Evaluation of chemical restraint, isoflurane anesthesia and methadone or tramadol as preventive analgesia in spotted pacas (Cuniculus paca) subjected to laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and cardiopulmonary effects of ketamine-midazolam for chemical restraint, isoflurane anesthesia and tramadol or methadone as preventive analgesia in spotted pacas subjected to laparoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective placebo-controlled blinded trial. ANIMALS: A total of eight captive female Cuniculus paca weighing 9.3 ± 0.9 kg. METHODS: Animals were anesthetized on three occasions with 15 day intervals. Manually restrained animals were administered midazolam (0.5 mg kg-1) and ketamine (25 mg kg-1) intramuscularly. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane 30 minutes later. Tramadol (5 mg kg-1), methadone (0.5 mg kg-1) or saline (0.05 mL kg-1) were administered intramuscularly 15 minutes prior to laparoscopy. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal CO2 partial pressure (Pe'CO2), end-tidal concentration of isoflurane (Fe'Iso), pH, PaO2, PaCO2, bicarbonate (HCO3-), anion gap (AG) and base excess (BE) were monitored after chemical restraint, anesthesia induction and at different laparoscopy stages. Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) for 24 hours. Variables were compared using anova or Friedman test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Chemical restraint was effective in 92% of animals. Isoflurane anesthesia was effective; however, HR, MAP, pH and AG decreased, whereas Pe'CO2, PaO2, PaCO2, HCO3- and BE increased. MAP was stable with tramadol and methadone treatments; HR, Fe'Iso and postoperative VAS decreased. VAS was lower for a longer time with methadone treatment; SpO2 and AG decreased, whereas Pe'CO2, PaCO2 and HCO3- increased. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ketamine-midazolam provided satisfactory restraint. Isoflurane anesthesia for laparoscopy was effective but resulted in hypotension and respiratory acidosis. Tramadol and methadone reduced isoflurane requirements, provided postoperative analgesia and caused hypercapnia, with methadone causing severe respiratory depression. Thus, the anesthetic protocol is adequate for laparoscopy in Cuniculus paca; however, methadone should be avoided.

Gestational echobiometry in brachycephalic bitches using high-definition ultrasonography

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study was to obtain echobiometric values for the most important canine maternal-fetal tissues using high-definition ultrasonography (HDUS) trying to update the formulas for predicting gestational age. Twelve healthy bitches of brachycephalic breeds weighing 7-13kg and aged one to four years were included. The fetuses were analyzed every day using conventional and high-definition ultrasonography from the eighth day after artificial insemination until the day of delivery, using the ACUSON S2000/SIEMENS ultrasound equipment and specific software. Embryonic and fetal structures; diameter of the embryonic vesicle; length of the embryo; biparietal diameter, abdominal length and kidney height; length of the femur, humerus, scapula, radius, and tibia; thickening of the stomach wall; adrenal length; and cardiac size were measured. These variables were correlated with gestational and adjusted tested according to regression models. The results obtained (P 0.001) for: lateral diameter of the gestational sac (R2=81.8%); length of the embryo (R2=85.7%); biparietal (R2=99.1%) and abdominal diameter (R2=97.2%); thickness of the gastric wall (R2=86.9%); length of the femur (R2=96.6%), radius (R2=97.5%), humerus (R2=96.5%), scapula (R2=95.8%) and tibia (R2=97.3%); kidney length (R2=95.8%) and height (R2=96.0%); adrenal length (R2=89.6%); heart length (R2=93.0%) and height (R2=91.5%) of the canine fetuses showed significant correlation with gestational days. This allowed monitoring fetal growth and estimation of age with high accuracy in different gestational periods.

RESUMO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi obter valores ecobiométricos para os tecidos materno-fetais caninos, usando a ultrassonografia de alta definição (HDUS), desenvolvendo fórmulas para prever a idade gestacional das cadelas. Doze cadelas saudáveis de raças braquicefálicas pesando 7-13kg e com idades entre um e quatro anos foram incluídas. Os fetos foram analisados diariamente com ultrassonografia convencional e de alta definição, do oitavo dia após a inseminação artificial até o dia do parto, utilizando o equipamento de ultrassom ACUSON S2000/SIEMENS e software específico. Estruturas embrionárias e fetais; diâmetro da vesícula embrionária; comprimento do embrião; diâmetro biparietal, comprimento abdominal e altura renal; comprimento do fêmur, úmero, escápula, rádio e tíbia; espessamento da parede do estômago; comprimento adrenal; e tamanho cardíaco foram medidos. Essas variáveis foram correlacionadas com o teste gestacional e ajustado de acordo com os modelos de regressão. Os resultados obtidos (P 0,001) para: diâmetro lateral do saco gestacional (R2=81,8%); comprimento do embrião (R2=85,7%); diâmetro biparietal (R2=99,1%) e abdominal (R2=97,2%); espessura da parede gástrica (R2=86,9%); comprimento do fêmur (R2=96,6%), rádio (R2=97,5%), úmero (R2=96,5%), escápula (R2=95,8%) e tíbia (R2=97,3%); comprimento do rim (R2=95,8%) e altura (R2=96,0%); comprimento adrenal (R2=89,6%); o comprimento do coração (R2=93,0%) e a altura (R2=91,5%) dos fetos caninos apresentaram correlação significativa com os dias gestacionais. Isso permitiu monitorar o crescimento fetal e estimar a idade com alta precisão em diferentes períodos gestacionais.

Accuracy of ARFI elastography in the differentiation of cataract stages in dogs

ABSTRACT: Objective was to evaluate the accuracy of elastography in the differentiation between normal and cataract lenses One hundred forty-five eyes of 98 dogs were divided into groups according to cataract stage. Forty-twoeyes were submitted to phacoemulsification. Biometric parameters, echogenicity and echotexture patterns of the anterior, posterior and vitreous chambers, lens and retina-choroid-sclera complexes were evaluated by ocular ultrasound in modes A and B. Deformability, and color (blue color = indicated less rigid structures, color red = more rigid structures) of the lenses were evaluated by the elastogram. The shear wave velocity (SWV; m/s) was calculated in three regions of the lens, both in the cortex and in the nucleus. The SWV of nucleus was statistically different between the normal lenses and with cataracts, and between the stages of cataract (P 0.001). Healthy lenses and incipient cataracts had a more rigid nucleus. Mature cataracts presented lowest nuclear rigidity (P 0.001). On cortical region the SWV was significantly higher (P 0.01) in intumescent and incipient cataracts. SWV less than 2.67m/s indicates cataract with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 94%. Values lower than 2.23m/s suggest mature cataract, with sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 76%. SWV greater than 2.66 m/s are associated with normal lenses or incipient cataract, presenting sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 84%. Qualitative method allowed differentiation between healthy and affected lenses and the classification of evolutionary stages. There was a correlation between the degree of stiffness of lens in cortical and nuclear regions (p=00165, r=0.37) and between the balanced saline solution quantitative and surgical time (P 0.01, r=0.73). Degree of stiffness of lens did not correlate with parameters of phacoemulsification. Elastographic proved feasible for evaluating the lens of dogs, characterizing the types of cataracts, and demonstrating increased stiffness of the diseased lenses.

RESUMO: O objetivo foi avaliar a precisão da elastografia na diferenciação entre lentes normais e de catarata. Cento e quarenta e cinco olhos de 98 cães foram divididos em grupos de acordo com o estágio de maturação da catarata. Quarenta e dois olhos foram submetidos à facoemulsificação. Parâmetros biométricos, ecogenicidade e padrões de ecotextura das câmaras anterior, posterior e vítrea, lente e complexos retina-coróide-esclera foram avaliados por ultrassonografia ocular nos modos A e B. A deformabilidade e a coloração (cor azul = indicou estruturas menos rígidas, cor vermelha = estruturas mais rígidas) das lentes foram avaliadas pelo elastograma. A velocidade da onda de cisalhamento (SWV; m/s) foi calculada em três regiões da lente, tanto no córtex quanto no núcleo. A SWV do núcleo foi estatisticamente diferente entre as lentes normais e com catarata e entre os estágios da catarata (P 0,001). Lentes saudáveis e cataratas incipientes tinham um núcleo mais rígido. Cataratas maduras apresentaram menor rigidez nuclear (P 0,001). Na região cortical, a SWV foi significativamente maior (P 0,01) nas cataratas intumescentes e incipientes. Uma SWV menor que 2,67m/s indica catarata com sensibilidade de 72% e especificidade de 94%. Valores inferiores a 2,23m/s sugerem catarata madura, com sensibilidade de 71% e especificidade de 76%. Uma SWV superior a 2,66m/s está associada à catarata normal ou incipiente, apresentando sensibilidade de 94% e especificidade de 84%. O método qualitativo permitiu a diferenciação entre lentes normais de olhos saudáveis e afetadas e a classificação dos estágios evolutivos. A elastografia se mostrara uma ferramenta viável para avaliar as lentes de cães, caracterizando os tipos de catarata e demonstrando maior rigidez das lentes doentes.

Ultrasonography of the canine pancreas / La ecografía del páncreas canino

ABSTRACT This study describes the ultrasonographic techniques currently used in the evaluation of the canine pancreas. Ultrasonography was the first method to enable direct visualization of the pancreas in humans and it has been subsequently applied to animals. Currently, it is the method of choice for pancreatic evaluation and is essential as a diagnostic tool in the detection of abnormalities, especially tumors. Innovative equipment technology has led to the emergence of techniques complementary to B-mode ultrasound; such as Doppler, elastography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, which have enabled more accurate diagnosis. Doppler provides information on vascular architecture and the hemodynamic aspect of blood vessels in multiple organs. ARFI elastography provides detailed images of the alterations detected by conventional examination (qualitative method) and assists in differentiating between benign and malignant processes (quantitative method). Microbubble contrast agents determine parameters related to homogeneous and heterogeneous filling of organs with microbubbles, mainly nodular areas, thus defining high and low intensity patterns.

RESUMEN Este estudio describe las técnicas ecográficas frecuentemente utilizadas para evaluar el pancreas del perro. La ecografía fue el primer método que permitió la visualización directa del páncreas en seres humanos y que luego se aplicó en animales. Es actualmente el método de elección para la evaluación del páncreas y es esencial como herramienta diagnóstica en la detección de anomalías, especialmente tumores. La tecnología innovadora de los equipos, llevó a la aparición de técnicas complementarias al modo B, tales como Doppler, elastografía, ecografía de contraste, que han permitido realizar diagnósticos más precisos. El Doppler proporciona información sobre la arquitectura vascular y aspectos hemodinámicos de los vasos sanguíneos en múltiples órganos. La elastografía ARFI ofrece imágenes detalladas de las alteraciones detectadas en exámenes convencionales (método cualitativo) y ayuda a diferenciar entre procesos benignos y malignos (método cuantitativo). Los agentes de contraste con microburbujas permiten determinar parámetros relacionados con el llenado homogéneo o heterogéneo de los órganos, principalmente áreas nodulares, definiendo, por tanto, patrones de alta o baja intensidad.

Ultrasonographic tools used in the evaluation of the canine spleen: A review / Herramientas ultrasonográficas usadas en la evaluación del bazo en caninos: Revisión de literatura / Ferramentas ultrassonográficas para avaliação do baço em cães: Revisão da literatura

Abstract The spleen is one of the most susceptible organs to primary tumours, metastasis, and a wide range of diseases of the hematopoietic system. Therefore, detailed assessment of the spleen is of great importance in veterinary medicine, especially in dogs, due to their economic and sentimental value, and as an experimental model in human medicine. Considering the recent advances in diagnostic imaging in companion animals, this review aims to describe the applicability of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography (qualitative and quantitative), Doppler, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for evaluating the spleen in dogs. The ARFI elastography is a recent ultrasound method that can provide reference values and aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of splenic abnormalities routinely encountered in veterinary practice. Conventional ultrasonography of the spleen combined with haemodynamic analysis by Doppler and contrast enhanced ultrasonography is an important tool in diagnosis and triage.

Resumen El bazo es uno de los órganos más propensos a desarrollar tumores, tanto primarios como metastásicos, y varias enfermedades que afectan el sistema hematopoyético. Es por eso que la evaluación clínica del mismo es de gran importancia en medicina veterinaria, principalmente en perros, debido a su valor económico, afectivo, y como modelo experimental en medicina humana. Considerando los recientes avances en imagenología diagnóstica, esta revisión tiene como objetivo describir el examen ecográfico del bazo en perros, utilizando la técnica de elastografía por impulso de fuerza de radiación acústica (ARFI) cuantitativa y cualitativa, Doppler y ultrasonido contrastado. La elastografía ARFI es un método reciente que puede proveer información básica sobre la conformación normal del órgano y, en un futuro próximo, ayudar en el diagnóstico de las enfermedades esplénicas. De modo similar, la ecografía convencional, Doppler y el ultrasonido contrastado son importantes herramientas en el diagnóstico y en el triaje.

Resumo O baço é um dos órgãos mais propensos a desenvolver tumores primários, metastáticos e afecções do sistema hematopoiético. Por isso, realizar uma avalição apurada neste órgão é de suma importância em medicina veterinária, particularmente em cães, devido à importância econômica, afetiva e de similaridade científica com o homem. Considerando os recentes avanços em diagnóstico por imagem, esta revisão visou descrever a aplicabilidade das novas técnicas ultrassonográficas para avaliação esplênica de caninos, utilizando a elastografia por impulso de força de radiação acústica (ARFI) qualitativa e quantitativa, Doppler e ultrassonografia por contraste com microbolhas. A elastografia ARFI é um método recente que pode fornecer dados de base para o baço e permitir a utilização futura desta técnica na avaliação de cães com doença esplênica. Similarmente, a ultrassonografia convencional, o método Doppler e a ultrassonografia contrastada são importantes ferramentas no diagnóstico e triagem.