses via esophagoscopy and the presence of S. lupi eggs in feces are the best diagnostic methods. Milbemycin oxime is effective as a treatment for S. lupi. The objective of this study was to describe the diagnostic and medical management of a patient with dysphagia secondary to esophageal S. lupi nodules.Case: A 7-year-old male German shepherd dog was referred for endoscopic examination. The animal presented with chronic severe dysphagia and weight loss with a presumptive diagnosis of an esophageal foreign body. At palpation of the neck, the dog was painful just dorsal to the cricoid cartilage and had submandibular lymphadenomegaly. The animal also exhibited a dropped jaw which could be returned to its normal position by manipulation. Radiographic examination demonstrated a radiopaque image compatible with a mass in the cranial esophagus just caudal to the upper esophageal sphincter. A fluoroscopy study was performed and confirmed the presence of a mass apparently within the [...](AU)

Dysphagia secondary to Spirocerca lupi in a German shepherd dog

Background: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode that causes nodules in the esophagus and aortic aneurysms in dogs. Animals are infected by eating intermediate host (beetle) containing infective larvae or consuming viscera containing parasitic cysts from paratenic hosts. Dogs commonly have a subclinical presentation, but the most common signs are vomiting and regurgitation. Visualizing nodules or neoplastic masses via esophagoscopy and the presence of S. lupi eggs in feces are the best diagnostic methods. Milbemycin oxime is effective as a treatment for S. lupi. The objective of this study was to describe the diagnostic and medical management of a patient with dysphagia secondary to esophageal S. lupi nodules.Case: A 7-year-old male German shepherd dog was referred for endoscopic examination. The animal presented with chronic severe dysphagia and weight loss with a presumptive diagnosis of an esophageal foreign body. At palpation of the neck, the dog was painful just dorsal to the cricoid cartilage and had submandibular lymphadenomegaly. The animal also exhibited a dropped jaw which could be returned to its normal position by manipulation. Radiographic examination demonstrated a radiopaque image compatible with a mass in the cranial esophagus just caudal to the upper esophageal sphincter. A fluoroscopy study was performed and confirmed the presence of a mass apparently within the [...]

Outcome of adult horses with botulism treated at a veterinary hospital: 92 cases (1989-2013).

BACKGROUND: There are no studies evaluating a large population of adult horses treated for botulism. Reported survival rates in outbreak situations are low; however, many horses in outbreaks do not receive treatment. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: That adult horses treated at a veterinary hospital would have improved survival compared to outbreak situations. Additional aims included identification of predictors of nonsurvival. ANIMALS: All horses greater than 6 months of age with a final diagnosis of botulism admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital between 1989 and 2013 were included. METHODS: Retrospective study. Historical, admission, and hospitalization data were retrieved from medical records and associations between variables and nonsurvival were identified using logistic regression. Two multivariable models were developed pertaining to (1) information available at admission and (2) clinical findings during hospitalization. RESULTS: Ninety-two records met inclusion criteria. Retained variables for the two models indicated that higher rectal temperature (OR, 1.94; CI, 1.19-3.17) and dysphagia (OR, 4.04; CI, 1.01-16.17) observed at admission increased the odds of survival, as did treatment with antitoxin (OR, 121.30; CI, 9.94-1,480.65). Horses with abnormal respiratory effort or inability to stand had decreased odds of survival. Overall survival was 48% but was significantly higher (67%, P = .011) for horses that arrived standing, and even higher (95%, P < .001) for horses that remained able to stand throughout hospitalization. Complications occurred in 62% of horses but were not associated with nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Horses that lose the ability to stand have a poor chance of survival. Complications are common in treated horses but do not reduce survival.

Associação de sulfato de vincristina e Propionibacterium acnes no tratamento de papilomatose oral canina relato de caso / Association of vincristine sulfate and Propionibacterium acnes in treatment of canine oral papillomatosis - case report

The oral papillomatosis is a benign epithelial neoplasm of viral etiology that affects mainly young and immunosuppressed animals, characterized by the development of proliferative masses called papillomas. The therapy of this disease is controversial and there isnt a highly effective treatment protocol yet. This study aims to report the use of a therapeutic protocol involving vincristine sulfate to immunostimulatory the basis of Propionibacterium acnes and liposaccharides of Escherichia coli in the treatment of oral papillomatosis in a dog. The treatment protocol consisted of weekly administration of vincristine intravenously starting at a dose of 0,025mg/kg; 0.035 mg/kg during the second week; and then 0.05mg/kg. P. acnes has administered at a dose of 1 ml intramuscularly according to the manufacturer"s indications (1 ml/10 kg) every 15 days. From the third week, there was the beginning of the involution of papillomas that were gradually receding until complete resolution of the disease in three months. In this case, the using therapy proved effective, since it has provided a cure of the disease. Thus, this therapeutic protocol may be an alternative for cases refractory to usual therapy with Thuya occidentalis.

A papilomatose oral é uma neoplasia epitelial benigna de etiologia viral que acomete, principalmente, animais jovens e imunossuprimidos, sendo caracterizada pelo desenvolvimento de massas proliferativas denominadas de papilomas. A terapia dessa enfermidade é assunto controverso, e até o momento, não há um protocolo terapêutico altamente eficaz. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a utilização de um protocolo terapêutico associando Sulfato de vincristina ao imunoestimulante a base de Propionibacterium acnes e lipossacarideos de Escherichia coli no tratamento de papilomatose oral em um cão. O protocolo terapêutico consistiu na administração semanal de vincristina por via intravenosa, iniciando com a dose de 0,025mg/kg; 0,035mg/kg na segunda semana; e, posteriormente, 0,05mg/kg. O P. acnes foi administrado na dose de 1ml por via intramuscular, segundo a indicação do fabricante (1ml/10kg), a cada 15 dias. A partir da terceira semana, observou-se o início da involução dos papilomas, que foram regredindo progressivamente até a resolução completa da doença em três meses. No presente caso, a terapia empregada mostrou ser eficaz, uma vez que proporcionou a cura da doença. Dessa maneira, esse protocolo terapêutico pode ser uma alternativa para casos refratários à terapia usual com Thuya occidentalis.

Associação de sulfato de vincristina e Propionibacterium acnes no tratamento de papilomatose oral canina relato de caso / Association of vincristine sulfate and Propionibacterium acnes in treatment of canine oral papillomatosis - case report

The oral papillomatosis is a benign epithelial neoplasm of viral etiology that affects mainly young and immunosuppressed animals, characterized by the development of proliferative masses called papillomas. The therapy of this disease is controversial and there isnt a highly effective treatment protocol yet. This study aims to report the use of a therapeutic protocol involving vincristine sulfate to immunostimulatory the basis of Propionibacterium acnes and liposaccharides of Escherichia coli in the treatment of oral papillomatosis in a dog. The treatment protocol consisted of weekly administration of vincristine intravenously starting at a dose of 0,025mg/kg; 0.035 mg/kg during the second week; and then 0.05mg/kg. P. acnes has administered at a dose of 1 ml intramuscularly according to the manufacturer"s indications (1 ml/10 kg) every 15 days. From the third week, there was the beginning of the involution of papillomas that were gradually receding until complete resolution of the disease in three months. In this case, the using therapy proved effective, since it has provided a cure of the disease. Thus, this therapeutic protocol may be an alternative for cases refractory to usual therapy with Thuya occidentalis.(AU)

A papilomatose oral é uma neoplasia epitelial benigna de etiologia viral que acomete, principalmente, animais jovens e imunossuprimidos, sendo caracterizada pelo desenvolvimento de massas proliferativas denominadas de papilomas. A terapia dessa enfermidade é assunto controverso, e até o momento, não há um protocolo terapêutico altamente eficaz. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a utilização de um protocolo terapêutico associando Sulfato de vincristina ao imunoestimulante a base de Propionibacterium acnes e lipossacarideos de Escherichia coli no tratamento de papilomatose oral em um cão. O protocolo terapêutico consistiu na administração semanal de vincristina por via intravenosa, iniciando com a dose de 0,025mg/kg; 0,035mg/kg na segunda semana; e, posteriormente, 0,05mg/kg. O P. acnes foi administrado na dose de 1ml por via intramuscular, segundo a indicação do fabricante (1ml/10kg), a cada 15 dias. A partir da terceira semana, observou-se o início da involução dos papilomas, que foram regredindo progressivamente até a resolução completa da doença em três meses. No presente caso, a terapia empregada mostrou ser eficaz, uma vez que proporcionou a cura da doença. Dessa maneira, esse protocolo terapêutico pode ser uma alternativa para casos refratários à terapia usual com Thuya occidentalis.(AU)

Analysis of the relationship between occlusal and clinical parameters and the need for incisor reduction in confined horses: a retrospective study / Análise da relação entre parâmetros oclusais e clínicos e a necessidade de redução de incisivos em equinos estabulado: estudo retrospectivo

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between occlusal and clinical parameters and the need for incisor shortening in horses. It was based on the retrospective analysis of the dental charts of 75 confined horses. Body condition score, shape of incisors, presence of dysmastication, excursion to molar contact (EMC) distance before and after cheek teeth occlusal adjustment were evaluated. History of difficult to riding, dysmastication and digestive problems was also considered. The initial measurement of lateral excursion to molar contact (EMC) revealed incisor occlusal surface abnormalities in 45 (60%) horses and long incisors (EMC>15mm) in five (6.6%) horses. Considering clinical examination and history data the need for reduction of incisor length was significant when EMC exceeded 15mm (P 0.0001) and when based on dental shape, clinical history of dysmastication and/or digestive problems or body condition score was also significant (P 0.05). In confined horses, the decision to shorten and align the incisor teeth should be based on observation and history of dysmastication and digestive problems, body condition score, incisors shape and EMC distance. The need for incisor reduction should be determined before dental intervention and reassessed following cheek teeth oclusal adjustment.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação entre parâmetros clínicos e oclusais e a necessidade de redução de dentes incisivos de equinos. Este estudo foi baseado na análise retrospectiva dos odontogramas de 75 cavalos estabulados. Foram analisados o escore corpóreo, o formato dos incisivos, a presença de disfagia, a extensão da excursão lateral da mandíbula no ponto de início do contato molar (ELCM) antes e após o ajuste oclusal molar / pré-molar (M/PM). Foram considerados os históricos de dificuldades de equitação, problemas digestórios e mastigatórios. O exame inicial revelou anormalidade de oclusão em 45 (60%) equinos e incisivos longos (ELCM>15mm) em 5(6,6%). Após o ajuste oclusal M/PM, mais 14 (18,6%) equinos apresentaram ELCM >15mm. Considerando-se os parâmetros oclusais e clínicos em conjunto, foi significante a necessidade de redução dos incisivos quando a ELCM foi maior que 15mm (P 0.0001). A análise individual da presença de distúrbios de oclusão de incisivos, do escore corpóreo magro e regular, da presença e histórico de disfagia e do histórico de dificuldades na condução a necessidade de redução de incisivos com ELCM>15mm foi significante (P 0.05). A decisão de redução do tamanho de dentes incisivos em cavalos confinados deve ser baseada na observação e histórico de disfagia e problemas digestórios, escore corpóreo, formato dos incisivos e na extensão da ELMC. A necessidade de redução dos incisivos deve ser determinada antes e reavaliada após o ajuste oclusal molar/pré-molar.(AU)

Megaesôfago em suínos / Megaesophagus in Swines

Background: Megaesophagus is a disease characterized by widespread dilation of the esophagus, with partial or total loss of the organ peristalsis, produced by a neuromuscular disorder and it can be present as manifestation of several diseases. The most common sign on animals is the regurgitation, which usually happens right after the ingestion of solids. The diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and radiographic exam, where it is possible to observe a contrasted and extensive esophagus. The clinical treatment consists of small semi-solid or liquid meals served in small amounts, with the animal in elevated position. This work reports a swine megaesophagus, occurred in one of the animals housed in the Sector of Clinic and Reproduction of Swine of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, Brazil.. Case: A male swine, six months of age was housed in the center of artificial insemination, showing some adaptation difficulties to the new facilities, climate, as well as feeding. A reduced feed intake was observed, however, without alterations behavioral or sanitary. The animal was trained progressively for semen collection, presenting eventually regurgitation, which became more frequent with the insistence in feeding. Usually the reflux happened five to ten minutes after the ingestion of ration and/or water, with variable volume, texture and aspect similar to the saliva and pH varying from eight to nine. The animal kept normal appetite, however with slow and progressive loss weigh. It was submitted to endoscopy and contrast radiographic study, leading to megaesophagus confirmation. After the diagnostic, it was suggested the hypothesis that the pathology was developed due to a serious stressful situations of adaptation imposed to the animal, which might contributed triggering the process. Discussion: Megaesophagus is characterized basically by dilation and increase of the organ, peristaltism absence, presence of tertiary contractions and the absence of total or partial inferior sphincter relaxation. These changes could lead to dysphagia that, consequently could compromise the nutritional state. Besides regurgitation, loss weight and anormal development, it is possible to observe cough, mucoid and purulent nasal discharge, as well as dyspnea with pneumonia due to the concomitant aspiration. Among the clinical signs presented by the animal, it is possible to report the regurgitation time in variable frequencies and the loss weight. The diagnosis performed in this animal was based on observation of clinical signs and radiographic exam, where it was possible to visualize a dilated esophagus. The treatments in cases like this usually are in order to provide support conditions or through surgical procedures. The first is characterized by changes on animal management practices, besides the utilization of drugs such as antibiotics, prokinetic and antacids. By the other hand the surgical methods are supported by several techniques, such as the esophagus-diaphragmatic cardioplasty, Heller myotomy, associated to fundoplication. Some animals with congenital idiopathic megaesophagus are able to recover themselves while the ones which are acquired are irreversible. Regarding to the secondary megaesophagus, once the cause is removed the animal has chance of recovering. Therefore, the prognostic for secondary and congenital megaesophagus range from reserved to favorable, while for the acquired cases it is not favorable (as this case report).

Guttural pouch diseases causing neurologic dysfunction in the horse.

The close relationship between guttural pouches, cranial nerves, and sympathetic structures make neurologic abnormalities due to diseases of the guttural pouches (especially mycosis) possible. Recognition of epistaxis or mucopurulent nasal discharge, together with signs of dysfunction of the cranial nerves in contact with the guttural pouches, are important key points in order to consider a comprehensive evaluation of these structures and further definitive diagnosis. Diseases of the guttural pouches can also cause signs such as dysphagia, abnormal soft palate positioning, laryngeal paralysis, and Horner syndrome due to lesions in one or more of the cranial nerves or sympathetic structures involved with these functions. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment.