Nephrectomy in 52 dogs for the treatment of Dioctophyme renale infection - Knowing the enemy to win.

Dioctophyme renale (D. renale) is a nematode that parasitizes the kidney of mammals. Treatment is often surgical, with removal of the affected organ. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and surgical aspects, the interval between diagnosis and treatment, the occurrence of pre- and intraoperative complications, and the postoperative survival time of dogs parasitized by D. renale undergoing therapeutic nephrectomy. Records of fifty-two dogs treated in a single hospital service were analyzed. We collected epidemiological data, laboratory results, diagnostic method, anesthetic protocol, surgical technique and time, type of antimicrobial prophylaxis, pre- and intraoperative complications, location and number of parasites, and postoperative survival time. Of the 52 dogs undergoing right nephrectomy by laparotomy, 61.5 % were female and 63.4 % were adults. Although the most common clinical sign was hematuria (25 %), 61.5 % of the patients were asymptomatic. Eosinophilia and increased serum urea were the only laboratory changes found. The interval between diagnosis and surgery was 27.4 ± 23 days and no patient showed changes suggestive of surgical emergency. The most common surgical approach was the right paracostal (61.5 %), and a continuous suture pattern was predominant. Intraoperative complications occurred in 9.6 % of the procedures, varying from mild to severe hemorrhage. Mean postoperative survival was 835.5 ± 428 days. Dioctophymosis was effectively controlled by nephrectomy of the affected kidney, allowing a mean survival of more than 830 days. No serious complications caused by intervals between diagnosis and treatment have been reported. This is the largest retrospective study evaluating dogs infected with D. renale that were surgically treated.

Contrasting Effects of Leaf Litter Quality and Diversity on Oviposition of Mosquitoes.

The quality and diversity of leaf litter are important variables in determining the availability of energy in detritus-based food webs. These factors can be represented by the stoichiometric proportion between carbon and multiple nutrients, and the mixture of litter from different taxonomic and/or functional origins. In aquatic ecosystems, factors that accelerate litter decomposition can influence the secondary productivity of planktonic microbiota, which act as a link between litter and higher trophic levels. This study aimed to analyze the influence of litter quality and diversity on the oviposition behavior of medically important mosquitoes. We hypothesized that both factors would have a positive effect on the attraction of female mosquitoes and would stimulate a greater amount of oviposition. To test this hypothesis, microcosms containing isolated leaf litter leachates from four plant species were used to manipulate gradients of litter quality, and microcosms with all leachates combined were used to test the effects of litter diversity. The results showed a positive effect of litter quality (p < 0.05) on mosquito oviposition rate, with lower C:P ratio litter species (high-quality litter) presenting higher oviposition rates than litter species with high C:P ratios (low-quality litter). However, contrary to our expectations, litter diversity had a negative effect (p = 0.002) on the magnitude of egg-laying by mosquitoes. Our results highlight the importance of litter quality and diversity for insect reproductive behavior. Our data shows that litter quality can serve as a crucial indicator of a suitable environment utilized by female mosquitoes for oviposition. This finding can enhance our ability to understand and develop effective methods for mitigating the reproduction of medically significant mosquitoes, whether by allowing us to predict, based on the composition of vegetation species, areas more prone to mosquito infestation, or by using high-quality litter in oviposition traps. Furthermore, maintaining vegetation diversity can help control mosquito reproduction.

Radiographic findings in the coxofemoral joint of Australian Cattle Dogs / Achados radiográficos em articulação coxofemoral de cães da raça Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs (ACD) are medium-sized animals widely used in fieldwork for managing cattle and sheep. There needs to be more information about the conditions these dogs can develop despite being well-characterized animals since the beginning of the 20th century. Hip dysplasia (HD) is a developmental abnormality between the femoral head and the acetabular fossa, which can be debilitating. However, the available literature has no studies on the prevalence of this condition in dogs of this breed. This study aimed to evaluate radiographs of ACD qualitatively and quantitatively. For this purpose, 49 dogs considered healthy without clinical signs of HD were radiographically assessed, and the animals were classified as dysplastic (D) and non-dysplastic (ND). A frequency of 46.9% of dysplastic dogs was observed, with males being more affected. The cortical index (CI) and angle of inclination (AI) could not differentiate D from ND animals; only the Norberg angle (NA) was effective in this differentiation. No correlation was observed between AI, CI, and AN.(AU)

Os cães da raça Autralian Cattle Dog (ACD) são animais de porte médio, muito utilizados no trabalho de campo para manejo de gado e ovelha. Apesar de serem animais bem caracterizados desde o início do século XX, há poucas informações sobre afecções que esses cães podem desenvolver. A displasia coxofemoral (DCF) é uma anormalidade do desenvolvimento entre a cabeça do fêmur e a fossa acetabular podendo ser debilitante. Contudo, não há estudos, na literatura disponível, sobre a prevalência desta afecção em cães dessa raça. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar qualitativamente e quantitativamente radiografias de cães da raça ACD. Para tanto, foram avaliados radiograficamente 49 cães considerados hígidos e sem sinais clínicos de DCF. Os animais foram classificados em displásicos (D) e não displásicos (ND). Observou-se a frequência de 46,9% de cães displásicos, sendo os machos mais acometidos. O índice cortical (IC) e o ângulo de inclinação (AI) não foram capazes de diferenciar os animais D dos ND, apenas o ângulo de Norberg (AN) foi eficaz nessa diferenciação. Não houve correlação entre AI, IC e AN.(AU)

Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for the treatment of canine dioctophymosis.

This paper reports on two cases of laparoscopic nephrotomy employed in the treatment of canine dioctophymosis, which is considered a unusual procedure and a new treatment proposal heretofore not performed in veterinary medicine. Two patients were treated, one with a history of hematuria and the other with incidental finding of the parasite in the abdominal cavity during elective ovariohysterectomy. Both dogs were subjected to abdominal ultrasound, which produced images indicating the presence of the parasite in the right side kidney, but with partial parenchymal preservation. The patients were therefore subjected to laparoscopic nephrotomy. The surgical procedure was effective in treating dioctophymosis and enabled minimum tissue invasion during surgery, in addition to preservation of the kidney.

Oral magnesium supplementation for leg cramps in pregnancy-An observational controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral magnesium for leg cramps treatment in pregnancy is a controversial issue according to recent Cochrane systematic review. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Mg++ supplementation in leg cramps treatment in pregnancy. METHODS: This observational clinical trial studied 132 pregnant women with leg cramps in the first trimester of pregnancy. At baseline, 74 (56.3%) had two leg cramps episodes per week, 28 (21.1%) three episodes, 13 (9.8%) four episodes and 9 (6.8%) five or more episodes. They were randomized 1:1 to 300 mg/day of oral Mg++ citrate (n = 66) or placebo (n = 66). The primary outcome was the frequency of leg cramps episodes per week reported by pregnant women. Secondary outcomes were the ocurrence of leg cramps and oral magnesium side effects. RESULTS: 130 pregnant women completed the study and the two groups were comparable according to some sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. After 4 weeks of intervention it was observed a 28.4% (39/132) (CI 95%: 20.9-37.0) reduction of leg cramps in all participants and no difference between the two groups was found; reduction of 27.2% (18/66) (CI 95%: 17.0-39.6) in Mg++ group and 32.8% (21/66) (CI 95%: 21.6-45.7) in the placebo group. The OR of leg cramps was 1.3 (CI 95%: 0.6-2.9), p = 0.527, taking the placebo group as reference. Among pregnant women who remained with leg cramps the mean of leg cramps episodes per week showed no significance difference between the Mg++ and placebo groups; t-student test: p = 0.408. Four pregnant women showed gastrointestinal side effects; 2 in each group had nauseas and diarrhoea. CONCLUSION: Oral magnesium supplementation during pregnancy did not reduce the ocurrence and frequency of episodes of leg cramps.

Evaluation of cardiopulmonary parameters and recovery from anesthesia in cougars (Puma concolor) anesthetized with detomidine/ketamine and isoflurane or sevoflurane / Avaliação de parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios e recuperação da anestesia em pumas (Puma concolor) anestesiados com detomidina/cetamina e isoflurano ou sevoflurano

The aim of this study was to assess the cardiopulmonary effects, the onset time after the administration of a detomidine/ketamine combination, and the recovery from anesthesia of cougars (Puma concolor) anesthetized with detomidine/ketamine and isoflurane or sevoflurane for abdominal ultrasound imaging. Fourteen animals were randomly allocated into two experimental groups: GISO (n=7) and GSEVO (n=7). Chemical restraint was performed using 0.15mg/kg detomidine combined with 5mg/kg ketamine intramuscularly; anesthesia induction was achieved using 2mg/kg propofol intravenously and maintenance with isoflurane (GISO) or sevoflurane (GSEVO). The following parameters were assessed: heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, oxyhemoglobin saturation, rectal temperature, central venous pressure, and end-tidal carbon dioxide. The time to sternal recumbency (TSR) and time to standing position (TSP) were also determined. There was not statistically significant difference for the cardiopulmonary variables or TSP whereas TSR was significantly shorter in GSEVO. The time to onset of anesthesia was 11.1±1.2 minutes and 11.3±1.8 minutes for GISO and GSEVO, respectively. The anesthesia of cougars with detomidine/ketamine and isoflurane or sevoflurane was conducted with safety, cardiopulmonary stability, and increased time to sternal recumbency in the GISO group.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos cardiorrespiratórios e a recuperação anestésica de onças-pardas (Puma concolor) submetidas à anestesia com detomidina/cetamina e isofluorano ou sevofluorano para avaliação ultrassonográfica abdominal. Para isso, foram utilizados 14 animais divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais GISO (n=7) e GSEVO (n=7). Foram submetidos à contenção química com detomidina 0,15mg/kg associada à cetamina 5mg/kg pela via intramuscular, induzidos com propofol 2mg/kg pela via intravenosa e mantidos com isofluorano (GISO) ou sevofluorano. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: frequência cardíaca e respiratória, pressão arterial sistólica, média e diastólica saturação de oxihemoglobina, temperatura retal, pressão venosa central e fração expirada de dióxido de carbono. O tempo para adoção de decúbito esternal e posição quadrupedal também foram avaliados. Não houve diferença estatística para as variáveis cardiorrespiratórias e no tempo para adoção da posição quadrupedal. O tempo para adoção de decúbito esternal foi significativamente menor no GSEVO em relação ao GISO. Concluiu-se que a anestesia de onças pardas com detomidina/cetamina e isoflurano ou sevoflurano foi realizada de maneira segura, com estabilidade cardiorrespiratória e com aumento no tempo para adoção de decúbito esternal no GISO.

Crise hipercalcêmica / Hypercalcemic crisis

Hipercalcemia é um problema clínico relativamente comum. Pode estar associada a um amplo espectro de manifestações clínicas, variando de poucos sintomas se a hipercalcemia for leve e/ou crônica para coma se for severa e/ou aguda. Relataremos o caso de uma paciente de 36 anos trazida ao pronto-socorro, com história de alteração do nível de consciência nas últimas 48 horas. Dentre outras alterações laboratoriais, apresentava cálcio sérico de 17,8 mg por decilitro. Apesar do tratamento, nossa paciente evoluiu ao óbito e o anatomopatológico post-mortem revelou hipercelularidade da medula óssea, compatível com mieloma múltiplo...

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis).

The aim of this study is to report a case of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The animal, a 24-month-old male, was referred to the Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres (CRAS) with a history of having been run over and tibia and fibula fractures. After a surgery to repair the fractures, the ocelot underwent antibiotic therapy with two doses of sodium cefovecin, during which he presented with diarrhea. A stool sample was positive for A/B toxins by a cytotoxicity assay, and a toxigenic strain of C. difficile was isolated. No other enteropathogens were detected. The association between the history, clinical signs and laboratory exams confirmed the diagnosis of C. difficile-associated diarrhea. The present report confirms C. difficile as a potential pathogen for wild felids and suggests that the C. difficile-associated diarrhea should be considered in diarrhea cases, especially when the clinical signs began after antimicrobial use.

Endoscopic transcervical intrauterine artificial insemination in Labrador Retriever bitches.

Besides post-thawing reduced semen quality, there are some difficulties in the execution of the endoscopic transcervical intrauterine artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen in bitches. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to evaluate behavioral and reproductive parameters (i.e., vaginal cytology and serum progesterone level) to determine time of insemination and to investigate the particularities and difficulties of this technique in bitches using fresh semen. Ten Labrador Retriever bitches were submitted to three endoscopic transcervical intrauterine AIs (with 48 h intervals). Oestrus and ovulation period were established by behaviour evaluation, progesterone assays and vaginal cytology, enabling optimal timing for AI during oestrus. During AI, the following aspects were evaluated: cervical os catheterization difficulty, semen deposition resistance, occurrence of semen backflow, and time required to perform the AI. In this study, it was possible to catheterize the cervical os in all bitches, with different degrees of difficulty, by manipulating the equipment to allow cervical visualization and catheter introduction in the cervical canal. Serial serum progesterone assays enabled estimation of LH surge day, and thus of ovulation. The pregnancy rate was 90%, with a litter size of 5.0 ± 2.6 puppies per bitch. It was concluded that the difficulties in the execution of the endoscopic transcervical intrauterine AI technique in Labrador Retriever bitches were minimized by the equipment manipulation and practical experience.

Evaluation of adverse effects in tamoxifen exposed healthy female dogs.

BACKGROUND: Mammary tumors are among the most frequent neoplasms in female dogs, but the strategies employed in animal treatment are limited. In human medicine, hormone manipulation is used in cancer therapy. Tamoxifen citrate is a selective inhibitor of oestrogen receptors and exerts a potent anti-oestrogen effect on the mammary gland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects when exposing healthy female dogs to tamoxifen. METHODS: Tamoxifen was administered for 120 days at a dose of 0.5 or 0.8 mg/kg/day to either intact or spayed female dogs. The effects were assessed through clinical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry, ophthalmology and bone marrow aspirate examination. Ovariohysterectomy was performed and the uterus examined by histopathology. RESULTS: Vulva oedema and purulent vaginal discharge developed with 10 days of tamoxifen exposure in all groups. Pyometra was diagnosed after around 90 days of exposure in intact females with frequencies increasing during the following 30 days of exposure. Up to 50% of dogs within the groups developed retinitis but none of the dogs had signs of reduced visual acuity. The prevalence of retinitis in each group was similar after 120 days of exposure. Haematological, biochemical and bone marrow changes were not observed. Due to the high risk of developing pyometra after prolonged exposure to tamoxifen, only spayed animals should be given this medication. CONCLUSIONS: A dose of 0.8 mg tamoxifen/kg body weight/day is recommended when treating tamoxifen-responsive canine mammary tumors. Due to the high risk of developing pyometra, ovariohysterectomy is recommended.

Efeitos colaterais da ranitidina aplicada em dose terapêutica em cães saudáveis / Adverse effects of ranitidine applied in therapeutic dosage in healthy dogs

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se a dose de ranitidina 2mg kg-1, aplicada via intravenosa, causa êmese ou hipotensão em cães saudáveis. Foram selecionados 10 cães da raça Retriever do Labrador, 10 da raça Beagle e 10 cães sem raça definida, sendo cinco animais de cada sexo. Os animais foram submetidos ao exame clínico e à avaliação da pressão sanguínea antes da aplicação do fármaco e também 10 minutos e quatro horas após a administração deste. Após a aplicação, observou-se que 13,3 por cento dos animais apresentaram-se normais; 6,7 por cento dos cães apresentaram apatia; 50 por cento dos animais apresentaram salivação e 30 por cento apresentaram apatia, salivação, mímica de vômito ou êmese. Não houve diminuição significativa da pressão arterial após a administração do fármaco. Conclui-se que o uso de ranitidina na dose terapêutica, aplicada via intravenosa, pode provocar apatia, salivação, mímica de vômito e êmese.

The purpose of this study was to verify if the ranitidine dosage of 2mg kg-1 by intravenous path causes emesis or hypotension in healthy dogs. They were selected 10 Labrador Retriever, 10 Beagles and 10 mongrel dogs, five animals of each sex. The animals were submitted to clinical examination and blood pressure evaluation before ranitidine administration and also 10 minutes and 4 hours after administration of it. After administration was observed that 13.3 percent of the animals presented normal; 6.7 percent of the dogs presented apathy; 50 percent of the animals presented salivation and 30 percent presented apathy, salivation, emesis mimic or emesis. There was no significative arterial blood pressure decrease after ranitidine administration. It was concluded that ranitidine useful in therapeutic dosage by intravenous path may provoke apathy, salivation, emesis mimic and emesis.