Normal echocardiographic and radiographic reference values for crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam.

The cardiac evaluation of wild animals is still a wide and largely unknown field for several species. Therefore, through complimentary examinations such as radiography, echocardiography and serum troponin levels, this study aimed at describing the values observed in 12 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) anesthetized with a combination of intramuscular ketamine and midazolam. Thus, through complementary exams such as radiography, echocardiography and serum troponin levels, the aim of this study was to describe the cardiac values in 12 wild foxes (C. thous) anesthetized with an intramuscular injection of ketamine and midazolam. After anaesthetization, the radiographic, echocardiographic and immunoenzymatic reference values for the 12 males in the sample group were determined. Compared with those in domestic canids, there was a decrease in the sizes of the septum, wall and left ventricular cavity as well as decreases in the transmitral blood flow velocity indices, correlated with preserved serum cardiac troponin (cTnI) levels. Thus, M-mode echocardiography proved to be safer, with results that were comparative to those for other species of wild canids with indexed values. In addition, when evaluating the systolic function and segmentary contractions, the anesthetic combination did not have any effects on the results of complementary examinations performed in crab-eating foxes (C. thous) included in this study.

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

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

Heart Rate Variability and Electrocardiographic Parameters Predictive of Arrhythmias in Dogs with Stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Intermittent Haemodialysis.

Intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) is used in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce azotaemia. Monitoring the cardiovascular system plays an important role in this treatment to detect cardiovascular repercussions. Heart rate variability (HRV) and dispersions of the QT interval and P wave are important markers for mortality risk in humans. This study aimed to describe the time-domain and frequency-domain heart rate variability indexes, P and QT dispersions and electrocardiographic alterations observed in dogs with Stage IV CKD undergoing IHD. Thirty dogs of both sexes, of varying ages and breeds, and weighing between 15 and 30 kg were used. Animals were divided into three groups, control (10 healthy dogs), clinical treatment (10 dogs with CKD IV submitted to clinical treatment twice a week) and IHD (10 dogs with CKD IV submitted to clinical treatment and to dialysis treatment with intermittent haemodialysis twice a week). Clinical, laboratory, HRV indexes and electrocardiographic parameters, as well as QT and P-wave dispersions, were assessed in both CKD groups, prior to and after the end of each clinical treatment/IHD session during the first three sessions. Dogs with CKD IV undergoing IHD had clinically important electrolyte imbalances, primarily hypokalaemia, and pertinent electrocardiographic findings, such as the occurrence of supraventricular arrhythmias and increases in possible predictive parameters for arrhythmias. In spite of these observations, HRV indexes were better in animals undergoing haemodialysis and, in addition, IHD was more effective at reducing levels of creatinine, urea and phosphorus compared to intravenous fluid therapy treatment.

Age-related changes of the cerebral ventricles of healthy domestic cats / Alterações senis dos ventrículos cerebrais de gatos domésticos hígidos

This study aimed to determine age-related changes of the cerebral ventricles of healthy non-brachycephalic domestic cats by the acquisition of brain MRI images of 12 adult (1 to 6 years), 11 mature (7 to11 years) and 10 geriatric (12 years or more) cats. Our hypothesis is that the cerebral ventricular system of cats expands with increasing age. The possibility of the evidence of the olfactory bulb cavities and temporal horns of the lateral ventricles were evaluated in this study. Volumes of the olfactory bulb cavities, lateral ventricles (including the temporal horns), third ventricle, mesencephalic aqueduct and fourth ventricle were measured and corrected for the intracranial volume. Significant differences were found between the adult and mature groups in relation to the geriatric one for the variable related to the evidence of the temporal ventricular horns, which were most frequently visualized in geriatric cats. Percentage of the right lateral and third ventricles volume by intracranial volume were significantly higher in geriatric cats compared to the adults. The results of this study demonstrate that ventricular dilation tends to occur with advancing age in cats, as well as the increase in the frequency of the temporal ventricular horn evidence, as had been indicated in the hypothesis of the study.(AU)

O estudo objetivou a determinação das alterações senis dos ventrículos cerebrais de gatos domésticos hígidos não braquicefálicos pela aquisição de imagens encefálicas de 12 indivíduos adultos (1 a 6 anos), 11 maduros (7 a 11 anos) e 10 geriátricos (12 anos de idade ou mais) por ressonância magnética. Nossa hipótese é de que o sistema ventricular dos gatos se expande com o avanço da idade. A possibilidade de evidenciação das cavidades do bulbo olfatório e dos cornos temporais dos ventrículos laterais foi avaliada nesse estudo. Os volumes das cavidades do bulbo olfatório, ventrículos laterais (incluindo os cornos temporais), terceiro ventrículo, aqueduto mesencefálico e quarto ventrículo foram mensurados e corrigidos de acordo com o volume intracraniano. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas entre os grupos dos adultos e maduros em relação aos geriátricos para a variável referente à evidenciação dos cornos temporais, que foram visualizados de forma mais frequente nos gatos geriátricos. A porcentagem do volume do ventrículo lateral direito e do terceiro ventrículo em relação ao volume intracraniano foi significativamente maior nos animais geriátricos em comparação aos adultos. Os resultados desse estudo demonstram que a dilatação ventricular tende a ocorrer com o avanço da idade nos gatos, assim como o aumento na frequência da evidenciação dos cornos temporais, como havia sido indicado na hipótese do estudo.(AU)

Brain parenchymal changes during normal aging in domestic cats / Alterações do parênquima cerebral durante a senilidade em gatos domésticos

This study aimed to identify changes related to brain parenchyma as advancing age in healthy domestic cats. Our hypothesis is that cats suffer cerebral and cerebellar atrophy and show focal changes in signal intensity of the brain parenchyma in accordance with the progression of age. Twelve adult (1 to 6 years), eleven mature (7 to11 years) and ten geriatric non-brachycephalic cats (12 years or more of age) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There were no changes in signal intensity and contrast uptake in brain parenchyma of the cats. Geriatric animals showed significantly lower average thickness of the interthalamic adhesion and percentage of the cerebral parenchyma volume in relation to intracranial volume than those found in the adult group. No significant differences were found between groups for cerebral volume, cerebellar volume and percentage of cerebellar volume in relation to intracranial volume. The results of this study indicate that atrophy of the cerebral parenchyma, including the interthalamic adhesion, occurs with age in domestic cats, confirming the hypothesis of the study. However, the results did not corroborate the hypothesis that cats show cerebellar atrophy and focal changes in signal intensity of the brain parenchyma with advancing age.(AU)

Este estudo objetivou a identificação de alterações no parênquima cerebral relacionadas ao avanço da idade em gatos domésticos saudáveis. Nossa hipótese é de que os gatos sofrem atrofia cerebral e cerebelar, além de alterações focais na intensidade do sinal do parênquima cerebral, de acordo com a progressão da idade. Doze gatos não braquicéfalos adultos (1 a 6 anos), onze maduros (7 a 11 anos) e dez geriátricos (12 anos ou mais) foram submetidos à ressonância magnética encefálica. Não foram observadas alterações na intensidade do sinal e na captação de contraste do parênquima encefálico nos gatos. Os animais geriátricos apresentaram médias da espessura da adesão intertalâmica e porcentagem do volume do parênquima cerebral, em relação ao volume intracraniano, significativamente menores a aquelas encontradas no grupo dos adultos. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos para volume cerebral, volume cerebelar e porcentagem de volume cerebelar em relação ao volume intracraniano. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que a atrofia do parênquima cerebral, incluindo a adesão intertalâmica, ocorre com o avanço da idade em gatos domésticos, confirmando a hipótese do estudo. No entanto, os resultados não corroboraram a hipótese de que os gatos apresentam atrofia cerebelar e alterações focais na intensidade do sinal do parênquima encefálico com a progressão da idade.(AU)

Radiographic measurements related with the cardiac size in young female Bergamasca sheep / Mensurações radiográficas relacionadas às dimensões cardíacas em borregas Bergamácia

In thoracic radiographic examination, routinely used in cases which cardiac evaluation is indicated, quantitative assessment of the heart is a useful role to be used in combination with subjective analysis. Numerous studies about objective assessment of the cardiac size have been performed in several species, including sheep; however, there is scarce information regarding cardiac parameters of young Bergamasca sheep. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the average results and suggest the range of expected normal values for parameters related to the heart size of young female Bergamasca sheep by radiographic evaluation. Fifteen healty 8 months-old female Bergamasca sheep (mean weight: 41.13±4.71kg) were submitted to right lateral recumbency thoracic radiography. The length of the fourth and third to fifth thoracic vertebrae, cardiac height and width, vertebral heart size, cardiophrenic contact, caudal vena cava height, aorta caliber and tracheal angle were measured and the mean results found were, respectively: 2.46±0.11cm (95% CI 2.41-2.52), 7.53±0.30cm (95% CI 7.38-7.68), 13.83±0.57cm, (95% CI 13.54-14.12), 8.99±0.37cm (8.80-9.17), 8.99±0.27 vertebrae (95% 8.85-9.13), 4.55±0.70cm (95% CI 4.19-4.90), 1.88±0.19cm (95% CI 1.79-1.97), 2.05±0.11cm (95% CI 2.00-2.11) and 14.36±2.73° (95% CI 12.98-15.75). Cardiac height and width and the sum of these parameters were compared to the length of third to fifth thoracic vertebrae, resulting in the respective mean values: 1.84±0.08 (95% IC 1.80-1.88), 1.20±0.05 (1.17-1.22) and 3.04±0.11 (95% IC 2.98-3.09). Ratios of cardiophrenic contact to cardiac height and caudal vena cava height to length of fourth thoracic vertebra were also evaluated and the mean values obtained were 0.33±0.05 (95% IC 0.30-0.35) and 0.76±0.08 (95% IC 0.72-0.81), respectively. Authors suggest that the values available in this study may be used as reference for normal heart size in young female Bergamasca sheep and as basis for further studies.(AU)

No exame radiográfico torácico, rotineiramente utilizado em casos em que a avaliação cardíaca é indicada, a análise quantitativa do coração é um recurso útil a ser usado em combinação com a avaliação subjetiva. Diversos estudos relacionados à análise objetiva do tamanho cardíaco têm sido realizados em várias espécies, incluindo ovinos; no entanto, há pouca informação sobre os parâmetros cardíacos de ovinos jovens da raça Bergamácia. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as médias e sugerir o intervalo de valores esperados para os parâmetros relacionados ao tamanho cardíaco de borregas Bergamácia por meio da avaliação radiográfica. Quinze borregas Bergamácia de 8 meses de idade (média de peso: 41,13±4,71kg) foram submetidas à radiografia torácica em decúbito lateral direito. O comprimento do quarto e da terceira a quinta vértebras torácicas, a altura e a largura cardíaca, o tamanho do coração em relação à unidade de vértebra torácica, o contato cardiofrênico, a altura da veia cava caudal, o calibre da aorta e o ângulo traqueal foram mensurados, sendo encontrados os seguintes valores médios, respectivamente: 2,46±0,11cm (95% IC 2,41-2,52), 7,53±0,30cm (95% IC 7,38-7,68), 13,83±0,57cm, (95% IC 13,54-14,12), 8,99±0,37cm (95% IC 8,80-9,17), 8,99±0,27 vértebras (95% IC 8,85-9,13), 4,55±0,70cm (95% IC 4,19-4,90), 1,88±0,19cm (95% IC 1,79-1,97), 2,05±0,11cm (95% IC 2,00-2,11) e 14,36±2,73° (95% IC 12,98-15,75). A altura e a largura cardíaca e a soma desses parâmetros foram comparados com o comprimento da terceira a quinta vértebras torácicas, resultando nos respectivos valores médios: 1,84±0,08 (95% IC 1,80-1,88), 1,20±0,05 (1,17-1,22) e 3,04±0,11 (95% IC 2,98-3,09). Também foram avaliadas as relações entre o contato cardiofrênico e a altura cardíaca e entre a altura da veia cava caudal e o comprimento da quarta vértebra torácica, sendo determinados os valores médios de 0,33±0,05 (95% IC 0,30-0,35) e 0,76±0,08 (95% IC 0,72-0,81), respectivamente. Os autores sugerem que os valores disponíveis no presente estudo podem ser utilizados como referência na avaliação das dimensões cardíacas de borregas Bergamácia e como base para estudos futuros.(AU)

Computed tomographic features of the feline brain change with advancing age? / O aspecto tomográfico do encéfalo de felinos altera com o avanço da idade?

A better understanding of normal or expected encephalic changes with increasing age in cats is needed as a growing number of these animals is attended in veterinary clinics, and imaging data referring to normal age-associated changes are extremely scarce in the literature. The objective of this study was to identify age-related changes in feline brain using CT imaging. Fifteen non-brachycephalic healthy cats with age between 1 to 6 years (adult group) and others over 12 years (geriatric group) were submitted to CT scan of the brain. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for the ability to identify the left lateral ventricle and for falx cerebri calcification, both identified in a greater number of cats of the geriatric group. A significantly higher mean width of the third ventricle was also detected in geriatric animals. There were no statistically significant differences between lateral ventricular dimensions and encephalic parenchymal attenuation on pre and post-contrast CT phases. The results of the present study show an increase in the incidence of falx cerebri calcification and a third ventricular dilatation with advancing age in cats. Future researches using MRI scanners and a greater quantity of cats are needed in order to identify supplementary age-related changes.(AU)

Uma melhor compreensão das alterações encefálicas normais ou esperadas com o aumento da idade em gatos é necessária no presente momento, uma vez que tem havido um número crescente desses animais nas clínicas veterinárias, e dados de imagem referentes às alterações normais associadas à idade são extremamente escassos na literatura. O objetivo deste estudo foi a identificação de alterações relacionadas à idade no encéfalo de gatos através da tomografia computadorizada. Quinze gatos saudáveis não braquicefálicos com idade entre 1 e 6 anos (grupo adulto) e mais de 12 anos (grupo geriátrico) foram submetidos à tomografia encefálica. Diferenças estatísticas significativas foram encontradas entre os grupos para a identificação do ventrículo lateral esquerdo e calcificação da foice cerebral, ambos visualizados em um número maior de gatos do grupo geriátrico. A média de largura do terceiro ventrículo também foi significativamente maior nos animais geriátricos. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas significativas entre a mensuração dos ventrículos laterais e a atenuação do parênquima encefálico nas fases tomográficas pré e pós-contraste. Os resultados do presente estudo demonstram aumento da incidência de calcificação da foice cerebral e dilatação do terceiro ventrículo de acordo com o avanço da idade em gatos. Pesquisas futuras utilizando ressonância magnética e uma maior quantidade de gatos são necessárias a fim de se identificar alterações complementares relacionadas à idade.(AU)

Small calcified lesions suggestive of neurocysticercosis are associated with mesial temporal sclerosis.

UNLABELLED: Recent studies have suggested a possible relationship between temporal lobe epilepsy with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and neurocysticercosis (NC). We performed a case-control study to evaluate the association of NC and MTS. METHOD: We randomly selected patients with different epilepsy types, including: MTS, primary generalized epilepsy (PGE) and focal symptomatic epilepsy (FSE). Patients underwent a structured interview, followed by head computed tomography (CT). A neuroradiologist evaluated the scan for presence of calcified lesions suggestive of NC. CT results were matched with patients' data. RESULTS: More patients in the MTS group displayed calcified lesions suggestive of NC than patients in the other groups (p=0.002). On multivariate analysis, MTS was found to be an independent predictor of one or more calcified NC lesions (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: After controlling for confounding factors, we found an independent association between NC calcified lesions and MTS.

Small calcified lesions suggestive of neurocysticercosis are associated with mesial temporal sclerosis / Pequenas lesões calcificadas sugestivas de neurocisticercose e estão associadas com esclerose mesial temporal

Recent studies have suggested a possible relationship between temporal lobe epilepsy with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and neurocysticercosis (NC). We performed a case-control study to evaluate the association of NC and MTS. Method: We randomly selected patients with different epilepsy types, including: MTS, primary generalized epilepsy (PGE) and focal symptomatic epilepsy (FSE). Patients underwent a structured interview, followed by head computed tomography (CT). A neuroradiologist evaluated the scan for presence of calcified lesions suggestive of NC. CT results were matched with patients’ data. Results: More patients in the MTS group displayed calcified lesions suggestive of NC than patients in the other groups (p=0.002). On multivariate analysis, MTS was found to be an independent predictor of one or more calcified NC lesions (p=0.033). Conclusion: After controlling for confounding factors, we found an independent association between NC calcified lesions and MTS. .

Estudos recentes têm sugerido possível relação entre epilepsia do lobo temporal com esclerose mesial temporal (MTS) e neurocisticercose (NC). Conduzimos um estudo caso-controle para avaliar a associação de NC e MTS. Método: Selecionamos randomicamente pacientes com diferentes tipos de epilepsia, incluindo: MTS, epilepsia primariamente generalizada (PGE) e epilepsia focal sintomática (FSE). Pacientes foram submetidos a uma entrevista estruturada, seguida por uma tomografia computadorizada de crânio (CT). Um neuroradiologista avaliou as imagens quanto à presença de lesões calcificadas sugestivas de NC. Resultados das CT foram comparados com os dados dos pacientes. Resultados: Mais pacientes do grupo MTS apresentaram lesões calcificadas sugestivas de NC que de outros grupos (p=0,002). Na análise multivariável, MTS foi um preditor independente de uma ou mais calcificações sugestivas de NC (p=0,033). Conclusão: Após controlar para fatores confusionais, encontramos uma associação independente entre lesões calcificadas de NC e MTS. .

Cryoprotective effect of different glycerol concentrations on domestic cat spermatozoa.

Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is a pivotal tool in assisted reproduction, and studies aiming to establish optimal freezing/thawing protocols are essential to enhance sperm survival. The objectives of the present study were to (1) compare the cryoprotective efficiency of three different glycerol concentrations (3%, 5%, and 7%) on the basis of post-thaw sperm quality and (2) investigate whether the incidence of morphologically abnormal sperm in fresh samples is related to cryodamage sensitivity. Semen was collected from six tomcats using an artificial vagina (total 18 ejaculates). Each ejaculate was diluted using Tris-egg yolk-based extender (TEY), evaluated, equally divided into three aliquots, and rediluted using TEY with and without glycerol to achieve final concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 7%. Samples were loaded into 0.25 mL straws, equilibrated for 60 minutes at 5 °C, frozen, and then thawed at 46 °C for 12 seconds. Fresh and frozen-thawed samples were evaluated for sperm motion parameters (computer-assisted sperm analysis), plasma membrane integrity (PMI; propidium iodide and carboxyfluorescein diacetate), and DNA integrity (acridine orange). Plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity were assessed by flow cytometry (propidium iodide and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated pea (Pisum sativum) agglutinin) immediately after thawing. Sperm motion parameters were also evaluated at 30 and 60 minutes of postincubation. For all treatment groups, cryopreservation significantly impaired the PMI and sperm motion parameters, except for straightness and amplitude of lateral head displacement. DNA integrity showed a slight reduction (P < 0.05) when 3% glycerol was used. The percentage of total motility, progressive motility, and rapid spermatozoa were significantly lower immediately after thawing and up to 60 minutes of incubation for the 3% glycerol group when compared with 5% and 7%. No difference (P > 0.05) was found for PMI, acrosome integrity, and DNA integrity among post-thaw groups. However, higher (P < 0.05) incidence of viable cells with reacted acrosome and dead cells with intact acrosome were observed with 7% and 3% glycerol, respectively. Percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa in fresh sample was positively correlated with PMI only in the 3% glycerol group and negatively correlated with sperm motility in the 5% and 7% groups. In conclusion, the final concentration of 5% glycerol offered better cryoprotective effect for ejaculated cat sperm, and the relationship found between prefreezing sperm morphology and post-thaw sperm quality showed to be dependent on final glycerol concentration.

Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy in malformations of cortical development.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate phospholipid metabolism in patients with malformations of cortical development (MCDs). METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with MCDs and 31 control subjects were studied using three-dimensional phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P-MRS) at 3.0 T. The voxels in the lesions and in the frontoparietal cortex of the control subjects were compared (the effective volumes were 12.5 cm(3)). Robust quantification methods were applied to fit the time-domain data to the following resonances: phosphoethanolamine (PE); phosphocholine (PC); inorganic phosphate (Pi); glycerophosphoethanolamine (GPE); glycerophosphocholine (GPC); phosphocreatine (PCr); and α-, ß-, and γ-adenosine triphosphate (ATP). We also estimated the total ATP (ATP(t) = α-+ß-+γ-ATP), phosphodiesters (PDE = GPC+GPE), phosphomonoesters (PME = PE+PC), and the PME/PDE, PCr/ATP(t) and PCr/Pi ratios. The magnesium (Mg(2+)) levels and pH values were calculated based on PCr, Pi, and ß-ATP chemical shifts. KEY FINDINGS: Compared to controls and assuming that a p-value < 0.05 indicates statistical significance, the patients with MCDs exhibited significantly lower pH values and higher Mg(2+) levels. In addition, the patients with MCDs had lower GPC and PDE and an increased PME/PDE ratio. SIGNIFICANCE: Mg(2+) and pH are important in the regulation of bioenergetics and are involved in many electrical activity pathways in the brain. Our data support the idea that neurometabolic impairments occur during seizure onset and propagation. The GPC, PDE, and PME/PDE abnormalities also demonstrate that there are membrane turnover disturbances in patients with MCDs.