Evaluating feline lower urinary tract disease: Doppler ultrasound of the kidneys.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasonography is used in the evaluation of urinary disorders, and the resistivity index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) have been successfully used to detect early hemodynamic changes in the course of kidney diseases in humans and dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate RI and PI in cats with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). METHODS: Twenty-nine client-owned cats were selected and divided into a control group (CG; n = 10), a group of animals with obstructive FLUTD (OG; n = 11) and non-obstructive FLUTD (nOG; n = 8). Clinical, laboratory and ultrasound evaluations were performed in all cats. RESULTS: RI and PI values for cats in the CG were below the upper limit of normal suggested in other studies, while cats with FLUTD showed significantly higher values in the assessment of RI (P = 0.027 and P = 0.034, respectively) and PI (P = 0.044 and P = 0.048, respectively) of the right and left kidneys. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Alteration in renal blood flow was observed in cats with lower urinary tract disorders, even in the nOG group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of renal blood flow changes related to non-obstructive FLUTD.

Is the Wistar Rat a more Suitable Normotensive Control for SHR to Test Blood Pressure and Cardiac Structure and Function?

Abstract Background: There are divergences in the literature regarding the experimental model (Wistar-WIS or Wistar Kyoto-WKY) to be used as a Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) control. The characterization of these models in terms of cardiovascular parameters provides researchers with important tools at the time of selection and application in scientific research. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of WIS and WKY as a Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) control by assessing the long-term behavior of blood pressure and cardiac structure and function in these strains. Methods: To this end, WIS, WKY, and SHR underwent longitudinal experiments. Blood pressure and body mass were measured every two weeks from the 8th to the 72nd. Echocardiographic analysis was performed in all groups with 16, 48, and 72 weeks of life. After having applied the normality test, the Two-Way ANOVA of repeated measures followed by the Tukey post hoc test was used. A significance level of 5% was established. Results: The WIS group showed higher body mass (p<0.05), while the WKY and SHR presented higher body mass variation over time (p<0.05). SHR exhibited increased values of systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure when compared to WKY and WIS, whereas the WKY generally showed higher values than WIS (p<0.05). Regarding the cardiac function, SHR showed reduced values, while the WKY presented an early decrease when compared to WIS with aging (p<0.05). Conclusion: WIS is a more suitable normotensive control for SHR than WKY in experiments to test blood pressure and cardiac structure and function.

Core temperature circadian rhythm across aging in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the circadian rhythm of core temperature (Tcore) across aging in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) with comparison to the two rat strains often used as their normotensive control animals, namely, Wistar (WIS) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY). METHODS: WIS, WKY and SHR rats were subdivided into three different groups according their age: WIS16, WIS48, WIS72, WKY16, WKY48, WKY72, SHR16, SHR48 and SHR72 weeks-old. Body mass and blood pressure were periodically measured along the experiments. All animal group had their circadian rhythm of Tcore evaluated over three consecutive days (72 h) by telemetry using an implanted temperature sensor. The Tcore circadian rhythm was averaged in 1-h blocks and analyzed using the cosinor method. RESULTS: Sixteen-week-old SHR (SHR16) presented higher Tcore than WIS16 (from 06am to 06pm) and WKY16 (from 07am to 06pm). Both normotensive groups exhibited increases in Tcore during circadian rhythm with aging. The cosinor analysis showed no differences between strains and ages for the acrophase. An age effect on the SHR strain (SHR16 < SHR72) was observed regarding the amplitude. SHR16 had higher values regarding MESOR compared to WIS16 and WKY16. In addition, WIS72 and WKY72 showed higher values than WIS16 and WKY16, respectively. Finally, no differences were observed in the strength rhythm analysis. CONCLUSIONS: SHR presented impaired thermoregulatory control at only 16 weeks of age when showing a higher body temperature during the activity phase, while other circadian rhythm parameters showed no differences across aging. Therefore, in taking our results as a whole we can conclude that WIS and WKY are appropriate Wistar strains to be used as normotensive controls for SHR.

Ambulatory esophageal pHmetry in healthy dogs with and without the influence of general anesthesia.

This research aimed to determine the value of esophageal pH in awake and anesthetized dogs, to evaluate the esophageal pH value in awake dogs, in different body positions, as well as to study the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux episodes in these positions. Thus, 40 healthy male and female adult dogs with mean body weight of 15.5 ± 4.6 kg were used. Esophageal pHmetry was conducted by inserting a catheter through the oropharynx in 30 dogs (stage 1) anesthetized with acepromazine, propofol and isoflurane, submitted to elective ovariosalpingohysterectomy. In addition, 8-h esophageal pHmetry was carried out transnasally in 10 awake dogs (stage 2), allowed to move and change body positions (lateral and sternal decubitus, and standing position), which were recorded. The mean esophageal pH value was lower (p < 0.01) in the anesthetized dogs (7.3 ± 0.82) than in the awake dogs (8.2 ± 0.3). Only four anesthetized dogs (13.33%) suffered reflux episodes. Reflux was not observed in the awake dogs and no esophageal pH differences were found between the body positions studied. Compared to the alert state, general anesthesia in dogs submitted to the previously mentioned anesthesia protocol causes esophageal pH reduction and predisposes to the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux episodes. Transnasal pHmetry of 8 h in healthy awake dogs reveals that the esophageal pH value is alkaline and does not vary according to body position. In these animals, decubitus position is not a determining factor for reflux episodes to occur.

Refluxo gastroesofágico em cães anestesiados: fisiopatologia, clínica, diagnóstico e terapêutica / Gastroesophageal reflux in anesthetized dogs: physiopathology, clinic, diagnosis and therapeutics

O refluxo gastroesofágico pode afetar várias espécies e apresenta diversas etiologias, sendo as anestesias gerais uma das principais causas de esofagite em cães, devido à redução do tônus do esfíncter esofagogástrico, ocasionada por fármacos anestésicos. São fatores responsáveis pela lesão esofágica em consequência do refluxo, o tipo do material refluído, o volume, a frequência, a duração do refluxo e a integridade da mucosa esofágica. É importante prevenir o refluxo durante a anestesia, devido ao risco de ocasionar além da esofagite pós-operatória, outras graves complicações como a formação de estenoses esofágicas ou ainda resultar em pneumonia por aspiração. Para isso, é importante estabelecer protocolos anestésicos que não modifiquem a função do esfíncter esofagogástrico, bem como determinar estratégias terapêuticas que reduzam a incidência do refluxo. Neste artigo, são revisados os aspectos anatômicos e fisiológicos da junção esofagogástrica, assim como os relacionados com o refluxo gastroesofágico em cães anestesiados.

Gastroesophageal reflux can affect various species and presents several etiologies, and general anesthesia can be considered one of the main causes of esophagitis in dogs, due to the reduction of the gastroesophageal sphincter tonus caused by anesthetic drugs. There are many factors responsible for the esophageal lesion due to reflux, including type of refluid material, reflux volume, frequency and duration, and esophageal mucosa integrity. It is important to prevent reflux during anesthesia because of the risk of causing not only post operatory esophagitis but also other serious complications such as formation of esophageal stenosis, or aspiration pneumonia . Thus, it is important to establish anesthetic protocols that do not modify the function of the gastroesophageal sphincter, as well as determine therapeutic strategies that could reduce reflux incidence. This research reviews the anatomic and physiological aspects of gastroesophageal junction as well as those aspects related with gastroesophageal reflux in anesthetized dogs.

O ultra-som terapêutico de 1 MHz, na dose de 0,5 W cm-2, sobre o tecido ósseo de cães avaliado por densitometria óptica em imagens radiográficas / The 1 MHz therapeutic ultrasound, in doses of 0.5W cm-2, on dog's bone tissue evaluated through optic densitometry in radiographic images

As lesões tendíneas nas extremidades distais dos membros estão entre as mais freqüentes alterações do aparelho locomotor na rotina clínico-cirúrgica humana e animal e, não raro, necessitam de terapias adjuvantes para seu completo retorno às funções fisiológicas. O ultra-som terapêutico (UST) é a modalidade mais utilizada nas clínicas de reabilitação para tratar lesões tendíneas, mas devido à falta ou a divergências de estudos específicos sobre seus efeitos no tecido ósseo, sua utilização sobre as regiões distais dos membros, ricas em protuberâncias ósseas e áreas desprovidas de cobertura muscular, sempre preocuparam os profissionais da área médica. No intuito de esclarecer os efeitos do UST sobre o tecido ósseo, seis cães receberam tratamento ultra-sônico contínuo, de 1MHz, durante cinco minutos diários, por um período de 20 dias sobre a região craniodistal do rádio e da ulna. A intensidade do UST aplicada foi de 0,5W cm-2 no membro torácico direito, ficando o membro contralateral como controle. A região distal de ambos os membros torácicos foi radiografada para análise de densitometria óssea em imagens radiográficas, antes do início da terapia e ao final do tratamento. Não houve alterações significativas de densidade mineral óssea entre os membros tratados e os controles. Conclui-se que dentro dos parâmetros utilizados no experimento a utilização do UST em regiões ósseas protuberantes ou desprovidas de cobertura muscular pode ser feita com segurança.

Tendon lesions on distal extremities of the limbs are among the most frequent alterations of the locomotor system in the human and animal clinic-surgery routine, and frequently need supplementary therapy for the complete recovery of the physiologic functions. The therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) is the mostly used apparatus in rehabilitation clinics to treat tendon lesions, but due to the lack or the divergence on specific studies about its effects in bone tissues, the use of TUS in distal regions of the members, which are rich in bony protuberances and muscle-less areas, always concern the medical professionals. For the purpose of enlightening the TUS effects on bone tissue, six dogs received a continuous ultrasound treatment of 1MHZ for 5 minutes per day on distal-skull area of radio and ulna during 20 days. The TUS intensity applied was 0.5W cm-2 in the right thoracic member leaving out the counter-lateral member for control. Before the beginning and in the end of the treatment, the distal area of both thoracic members were radiographed for analysis of bone densitometry in radiographic images. There wasn't any significant alteration in bone mineral density between the treated members and the control members. Based on the parameters used in this experiment one can conclude that the use of TUS in bony protuberances and muscle-less areas can be done with safety.

Parâmetros bioquímicos e hemogasométricos do sangue total canino armazenado em bolsas plásticas contendo CPDA-1 e CPD/SAG-M / Parameter biochemical and hemogasometric of the total blood stored of dogs in plastic stock markets I contend CPDA-1 and CPD/SAG-M

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar e comparar as alterações bioquímicas e hemogasométricas do sangue total canino armazenado em bolsas CPDA-1 e CPD/SAG-M. Foram utilizados 14 cães machos, adultos e saudáveis, distribuídos em dois grupos com sete animais cada, dos quais foi obtido sangue para o estudo. No primeiro grupo (G1), o sangue foi armazenado em bolsas CPDA-1 e, no segundo grupo (G2), o sangue foi armazenado em bolsas CPD/SAG-M. As amostras foram analisadas para: potássio, sódio, glicose, proteína plasmática total, DPG, pH sangüíneo, pO2 , pCO2 e bicarbonato. Os momentos estabelecidos para as análises laboratoriais foram: D0: imediatamente após a coleta do sangue dos animais; D7: sete dias após a coleta; D14: quatorze dias após a coleta; D21: vinte e um dias após a coleta; D31: trinta e um dias após a coleta; D41: quarenta e um dias após coleta. A análise dos resultados permitiu concluir que a bolsa CPD/SAG-M apresentou melhor desempenho quando comparada à CPDA-1 após 41 dias de estocagem. O DPG, mesmo com pH inferior a sete, continua sendo produzido por, pelo menos, uma semana após a estocagem do sangue na bolsa.

The present study was aimed at evaluating and comparing the biochemical and haemogasometrics alterations of the total blood of dogs stored in bags CPDA-1 and CPD/SAG-M. 14 male's dogs, adult and healthful dogs, were divided in two groups, which one blood was removed for the study. The blood of the first group (G1) was stored in bag CPDA-1 and that of the second group (G2) in bag CPD/SAG-M. The samples were analyzed for: potassium, sodium, glucose, total plasmatic protein, DPG, pH, pO2 , pCO2 , and bicarbonate. The moments for the laboratory analyses were established: D0: immediately after the collection of blood; D7: seven days after the collection; D14: fourteen days after the collection; D21: twenty and one days after the collection; D31: thirty and one days after the collection; D41: forty one days after collect. The evaluation of the results allowed including that: the bag CPD/SAG-M presented advantage when compared with the CPDA-1 after 41 days of stored. The DPG, even with pH lower then 7, continues being produced for, at least, one week after the stocking of the blood in the bag.

Hair cycle in dogs with different hair types in a tropical region of Brazil.

Hair cycle activity has been extensively studied in humans, sheep and laboratory animals, but there is a lack of information in dogs. Besides varying according to species, breed, sex and general health, hair growth is mainly affected by climatic variations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the follicle activity in three breeds of dogs with different hair types, in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais (latitude 20 degrees 45'S), Brazil. Twenty-one male dogs of boxer, labrador and schnauzer breeds were trichographically analysed monthly over 12 consecutive months. Hair percentage of telogen and anagen hairs at the different stages of the hair cycle in boxers and labradors was not significantly different, but both differed from the schnauzers. A significant correlation between hair follicle cycle and environmental temperature and photoperiod was noted in the boxers and labradors. In these breeds, a larger number of telogen hairs were observed during the hottest months of the year, and an increase in anagen hairs during the coldest months. The mean percentage of telogen hairs was 93, 90 and 55.3% for boxer, labrador and schnauzer, respectively.