Postoperative Analgesic Effects of Laserpuncture and Meloxicam in Bitches Submitted to Ovariohysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: This prospective, randomised and blind study investigated the efficacy of laserpuncture for postoperative pain management in dogs. METHOD: Sixteen bitches were sedated with acepromazine and randomly treated before ovariohysterectomy with meloxicam 0.2 mg·kg-1 intramuscular or laserpuncture (wavelength 904 mm, frequency 124 Hz, potency 10 Joules, 100 s in each acupoint). Anaesthesia was performed with propofol, isoflurane/O2, and fentanyl. The Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (GCMPS) and Dynamic Interactive Visual Analog Scale (DIVAS) were used to evaluate postoperative pain before and for 24 h after surgery. Morphine was administrated as rescue analgesia when pain scores were ≥3.33 (GCMPS). Differences between treatments, time points, and amount of rescue analgesia between groups were investigated by the Mann-Whitney test and the area under the curve (AUC) for GCMPS, Friedman, and Chi-squared tests, respectively (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Dogs treated with laserpuncture presented lower GCMPS AUC for 24 h and lower GCMPS scores at 2 and 4 h postoperatively (p = 0.04). Three dogs treated with meloxicam required postoperatively rescue analgesia against none treated with laserpuncture. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, laserpuncture mitigated postoperative pain in dogs following ovariohysterectomy, and the technique is a promising adjunct to perioperative pain management in dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery.

Effect of refrigeration at -1°C on spermatozoa quality of domestic cats / Efeito da refrigeração a -1°C na qualidade de espermatozoides de gatos domésticos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sperm quality obtained of domestic cats by electroejaculation and recovery of the tail of the epididymis after cooling at -1°C and 4°C for 24 and 48 hours. Twenty-nine adult cats (2 to 6kg) were used. Sperm collection was performed by electroejaculation (EEJ), and after 48 hours, the cats were orchiectomized, and sperm sample was obtained from the vas deferens and epididymis tail (EPD). The samples were diluted in ACP-117® extender, and the sperm characteristics were evaluated at three different moments: when still fresh, 24 and 48 hours after cooling. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sperm quality obtained of domestic cats by electroejaculation and recovery of the tail of the epididymis after cooling at -1°C and 4°C for 24 and 48 hours. Twenty-nine adult cats (2 to 6kg) were used. Sperm collection was performed by electroejaculation (EEJ), and after 48 hours, the cats were orchiectomized, and sperm sample was obtained from the vas deferens and epididymis tail (EPD). The samples were diluted in ACP-117® extender, and the sperm characteristics were evaluated at three different moments: when still fresh, 24 and 48 hours after cooling. In order to compare the two refrigeration temperatures, the first stage was to analyze if there was a difference between the harvesting techniques. After this, two experiments were conducted: in the first, sperm sample from 14 cats were used and the cooling was performed at -1°C; and in the second, sample from 15 cats were used and the sperm were refrigerated at 4°C. Sperm kinetics were evaluated by computerized analysis (CASA) and concentration by Neubauer chamber, spermatic morphology was evaluated by modified Karras staining, and membrane integrity was evaluated by eosin nigrosine. The results obtained were analyzed in R software, version 3.2.5 using the Mann-Whitney test for variables with abnormal distributions, considering significance at the level of 5%. In ejaculate samples, higher values of total morphological defects were observed after 24 and 48 hours of refrigeration at 4°C (P<0.022) compared to refrigeration at -1°C, using Friedman test. To quantify the decrease in sperm quality, parameter reductions were calculated among time points (F-24h/F-48h/24h-48h). In EPD samples, a greater reduction in sperm quality was detected after 24 hours of refrigeration at 4°C, both in motility and sperm kinetics and in the movement and velocity indices, compared to refrigeration at -1°C. Based on the results, it can be concluded that cooling of feline spermatozoa at -1°C for up to 48 hours was efficient in maintaining spermatic quality collected by EEJ and EPD, and it could be an alternative to spermatozoa cryopreservation in domestic felines.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade espermática de gatos domésticos obtidos por eletroejaculação e recuperação da cauda do epidídimo após a refrigeração a -1°C e a 4°C por 24 e 48 horas. Vinte e nove gatos adultos (2 a 6kg) foram utilizados. A colheita de espermatozoides foi realizada por eletroejaculação (EEJ) e, após 48 horas, os gatos foram orquiectomizados, e as amostras espermáticas foram obtidas a partir do ducto deferente e da cauda do epidídimo (EPD). As amostras foram diluídas em ACP-117® e as características espermáticas foram avaliadas em três momentos distintos: fresco, 24 e 48 horas após a refrigeração. Para ser possível comparar as duas temperaturas de refrigeração, a primeira etapa foi analisar se havia diferença entre as técnicas de colheita. Após isto, dois experimentos foram conduzidos: no primeiro, espermatozoides de 14 gatos foram utilizados e a refrigeração foi realizada a -1°C; e no segundo, amostras de 15 gatos foram utilizados e os espermatozoides foram refrigerados a 4°C. A cinética espermática foi avaliada por análise computadorizada (CASA), a concentração por câmara de Neubauer, a morfologia espermática foi avaliada pela coloração de Karras modificada, e a integridade da membrana foi avaliada por eosina nigrosina. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados no software R, versão 3.2.5, utilizando o teste de Mann-Whitney para variáveis com distribuições anormais, considerando significância ao nível de 5%. No ejaculado, maiores valores de defeitos morfológicos totais foram observados após 24 e 48 horas de refrigeração a 4°C (P<0,022) em comparação com refrigeração a -1°C, usando o teste de Friedman. Para quantificar a diminuição na qualidade espermática, as reduções dos parâmetros foram calculadas entre os pontos de tempo (F-24h/F-48h/24h-48h). Na EPD, uma maior redução na qualidade espermática foi detectada após 24 horas de refrigeração a 4°C, tanto na motilidade e na cinética espermática quanto nos índices de movimento e velocidade, em comparação com a refrigeração a -1°C. Com base nos resultados, pode concluir-se que a refrigeração dos espermatozoides felino a -1°C, até 48 horas, foi eficaz na manutenção da qualidade espermático colhidos por EEJ e EPD, e pode ser uma alternativa para a criopreservação de espermatozoides em felinos domésticos.(AU)

Evaluation of physiological parameters of dogs submitted to uterine lymphatic mapping using patent blue V dye for anaphylaxis detection / Avaliação de parâmetros fisiológicos de cães submetidos ao mapeamento linfático uterino usando o corante azul patente V para a detecção de anafilaxia

Lymphatic mapping has been performed in humans and dogs. Although several cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in humans, there are no such reports in dogs. The objective of this study was to identify the occurrence of adverse reactions to patent blue V dye in bitches undergoing uterine lymphatic mapping procedures using cardiovascular and hematological evaluations. The experiment was performed in 14 mongrel bitches without any reproductive disease, randomly assigned into two equal groups (PBV- uterine lynphatic mapping and OHE; Control - OHE only). The animals were submitted to pre- and postoperative hematological and serum biochemistry exams (7 days). The anesthetic protocol was: sedation (morphine and acepromazine), induction (propofol), maintenance (isoflurane), transoperative analgesia (fentanyl). Systolic blood pressure was monitored throughout the procedure and arterial blood gas analysis was performed immediate pre and postoperatively. For lymphatic mapping was injected patent blue V in the uterine wall, 10 minutes before OEH. Comparisons between the pre- and postoperative parameters within the same animal were performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. To compare the values between control and PBV group was obtaining the difference between the pre and post of each group, subjected to the Mann-Whitney test (significance of 5%). Differences were observed (P<0.05) between the pre- and postoperative evaluations in the PBV (total protein and the albumin serum), in both groups (arterial partial pressure of oxygen) and in the Control (arterial oxygen saturation). There were no signs of adverse reactions to the patent blue V dye in the healthy bitches submitted to lymphatic uterine mapping.(AU)

O mapeamento linfático tem sido realizado em humanos e cães. Embora inúmeros casos de anafilaxia já tenham sido relatados em humanos, não existem tais relatos em cães. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a ocorrência de reações adversas ao corante azul patente V em cadelas submetidas ao mapeamento linfático uterino, usando avaliações cardiovasculares e hematológicas. O experimento foi realizado em 14 cadelas mestiças, divididas igualmente em dois grupos (PBV- mapeamento linfático uterino e OEH; Controle - apenas OEH). Os animais foram submetidos a exames hematológicos e bioquímicos séricos no pré e pós-operatório (7 dias). O protocolo anestésico foi: sedação (morfina e acepromazina), indução (propofol), manutenção (isoflurano), analgesia trans-operatória (fentanil). A pressão arterial sistólica foi monitorada durante todo o procedimento e hemogasometria arterial no pré e pós-operatório imediato. Para o mapeamento linfático foi injetado azul patente V na parede uterina, 10 minutos antes de realizar a OEH. Comparações entre os valores do pré e pós-operatório do mesmo animal foram realizados pelo teste Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney. Para a comparação dos valores entre Controle e PBV foi realizado a obtenção da diferença entre os valores pré e pós de cada grupo, submetidas ao teste de Mann-Whitney (significância de 5%). Diferenças foram observadas (p<0,05) entre as avaliações pré e pós-operatórias no PBV (proteína total e albumina), ambos os grupos (pressão parcial de oxigênio arterial) e no Controle (saturação de oxigênio arterial). Não houve sinais de reação adversa ao corante azul patente V em cadelas saudáveis submetidas ao mapeamento linfático uterino.(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)

Uterine lymphangiography: comparison of two methods for locating the medial iliac lymph node / Linfangiografia uterina: comparação de dois métodos para localização do linfonodo ilíaco medial

Different methods for lymphatic mapping in dogs, such as infusing tissues with vital dyes or radioactive substances, have been studied, aiming at the early detection of lymph node metastasis. Thus, one could anticipate therapeutic measures and, consequently, prolong the survival and improve the quality of life of the patients. The objectives of this experiment were to locate the nodes responsible for draining the uterine body and horns and to try to establish the relationship between the uterus and the medial iliac lymph nodes to contribute to the early diagnosis and prognosis of uterine disorders. We studied 15 female dogs divided into two groups (5 dead and 10 intraoperative ovariohysterectomy bitches). The dye used was patent blue V (Patent Bleu V®). It was observed that the iliac lymph node chain receives much of the uterine (horns) drainage. This method should be considered for safer studies of uterine sanity. This information suggests that evaluating these lymph nodes will allow correlating changes in their physiological status with uterine pathologies.(AU)

A utilização de diferentes métodos para o mapeamento linfático em cães, como a infusão de substâncias radioativas e corantes vitais em tecidos, tem sido estudada, tendo como objetivo a detecção precoce de metástases em linfonodos. Com isso pode-se antecipar medidas terapêuticas e, consequentemente, prolongar sobrevida e melhorar qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Os objetivos deste experimento foram localizar os linfonodos responsáveis pela drenagem dos cornos e corpo uterino da cadela e tentar estabelecer relação entre útero e linfonodos ilíacos mediais com a finalidade de contribuir para o diagnóstico precoce e prognóstico das afecções uterinas. Foram estudadas 15 cadelas divididas em 2 grupos (5 cadáveres e 10 cadelas no transoperatório de ovariohisterectomia). O corante utilizado foi o azul patente V (Bleu Patente®). Pôde-se observar que a cadeia de linfonodos ilíacos recebe grande parte da drenagem uterina (cornos) e pode ser considerada em estudos para a sanidade deste órgão. Essa informação permite inferir que a avaliação desses linfonodos possibilita a correlação da alteração em seu padrão fisiológico com patologias uterinas.(AU)

Blood and seminal plasma concentrations of selenium, zinc and testosterone and their relationship to sperm quality and testicular biometry in domestic cats.

The aim of this study was to assess seminal plasma (SP) and serum concentrations of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and testosterone (T) in domestic cats and determine whether these are related to sperm quality and testicular biometry. Six tomcats were collected using an artificial vagina and sperm analysis included motility by CASA, morphology, plasma membrane integrity, and sperm count. Serum and SP were submitted to total T concentration determination using a solid-phase radioimmunoassay technique while Zn and Se were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum T concentrations were greater compared to SP concentrations, but both values were significantly correlated. Se concentrations were higher in serum, whereas SP had greater Zn values. Concentrations of Se, Zn and T were not correlated with each other either in serum or SP. Negative correlations were detected between Se concentrations in SP and total sperm head defects, and between Se concentrations in serum and VAP, VSL, STR, and LIN. Serum concentrations of Zn were negatively correlated with total abnormal sperm and midpiece defects and positively related to progressive motility. Both serum and SP concentrations of T had no relationship with sperm quality. Concentrations of Se exhibited a negative correlation with total testicular weight, whereas T concentrations in SP and serum were correlated with total testicular volume and weight. In conclusion, both Se and Zn concentrations in serum were correlated to sperm quality variables in the domestic cat, thus, making these potential candidates for fertility markers.

Análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano de bugio-ruivo (Alouatta guariba) / Cerebrospinal fluid analysis of the howler monkey (Alouatta guariba)

A presente pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de desenvolver e adaptar técnicas diagnósticas em neurologia para primatas não humanos, da espécie Alouatta guariba Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812 (bugio-ruivo) saudáveis e mantidos em cativeiro. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas e citológicas do líquido cefalorraquidiano obtido na cisterna magna de oito bugios-ruivos. Para realização dos exames, todos os animais foram contidos quimicamente com associação de cetamina, xilazina e midazolam e anestesia inalatória com isoflurano. Os resultados das análises do líquido cefalorraquidiano demonstraram valores médios de proteína: 16,92mg/dL±9,84; glicose: 131,25mg/dL±106,7; pH: 8,37±0,69; células nucleadas: 0,5/mm³±0,75; hemácias: 49,37/mm³±111,76 e pressão: 7,37cm H2O±1,77. O trabalho demonstrou a segurança e a eficácia da colheita do líquido cefalorraquidiano na cisterna magna de Alouatta guariba e os valores de referência para a espécie.

This survey was conducted with the objective of developing and adapting diagnostic techniques in neurology for non-human primates, of the species Alouatta guariba Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812 (howler monkey) healthy and kept in captivity. Physical-chemical analyses were carried out in cerebrospinal fluid and its pressure measurement in the cisterna magna. Eight animals were used for the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. In all procedures, were used chemical restraint and anesthesia with ketamine, xylazine and association of midazolam and inhalational anesthesia with isoflurane for carrying out the spinal tap. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed average values: protein: 16.92±9.84; glucose: 131.25mg/dL±106.7; pH: 8.37±0.69; nucleated cells: 0.5/mm³±0.75; red blood cells: 49.37/mm³±111.76 and CSF cisternal pressure: 7.37cm H2O±1.77. This study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of cerebrospinal fluid collection in the cisterna magna of Alouatta guariba, and the reference values for the specie.

High incidence of 'Dag-like' sperm defect in the domestic cat.

The occurrence of a high incidence of sperm tail defects in a male domestic cat resembling the known 'Dag-like' defect is reported. Sperm analyses were performed in ejaculated samples collected by an artificial vagina and in testicular and epididymal sperm cells after castration. The following alterations were observed using transmission electron microscope: heavily coiled sperm tails containing several axonemal units enclosed in the same common cell membrane; aberrations in the axonemal main structure; and swollen and unevenly distributed mitochondria in the midpiece. Abnormal modifications in the mitochondrial sheath were also found in sperm cells retrieved from testes and epididymides. Considering these findings, we can conclude that this is the Dag-like defect, described previously in other domestic species and a testicular origin may be involved.