The crested caracara (Caracara plancus) eye: Morphologic observations and results of selected diagnostic tests.

PURPOSE: To provide a descriptive investigation about relevant features of the crested caracara's eye (Caracara plancus) and bony orbit, as well as provide data for ophthalmic tests. METHODS: Morphological observations and the following diagnostic tests were performed: Schirmer tear test (STT), conjunctival flora evaluation, corneal touch threshold (CTT), intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), B-mode ocular biometry, palpebral fissure length (PFL), and corneal diameter (CD) in 19 healthy birds, plus two macerated skulls. Not all birds were used for each test. RESULTS: STT: 7.84 ± 3.05 mm/min; CTT: 2.46 ± 1.10 cm; IOP: 19.18 ± 3.07 mmHg; CCT: 0.31 ± 0.02 mm; PFL: 13.32 ± 1.06 mm; CD: 10.26 ± 2.43 mm; Axial globe length: 1.89 ± 0.06 cm; Anterior chamber depth: 0.27 ± 0.06 cm; Lens axial length: 4.55 ± 0.06 cm; Vitreous chamber depth: 1.2 ± 0.07 cm. The most frequent conjunctival bacterial isolates were Corynebacterium sp. (10/23.8%), Staphylococcus sp. (9/21.42%), Streptococcus sp. (7/16.6%), and E. coli (7/16.66%). The large lateral part of the palatine bone likely plays a role in the ventral protection of the globe against the impact of prey. Observed results are generally reflective of increased body mass compared to other Falconiformes, with values approaching those of similar sized Accipitriformes. CONCLUSIONS: These data may help veterinarians recognize peculiar morphologic features and perform a more accurate diagnosis of eye diseases of this avian species.

Ultrasound-guided modified subcostal transversus abdominis plane block and influence of recumbency position on dye spread in equine cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate an ultrasound-guided modified subcostal approach for the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in horse cadavers in lateral or dorsal recumbency. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, experimental cadaveric study. ANIMALS: Study of one preserved foal and eight fresh adult horse cadavers. METHODS: The lateral and ventral abdominal wall of a preserved cadaver was dissected to identify the muscles and nerves. A unilateral standard TAP block technique was performed (60 mL of methylene blue dye-bupivacaine) on a fresh cadaver in right lateral recumbency. A modified subcostal technique was performed on the opposite side using a linear ultrasound transducer and in-plane approach. Injection points (two 30 mL dye) were at the level of the TAP (between the rectus abdominis and transversus abdominis muscles and ventral to the cutaneous trunci muscle) perpendicular to: 1) the mid-point between the xiphoid cartilage and umbilical scar; and 2) at a point between the caudal and middle thirds of the abdomen measured from the first injection point to the umbilical scar. The modified subcostal approach was performed in seven additional cadavers in both hemiabdomens, with three cadavers in lateral and four cadavers in dorsal recumbency. Ultrasound guidance was used with all injections. RESULTS: The standard approach stained the sixteenth to eighteenth thoracic nerves (T16-T18). The modified subcostal approach performed in lateral recumbency provided greater spread (T9-T17) than dorsal recumbency (T12-T18) (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The modified subcostal TAP approach resulted in extensive staining exceeding the standard approach. The nerves stained are consistent with production of ventral abdominal wall anesthesia in horses. Clinical studies are needed to verify these findings.

Evaluation of injection volumes for the transversus abdominis plane block in dog cadavers: a preliminary trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate staining of nerve branches after the injection of different volumes during ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in dog cadavers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. ANIMALS: A total of 15 frozen/thawed adult dog cadavers. METHODS: Hemiabdomens were randomly allocated to one of four groups. In groups G0.3, G0.6 and G1.0, ropivacaine-methylene blue solution (0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 mL kg-1 in seven, eight and eight hemiabdomens, respectively) was injected at the midpoint between the iliac crest and the last rib at the height of the shoulder. In group G0.3×2 (seven hemiabdomens), two injections (0.3 mL kg-1) were performed, caudal to the last rib and cranial to the iliac crest at the same height. Total time for injection was recorded; after 30 minutes, cadavers were dissected and spread of dye was evaluated. RESULTS: Accuracy of injection site was 80% and injection time was 71 (48-120) seconds for all groups together. Craniocaudal spread was 6.4 ± 1.6, 9.1 ± 2.6, 11.4 ± 2.3 and 11.2 ± 3.8 cm for G0.3, G0.6, G1.0 and G0.3×2, respectively [G0.3 to G0.3×2 (p = 0.044) and G1.0 (p = 0.034)]. There was no difference in dorsoventral spread among groups. Number of ventral nerve branches stained was 3 (2-4), 3 (2-4), 3 (3-4) and 3 (2-4) for G0.3, G0.6, G1.0 and G0.3×2, respectively, including nerve branches from twelfth thoracic to third lumbar (L3) in different proportions among groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that a single-injection TAP block, using 0.3 mL kg-1, stains comparable number of nerve branches as higher volumes or two-point injection. Despite the volume or technique, consistent staining of the innervation of the caudal abdomen (L1-L3) was observed. Additional cadaveric studies are necessary to identify the optimal technique for complete abdominal wall staining.

Ultrasound-guided superficial serratus plane block in dog cadavers: an anatomical evaluation and volume dispersion study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anatomy of the serratus plane in dogs to establish the optimal landmarks for a superficial serratus plane (SSP) block and evaluate ropivacaine-methylene blue solution dispersion with three volumes of injection. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental cadaveric study. ANIMALS: A formaldehyde solution-preserved dog cadaver and 15 frozen/thawed adult dog cadavers. METHODS: The thoracic wall of the formaldehyde-preserved cadaver was dissected. An SSP injection was performed on each hemithorax of the cadavers, with the ultrasound transducer placed over the fourth and fifth ribs, at the level of the shoulder joint. A needle was inserted in-plane in a caudocranial direction until it could be visualized between the serratus ventralis thoracis and latissimus dorsi muscles. Dog cadavers were injected with a ropivacaine-methylene blue solution at 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 mL kg-1 and were dissected to determine the spread of the dye. RESULTS: The thoracic wall muscles identified in the formalinized cadaver were the cutaneous trunci, latissimus dorsi, external abdominal oblique, serratus ventralis thoracis, scalenus, serratus dorsalis cranialis and external intercostal. The nerves identified in the SSP included the lateral cutaneous branches of intercostal nerves, intercostobrachial nerves and long thoracic nerve. The solution was successfully injected at the SSP in 26 of 29 (89.7%) attempts. Dermatomal dye spread, median (range), was 4 (3-6), 4 (2-5) and 5 (4-8) for 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 mL kg-1, respectively, with no significant difference among them. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Injections for an SSP block were easily performed under ultrasound guidance, using the fourth and fifth ribs at the level of the shoulder joint as reference landmarks. An injected volume of 0.3 mL kg-1 may be sufficient for hemithorax analgesia in dogs. Further studies in dogs are required to determine the utility of this technique.

Printing 3D models of canine jaw fractures for teaching undergraduate veterinary medicine.

PURPOSE: To develop 3D anatomical models, and corresponding radiographs, of canine jaw fractures. METHODS: A base model was generated from a mandibular bone scan. With this model it was possible to perform fracture planning according to the anatomical location. RESULTS: The 3D base model of the canine mandible was similar in conformation to the natural bone, demonstrating structures such as canine tooth crowns, premolars and molars, mental foramina, body of the mandible, ramus of the mandible, masseteric fossa, the coronoid process, condylar process, and angular process. It was not possible to obtain detail of the crown of the incisor teeth, mandibular symphysis, and the medullary channel. Production of the 3D CJF model took 10.6 h, used 150.1 g of filament (ABS) and cost US$5.83. CONCLUSION: The 3D canine jaw fractures models, which reproduced natural canine jaw fractures, and their respective radiographic images, are a possible source of educational material for the teaching of veterinary medicine.

Printing 3D models of canine jaw fractures for teaching undergraduate veterinary medicine

Abstract Purpose To develop 3D anatomical models, and corresponding radiographs, of canine jaw fractures. Methods A base model was generated from a mandibular bone scan. With this model it was possible to perform fracture planning according to the anatomical location. Results The 3D base model of the canine mandible was similar in conformation to the natural bone, demonstrating structures such as canine tooth crowns, premolars and molars, mental foramina, body of the mandible, ramus of the mandible, masseteric fossa, the coronoid process, condylar process, and angular process. It was not possible to obtain detail of the crown of the incisor teeth, mandibular symphysis, and the medullary channel. Production of the 3D CJF model took 10.6 h, used 150.1 g of filament (ABS) and cost US$5.83. Conclusion The 3D canine jaw fractures models, which reproduced natural canine jaw fractures, and their respective radiographic images, are a possible source of educational material for the teaching of veterinary medicine.

Microvascularization of corpus luteum of bovine treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin.

This study aimed to evaluate the morphological changes in microvascular density and corpus luteum (CL) vascularization in cows treated with eCG during stimulatory and superovulatory protocols. Sixteen cows were synchronized and divided into three groups: control (n = 6), stimulated (n = 4) and superovulated (n =6), one was submitted to estrous synchronization (ES) and received no eCG (control), and those that were submitted to ES and received eCG before or after follicular deviation (superovulation and stimulation of the dominant follicle, respectively). Ovulation was synchronized using a progesterone device-based protocol. After six days of ovulation, the cows were slaughtered and the ovaries and CL were collected. The CLs were processed and photomicrographs were taken under light microscopy to assess the vascular volume density (Vv) by stereology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to perform ultrastructural analysis of the microvasculature. The Vv in stimulated and superovulated cows significantly increased (P ≤ 0.0001) when compared to control, indicating that the eCG is able to induce angiogenic activity in bovine CL. However, no significant differences were observed between stimulated and superovulated cows. The SEM demonstrated ratings indicative of angiogenesis, marked by several button-shaped projections in the capillaries, and the presence of more dilated capillaries in CL treated with eCG. These morphological findings are evidence of an angiogenic effect of the eCG treatment in CL of cows.

O olho da coruja-orelhuda: observações morfológicas, biométricas e valores de referência para testes de diagnóstico oftálmico / The eye of the striped owl: morphologic observations, biometric findings and reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostics tests

Objetivou-se relatar características morfológicas do bulbo ocular e determinar valores de referência para testes oftálmicos selecionados em corujas-orelhudas (Asio clamator). Foram estudados 32 olhos de 16 corujas (Asio clamator), adultas e jovens, machos e fêmeas, de vida livre. Sendo compilados dados referentes a observações morfológicas do crânio, bulbo ocular e anexos, além de mensuração de testes oftálmicos, incluindo, Teste Lacrimal de Schirmer (TLS), cultura da microbiota normal da conjuntiva, estesiometria, pressão intraocular (PIO), espessura de córnea central (ECC), diâmetro horizontal da rima palpebral, diâmetro horizontal da córnea e oftalmoscopia indireta. Vinte e dois tipos de bactérias foram identificados em 12 corujas havendo predominância de microrganismos Gram-positivos. A média encontrada para o TLS foi de 5,03±3,28mm/min, para o diâmetro horizontal da rima palpebral em 16 corujas foi 21,24±1,17mm, e 15,7±2,74mm para o diâmetro horizontal da córnea. O valor médio para o teste de estesiometria foi de 0,80±0,59cm, a PIO média de 13,81±5,62mmHg e ECC média de 0,28±0,03cm. O estudo contribuiu para a caracterização da morfologia ocular e para o estabelecimento de valores de referências de testes diagnósticos oftálmicos em corujas-orelhudas, sendo necessário ainda o desenvolvimento de estudos complementares sobre histologia ocular desta espécie.

The investigation aimed to describe the most relevant morphological characteristics of the eyes of the striped owl (Asio clamator) and determine normal values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests. A total of 32 eyes of 16 young and adult free-ranging healthy striped owls of both sexes were investigated. Data of different morphological observations of the skull, eye globe and adnexa, clinical tests and parameters were collected, including Schirmer Tear Test (STT), normal conjunctival bacterial microbiota, esthesiometry, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), horizontal palpebral fissure length, horizontal, corneal diameter and fundoscopy. Twenty two types of bacteria were identified in twelve owls, the most frequent bacteriae were the Gram-positive. The mean value found for the STT was 5.03±3.28mm/min; horizontal palpebral fissure lengths was 21.24±1.17mm, and 15.7±2.74mm for horizontal corneal diameter. The mean value for the esthesiometry was 0.80±0.59cm, IOP was 13.81±5.62mmHg and CCT was 0.28±0.03cm. This study contributes to establish reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in the striped owl, as well as for morphological characterization of the eyeball of Asio clamator; but it is still necessary to characterize furthermore its histologic features.

Iatrogenic nasolacrimal duct obstruction following tooth extraction in a cat.

A 10-year-old DSH cat was referred for a dental evaluation and extraction procedure. Subsequently, the animal developed an acute onset of ocular discharge. Ophthalmologic examination revealed presence of unilateral ocular mucoid discharge leading to a diagnosis of epiphora secondary to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Dacryocystorhinography was performed and confirmed the presence of a nasolacrimal duct obstruction, presumably acquired after an invasive dental procedure. Additionally, a vinyl cast in situ study of the nasolacrymal apparatus was performed to demonstrate the route of the nasolacrimal duct in the cat and its relationship to oral dental structures. This report documents an unusual case in which excessive inflammation/edema following tooth extraction caused acute epiphora secondary to extraluminal compression of the distal nasolacrimal duct.

The chinchilla eye: morphologic observations, echobiometric findings and reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests.

PURPOSE: To carry out a descriptive investigation into the most relevant morphological features of the chinchilla eye and bony orbit, as well as to perform selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests with the aim of establishing normal anatomic and physiologic references for this species. METHOD: A total of 57 healthy, chinchillas were used to test most of the parameters in this investigation. Besides morphologic observations of the globe and adnexa, selected ocular tests and parameters were investigated, including blink frequency, palpebral fissure length (PFL), Schirmer tear test (STT), esthesiometry, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), B-mode echobiometric measurements of the globe and culture of the normal conjunctival bacterial microbiota. Morphologic observations were made using six formalin-fixed globes and four macerated skulls. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Normal parameters found for selected ocular diagnostic tests were: blink frequency: 2.6 ± 0.84 blinks per 10 min; STT: 1.07 ± 0.54 mm; esthesiometry: 1.24 ± 0.46 cm; IOP: 17.71 ± 4.17 mmHg; CCT: 0.34 ± 0.03 mm; PFL: 1.44 ± 0.11 cm; anterior chamber depth: 2.01 ± 0.2 mm; axial lens thickness: 5.49 ± 0.43 mm; vitreous chamber depth (internal): 3.69 ± 0.52 mm; axial globe length: 1.14 ± 0.07 cm. The most frequent bacteria isolated from the conjunctiva were Streptococcus sp. (27.45%), Staphylococcus aureus (23.52%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (19.60%). No statistically significant differences between left or right eyes or genders were found for any of the results. Reference data and morphologic observations obtained in this investigation will help veterinary ophthalmologists to recognize unique morphological features and more accurately diagnose ocular diseases in the chinchilla, an animal already being used as a biological model for ophthalmic studies.

A unique intraorbital osseous structure in the large fruit-eating bat (Artibeus lituratus).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the normal bony orbital structure of the large fruit-eating bat (Artibeus lituratus) with emphasis on a unique intraorbital bony structure previously not described in the literature. PROCEDURES: The bony anatomy of the orbital cavity was studied on dissected skulls of large fruit-eating bats. The anatomic description of a unique intraorbital spine was made while studying the bony orbit of macerated skulls. Additional observations were made on dissected formalin-fixed whole heads. Both procedures were performed under a stereo dissecting microscope, using x2-4-magnification. A histologic analysis of soft tissues surrounding this cylindrical bony structure was performed using cross and longitudinal oblique sections from decalcified whole heads, which had been fixed in formalin. Additionally, biometric measurements and a histomorphometric analysis were performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: An intraorbital cylindrical osseous structure measuring 3.96 +/- 0.68 mm in length and 155.62 +/- 14.03 microm in diameter was observed in the large fruit-eating bat (A. lituratus), creating a unique orbital structural design among mammals. We suggest the name optic spine of the alisphenoid bone. The anatomic, biometric and histologic characterization of this element might contribute to a further understanding of the dynamics of bat vision and the sort of factors that influenced evolution of the visual system of microbats. The authors hope that the documentation of this distinctive anatomic feature will also expand the debate about the phylogenetic analysis of the relationship among bat species in the near future.

Interspecies variation in orbital bone structure of psittaciform birds (with emphasis on Psittacidae).

OBJECTIVE: This text presents an anatomical study of the normal bony orbital structure of a sample of different bird species belonging to the order Psittaciformes. PROCEDURES: The bony anatomy of Psittaciformes' skulls was examined and described using cadavers of birds that were presented already dead to the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil or had been euthanized for humane reasons. Dissections of the orbital cavity were performed under 2-4 x magnification, and descriptions of the orbital bones were made from observations of macerated skulls that had been boiled and cleaned. The present paper discusses the main features of the bony orbit of psittaciform birds, describing known anatomical information but also bringing new information, mainly concerning species differences that might help not only veterinary anatomists but also zoologists, clinicians, researchers, and students of veterinary ophthalmology to better comprehend this order of birds. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Variations in the anatomic conformation of the bony elements of the orbit were observed in different species of Psittaciformes. Based on these differences, Psittaciformes were classified into two different groups. The first group of Psittaciformes shows an enclosed (complete) bony orbit formed by the junction of the orbital with the postorbital processes, creating a suborbital arch. The second group of Psittaciformes essentially lacked a suborbital arch, presenting an open (incomplete) bony orbit, typical of most modern birds. In the latter group, orbital and postorbital processes are present.

Peritonite esclerosante e encapsulante secundária à diálise peritoneal ambulatorial contínua / sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis secundary by the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

A diálise peritoneal ambulatorial contínua (DPAC) é uma modalidade terapêutca eficiente para o tratamento da insuficiência renal crônica. A peritonite esclerosante e encapsulante (PEE) é uma conplicaçäo rara e grave da DPAC, associada com alta taxa de mortalidade e que ocorre, geralmente, após um tempo prolongado em tratamento complicado com episódios graves e recorrentes de peritonites. Relatamos três casos de PEE, entre 222 pacientes sob DPAC no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Säo Paulo, no período de 1984 e 1997, diagnosticados nos últimos 3 anos: dois casos do sexo feminino e um, do masculino, com tempo médio em DPAC de 55,3 meses e média de 4,3 episódios de peritonite. Os três pacientes apresentaram quadro clínico de obstruçäo intestinal e dois deles usavam B-bloqueador. Enfocamos a necessidade de prevençäo da PEE, o diagnóstico precoce e as recentes opçöes terapêuticas para reduçäo de sua morbidade e de sua mortalidade.(au)

Indice proteína/creatina em amostra isolada de urina para avaliaçäo da proteinúria de 24 horas / Protein/creatinine index in isolated urine samples for the evaluation of 24 hours proteinuria

A determinaçäo correta da proteinúria de 24 horas (PU24) em nível ambulatorial freqüentemente está sujeita a erros na coleta de urina por parte dos pacientes. Com o objetivo de superar este problema, tem sido proposta a utilizaçäo do índice de proteinúria (IP), obtido da razäo das concentraçöes de proteína/creatinina em amostra isolada de urina, representativa da PU24. Neste trabalho foram correlacionados o IP e a PU24 em 24 pacientes (22 homens e 20 mulheres), com idades entre 14 e 63 anos. Foram realizados: depuraçäo de creatinina (Cer) de 2 horas, medidas de PU24 e cálculos do IP nas amostras de urina de cada paciente. As medidas de PU24 foram correlacionadas com os valores de IP. Na análise de regressäo linear obteve-se a equaçäo y = 0,517 ñ 0,759x com r = 0,914, sugerindo excelente correlaçäo entre a PU24 e o IP em amostra isolada (p < 0,001). Valores de r > 0,9 foram sempre obtidos, independentemente dos valores de Cer e da PU24. Estes resultados sugerem que o IP em amostra isolada de urina pode ser um valioso e prático parâmetro no diagnóstico e seguimento de pacientes nefropatas

Prevalência de anticorpos anti-HIV em pacientes dialisados / Prevalence of anti-HIV antibody in dialysis patients

Pacientes dialisados correm alto risco de adquirirem infecçöes virais e as transfusöes de sangue säo comumente consideradas a fonte transmissora. No Brasil, estas säo as responsáveis pela infecçäo de 15% dos pacientes que desenvolvem a síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida (SIDA). Assim, avaliamos o risco de nossos pacientes dialisados serem infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida pelo Western blot. O único provável fator de risco causador da contaminaçäo foram as transfusöes de sangue. Näo encontramos correlaçäo estatística entre infecçäo por HIV e HBV. Somente um paciente tinha leucopenia e relaçäo OKT/T8 baixa, e ela faleceu 90 dias após sorología positiva com SIDA (encefalopatia e sepsis). Dois pacientes faleceram após 4 e 16 meses de problemas cardiocirculatórios (näo relacionadas a SIDA). Três pacientes permaneceram assintomáticos em hemodiálise crônica 20, 36 e 37 meses após diagnóstico da infecçäo pelo HIV. Concluímos que a incidência desta infecçäo viral foi elevada e transfusöes sanguíneas colocam, no Brasil, pacientes dialisados em risco para infecçäo pelo HIV. Evoluçäo destes pacientes portadores de HIV e assintomáticos tem mostrado ser boa e a hemodiálise mostra ser um tratamento eficaz e importante da uremia nestes, a curto e médio prazo

Policondrite recorrente: aspectos da lesäo renal associada / Relapsing polychondrites: aspects of associated renal lesions

A policondrite recorrente é doença rara que acomete cartilagem auriculares, nasais, traqueais e articulares. Evolui em surtos e é, de modo geral, patologia benigna. Pode, no entanto, acometer o aparelho cardiovascular e respiratório causando complicaçöes graves e fatais. Os rins säo afetados raramente, com gravidade variável. A policondrite tem características de doença imunoalérgica, mas é de fácil diagnóstico diferencial com as outras doenças auto-imunes, com as quais está freqüentemente associada. As formas mais leves säo tratadas com ácido acetil salicílico (AAS) e anti-inflamatório näo hormonais. Nas formas mais graves, obtém-se benefícios com o uso de corticoesteróides. Apresentamos um caso de policondrite recorrente com alteraçöes urinárias assintomáticas e alteraçöes funcionais do rim com boa evoluçäo com o uso de corticoesteróides