Factors related to the suppression of the antitumour immune response in female dogs with inflammatory mammary carcinoma.

Inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC), a neoplasia affecting women and female dogs, is considered an aggressive cancer with high metastatic potential and a low survival rate. Studies focused on the tumour microenvironment indicate that the aggressive behaviour of this tumour is primarily correlated with immunological factors as well as inflammation. The objective of this study was to analyse the possible strategies used by the tumour cells to suppress the immune response in female dogs with IMC. Forty-six female dogs were divided into three groups: control (C, n = 10), IMC (n = 14) and mammary carcinoma (MC, n = 22). Clinical-pathological evaluations, survival at follow-up, immunophenotyping of leukocytes in peripheral blood and tumours, and immunohistochemical evaluation of CD4+, granzyme B, perforin and FAS-L were performed. Clinical and pathological results showed a higher frequency of the primary form of neoplasia, solid arrays of tumor cells and a lower survival rate in the IMC group (30 days). Morphometric analysis of inflammatory infiltrate revealed more lymphocytes and macrophages in the IMC group. Immunophenotyping analysis of peripheral blood revealed a higher frequency of CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.0017), a lower frequency of CD4+ T-cells (p <0.0001), and significantly higher mean MHCI and MHCII CD14+ fluorescence intensity in the IMC group (p = 0.038 and p = 0.0117, respectively). The immunohistochemical evaluation of tumour sections showed fewer FAS-L-positive inflammatory cells in the IMC group. These results suggest the important contribution of CD8+ T-cells, macrophages and FAS-L in the aggressiveness of IMC.

Comparative analysis of origin and branches of phrenic nerve in the diaphragm of the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris).

The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a canid widely distributed throughout South America, considered the only representative of the gender. There is a lack of information about anatomical aspects of the species, mainly regarded of nervous system anatomy. For clinical and surgical approaches of these animals, the domestic dog is adopted as anatomophysiological model. So, the aim of the present study was to analyse origin and branches of the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm of crab-eating fox compared to domestic dog. Four specimens of Cerdocyon thous and four of Canis lupus familiaris were used. The phrenic nerve originated from the ventral branches of the fifth (C5), sixth (C6) and seventh (C7) cervical spinal nerves. Phrenic nerves were distributed in the diaphragm as lumbocostal trunk and sternal branch (100%) in the crab-eating fox, and in costosternal trunk and lumbar branch (75%) and lumbocostal trunk and sternal branch (25%) in the domestic dog. In both species, the lumbar branch innervates the diaphragm pillars, the costal branch addresses all costal region, and the sternal branch distributes in the costal ventrolateral region and the sternal part of the diaphragm, to the left and to the right.

The effect of naltrexone as a carboplatin chemotherapy-associated drug on the immune response, quality of life and survival of dogs with mammary carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a carboplatin chemotherapy-associated drug in female dogs with mammary carcinoma in benign mixed tumors (MC-BMT) after mastectomy and to assess its association with quality of life and survival rates. Sixty female dogs were included in this study, all of which had histopathological diagnosis of MC-BMT and were divided into three groups: G1 (control), consisting of animals submitted only to mastectomy with or without regional metastasis; G2, composed of treated animals that did not present with metastasis; and G3, treated dogs that presented with metastasis. G2 and G3 were also subdivided according to the treatment administered: chemotherapy alone (MC-BMT(-) C/MC-BMT(+) C) or LDN and chemotherapy (MC-BMT(-) C+LDN/MC-BMT(+) C+LDN). All animals were subjected to clinical evaluation, mastectomy, peripheral blood lymphocyte immunophenotyping, beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin quantification, and evaluation of survival rates and quality of life scores. The results showed higher serum concentrations of beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin, fewer chemotherapy-related side effects, and better quality of life and survival rates in the LDN-treated groups than in LDN-untreated groups (P < 0.05). Evaluation of clinical and pathological parameters indicated a significant association between the use of LDN and both prolonged survival and enhanced quality of life. These results indicate that LDN is a viable chemotherapy-associated treatment in female dogs with MC-BMT, maintaining their quality of life and prolonging survival rates.

Polymethylmethacrylate orbital implants with interconnecting channels. A retrospective study following enucleation in dogs and cats.

PURPOSE: This study describes the use of polymethylmethacrylate implants with interconnecting channels (PIIC) to fill the orbit following enucleation in 31 dogs and 11 cats. METHOD: Seven channels were drilled into the implant. A central channel, running from the PIIC pole to its flat surface, was used to pass sutures anchoring the PIIC to the orbital fascia, minimizing the likelihood of extrusion. Six more channels allowed ingrowth of fibrovascular tissue into the PIIC, which reduces the risk of extrusion. Patients were evaluated 3, 10, and 30 days postoperatively, with 15 of 42 patients followed for 6-20 months. Ultrasound examination was performed in seven patients 15-510 days postoperatively, and two implants were studied histopathologically. RESULTS: Implants were well tolerated and prevented skin concavity, leading to good cosmetic results. Blood flow was imaged in vessels growing into the channels, and histopathologically a collagenous, fibrovascular capsule was seen surrounding the PIIC and invading its channels. CONCLUSIONS: PIICs are a safe and cosmetic solution to anophthalmic orbits, allowing ingrowth of blood vessels and fibrovascular tissue.

Understanding of the immunological heterogeneity of canine mammary carcinomas to provide immunophenotypic features of circulating leukocytes as clinically relevant prognostic biomarkers.

We have evaluated the phenotypic features of peripheral blood leukocytes as putative novel biomarkers with prognostic values to monitor canine mammary carcinomas. Female dogs were categorized into distinct groups, referred as mammary carcinoma in benign mixed tumor-MC-BMT and mammary carcinoma-MC. Our findings demonstrate that decreased percentage of B-cells along with increased frequency of NK-cells, CD8(+)T-cells, and CD8(+)CD5(Low+)T-cells beside higher T/B-cells and lower CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio were the hallmarks of MC-BMT. Despite the lower expression of MHCI and MHCII, the lymphocytes from MC-BMT and MC displayed higher migration potential as suggested by enhanced frequency of CD18(+) events. Although increased levels of macrophage-like cells/(CD14(+)CD16(+)) and decreased levels of MHCII expression were a common phenotypic feature in mammary carcinoma, down-regulation of MHCI was selectively observed in MC. Decreased frequency of CD4(+) T-cells with increased levels of CD8(+) T-cells and lower CD4(+)/CD8(+) T-cell ratio were relevant biomarkers of MC-BTM(-). Although decreased expression of MHCI by monocytes was observed in MC-BTM regardless of the presence of lymph node metastasis, this phenotypic feature was restricted to MC free of metastasis. The CD4(+)/CD8(+) T-cells ratio lower than 1.8 was elected as a valid parameter with outstanding performance to predict survival in MC-BMT. On the other hand, the MHCI expression by monocytes higher than 10(2) MFI showed good value to estimate worse outcome in MC. These results should help to improve our understanding of the immunological heterogeneity of canine mammary carcinomas and provide tools for the determination of cut-off scores of clinically relevant immonophenotypic prognostic biomarkers.

Detecção de aglomerados espaciais de casos de neoplasia mamária em cães no município de Salvador, Bahia / Detection of spatial clusters for breast cancer in canines in the city of Salvador, Bahia

Os tumores mamários espontâneos representam a neoplasia mais frequente em fêmeas caninas, correspondendo aproximadamente a 50 por cento de todas as neoplasias. A maioria dos estudos científicos restringe-se a dados pontuais sobre a doença, sem a preocupação com sua distribuição geográfica ou mesmo com a possibilidade da geração de agregados desses eventos em uma determinada área. Levando-se em consideração a lacuna de informações na literatura, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo a criação de mapas temáticos da distribuição espacial das neoplasias mamárias em cadelas e a identificação de aglomerados de risco para a doença no município de Salvador, Bahia. Pela análise espacial de varredura, verificou-se que os casos de neoplasia mamária não estão homogeneamente distribuídos no município. Foi detectado um aglomerado primário estatisticamente significante (P<0,001), abrangendo 67,3 por cento dos casos estudados. Espera-se que estes resultados contribuam principalmente na elaboração de novos estudos, nos quais devem ser analisadas variáveis de caráter intrínseco e extrínseco ao animal para a identificação dos fatores de risco e elaboração de planos educacionais direcionados à promoção da saúde animal.

Spontaneous mammary tumors represent the most frequent type of cancer in canines, accounting for approximately 50 percent of all neoplasms. The majority of scientific papers cited in the literature are limited to non refined epidemiological data, without mentioning the trend of this disease in generating clusters in a given geographical area. In this context, this research aimed to create thematic maps of spatial distribution of mammary neoplasms in bitches and to identify disease clusters for the city of Salvador, Bahia. Trough the spatial analysis scanning, it was found that cases of breast cancer is not evenly distributed in the municipality. A significant primary cluster was detected (P>0,001) covering 67.3 percent of the studied cases. Considering the gap in literature available in this field, it is believed that such results will become very important, especially in leading to new studies, where intrinsic and extrinsic variables regarding the animal must be taken into consideration and analyzed for factors risk identification to formulate educational plans targeting the promotion of animal welfare.

Control de hipotermia con colchón térmico en perras durante ovario-histerectomía / Hypothermia control with thermal mats in dogs during ovary-hysterectomy

La hipotermia transoperatoria es una complicación común en pacientes sometidos a anestesia general para procedimientos quirúrgicos. En este trabajo se evalúa el uso de un colchón térmico eléctrico como método de control de temperatura en 18 hembras caninas de aproximadamente seis meses de edad, sometidas a ovario-histerectomía (OVH) electiva, bajo anestesia general. Fueron evaluadas las constantes fisiológicas y los tiempos de recuperación, comparando tres grupos distribuidos aleatoriamente: G1, control, sin control de temperatura; G2, uso de colchón térmico a 38 °C durante el periodo trans y posoperatorio, y G3, control de temperatura de la misma manera pero solo en el periodo posoperatorio. El colchón térmico es una medida efectiva y segura para el control de la hipotermia perioperatoria mostrando mejores resultados cuando es usado en todos los momentos y no solo en el posoperatorio...

Intraoperative hypothermia is a common complication in patients undergoing general anesthesia for surgical procedures. This paper evaluates the use of an electric thermal mat as a temperature control method in 18 female dogs, approximately six month pregnant, subject to elective ovary-hysterectomy (OVH) under general anesthesia. Physiological constants and recovery times were evaluated by comparing three groups, randomly distributed: G1, control, without temperature control; G2, use of thermal mattress at 38 °C during and after surgery, and G3, temperature control in the same way but only during the postoperative period. The thermal mat is an effective and safe method to control perioperative hypothermia, showing better results when used at all times and not only during the postoperative period...

A hipotermia transoperatória é uma complicação comum em pacientes submetidos à anestesia geral para procedimentos cirúrgicos. Neste trabalho avalia-se uso de um colchão térmico elétrico como método de controle de temperatura em 18 fêmeas caninas de aproximadamente seis meses de idade, submetidas a ovário-histerectomia (OVH) opcional, sob anestesia geral. Foram avaliadas as constantes fisiológicas e os tempos de recuperação, comparando três grupos distribuídos aleatoriamente: G1, controle, sem controle de temperatura; G2, uso do colchão térmico a 38 °C durante o período trans e pós-operatório, e G3, controle de temperatura da mesma maneira, mas só no período pós-operatório. O colchão térmico é uma medida efetiva e segura para o controle da hipotermia perioperatória mostrando melhores resultados quando é usado em todos os momentos e não só no pós-operatório...

Ectopia ureteral em cães: relato de dois casos / Ectopia uretral en perros: relato de dos casos / Urethral ectopia in dogs: report of two cases

O presente trabalho descreve dois casos distintos de ectopia ureteral em cães atendidos no Hospital de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal da Bahia. O primeiro relata a presença de ureter ectópico intramural unilateral direito em uma cadela da raça poodle, de aproximadamente um ano de idade, que apresentava como sequela a hidronefrose e hidroureter, sendo necessária a ureteronefrectomia direita para resolução do caso. O segundo caso refere-se à presença de ureter ectópico extramural bilateral em uma cadela da raça Husky Siberiano, de seis anos de idade, cujo prognóstico foi desfavorável em virtude de alterações irreversíveis em todo trato urinário. Em ambos os casos, evidenciou-se a importância do diagnóstico precoce para evitar o desencadeamento de sequelas e garantir a resolução do problema.

This study describes two distinct cases of urethral ectopia in dogs examined at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Bahia. The first one reports the presence of a right unilateral intramural ectopic ureter in a one-year-old female Poodle that had hydro nephrosis and hydro ureter and that needed right ureter nephrectomy to solve the problem The second case is the presence of a bilateral extramural ectopic ureter in a six-year-old female Siberian Husky whose prognostic was unfavorable due to irreversible alterations throughout the urinary tract. In both cases, it was evident how important an early diagnostic is to avoid sequelae and ensure the problem solution.

Este estudio describe dos casos distintos de ectopia uretral en perros atendidos en el Hospital de Medicina Veterinario de la Universidad Federal de Bahía. El primer caso relata la presencia de uréter ectópico intramural unilateral derecho, en una perra de la raza poodle, de aproximadamente un año de edad, que presentaba como secuela la hidronefrosis e hidrouréter, haciéndose necesario la ureteronefrectomia derecha para resolución del caso. El segundo caso se refiere a presencia de uréter ectópico extramural bilateral en una perra de la raza Husky Siberiano, de seis años de edad, cuyo pronóstico fue desfavorable en virtud de alteraciones irreversibles en todo tracto urinario. En los dos casos, se evidenció la importancia del diagnóstico precoz para evitar el desencadenamiento de secuelas y garantizar la resolución del problema.

Colopexia e deferentopexia associadas à omentopexia no tratamento da hérnia perineal em cães: um estudo de trinta casos / Colopexy and deferentopexy associated with omentopexy in the treatment of perineal hernia in dogs: Study of thirty cases

Diversas técnicas cirúrgicas têm sido propostas para correção da hérnia perineal em cães e, independentemente do método utilizado, o risco cirúrgico relacionado ao estado clínico e à idade do animal deve ser sempre considerado. O comprometimento do trato urinário e/ou digestório é frequente, e o paciente geriátrico pode apresentar problemas múltiplos que afetam consideravelmente sua tolerância à anestesia, à cirurgia e a infecções. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar o emprego da colopexia e da deferentopexia associadas à omentopexia como terapêutica cirúrgica alternativa em 30 cães idosos, comprometidos sistemicamente, portadores de hérnia perineal e anomalia retal concomitante. A análise dos casos permitiu verificar que a associação de procedimentos possibilitou a inspeção e avaliação dos órgãos abdominais, particularmente os implicados como conteúdo herniário; a restauração do formato linear do colo distal, reduzindo seu diâmetro e favorecendo o retorno à função normal; fixação eficaz e segura no reposicionamento cranial da próstata e bexiga, evitando posteriores deslocamentos caudais; e satisfatória reparação tecidual e oclusão do defeito no diafragma pélvico. Dessa forma, concluiu-se que a técnica cirúrgica proposta tem significativo valor terapêutico quando empregada em portadores de hérnia perineal e saculação retal concomitante.

Several surgical techniques have been proposed for perineal hernia correction in dogs and regardless of the used method the surgical risk related to clinical status and animal age should always be considered, since the involvement of the urinary tract and/or digestive tract is frequent and the geriatric patient can present multiple problems that significantly affect their tolerance to anesthesia, surgery and infections. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the use of colopexy and deferentopexy associated with omentopexy as surgical alternative in 30 elderly dogs, systemically compromised, which had perineal hernia and concomitant rectal anomaly. The cases analysis showed that the proposed surgical technique allowed the inspection and evaluation of abdominal organs, particularly those with hernial content involved; the distal colon linear format restoration, reducing its diameter and encouraging a normal function return, effective setting and secure cranial prostate and urinary bladder repositioning, avoiding further caudal displacement; satisfactory tissue repair and defect occlusion of the pelvic diaphragm. Thus, it was concluded that the proposed procedure has therapeutic value for dogs with perineal hernia and concomitant rectal sacculation.

Prolapso uretral em cães: relato de casos / Urethral prolapse in the male dog: cases report / Prolapso uretral en perros: relato de casos

Anomalias da uretra canina são de baixa incidência, e podem ter causas congênitas ou adquiridas. O prolapso uretral em cães é uma afecção de fisiopatologia ainda não completamente elucidada. Acomete animais machos e jovens, sendo frequentemente observada em raças braquicefálicas, e seu diagnóstico é fundamentado pela visualização da mucosa uretral protrusa. Apesar da possibilidade de redução do prolapso através de manobras cirúrgicas menos traumáticas, o tratamento mais efetivo para esta afecção é a técnica de ressecção e anastomose do prolapso uretral. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo relatar a ocorrência de dois casos clínicos de prolapso uretral em cães assistidos no Setor de Cirurgia de Pequenos Animais do Hospital da Universidade Federal da Bahia, e avaliar a técnica utilizada como procedimento para a resolução do prolapso. Os resultados revelaram que a referida técnica é de fácil execução e eficácia comprovada, não sendo observadas recidivas em nenhum dos dois casos estudados.

Abnormalities of the canine urethra have low incidence, and may have congenital or acquired causes. Urethral prolapse in the male dog can be described as an unknown physiopathological affection. It has been observed in males and young animals, frequently in braquicefalic breeds, and its diagnosis is based on the visualization of the prolapsed urethral mucosa. Despite the possibility of reduction by the use of less traumatic surgical techniques, the most effective treatment for this affection is the technique of resection and anastomosis of the urethral prolapse. The aim of this paper was to report the occurrence of two urethral prolapse clinical cases in dogs, from Small Animal Surgery Sector of the Veterinary Hospital (Institution), and to analyze the technique applied as a procedure to resolute the prolapse. The results revealed that the referred technique has easy execution and prove efficacy, without recurrence in both studied cases.

Anomalías de la uretra canina son de baja incidencia, y pueden tener causas congénitas o adquiridas. El prolapso uretral en perros es una afección de fisiopatología aún no completamente elucidada. Acomete animales machos y hembras, siendo frecuentemente observada en razas braquiocefálicas, y su diagnóstico se confirma por la visualización de la mucosa uretral desplazada. A pesar de la posibilidad de reducción del prolapso, a través de maniobras quirúrgicas menos traumáticas, el tratamiento más efectivo para esta afección es la técnica de resección y anastomosis del prolapso uretral. Esta investigación tuvo como objeto relatar la ocurrencia de dos casos clínicos de prolapso uretral en perros atendidos en el Sector de Cirugía de Pequeños Animales de un hospital da Universidade Federal da Bahia, y evaluar la técnica utilizada como procedimiento para la resolución del prolapso. Los resultados revelaron que la referida técnica es de fácil ejecución y de eficacia comprobada, no siendo observadas recidivas en ningún de los dos casos estudiados.

Laparoscopy hepatic biopsy through cauterization

Hepatic biopsy was realized through laparoscopy with simultaneous cauterization in the present study, whose principal aim was to evaluate the efficacy of the applied method and to study its effects in the liver of healthy dogs. Furthermore, we tried to verify the main hematological and chemistry profile alterations related to the hepatic function, and to investigate the viability of the fragments collected by histopathology. To attain this objective, 21 clinically healthy dogs, weighing between 10 and 15kg were submitted to hepatic biopsy with forceps connected to the cautery. Cautery was performed by applying radiofrequency energy at 45 watts. Forty-two hepatic biopsies through laparoscopy were conducted in the animals. At group I one hepatic fragment per animal was collected, at group II two hepatic fragments per animal were collected, and at group III three fragments were collected. Hematocrit and alanine-aminotransferase measurements were employed to evaluate the animals at the pre-operative period, at four and six hour post-operative, and at day 30 post-operative. The results revealed that the procedure was safe and effective for hepatic biopsy in dogs. There were no clinical alterations related to the technique. The fragments collected were viable for histopathology. Hepatic biopsy through laparoscopy with simultaneous cauterization is an effective and usefull method in dogs

Use of an allogenous tunica vaginalis conserved in 98 porcento glycerine for keratoplasty in dogs

Avaliou-se a túnica vaginal alógena, conservada em glicerina a 98 por cento, na ceratoplastia lamelar em cães. Sete cães foram submetidos à ceratoplastia e avaliados clinicamente em períodos iniciais (1 a 15 dias), intermediários (16 a 30 dias) e tardios (31 a 120 dias) de pós-operatório. As córneas foram avaliadas em microscopia de luz aos um, três, sete, 15, 30, 60 e 120 dias de pós-operatório. Fotofobia, epífora, blefarospasmo, edema corneano, secreção ocular e quemose foram observados nos períodos iniciais, tendendo a desaparecerem nos períodos intermediários. Neoformação vascular iniciou-se próximo aos dos quatro dias, apresentando intensidade máxima aos 25 dias de pós-operatório, quando iniciou regressão gradativa para tender à ausência entre 60 e 120 dias. Nas áreas próprias e adjacentes aos enxertos houve tendência ao reestabelecimento da transparência nos períodos tardios de pós-operatório. Quanto à morfologia, o infiltrado inflamatório caracterizou-se pela invasão de leucócitos polimorfonucleares e mononucleares, tendendo à ausência aos 60 dias de pós-operatório, quando notou-se que o enxerto foi incorporado e o estroma tendeu à normalidade. Os resultados obtidos com a pesquisa permitem admitir que a túnica vaginal alógena, conservada em glicerina a 98 por cento, mostrou-se factível e eficaz na ceratoplastia lamelar em cães.

Tenoplastia experimental do calcâneo em cäes com peritônio bovino conservado em glicerina / Experimental calcaneal tenoplasty in dogs with bovine peritoneum conserved in glycerol

No presente estudo, avaliou-se a eficácia do emprego do peritônio bovino, conservado em glicerina a 98 por cento, no reparo de lesöes induzidas no tendäo calcâneo (TC) de cäes, quando um fragmento de aproximadamente 1cm do TC foi excisado e o espaço resultante preenchido por um fragmento de peritônio. Foram utilizados 21 cäes, pesando entre 10 e 15kg, divididos em 7 grupos de 3, sacrificados aos 02, 07, 15, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias de pós-operatório. Analisaram-se os aspectos clínico-cirúrgicos referentes à recuperaçäo funcional motora, bem como, a integraçäo do peritônio com o tecido tendíneo mediante avaliaçäo macroscópica, por microscopia óptica e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Clinicamente, verificou-se que, por volta do 55§ dia de pós-operatório, os animais já apresentavam deambulaçäo normal e que o "neotendäo" apresentou resistência suficiente para suportar o estresse normalmente aplicado ao TC. Microscopicamente, o peritônio implantado esteve presente em todos os períodos de observaçäo. Proliferaçäo fibroblástica e neoformaçäo vascular foram observadas de forma incipiente no segundo dia; entretanto, no sétimo dia de pós-operatório, esta condiçäo foi exacerbada. Com a evoluçäo, as fibras de peritônio tendiam a se dissociar, entrando em estreita associaçäo com fibras conjuntivas, fibroblastos e colágeno. Aos 30, 60, 90, e 120 dias de pós-operatório, notava-se maior presença de colágeno que se tornava cada vez mais organizado. Conclui-se que o peritônio estimulou uma rápida deposiçäo de tecido conjuntivo com mínima reaçäo inflamatória, sendo incorporado ao tecido cicatricial e servindo como alicerce para o desenvolvimento de um novo tecido, restabelecendo assim a estrutura do tendäo.