Association between spinal cord compression ratio in magnetic resonance imaging, initial neurological status, and recovery after ventral slot in 57 dogs with cervical disc extrusion.

This retrospective, unblinded, single rater study evaluated images obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of dogs with cervical intervertebral disc extrusion before being submitted to ventral slot decompression (VSD). Dogs were re-evaluated systematically at 10 and 30 days after VSD. The objectives of this study were to investigate the associations between the following parameters: (1) The maximal spinal cord compression ratio (SCCR) as seen on transverse MRI and pre-surgical neurological status (NS) grade; we hypothesized that dogs with greater SCCR will have worse pre-surgical NS grade at presentation; (2) Pre-surgical NS grade and postoperative recovery; we hypothesized that worse pre-surgical NS grade will be associated with longer postoperative recovery time; (3) SCCR and postoperative recovery; we hypothesized that dogs with higher SCCR will have longer recovery time; (4) Location of extrusion (cranial vs. caudal) and initial NS grade and outcomes; we hypothesized that caudal cervical extrusion will have worse NS grade and longer time to recovery; (5) Longitudinal extension of ventral CSF signal loss on HASTE pulse sequence and NS grade and time to recovery; we hypothesized that dogs with longer HASTE CSF attenuation will have higher NS grade and longer time to recovery. There was no significant association between SCCR and NS grade, suggesting that this relationship in the cervical region is similar to what is observed in the thoracolumbar region, rejecting our first hypothesis. There was a significant difference between ambulatory tetraparesis dogs versus non-ambulatory tetraparesis dogs regarding complete recovery at 10 days: dogs with NS grade 1, 2, or 3 overall recovered faster than dogs with NS grade 4. However, there was no significant difference between these groups regarding complete recovery at 30 days, thereby accepting our second hypothesis at 10 days and rejecting it at 30 days. There was no correlation between SCCR and recovery time, rejecting our third hypothesis. Caudal cervical extrusion did not show higher NS grade or longer recovery time than cranial extrusion, rejecting our fourth hypothesis. CSF attenuation length ratio on HASTE images was not significantly correlated with NS grade but weakly correlate with post-surgical recovery time, partially accepting our fifth hypothesis.

Canine dental pulp and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells as alternative sources for cell therapy in dogs.

The use of regenerative medicine for pets has been growing in recent years, and an increasing number of studies have contributed to the widespread use of cell therapies in clinical veterinary medicine. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from different sources such as dental pulp and umbilical cord. Aiming safety and reproducibility of cell therapy in clinical practice by using sources easily obtained that are usually discarded, this study isolated, characterized, and evaluated the proliferation and colony formation potential of canine dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cDPSCs) and canine umbilical cord tissue (cUCSCs). Three samples from each source were collected, isolated, and cultured. MSCs were differentiated into three lineages and quantified by spectrophotometry. For immunophenotypic characterization, antibodies were used to analyze the expression of cell surface markers, and 7-AAD and Annexin-V were used to analyze cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. For the clonogenic assay, cells were cultured, the colonies were stained, and counted. For the proliferation assay, the cells were plated in flasks for three days and added EdU nucleoside. cDPSCs and cUCSCs showed plastic adherence and fibroblastic morphology after cultivation. Both sources showed differentiation potential and showed CD29 and CD44 positivity and CD14, CD45, CD34 and HLA-DR negativity, and low mortality and apoptosis rates. There was no difference in proliferation rates between sources. Overall, although cUCSCs had a higher number of colony-forming units than cDPSCs, both sources presented MSCs characteristics and can be used safely as alternative sources in cell therapy.

Polypropylene mesh inhibits post-laminectomy compressive scar formation in rabbits: Histopathological and computational morphometric evaluation.

We evaluated the effect of polypropylene mesh placement on post-laminectomy compressive scar formation in rabbits. Twenty-two white male New Zealand rabbits were distributed into two groups (n = 11). In the control group, the animals underwent lumbosacral laminectomy, whereas in the mesh group, the rabbits were submitted to lumbosacral laminectomy followed by the attachment of a polypropylene mesh to the vertebrae by the application of N-butyl cyanoacrylate. After eight weeks, the rabbits were euthanized, and the laminectomy area was collected for macro- and microscopic analyses. Macroscopically, we evaluated the (1) vertebral canal height; (2) laminectomy width and (3) length; and (4) fibrosis width, (5) height, and (6) length. Microscopically, we evaluated (7) fibroblasts; (8) the thickness of the dura-mater; and (9) the distance between the dura-mater and the laminectomy area. Macroscopically, there were no differences between the groups regarding vertebral canal height; width and length of the laminectomy; and fibrosis width. However, the height, and length of fibrosis were smaller in the mesh group. Microscopically, there were no differences in dura mater thickness and the distance between the dura mater and laminectomy area, but fewer fibroblasts were observed in the mesh group. This indicated that the polypropylene mesh improved tissue repair, with greater tissue organization. The results demonstrate that the use of a polypropylene mesh in the treatment of post-laminectomy wounds in rabbits reduces the severity of compressive fibrous scar formation. Polypropylene mesh is presented as a good alternative to reduce complications associated with laminectomy surgeries.

Recovery of motricity and micturition after transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells in rats subjected to spinal cord injury.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of human adipose-derived stem cell (hADSC) infusion on impaired hindlimb function and urinary continence after spinal cord contusion in rats. hADSCs were transplanted into the injured spinal cords of rats 7 and 14 days after injury in two groups (B and C). Group C also received methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) after 3 h of injury. The control group (group A) did not receive corticoids or stem cells. Voiding and motor performance evaluations were performed daily for 90 days post-transplantation. Cells were labeled with PKH26 or PKH67 for in vitro monitoring. For in vivo screening, the cells were evaluated for bioluminescence. The levels of some cytokines were quantified in different times. Euthanasia was performed 90 days post-transplant. ß-tubulin III expression was evaluated in the spinal cord of the animals from all groups. As a result, we observed a recovery of 66.6 % and 61.9 % in urinary continence of animals from groups B and C, respectively. Partial recovery of motor was observed in 23.8 % and 19 % of the animals from groups B and C, respectively. Cells remained viable at the site up to 90 days after transplantation. No significant difference was observed in levels of cytokines and thickness of urinary bladders between groups. A smaller percentage of tissue injury and higher concentrations of neuropils were observed in the spinal cords of the animals from groups B and C than control group. Thus, hADSCs transplantation with or without MPSS, contributed to the improvement in voiding and motor performance of Wistar rats submitted to compressive spinal cord injury.

Perfis clínico e laboratorial de cães de abrigo submetidos a esterilização / Evaluation of clinical and laboratorial profiles of shelter dogs submitted to sterilizations

We evaluated the clinical and laboratory profile of 90 dogs shelters undergoing ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy. Preoperative evaluation was performed by clinical examination, blood tests, coagulation tests, fecal, hemoparasites research, urinalysis and biochemical tests. Participants animals, 53.33% were female; 93.3% were mixed breed (SRD); the mean age was 3.56 ± 1.32 years and average weight of 10.87 ± 6.08 kg; 65.55% had normal body score and 42.22% were considered friendly dogs. In general clinical examination, the main changes were the rectal temperature and respiratory rate, the specific examination was observed pulicilose, itching, seborrhea and dermatitis. It was 18.60% anemia in animal and its intensity was correlated with the body condition score, but this correlation was not observed with the presence of hypoalbuminemia. The leukocyte count values Neutrophils and rods were high, but due to stress. In urinalysis, the main changes were found in the density, appearance and presence of bacteria. When fecal examination, 65.45% of the animals were diagnosed with Ancylostoma sp. and Trichuris sp. Shelter dogs showed changes in the blood tests, suggesting that have clinical and laboratory profiles themselves, because no changes were suggestive of pathology, probably a stress condition and nutritional deficiency.

Avaliou-se o perfil clínico e laboratorial de 90 cães de abrigos submetidos à ovariohisterectomia e orquiectomia. A avaliação préoperatória foi realizada por exame clínico, hemograma, coagulograma, coproparasitológico, pesquisa de hemoparasitas, urinálise e exames bioquímicos. Dos animais participantes, 53,33% eram fêmeas; 93,3% eram sem raça definida (SRD); a idade média foi de 3,56 ± 1,32 anos e peso médio de 10,87 ± 6,08 kg; 65,55% apresentaram escore corporal normal e 42,22% foram considerados cães dóceis. No exame clínico geral, as principais alterações foram da temperatura retal e frequência respiratória, no exame específico foi observado pulicilose, prurido, seborréia e dermatites. Verificou-se anemia em 18,60% dos animais e sua intensidade apresentou correlação com o escore corporal, mas esta correlação não foi observada com a presença de hipoalbuminemia. Os valores de contagem de leucócitos, neutrófilos e bastonetes estavam elevados, porém decorrentes de estresse. Na urinálise, as principais alterações encontradas foram na densidade, aspecto e presença de bactérias. Ao exame coproparasitológico, 65,45% dos animais foram diagnosticados com Ancylostoma sp. e Trichuris sp. Os cães de abrigo apresentaram alterações nos exames realizados, sugerindo que possuem perfis clínico e laboratorial próprios, pois nenhuma alteração foi sugestiva de patologia, provavelmente por uma condição de estresse e deficiência nutricional.

Percepção e atitudes do ser humano sobre guarda responsável, zoonoses, controle populacional e cães em vias públicas / Perception and attitudes of the sample population on responsible custody, zoonosis and stray dogs

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a percepção sobre guarda responsável, zoonoses, controle populacional de cães e gatos e a situação de cães de rua, de uma amostra de pessoas pertencentes à Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná. Para isso foram enviados questionários online com 22 perguntas. Participaram dessa pesquisa 239 pessoas, a maioria do sexo feminino, com faixa etária entre 25 e 35 anos, com ensino superior completo, residentes principalmente em Curitiba/PR. Possuíam cão ou gato como animal de estimação, 57% dos respondentes, e em relação à quantidade de animais por respondente, o número médio de cães foi de 2,62 ± 1,35 e gatos de 1,56 ± 1,07. Tanto proprietários de cães como gatos, afirmaram praticar com regularidade a vacinação, administração de vermífugos e atendimento veterinário de seus animais. O acesso dos cães à rua foi realizado com coleira e guia por 50,53% dos respondentes. Em relação à zoonose, 62% afirmaram saber o que é e conseguiram citar um exemplo. Sobre a presença de animal solto no seu bairro, 78% dos respondentes afirmaram que sim, 49% observaram que há cães de rua que são mantidos por alguém e 71% afirmaram que o responsável pelo controle desses animais deve ser o governo e a sociedade. Diante das respostas obtidas, foi possível identificar que essa amostra populacional reconheceu seis tipos de zoonoses, percebeu a importância da guarda responsável de cães e gatos e afirmou que não haja um único responsável pelos cães de rua.

This study aimed to evaluate the perception of responsible custody, zoonosis, population control of cats and dogs and the situation of stray dogs in a sample of people belonging to the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná. For this online questionnaires with 22 questions was sent. 239 people participated in this survey, the majority were female, aged between 25-35 years with complete living mainly in Curitiba / PR higher education. They had a dog or cat as a pet, 57% of respondents, and relative to the amount of animals responding by, the average number of dogs was 2.62 ± 1.35 and 1.56 ± 1.07 for cats. Both dog owners like cats, practicing regularly said vaccination administration of wormers and vet care for their animals. The access of the street dogs was held with collar and leash by 50.53% of respondents. Regarding zoonosis, 62% claimed to know what it is and managed to cite an example. About the presence of loose animals in your neighborhood, 78% of respondents said yes, 49% noted that there stray dogs that are kept by someone, and 71% stated that the responsibility for controlling these animals should be the government and society. Given the responses, we found that this sample population recognized six types of zoonosis, realized the importance of responsible dog guard and cats and stated that there is no single responsible for stray dogs.

Segurança e eficácia do meloxicam associado à dipirona no tratamento da dor pós-operatória em cães / Safety and effectiveness of meloxicam associated to dipyrone in the treatment of post-surgical pain in dogs

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a segurança e eficácia da associação de dois fármacos em um único medicamento à base de meloxicam e dipirona no tratamento da dor em cães. Primeiramente, avaliou-se a segurança do medicamento em 24 cães, distribuídos em três grupos (n = 8). Para avaliação da eficácia, foram estudadas 36 cadelas, submetidas a operações eletivas de ovariectomia (OH), distribuídas em três grupos (n = 12). Nas duas etapas, o tratamento instituído foi o mesmo, e consistiu em: Grupo 1 ­ meloxicam 0,1mg/kg um vez ao dia (SID); Grupo 2 ­ meloxicam 0,1mg/kg + dipirona 25mg/kg SID e Grupo 3 ­ meloxicam 0,1mg/kg + dipirona 25mg/kg duas vezes ao dia (BID), sendo todos administrados por via oral. Na primeira etapa, os cães foram medicados por 28 dias consecutivos e exames hematológicos, urinálises e exames físicos foram realizados para avaliar possíveis efeitos colaterais das medicações. Na segunda etapa, as cadelas foram medicadas por cinco dias. A dor foi avaliada com base na escala de Glasgow e em exames físicos. Na primeira etapa, não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação aos exames laboratoriais. Não foram observadas alterações clínicas nos grupos 1 e 3, porém, em dois animais do Grupo 2, ocorreram vômito e diarreia. Na segunda etapa, não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação aos parâmetros clínicos e entre os escores de dor. A associação de meloxicam e dipirona, na dose de 0,1mg/kg e 25mg/kg, respectivamente, a cada 12 ou 24 horas, mostrou-se segura e eficaz no controle da dor pós-operatória em cães.

The present study aims to evaluate safety and effectiveness of a drug based on meloxicam associated to dipyrone. Animals were divided in three groups: Group 1 - meloxicam 0,1mg/kg, SID; Group 2 - meloxicam 0,1mg/kg + dipirona 25mg/kg, SID; Group 3 - meloxicam 0,1mg/kg + dipirona 25mg/kg, BID. To evaluate the clinical and laboratorial safety, 24 healthy adult dogs were treated orally for 28 consecutive days. Physical examines and blood and urine collections were made to valuate de presence of side effects of the drugs. To evaluate the effectiveness in controlling OH postoperative pain, 36 bitches were treated orally for five days. Pain assessment by the criteria of the Glasgow pain scale of canine pain and clinical exams were performed daily. In the first part of the survey, there was no laboratorial difference between groups. No clinical alteration was noticed in groups 1 and 3, but in Group 2 there were vomit and diarrhea en two animals. In the second part of the survey, there was no difference between clinical parameters and pain scores within each group, and no difference was found between groups in the physical examines. The association of meloxicam and dipyrone in dose of 0,1mg/kg + 25mg/kg, respectively, each 12 or 24 hours for up to 28 days, is safe and effectiveness in controlling post-surgical pain in dogs.

Padronização e avaliação histológica de um modelo experimental de lesão medular / Standardization and histological evaluation of an experimental model of spinal cord injury

A lesão medular é incapacitante, irreversível e de custo econômico e social elevado. Neste estudo, objetivou-se padronizar um modelo de lesão medular, que produza paraplegia, com o uso de cateter e avaliar histologicamente a efetividade da lesão para estudos com terapia celular. Foram realizadas as lesões medulares em ratos Wistar, utilizando-se o cateter Fogarty n.3 e compressão na região toracolombar (T8-T9) durante 5 minutos. Foram estudados três grupos: grupo A, animais controle sem lesão medular; grupo B, animais submetidos à lesão, utilizando-se 50µL de compressão; grupo C, animais submetidos à lesão, utilizando-se 80µL de compressão. Foi realizada avaliação motora pela aplicação da escala BBB, antes da compressão, após recuperação anestésica, 24 e 72 horas depois da compressão e sete dias após a compressão. Após o sétimo dia da lesão, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia, foi feita a retirada da medula espinhal, fígado e rins e realizada a análise histológica com a coloração hematoxilina-eosina. A mortalidade variou entre os grupos, com 0% no grupo A, 38,5% no B e 48% no C. Nesses dois últimos grupos, a causa da morte foi edema pulmonar neurogênico, confirmado clínica e histologicamente. As medulas espinhais histologicamente apresentaram diferentes graus de edema, congestão vascular e hemorragia, enquanto que os fígados e os rins apresentaram diferentes graus de congestão vascular e necrose. Em relação à recuperação dos movimentos, no grupo A, verificou-se 100% de escore 21; no B, 25% de escore 21; 37,5% de escore 11; e 37,5% de escore 0; enquanto, no grupo C, verificou-se 100% de escore 0. Conclui-se que o procedimento realizado utilizando-se 80µL de solução salina para preencher o balão do cateter foi mais eficiente, apesar de maior mortalidade, pois apresentou maior porcentagem de animais com lesão completa (paraplegia).

Spinal cord injury is disabling, irreversible and with high economic and social cost. This study aimed to standardize a model of spinal cord injury to induce paraplegia, with a catheter and to evaluate the effectiveness of the histological lesion for further studies with cell therapy. Cord lesions were performed in Wistar rats using the Fogarty catheter n.3 and compression in the thoracolumbar region (T8-T9) for 5 minutes. We studied three groups: A control group without spinal cord injury, B group subjected to 50?L compression injury, C group with animals subjected to 80?L compression injury. Motor evaluation was performed by applying the BBB scale, before compression, after recovery from anesthesia, 24 and 72 hours after compression and 7 days after compression. At the seventh day after injury, the animals were euthanized. The spinal cord, liver and kidneys were removed and a histological analysis was performed with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Mortality varied among groups, it was 0% in group A, 38.5% in group B and 48% in group C. In the latter two groups the cause of death was neurogenic pulmonary edema, clinically and histologically confirmed. Histologically the spinal cord showed different degrees of edema, hemorrhage and vascular congestion, while the liver and kidneys showed different degrees of vascular congestion and necrosis. Regarding movement recovery, in group A it was found a 100% score 21, in group B 25% of score 21, 37.5% score 11 and 37.5% of score zero, whereas in group C there was a 100% of score zero. It is concluded that the procedure performed using 80?L of saline to fill the balloon catheter was more efficient because, although the higher percentage of mortality, it induced a higher percentage of animals with complete injury (paraplegia).