Lumbar Epidural: Anatomical and Clinical Study in Dogs Submitted to Ovariohysterectomy.

Epidural anesthesia minimizes perioperative pain in dogs. It is considered that epidural solution dispersion in cadavers is similar to alive dogs. The objective of the anatomical study was to compare the dispersion of 0.2 mL/kg 0.25% bupivacaine and iohexol via lumbar epidural (L1-L2) under fluoroscopic guidance in 10 thawed cadavers (GC) and 13 female dogs (G0.25) (5-15 kg; body score 4/5). The objective of the clinical study was to evaluate postoperative analgesic consumption and sedation for 6 h after extubation of dogs submitted to ovariohysterectomy when using 0.25% (G0.25; n = 10) bupivacaine with the intraoperative use of fentanyl (GF; n = 10). Parametric data were compared by the t-test and non-parametric data by the Mann Whitney test. Pain and sedation scores were evaluated over time by the Friedman test, followed by the Dunn test. Alive dogs presented greater epidural dispersion (17 ± 3 vertebrae) than thawed cadavers (11 ± 4 vertebrae; p = 0.002). All dogs treated with fentanyl and only one dog treated with 0.25% epidural bupivacaine presented pain scores above the cut-off point of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale Short-Form (GCMPS-SF) and required postoperative rescue analgesia up to 6 h after extubation. The sedation score was higher at all postoperative moments compared to preoperative moments in the G0.25 and GF, except for evaluations performed at 5 and 6 h after extubation in the GF. Greater sedation was observed immediately after extubation in the GF compared to the G0.25, and there was greater sedation in the G0.25 compared to the GF from 3 to 6 h after extubation. The conclusion of the anatomical study was that L1-L2 epidural bupivacaine dispersion is lower in canine thawed cadavers than in alive dogs. Conclusion of the clinical study was that lumbar epidural anesthesia improved postoperative analgesia and produced longer postoperative sedation when compared to fentanyl.

SPINAL ANESTHESIA IN GREEN SEA TURTLES (CHELONIA MYDAS) UNDERGOING SURGICAL REMOVAL OF CUTANEOUS FIBROPAPILLOMAS.

Techniques for anesthesia of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are required for medical treatment. The use of spinal anesthesia has been reported in a few species of turtles for different purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of 2% lidocaine for spinal anesthesia of green sea turtles undergoing surgical removal of cutaneous fibropapillomas. Ten free-ranging green turtles presenting with cutaneous fibropapillomas were included in the study. Animals were accidentally captured or rescued by local fishermen and brought to the Ubatuba Research Base (Sao Paulo, Brazil) of the Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Program for rehabilitation. Animals were administered 2% lidocaine (0.2 ml/10 cm of carapace) in the epidural/subarachnoid space of the tail and monitored throughout surgery. The technique was effective for all animals, with fast onset of motor and sensory blockade (3 ± 1.76 min) and relatively fast recovery time (83.9 ± 16.2 min). Fibropapillomas were removed from all animals with no signs of pain (i.e., no behavioral response during surgical procedure, such as head and forelimb movement, showing discomfort) and they were all rehabilitated and successfully returned to their natural habitat. The technique was considered effective, safe, and affordable for use on green turtles undergoing surgical removal of cutaneous fibropapillomas.

Ultrasonographic study of a modified axillary approach to block the major branches of the brachial plexus in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To provide ultrasonographic mapping of the axillary region of dogs to facilitate identification of the major branches of the brachial plexus in relation to the axillary artery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: A total of two dog cadavers and 50 client-owned, healthy dogs weighing >15 kg. METHODS: In Phase 1, anatomical dissections were performed to identify the relation of the major brachial plexus nerves to the axillary artery. In Phase 2, with the dogs in dorsal recumbency with thoracic limbs flexed naturally, the axillary space was scanned using a linear array probe oriented on the parasagittal plane until the axis transverse to nerves was found. Then, the transducer was rotated to a slight lateral angle approximately 30° to midline. The examination aimed to identify the axillary artery and the musculocutaneous, radial, median and ulnar nerves in addition to determining their position and distribution in four predefined sectors. RESULTS: The musculocutaneous nerve was observed in all animals cranial to the axillary artery. The radial, ulnar and median nerves were distributed around the axillary artery, with >90% on the caudal aspect of the axillary artery (sectors 1 and 2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography identified the location of the brachial plexus nerves near the studied sectors, providing useful guidance for performing a brachial plexus nerve block.

The use of ultrasound to assist epidural injection in obese dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of ultrasound for identifying the site for needle puncture and to determine the depth to the epidural space in obese dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study in dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. ANIMALS: A group of seven obese Labrador male dogs aged 6.93 ± 2.56 years and weighing 46.5 ± 4.1 kg (mean ± standard deviation). METHODS: The anesthetic protocol for these dogs included epidural anesthesia. With the dogs anesthetized and positioned in sternal recumbency with the pelvic limbs flexed forward, ultrasound imaging was used to locate the lumbosacral intervertebral space. Intersection of dorsal and transverse lines about the probe identified the point of needle insertion. A 17 gauge, 8.9 cm Tuohy needle was inserted perpendicularly through the skin and advanced to the lumbosacral intervertebral space. The number of puncture attempts was recorded and needle depth was compared with skin to ligamentum flavum distance. RESULTS: Epidural injection was performed in all dogs at the first attempt of needle insertion. The distance from skin to epidural space was 5.95 ± 0.62 cm measured by ultrasound and 5.89 ± 0.64 cm measured with the Tuohy needle. These measurements were not different (p = 0.26). A highly significant correlation coefficient of 0.966 between measurement techniques was obtained (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasound imaging identified the point of needle insertion for lumbosacral epidural injection in seven obese dogs. The results indicate that ultrasound can be used to locate the lumbosacral intervertebral space and identify an appropriate point for needle insertion to perform epidural injection.

Preliminary study of a teaching model for ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blockade and effects on the learning curve in veterinary anesthesia residents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of an experimental colloid model for teaching veterinary anesthesia residents ultrasound-guided technique for nerve blockade. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded and randomized. METHODS: Colloid models were constructed for practice in ultrasound-guided needle location. Nine veterinary anesthesia residents with no prior experience of ultrasound-guided technique for nerve blocks were randomly divided into three groups. Each group received theoretical orientation. Two groups were assigned to practical training using the experimental model: group 1 (G1) received 2 hours of training and group 2 (G2) received 1 hour of training prior to testing with specific tasks. Group 3 (G3) received no practical training. During testing, the time required for task completion (e.g., display of structures and positioning a needle) and the number of failures were recorded. RESULTS: The average times to completion of the tasks and the number of technical failures were: G1, 47 seconds and 1 failure; G2, 68 seconds and 2 failures; G3, 187 seconds and 7 failures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In residents with no prior experience of ultrasound-guided needle placement, using an experimental colloid model and a longer training period was associated with increased accuracy and decreased time to task completion. Based on the results of this study, training with an experimental model can be recommended to improve the speed and accuracy of needle manipulation using ultrasound in clinicians with no prior experience of ultrasound-guided technique.

Comparative study between propofol and propofol-ketamine for induction of anesthesia in dogs / Estudo comparativo entre propofol e propofol-cetamina para a indução anestésica em cães

Anesthetic procedures in animals are widely used in hospital for routine surgery. For induction of anesthesia in dogs, propofol has been shown to be the drug of choice. The objectives of this study were the assessment of induction of anesthesia using propofol or propofol-ketamine. Twenty client-owned dogs were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. All patients were administered acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1) and fentanyl (5 μg kg-1) for premedication by intramuscular (IM) injection. Dogs in the treatment group were administered ketamine (1 mg kg-1), while dogs in the control group were administered 0.9% saline solution, by intravenous (IV) injection. Induction of anesthesia was done using IV propofol at a rate of 1 mL minute-1. Cardiopulmonary patterns were assessed before application of premedication, 15 minutes after application of premedication and after induction of anesthesia with propofol. Additionally, data regarding tracheal intubation score, presence of adverse effects and dose of propofol necessary for induction of anesthesia were collected. The control group showed significantly more adverse effects and changes in cardiopulmonary patterns when compared to the treatment group. There was a clinically significant reduction in the dose of propofol necessary for induction of anesthesia when associated with ketamine. The association of ketamine for induction of anesthesia in healthy dogs using propofol was able to reduce the dose of the induction agent necessary for tracheal intubation. Moreover, there was a reduction in the occurrence of adverse effects and cardiopulmonary depression, which allowed for a safer procedure for the patients...

Os procedimentos anestésicos em animais são amplamente utilizados em hospitais para cirurgias de rotina. Para a indução anestésica em cães o propofol tem se mostrado o fármaco de escolha. O objetivo deste estudo foi a avaliação da indução anestésica com propofol ou propofol-cetamina. Vinte cães foram divididos de forma aleatória nos grupos com tratamento e controle. Em todos os pacientes administrou-se acepromazina (0,05 mg kg-1) e fentanil (5 µg kg-1) como medicação pré-anestésica por via intramuscular (IM). Nos cães do grupo de tratamento foi administrado cetamina (1 mg kg-1), enquanto que os cães do grupo controle receberam solução salina a 0,9%, pela via intravenosa (IV). A indução da anestesia foi realizada com propofol IV a uma taxa de 1 mL minuto-1. Os padrões cardiopulmonares foram avaliados antes da aplicação da medicação pré-anestésica, 15 minutos após a mesma e após a indução da anestesia. Além disso, avaliou-se o escore de intubação traqueal, a presença de efeitos adversos e a dose de propofol necessária para a indução da anestesia. De forma significativa, o grupo controle apresentou mais efeitos adversos e alterações nos padrões cardiopulmonares quando comparado com o grupo de tratamento. Houve uma redução clinicamente importante da dose de propofol necessária para a indução de anestesia quando associado à cetamina. A associação de cetamina ao propofol para indução de anestesia em cães saudáveis foi capaz de reduzir a dose do anestésico geral necessária para intubação traqueal. Além disso, houve uma redução na ocorrência de efeitos adversos e depressão cardiopulmonar, o que permitiu um procedimento mais seguro para os pacientes...

Assessment of bone healing in rabbit calvaria grafted with three different biomaterials.

This study evaluated the bone regeneration process in rabbit calvaria induced by three types of biomaterials: two xenogenous, consisting of deproteinized bovine bone, while the other was alloplastic, based on biphasic calcium phosphate. Five New Zealand white rabbits weighing between 2,900 and 3,500 g were submitted to four standard 8 mm-diameter perforations at the parietal bone. Three perforations were filled with three grafts and biomaterials, two of them received bovine Bio-Oss® and Endobon® Xenograft Granules, and the other consisted of fully alloplastic Straumann® Bone Ceramic. The fourth remaining cavity was used as control with coagulum. After eight weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and the samples were prepared for morphometric and qualitative analysis. The cavities filled with alloplastic biomaterials showed higher percentages of newly formed bone (p<0.05), while the cavities with xenogenous biomaterials showed higher amount of residual graft (p<0.05). Although the results showed greater bone formation with Straumann® Bone Ceramic, further studies are required to prove which is the more effective biomaterial for bone induction process.

Assessment of Bone Healing in Rabbit Calvaria Grafted with Three Different Biomaterials

This study evaluated the bone regeneration process in rabbit calvaria induced by three types of biomaterials: two xenogenous, consisting of deproteinized bovine bone, while the other was alloplastic, based on biphasic calcium phosphate. Five New Zealand white rabbits weighing between 2,900 and 3,500 g were submitted to four standard 8 mm-diameter perforations at the parietal bone. Three perforations were filled with three grafts and biomaterials, two of them received bovine Bio-Oss(r) and Endobon(r) Xenograft Granules, and the other consisted of fully alloplastic Straumann(r) Bone Ceramic. The fourth remaining cavity was used as control with coagulum. After eight weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and the samples were prepared for morphometric and qualitative analysis. The cavities filled with alloplastic biomaterials showed higher percentages of newly formed bone (p<0.05), while the cavities with xenogenous biomaterials showed higher amount of residual graft (p<0.05). Although the results showed greater bone formation with Straumann(r) Bone Ceramic, further studies are required to prove which is the more effective biomaterial for bone induction process.

Este estudo avaliou o processo de reparação óssea induzida por três biomateriais, dois de origem xenógena constituído de osso bovino desproteinizado e um aloplástico à base de fosfato de cálcio bifásico, em calota craniana de coelhos. Em cinco coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia com peso entre 2.900 e 3.500 g, foram realizadas quatro perfurações padronizadas de 8 mm de diâmetro nos ossos parietais e enxertados dois biomateriais de origem bovina: Bio-Oss(r) e Endobon(r) Xenograft Granules e um totalmente aloplástico: Straumann(r)Bone Ceramic. Uma cavidade permaneceu com coágulo e foi utilizado como controle. Após oito semanas os animais foram sacrificados e as amostras preparadas para análise morfométrica e qualitativa. Os resultados mostraram que as cavidades preenchidas com o biomaterial aloplástico apresentaram percentualmente maior quantidade de osso neoformado (p<0,05). Apesar dos resultados mostrarem maior neoformação óssea pelo Straumann(r)Bone Ceramic, há a necessidade de mais estudos para se comprovar qual biomaterial é mais efetivo no processo de indução óssea.

Perioperative evaluation of tumescent anaesthesia technique in bitches submitted to unilateral mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Tumescent anaesthesia (TA) is a widely used technique in oncologic surgeries necessitating large resection margins. This technique produces transoperative and postoperative analgesia, reduces surgical bleeding, and facilitates tissue divulsion. This prospective, randomised, blind study evaluated the use of TA in bitches submitted to mastectomy and compared the effect of TA with an intravenous fentanyl bolus. A 2.5-mcg/kg intravenous fentanyl bolus (n = 10) was compared with TA using 0.275% lidocaine (n = 10) in bitches submitted to unilateral mastectomy. Sedation was performed by intramuscular (IM) injection of 0.05 mg/kg of acepromazine combined with 2 mg/kg of meperidine. Anaesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg of intravenous propofol and maintained with isoflurane/O2. Heart and respiratory rates; systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial blood pressures; central venous pressure; SpO2; ETCO2; inspired and expired isoflurane concentrations; and temperature were measured transoperatively. Visual analogue scales for sedation and pain and the Glasgow composite and Melbourne pain scales were used for postoperative assessment. The surgeon investigated the quality of the surgical approach, considering bleeding and resection ability, and the incidence of postoperative wound complications. RESULTS: The heart rate was lower and the end-tidal isoflurane concentration was higher in dogs treated with fentanyl than in dogs treated with TA. A fentanyl bolus was administered to 8 of 10 dogs treated with fentanyl and to none treated with TA. Intraoperative bleeding and the mammary gland excision time were lower in dogs treated with TA. The maximal mean and individual plasma lidocaine concentrations were 1426 ± 502 ng/ml and 2443 ng/ml at 90 minutes after infiltration, respectively. The Glasgow Composite Pain Scale scores were higher in dogs treated with fentanyl than in dogs treated with TA until 2 hours after extubation. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with intravenous fentanyl, TA in bitches: may be easily performed in non-inflamed, ulcerated, adhered mammary tumours; has an isoflurane-sparing effect; improves transoperative and immediate postoperative analgesia; is apparently safe for use in clinical conditions as evidenced by the fact that it did not produce any adverse signs or lidocaine plasma concentrations compatible with toxicity; does not modify the recovery time; and facilitates the surgical procedure without interfering with wound healing.

Eletroquimioterapia em adenocarcinoma perianal canino / Electrochemotherapy in canine perianal adenocarcinoma

Objetivo - Este estudo objetivou avaliar a aplicabilidade, eficácia e segurança da eletroquimioterapia em neoplasias perianais caninas, no intuito da caracterização das vantagens intrínsecas ao protocolo. Métodos - Foram utilizados dez cães acometidos por neoformações perianais, admitidos junto ao Serviço de Cirurgia do Hospital Veterinário do Curso de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Paulista, São Paulo-SP, no período compreendido entre janeiro de 2009 a fevereiro de 2010. Todas estas lesões foram submetidas a exame histopatológico, através do qual se estabeleceu o diagnóstico definitivo de adenocarcinoma perianal. Padronizou-se o protocolo eletroquimioterápico utilizando-se sulfato de bleomicina, via intralesional, na dose de 1U/cm3 de tumor. Três minutos após a aplicação do fármaco pela mencionada via, administraram-se pulsos elétricos sobre toda extensão das neoformações. Os cães foram reavaliados sete, 14, 21 e 30 dias após a realização do protocolo. Constatada a remissão tumoral total, os pacientes foram monitorados através de retornos bimestralmente aprazados, por período de 12 meses. Resultados - Todos os cães (n = 10) (100%) exibiram regressão neoplásica completa. Todos os pacientes foram reavaliados a cada 60 dias através da execução de minucioso exame físico e subsidiários pertinentes por período de 12 meses, não exibindo sintomas, achados laboratoriais, radiográficos e/ou sonográficos de recidiva neoplásica e/ou metástases adjacentes ou distantes neste intervalo de tempo. Conclusão - O protocolo demonstrou-se aplicável, eficaz e seguro na terapêutica antineoplásica para adenocarcinoma perianal canino. Não houve toxicidade relacionável ao fármaco utilizado, observando-se ainda, manutenção da integridade anátomo-fisiológica do tecido acometido pela afecção.

Objective - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability, effectiveness and safety of electrochemotherapy in canine perianal adenocarcinoma, aiming the characterization of benefits intrinsic the protocol. Methods - Ten dogs presenting perianal adenocarcinoma were admitted at the Surgery Service of the Veterinary Hospital from University Paulista, São Paulo, during the period from January 2009 to February 2010. All injuries were subjected to histopathological examination, through which established the definitive diagnosis of perianal adenocarcinoma. The electrochemotherapy protocol was standardized using intralesional bleomycin sulfate at a dose of 1U/cm3 of tumoral area. Three minutes after intralesional administration of the antineoplastic agent, electric pulses were applied all over the neoplastic extension. Dogs were reevaluated seven, 14, 21 and 30 days after the protocol performance. Once observed the complete tumoral remission, patients were monitored every two months for a 12-month-period. Results - All dogs (n = 10) (100%) presented complete neoplastic remission. All patients were reevaluated every two months through a detailed physical examination and pertinent complementary exams for a 12-month period, showing no clinical, laboratorial, radiological and/or sonographic manifestations of neoplastic recidivating, adjacent and/or distant metastasis within this period. Conclusion - The studied protocol revealed to be applicable, effective and safe for antineoplastic therapy in canine perianal adenocarcinoma. There was no toxicity related to the employed agent. Nevertheless, anatomophysiological integrity of the involved tissue was preserved.

Utilização de eletroquimioterapia em neoplasias de origem epitelial ou mesenquimal localizadas em pele ou mucosas de cães / Employment of electrochemotherapy in canine neoplasms of epithelial or mesenchymal origin located in the skin or mucosal membranes

A eletroquimioterapia é caracterizada como um protocolo que agrega o uso de fármacos antineoplásicos à aplicação regional de pulsos elétricos, maximizando a concentração intracelular destes agentes, assim propiciando maior ação citotóxica dos mesmos. A bleomicina, um antimicrobiano dotado de propriedade antineoplásica, demonstra restrição no transporte através da membrana celular dada sua composição molecular hidrofílica. Todavia, uma vez administrada via intralesional ou endovenosa associada à eletroporação, exibe citotoxicidade potencializada. Foram utilizados 34 cães acometidos por neoformações solitárias de origem epitelial ou mesenquimal, situadas em pele ou membranas mucosas. Padronizou-se o protocolo eletroquimioterápico empregando-se sulfato de bleomicina, pela via intralesional, na dose de 1U/cm3 de tumor. A eletroporação foi perfilada com eletrodo composto por agulhas, pulsos elétricos com tensão de 1000 V, em onda quadrada unipolar, com duração de 100 microsegundos, totalizando-se oito ciclos. Constatou-se remissão neoplásica integral em 30 cães (88,3%) e refratariedade ao protocolo em apenas quatro animais (11,7%). Inexistiram complicações e/ou efeitos adversos decorrentes do procedimento. O protocolo neste trabalho estudado revelou-se aplicável, eficaz e seguro na terapêutica antineoplásica em cães.

Electrochemotherapy is characterized as a protocol which combines the use of antineoplastic agents with localized application of electric pulses to improve the intracellular concentration of these agents, increasing, thus, its cytotoxic action. Bleomycin, an antibiotic agent with antineoplastic properties, is a hydrophilic molecule, having a restricted transport through the cellular membrane. However, when it is administered intralesionally or intravenously and associated to electroporation, its cytotoxicity is maximized. There were utilized 34 dogs affected by a single lesion of epithelial or mesenchymal origin, located in the skin or mucosal membranes. The electrochemotherapy protocol was standardized using intralesional bleomycin sulfate at a dose of 1U/cm3of tumoral area. Electroporation was performed using an electrode composed of needles and electric pulses with a 1000 V voltage, in unipolar square wave and 100 microseconds duration, totalizing eight cycles. There was complete neoplastic remission in 30 dogs (88.3%) and refractoriness to the protocol in four animals (11.7%). There were no complications or side effects associated with the procedure. The protocol studied in this work showed to be feasible, effective and safe for antineoplastic therapy in dogs.

Fixacão interna de fratura de epífise proximal de tíbia em potro / Internal fixation of the tibial proximal epiphyses fracture in a foal

A fratura Salter Harris tipo II ocorre comumente na epífise proximal de tíbia em potros e tem reparacão difícil mas com o advento das técnicas de fixacão interna, o prognóstico tem melhorado. No caso descrito, em um potro da raca árabe de 26 dias de idade, com fratura proximal de tíbia direita tipo Salter Harris II, foram utilizadas as placas de compressão para garantirem estabilizacão e aproximacão dos fragmentos fraturados, porém com risco de ocasionar distúrbios no desenvolvimento esquelético. No caso relatado, através do controle radiológico, não foi evidenciada diminuicão da radioluscência na região correspondente à cartilagem de conjugacão proximal da tíbia. O artigo tem como objetivo discutir o tratamento empregado que se mostrou como alternativa viável pelo resultado favorável com bons resultados.

Comparação entre os efeitos da mistura gelatina-resorcina-formaldeído e do N-butil-cianoacrilato em angiorrafias de veia jugular externa de coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Comparison between the effects of the compound gelatin-resorsin-formaldeide and the N-butil-2-cianoacrilate in the suture of the external jugular veins in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

OBJETIVO: Estudar comparativamente os efeitos de dois adesivos cirúrgicos adjutórios à técnica clássica de venorrafia, Colagel® e Histoacryl® no reforço da linha de sutura. MÉTODOS: Os procedimentos, conduzidos em 18 leporinos da raça Nova Zelândia, buscaram investigar a cicatrização de venorrafias pela evolução clínica dos animais, bem como a evolução da cicatrização das feridas cirúrgicas, macroscópica e microscopicamente. RESULTADOS: Os resultados obtidos mostraram, clínica e macroscopicamente, alterações de maior significado e, microscopicamente, predomínio de maior reação inflamatória nas suturas recobertas pelo Colagel®, comparativamente às mantidas como controle e às "protegidas'' pelo Histoacryl®. CONCLUSÕES: Houve retardo na cicatrização das feridas que receberam o Colagel® e similitude de resultados entre o grupo controle e as suturas recobertas pelo Histoacryl®.

A new brachial plexus block technique in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a new technique of brachial plexus anesthesia in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, experimental study. ANIMALS: Twelve adult mongrel dogs, six males and six females weighing 14.8 ± 1.75 kg. METHODS: The animals were sedated with acepromazine 0.05 mg kg-1 and anesthetized with propofol (6 mg kg-1, IV bolus) followed by an infusion of 212 µg kg-1 minute-1. The brachial plexus block technique was performed utilizing the brachial artery as an anatomic landmark, the needle was inserted from the axilla and a nerve stimulator was used to ensure the accuracy of needle placement. Bupivacaine (0.375% with 5 µg mL-1 epinephrine) was used at a dose rate of 4 mg kg-1. Dogs underwent mid-diaphyseal osteotomies of the humerus followed by intramedullary pin fixation. RESULTS: Onset time to motor and sensory block were 9.70 ± 5.52 and 26.20 ± 8.86 minutes, respectively. Analgesia lasted for 11.11 ± 0.47 hours. The block was effective in 91.6% of the animals, being verified by anesthesia of the whole front limb distal to the shoulder. One animal became hypotensive after the block and did not undergo the surgery at that time. In the remaining 10 animals the heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, blood gas parameters and plasma bicarbonate concentration did not show any statistically significant alterations during the surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This brachial plexus block technique is effective in most cases to provide surgical analgesia for the front limb distal to the shoulder. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Various surgical procedures in the front limb can be performed with a regional anesthetic technique without the use and concomitant risks of general anesthesia in dogs. Long-lasting analgesia associated with this technique may also provide a valuable tool for the management of pain in the forelimb.

Utilizaçäo de alfentanil, sufentanil e fentanil em cäes anestesiados com halotano / Use of alfentanil, sufentanil and fentanyl in dogs anesthetized with halothane

Os analgésicos opióides promovem analgesia intensa, possibilitando o emprego de concentraçöes reduzidas dos anestésicos inalatórios, minimizando assim a depressäo cardiovascular que ocorre durante a anestesia. Vários opióides podem ser empregados na anestesia, sendo que dentre os mais potentes, o fentanil, sufentanil e alfentanil säo os mais freqüentemente administrados no transoperatório. No presente estudo, comparou-se a açäo no sistema cardiovascular desses três agentes durante a anestesia inalatória em cäes, submetidos a procedimentos ortopédicos, bem como, avaliou-se a possibilidade de se manter a anestesia com baixas concentraçöes de halotano. Foram usados três grupos, de dez animais cada, que receberam, após estabilizaçäo da anestesia, doses equipotentes de um dos três agentes analgésicos - grupo I - 5µg/kg de fentanil IV, grupo II - 1µg/kg de sufentanil IV e grupo III - 25µg/kg de alfentanil IV. Os parametros cardiovasculares e respiratórios foram avaliados em diferentes tempos de observaçäo. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados através de análise estatística (ANOVA seguida de Dunnett e Bonferroni). Os três agentes promoveram bradicardia importante durante o decorrer do estudo, sendo que apenas o alfentanil promoveu hipotensäo significativa após sua administraçäo. Apenas um animal tratado com fentanil apresentou aumento da pressäo arterial e freqüência cardíaca durante a anestesia. Na recuperaçäo da anestesia, um número maior de animais tratados com alfentanil apresentou sinais de excitaçäo. Através dos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que a administraçäo de analgésicos opióides possibilita de fato o emprego de menores concentraçöes de halotano, promovendo anestesia estável com a manutençäo da pressäo arterial dentro dos valores normais para a espécie. Dos agentes empregados, o alfentanil é o que promove efeitos cardiovasculares mais pronunciados.

Avaliação comparativa entre acepromazina, detomidina e romifidina em eqüinos / Comparative evaluation of acepromazine, detomidine and romifidine in horses

Os efeitos da acepromazina, detomidina e romifidina em eqüinos foram comparados, objetivando-se determinarqual o agente mais seguro e efetivo para a referida espécie animal. Foram utilizados 15 eqüinos hígidos, de ambos o sexos, idades e raças variadas e encaminhados ao setor de Cirurgia do Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ - USP. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos: grupo I, recebeu 0,1mg/kg de acepromazina; grupo II recebeu 20mcg/kg de detomidina e grupo III, o qual recebeu 80mcg/kg de romifidina, sendo todos os agentes administrados através da via intravenosa. Previamente à administraçäo dos fármacos e aos 15, 30, 60 e 90 minutos, após sua aplicaçäo, foram avaliadas a freqüência e ritmo cardíacos, freqüência respiratória, pressäo arterial sistólica e diastólica, assim como foram coletadas amostras de sangue arterial para verificaçäo do pH, pressäo parcial de oxigênio e pressäo parcial de dióxido de carbono. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística através do teste de análise de variância (ANOVA), seguido do teste de Tukey. Näo foi observada nenhuma alteraçäo da freqüência respiratória nos grupos estudados. Verificou-se diminuiçäo significativa dos valores da FC nos animais tratados com os agentes Ó-2 agonistas quando comparados com os valores obtidos no grupo I. Após a administraçäo da acepromazina, observou-se diminuiçäo significativa das pressöes sistólica e diastólica em relaçäo aos valores controle. Os animais do grupo I apresentaram valores pressóricos estatisticamente inferiores em relaçäo aos valores obtidos nos grupos II e III. Os animias do grupo II demonstraram incremento da pressäo arterial sistólica após 15 minutos da aplicaçäo do agente, com subseqüente reduçäo destes valores. O mesmo ocorreu no grupo III, porém, sem valor estatístico significativo. Com estes resultados, pode-se concluir que a romifidina e a detomidina promoveram alteraçöes paramétricas de menor intensidade e duraçäo quando comparadas à acepromazina.

Nova técnica de bloqueio do plexo braquial em cäes / New technique of brachial plexus block in dogs

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a viabilidade e a eficácia de uma nova técnica para o bloqueio do plexo braquial em cäes. Para tanto, foram utilizados 11 cäes, machos e fêmeas, idade e peso variáveis e mestiços. Os animais foram pré-tratados com acepromazina e a induçäo da anestesia foi realizada com propofol. Posteriormente, os animais foram submetidos ao bloqueio do plexo braquial que constou da associaçäo da técnica de múltiplas injeçöes com o emprego do estimulador de nervos e a técnica da palpaçäo arterial como ponto de referência para a localizaçäo dos nervos. Utilizou-se como anestésico local, a bupivacaína com vasoconstritor administrado na dose total de 4mg/kg a 0,375 porcento. O volume total foi dividido em 4 partes iguais, administradas na velocidade de 30 segundos cada, com o objetivo de se atingir a maior quantidade de nervos. O tempo necessário para realizaçäo da técnica foi de 11,30 ñ 4,54 minutos; o período de latência para o bloqueio motor foi de 9,70 ñ 5,52 minutos e para o bloqueio sensitivo foi de 26,20 ñ 8,86 min., sendo a duraçäo da analgesia de 11:00 ñ 0:45 horas. Em 90 porcento dos animais, o bloqueio foi efetivo, constatado através da anestesia de todo o membro torácico distal à articulaçäo escápulo-umeral. A única complicaçäo observada foi a hipotensäo arterial desenvolvida em um animal. Mediante os resultados obtidos, pode-se pressupor que as cirurgias envolvendo o membro torácico distal à articulaçäo escápulo-umeral poderäo ser utilizadas com auxílio desta nova técnica do bloqueio do plexo braquial, bem como na analgesia pós-operatória de longa duraçäo.

Alterações cardiorrespiratórias da anestesia geral em eqüinos com romifidina, tiletamina/zolazepam e halotano / Cardiopulmonary alterations with romifidine, tiletamine/zolazepam and halothane in horses

Dez equinos foram submetidos a anestesia com romifidina (80 mig/kg via intravenosa), indução com a associação tiletamina/zolazepam (1,1mg/kg em solução a 5 por cento via intravenosa) e manutenção com halotano. A avaliação cardiorrespiratória foi realizada pela mensuração dos parâmetros de freqüências cardíaca e respiratória, pressão arterial média invasiva, equilíbrio ácido-base por hemogasometria arterial e perfil hematológico de hematócrito, proteína plasmática total e glicemia. Foram mensurados os tempos de indução ao decúbito em segundos e o tempo de recuperação a estação em minutos. A técnica anestésica demonstrou que após a administração de romifidina, houve facilidade de manipulação no período pre-anestésico e que a indução com tiletamina/zolazepam e suave é destituída de excitação ou movimentos involuntários, promovendo uma adequada transição para a anestesia inalatória. A recuperação a estação mostrou-se sem intercorrências. Houve alterações significativas nos parâmetros de freqüências cardíaca e respiratória e pressão arterial média. Os dados obtidos referentes ao equilíbrio ácido-base e perfil hematológico de hematócrito, proteína plasmática total e glicemia também estiveram significativamente alterados nos tempos estudados. A técnica anestésica, associada ao decubito lateral, produziu acidose respiratória com presença de acidemia. Após a indução anestésica houve a ocorrência de hipoxemia transitória.

Ten horses were submitted the anesthetic protocol with romifidine (80mu/kg IV), tiletamine/zolazepam (1,1mg/kg IV) and halothane as maintenance gas. Cardiopulmonary function, acid-base status and hematologic profile were evaluated monitoring cardiac and respiratory rates, mean arterial pressure, arterial blood gas, hematocrit, total plasmatic protein and blood glucose. Time from induction until recumbency and from recovery until standing position were measured. Romifidine administration provided easy handling of the animals and tiletamine/zolazepam, smooth induction with neither excitement or involuntary movement leading to an adequate orotraqueal intubation and inalation anesthesia. No problems were shown in the recovery period until the animals were stanting. Significant changes were found in the cardiac and respiratory rates and in the mean arterial blood pressure. Acid-base status, hematocrit, total plasmatic protein and blood glucose were also significantly altered. The anesthetic technic and the lateral recumbency produced respiratory acidosis with acidemia. Transitory hipoxemia was observed after the anesthetic induction.

Avaliação comparativa entre o besilato de atracúrio e o cloreto de alcurônio sobre a frequência cardíaca e a ventilometria de cães anestesiados com halotano / Comparative evaluation between atracurium besylate and alcuronium chloride on heart rate and ventilometry of the dogs anesthetized with halothane

Vinte cães provenientes da rotina anestésico-cirúrgica do Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), foram divididos em 2 grupos, I e II. e submetidos ao bloqueio neuromuscular com besilato de atracúrio 0,5mg/kg IV ou cloreto de alcurônio 0,1mg/kg IV consecutivamente. Foram monitorados a ventilometria, a freqüência cardíaca e o tempo de bloqueio neuromuscular dos animais que receberam besilato de atracúrio, submetidos à reversão espontânea, enquanto que a reversão do bloqueio produzido com cloreto de alcurônio foi realizada aos 60 minutos após instalação deste pela administração de neostigmina precedida de sulfato de atropina. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram diminuição do volume corrente pulmonar para ambos os grupos à partir da reversão do bloqueio, com diminuição significativa para o grupo que recebeu cloreto de alcurônio até vinte minutos após reversão e diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos aos 20 minutos após reversão. Houve diminuição nos valores de frequência cardíaca à partir dos 10 minutos após indução anestésica até 30 minutos decorridos do bloqueio para ambos os grupos, com significando estatística no grupo que recebeu besilato de atracúrio. O tempo médio de bloqueio com besilato de atracúrio foi de 49,07 ± 12,67 minutos.

Twenty dogs for the surgical-anaesthetic routine of the Veterinary Hospital of Federal University of Santa Maria - Brazil were divided in two groups, I and II, and submitted to neuromuscular block with atracurium besylate 0.5mg/kg (I) or alcuronium chloride 0.1mg/kg (II). Ventilometry. heart rate and the time for reversion of the blockage were evaluated in group I. Reversal of relaxation in group II was carried with neostigmine preceded by atropine. The results demonstrated a reduction in tidal volume for both groups in the reversion of the blockage, with statistical significance between the groups 20 minutes after reversion. Reduction in heart rate was detected after induction at 30 minutos after established the muscle relaxation. The mean time of neuromuscular blockage with atracurium besylate was 49.07 ± 12.67 minutes.