Reconstruction of large scalp defect in a brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans): A case report.

This case report describes different repair techniques used to reconstruct a large scalp defect in a brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) hit by a vehicle. Three reconstructive procedures were performed in two surgical stages. The repair techniques had successful outcomes on the patient's rehabilitation.

Psoralges libertus mite infestation in Tamandua tetradactyla: a 127-year gap in the literature due to scarcity of reports.

This study addresses the report of Psoralges libertus mite infestations in Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) after a 127-year gap in the literature, detailing clinical conditions, histopathological findings, and mite identification via morphology. The research broadens our understanding of mite habitats, highlighting challenges in managing parasitic health in free-ranging and captive animals. It underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance for conservation and public health, including potential zoonotic concerns. A P. libertus report in T. tetradactyla after over a century highlights the scarcity of publications on mite-induced mange in this mammalian species. Investigating potential P. libertus' impacts on tamanduas' well-being necessitates further research, particularly regarding pathogenicity, agent epidemiology, and host interaction. This study enhances our comprehension of parasite-host interactions and their relevance to wildlife conservation.

Radiographically guided femoral neck osteosynthesis with cannulated compressive titanium screw and anti-rotational component in a Brown Howler Monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans).

A Brown Howler Monkey presented with a femoral neck fracture was successfully treated with a cannulated compressive screw and an anti-rotational component inserted with radiographically guided technique. Complete bone consolidation and functional recovery were observed 9 weeks after the surgery, and the monkey was released to his place of origin.

Hybridization in Canids-A Case Study of Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) Hybrid.

Hybridization between species with different evolutionary trajectories can be a powerful threat to wildlife conservation. Anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture and livestock, have led to the degradation and loss of natural habitats for wildlife. Consequently, the incidence of interspecific hybridization between wild and domestic species has increased, although cases involving species of different genera are rare. In Vacaria, a Southern city in Brazil, a female canid with a strange phenotype, which had characteristics between the phenotype of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and that of the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), was found. Our analysis suggests that the animal is a hybrid between a domestic dog and a pampas fox, but future studies are necessary to investigate additional cases of this hybridization in nature. This finding worries for the conservation of wild canids in South America, especially concerning Lycalopex species. Hybridization with the domestic dog may have harmful effects on pampas fox populations due to the potential for introgression and disease transmission by the domestic dog. Therefore, future studies to explore the consequences of hybridization on genetics, ecology, and behavior of wild populations will be essential to improve the conservation of this species.

Subtotal Cervical Esophagectomy and Anastomosis in an Ostrich (Struthio camelus domesticus).

An adult, female, captive ostrich (Struthio camelus domesticus) was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for a 2-week history of lethargy and a mass effect in the proximal cervical region. Physical examination revealed a fistula in the middle cervical esophagus surrounded by devitalized and necrotic tissue; feed material was found leaking from the site. Cervical radiography identified an esophageal stricture with anterior dilation due to the accumulation of feed. After receiving supportive care for 48 hours, the patient's overall status improved, allowing partial esophagectomy and resection of the affected tissues with end-to-end anastomosis. Postoperative management included fasting for 24 hours, followed by the administration of a liquid hand-rearing formula prepared with commercially available ostrich feed and administered via a feeding tube for 15 days. Proper healing of the surgical site was confirmed by esophagoscopy using a flexible endoscope 17 days after surgery. The ostrich was discharged after 27 days, with no complications recorded within the 180 days of the follow-up period. Partial cervical esophagectomy with end-to-end anastomosis along with pre- and postoperative management provided a successful outcome for the treatment of a fistulated esophageal stricture in a captive ostrich, resulting in full recovery without surgical complications.

Molecular survey of hemotropic mycoplasmas in crab-eating raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus) in southern Brazil.

Hemoplasmas are non-cultivable bacterial parasites of erythrocytes that infect domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Their means of transmission and pathogenesis remain contentious issues and difficult to evaluate in wild animals. Procyon cancrivorus is a South American carnivore and occurs in all Brazilian biomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate occurrences of hemoplasmas infecting P. cancrivorus and to identify their 16S rRNA gene, in southern Brazil. DNA was extracted from spleen and blood samples of P. cancrivorus (n = 9) from different locations. Hemoplasma DNA was detected in six samples, based on 16S rRNA gene amplification and phylogenetic analysis. Four of the six sequences belonged to the "Mycoplasma haemofelis group", which is closely related to genotypes detected in Procyon lotor from the USA; one was within the "Mycoplasma suis group", closely related to "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum"; and one was within the intermediate group between these clusters. Thus, these sequences showed that the molecular identity of hemoplasmas in the population studied was very variable. In five positive animals, Amblyomma aureolatum ticks and a flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) were collected. The present study describes the first molecular detection of mycoplasmas in P. cancrivorus.

Minimally Invasive Arthrodesis of the Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Biomechanical Comparison of Three 5.5-mm Cortical Screws Inserted in Lag Fashion and Two 7.0-mm Headless Cannulated Dual-Pitch Compression Screws.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of two minimally invasive arthrodesis techniques of the equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (three transarticular 5.5-mm cortical screws [AO-3TLS] vs. two transarticular 7.0-mm headless cannulated multi-use compression screws [MUC-2TS]) in dynamic non-destructive testing and compression testing to failure. STUDY DESIGN: The experimental study included six pairs of cadaveric adult equine forelimbs; one limb from each horse was randomly assigned to one of the treatments, and the contralateral limb was submitted to the remaining treatment. The dynamic test was performed alternating non-destructive compression tests at a displacement rate of 5 mm/min up to 5,000 N and sinusoidal compressive cyclic tests at 6 Hz, using a 3,600-N amplitude for 8,550 cycles. Construct stiffness and maximum sagittal plane rotation about the PIP joint markers were determined during the dynamic test. After the dynamic test reached 136,800 cycles, the monotonic compressive test until failure was performed on each construct: load, displacement and sagittal plane rotation about the PIP joint marker at failure were analysed. RESULTS: The evaluated biomechanical properties showed no statistical difference between the AO-3TLS and MUC-2TS treatment groups in any of the ramps of the dynamic non-destructive test and in the compression loading until failure test. CONCLUSION: The MUC-2TS treatment produced biomechanical properties equivalent to the AO-3TLS treatment for PIP joint arthrodesis.

Emergence of Mansonella sp. in free-ranging primates in southern Brazil.

Mansonellosis is a neglected and emerging tropical disease. Among all zoonotic filarial diseases, it is probably the most prevalent and least studied, with approximately 114 million people infected. The parasites of Mansonella spp. are among the most common blood parasitemias and are widely found in Africa and Latin America. Through molecular analysis of blood samples from free-ranging primates Sapajus nigritus (n 33) and Alouatta guariba clamitans (n 5) in the southern states of Brazil (Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul), we identified samples positive for Mansonella perstans in two specimens of A. guariba clamitans. A fragment of 578 bp from the ITS intergenic region (5.8S-ITS2-28S) was targeted for an initial PCR screening. Subsequently, positive samples were subjected to other PCR assays targeting a fragment of the 12S and the 18S genes. This is the first record of molecular detection of the agent in this host in the Pampa Biome. With a wide distribution across Brazil and Argentina, these primates may represent a potential wild reservoir for the zoonotic agent of mansonellosis. Entomological and transmission studies are essential to avoid the urbanization of mansonellosis and to understand the cycles of agents in different environmental scenarios.

Rickettsia amblyommatis-infected Amblyomma coelebs parasitizing a human traveler in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, after returning from the Amazon.

With increased national and international transportation, humans as well as domestic and wild animals are able to get from one end to the other within hours, accidently carrying transboundary vectors and pathogens. We report here, the introduction of Amblyomma coelebs in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil, via a man travelling to the Carajás National Forest in the state of Pará (2661 km away). Upon return to his residence in Porto Alegre, RS, he realized that he was parasitized by one tick. The tick was identified as a nymph of Amblyomma sp., placed in a Biological Oxygen Demand incubator, and after ecdysis was identified as a male of Amblyomma coelebs. The tick's DNA was screened for Rickettsia spp., where Rickettsia amblyommatis DNA was detected. The parasitized man was seropositive to spotted fever group rickettsiae, by immunofluorescence assay, in a single serum sample collected 45 days after the tick-bite. Amblyomma coelebs is found in some Brazilian states, but Parana is the southernmost state in Brazil where it occurs. This species has already been reported to carry some species of Rickettsia, including species of the spotted fever group. It may risk public health if established in Rio Grande do Sul, with the introduction of tick and pathogenic rickettsias.

Can the training regimen influence night time physical activity in racehorses?

Physical activity has been widely investigated in horses to elucidate locomotion characteristics and behavior. However, research in real environment of training stables is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of training regimen on night time physical activity of racehorses. Physical activities of twenty animals were monitored during the night time using accelerometers. The animals were compared in terms of training regimen: horses subjected to training on continual days, and horses subjected to training on intermittent days; age and sex were also considered. The variables analyzed were: counts per minute, percentage of time in (sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous) physical activity. Statistical analysis was performed by the PROCGLM procedure (ANOVA) and the means were calculated by Tukey's test. The training regimen impacts the physical activity of thoroughbreds. The mean counts per minute showed a higher physical activity in the intermittent trained animals in relation with continuously trained animals. The continuously trained animals presented a greater percentage of time in sedentary physical activity than those intermittent trained. However, intermittently trained horses spent a larger percentage of time in moderate and vigorous physical activity, in comparison with continuously trained animals. In conclusion, racehorses subject to training on continual days have lower physical activity in the night time than those that train on intermittent days.

Fibular and metatarsal osteosynthesis in a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans).

Here we describe a successful surgical management of a distal fibular fracture combined with a tarsocrural luxation and multiple metatarsal fractures in the left foot of a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans). We achieved satisfactory outcome by applying intramedullary pinning for each of the bone fractures and closed reduction of joint luxation-kept in place only by bone alignment, without further ligament reconstruction. Bone healing occurred uneventfully within eight weeks and the monkey's foot regained its normal function. Therefore, we could properly release the patient back into the wild.

Clinical and pathological aspects of first report of Tunga penetrans infestation on southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tungiasis is a neglected neotropical disease caused by penetration of Tunga spp. into the skin of the host. METHODS: Two primates were rescued from nearby different indigenous villages, and the clinical, pathological, and parasitological features of tungiasis were described. Flea identification occurred through their morphometry and was confirmed with the use of a dichotomous key. RESULTS: Monkey 1 was parasitized by 23 sand fleas and, after treatment, was assigned to the animal rehabilitation center. Monkey 2 was in poor body condition and died shortly after clinical examination. At necropsy, this primate was parasitized by 26 specimens of sand fleas. CONCLUSIONS: Both animals altered their tree behavior by staying on the ground for long periods. This parasitic relationship implies the possibility of enlargement of the sand flea dispersion. Thus, this is the first record of Tunga penetrans occurrence in wild Alouatta guariba clamitans.

Pupipara (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) in wild birds attended at a rehabilitation center in southern Brazil.

The hippoboscids are cosmopolitan permanent obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of birds, domestic and wild mammals and, occasionally, humans. Some species may act as vectors or hosts of etiological pathogenic agents. The aims of this study were to report on the first cases of Hippoboscidae in Crax blumenbachii and Parabuteo unicinctus; to provide new reports from Brazil on Tyto furcata and Asio stygius parasitized by Icosta americana; to report on individuals of Bubo virginianus, Falco sparverius and Accipiter striatus parasitized by genera Ornithoctona; and to provide new reports on parasitism of O. erythrocephala in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The birds of prey and C. blumenbachii were attended at a rehabilitation center in Porto Alegre and at a veterinary hospital in Cruz Alta. These new records demonstrate the huge gap that exists regarding studies on avian ectoparasites and highlight potential vectors of hemoparasites for the bird species studied.

Pupipara (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) in wild birds attended at a rehabilitation center in southern Brazil / Pupíparas (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) em Aves Silvestres Atendidas em Centro de Reabilitação no Sul do Brasil

Abstract The hippoboscids are cosmopolitan permanent obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of birds, domestic and wild mammals and, occasionally, humans. Some species may act as vectors or hosts of etiological pathogenic agents. The aims of this study were to report on the first cases of Hippoboscidae in Crax blumenbachii and Parabuteo unicinctus; to provide new reports from Brazil on Tyto furcata and Asio stygius parasitized by Icosta americana; to report on individuals of Bubo virginianus, Falco sparverius and Accipiter striatus parasitized by genera Ornithoctona; and to provide new reports on parasitism of O. erythrocephala in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The birds of prey and C. blumenbachii were attended at a rehabilitation center in Porto Alegre and at a veterinary hospital in Cruz Alta. These new records demonstrate the huge gap that exists regarding studies on avian ectoparasites and highlight potential vectors of hemoparasites for the bird species studied.

Resumo Os hipoboboscídeos são ectoparasitos hematófagos obrigatórios, permanentes e cosmopolitas de aves, mamíferos domésticos e silvestres e, ocasionalmente, humanos. Algumas espécies podem atuar como vetores ou hospedeiros de agentes patogênicos etiológicos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram relatar os primeiros casos de Hippoboscidae em Crax blumenbachii e Parabuteo unicinctus; fornecer novo relato do Brasil sobre Tyto furcata e Asio stygius parasitados por Icosta americana; relatar indivíduos de Bubo virginianus, Falco sparverius e Accipiter striatus parasitados pelo gênero Ornithoctona; e fornecer novos relatos sobre parasitismo de O. erythrocephala no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As aves de rapina e C. blumenbachii foram atendidas em um centro de reabilitação em Porto Alegre e em um hospital veterinário em Cruz Alta. Esses novos registros demonstram a enorme lacuna que existe em relação aos estudos sobre ectoparasitas aviários e destacam potenciais vetores de hemoparasitos para as espécies de aves estudadas.

Bacterial endocarditis and increased cardiac troponin I levels in a brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) with an interventricular septal defect.

A brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) was presented with lethargy, hyporexia, cough and heart murmur. The complementary tests and necropsy revealed pleuropneumonia, bacterial endocarditis and interventricular septal defect. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of increased cardiac troponin I levels in this species.

Laparoscopic-assisted prepubic urethrostomy: experimental model in rabbit / Uretrostomia pré-púbica vídeo-assistida: modelo experimental em coelhos

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to develop a laparoscopic-assisted prepubic urethorstomy (PPU) technique using rabbits as an experimental model. Six male New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) over six months old and weighing between 3 and 4kg (3.5kg ± 0.4) were used in this study. The animals underwent laparoscopic dissection of the pelvic urethra, which was then exposed for the laparoscopic-assisted urethrostomy procedure. The proposed model for training of laparoscopic-assisted PPU in rabbits was considered effective and feasible. It proved to be a simple technique even for surgeons under basic endosurgery skills training, with possibilities of employing the technique for the treatment of cats with loss of function of the distal urethra.

RESUMO: Este estudo objetivou o desenvolvimento de uma técnica de uretrostomia pré-púbica (UPP) vídeo-assistida, utilizando coelhos como modelo experimental. Foram utilizados seis coelhos Nova Zelândia (Oryctolagus cuniculus), machos, com peso médio de 3.5kg (± 0.4), com idade acima de seis meses. Os animais foram submetidos à dissecação laparoscópica da uretra pélvica e posterior exposição desta para a realização de uretrostomia vídeo-assistida. O modelo proposto para treinamento de UPP vídeo-assistida em coelho foi considerado eficaz e factível, mostrando-se uma técnica exequível mesmo por videocirurgiões iniciantes, havendo possibilidade de seu emprego no tratamento de gatos com perda na função da uretra distal.

Minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs administered two morphine doses / Concentração alveolar mínima do isoflurano em cães tratados com duas doses de morfina

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intramuscular 0.5mg kg-1 (MOR0.5) and 1.0mg kg-1 (MOR1.0) morphine premedication on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane (ISOMAC) in dogs. Eighteen client-owned female dogs were scheduled for elective ovariohysterectomy. Dogs received intramuscular MOR0.5 or MOR1.0 as premedication and propofol IV for induction of anesthesia. Isoflurane was delivered for maintenance of anesthesia and dogs were maintained under normocapnia and normothermia. Determinations of the ISOMAC were conducted by use of the "up-and-down" method. Noxious stimulus (placement of Backhaus towel clamps, a midline skin incision and subcutaneous tissue dissection) was delivered approximately 50 minutes after premedication with MOR0.5 or MOR1.0. The calculated ISOMAC was 0.98±0.15% in MOR0.5 and 0.80±0.08% in MOR1.0. The ISOMAC was significantly lower in MOR1.0 compared with MOR0.5 (P=0.010). Results of this study suggested that intramuscular premedication with morphine 0.5 and 1.0mg kg-1 decreases the ISOMAC in a dose-related manner in dogs.

RESUMO: O presente estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos da administração intramuscular de 0,5mg kg-1 (MOR0,5) ou 1,0mg kg-1 (MOR1,0) de morfina sobre a concentração alveolar mínima do isoflurano (CAMISO) em cães. Dezoito cadelas de proprietários foram agendadas para ovário-histerectomia eletiva. As cadelas receberam MOR0,5 ou MOR1,0, como medicação pré-anestésica, e propofol IV para indução da anestesia. A manutenção da anestesia foi realizada com isoflurano em condições de normocapnia a normotermia. A determinação da CAMISO foi conduzida de acordo com o método "up-and-down". O estímulo nociceptivo (colocação de pinças Backhaus, incisão da pele na linha média e dissecção de tecido subcutâneo) foi realizado aproximadamente 50 minutos após a administração de MOR0,5 ou MOR1,0. A CAMISO calculada foi 0,98±0,15% em MOR0,5 e 0,80±0,08% em MOR1,0. A CAMISO foi significativamente menor em MOR1,0 do que em MOR0,5 (P=0,010). Os resultados do estudo sugerem que a medicação pré-anestésica com morfina nas doses de 0,5 e 1,0mg kg-1, pela via intramuscular, resulta em redução dose-dependente na CAMISO em cães.

Caudoventral hip luxation in a miniature pig / Luxação caudoventral de quadril em um mini-pig

ABSTRACT: A miniature pig was examined because of left pelvic limb lameness after falling from a short height. Clinical examination and radiographs of the pelvic region revealed a left caudoventral hip luxation. Surgical reduction of luxation was performed on the patient under general anesthesia using a transarticular pinning technique. Postoperative radiographs confirmed that the luxation was reduced, the joint was aligned, and the transarticular pinning was correct. The transarticular pin was removed 21 days after it was surgically inserted. The limb was fully functional in the immediate postoperative period. Nine months after the surgery, the patient could use the limb properly, but mild degenerative joint disease was observed via radiographic follow-up. This technique may be a viable treatment option for the repair of caudoventral hip luxation in miniature pigs.

RESUMO: Um mini-pig foi atendido devido à claudicação do membro pélvico esquerdo após pequena queda. O exame clínico e radiografias da região pélvica revelaram uma luxação caudoventral de quadril no lado esquerdo. A redução cirúrgica da luxação foi realizada, com o paciente sob anestesia geral, usando um pino transarticular. As radiografias pós-operatórias confirmaram que a luxação foi reduzida, com alinhamento e fixação transarticular corretos. O pino transarticular foi removido cirurgicamente 21 dias após de ter sido inserido. O membro se tornou totalmente funcional já no período pós-operatório imediato. Nove meses após a cirurgia, o paciente utilizava o membro corretamente, porém foi detectada doença articular degenerativa leve através de acompanhamento radiográfico. A técnica empregada foi uma opção viável de tratamento para a reparação da luxação caudoventral de quadril em mini-pig.

Pedicle frozen autograft for limb sparing surgery in a dog with femoral osteosarcoma / Autoenxerto pedicular congelado para preservação do membro em um cão com osteossarcoma femoral

ABSTRACT: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumor diagnosed in dogs and represents approximately 85% of canine skeletal tumors. The most commonly employed therapy is amputation of the limb followed by chemotherapy. However, preservation of the afflicted limb has been successful for patients with concomitant neurological or orthopedic conditions, which are contraindications to the complete amputation, or with owners reluctant to the possibility of amputation. For these reasons, the purpose of this study was to describe the technical procedures that allowed limb salvage through the use of pedicle frozen grafts in a dog with femoral OSA. Surgical procedures consisted of a femoral diaphyseal osteotomy with tearing of the soft tissues; thus, creating a bone pedicle that was frozen in liquid nitrogen according to the protocol outlined by TSUCHIYA et al. (2005). Limb function remained satisfactory for six months.

RESUMO: Dentre os tumores ósseos que acometem os cães, o osteossarcoma (OSA) é o mais frequentemente diagnosticado e representa 85% das neoplasias de origem esquelética. A terapêutica comumente indicada é a amputação do membro, seguida de quimioterapia. No entanto, a preservação do membro afetado tem sido realizada em pacientes com afecções neurológicas ou ortopédicas concomitantes, que contraindicam a amputação radical ou em caso de tutores relutantes em aceitar a amputação. Em razão disso, o objetivo do presente trabalho é descrever a técnica de preservação de membro através de pedículo congelado em nitrogênio líquido em um cão com osteossarcoma de fêmur. A técnica cirúrgica empregada consistiu na osteotomia diafisária do fêmur, com divulsão dos tecidos moles, criando assim o pedículo ósseo que foi congelado em nitrogênio líquido, seguindo o protocolo realizado por TSUCHIYA et al. (2005). O cão permaneceu com a função satisfatória do membro por um período de seis meses.