Ultimobranchial body cyst in an adult horse: clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features.

A 9-y-old Mangalarga Marchador gelding was referred to a veterinary hospital because of a swelling on the upper right side of the neck. Ultrasound examination revealed a multilocular structure adjacent to the thyroid gland with low echogenic content suggestive of fluid. The mass was removed surgically. Histologically, the cystic cavities in the surgical sample were filled with abundant eosinophilic secreta and lined by cuboidal, segmentally ciliated, columnar epithelium with interspersed goblet cells. Segmental crowding of the multilayered lining of the cyst was noted. Immunohistochemistry suggested the presence of both C cells and follicular cells, given the positivity of the immunomarkers calcitonin and TTF-1, respectively. The histogenesis of ultimobranchial cysts is uncertain. Based on clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical identification, the cystic structure in this case is compatible with an ultimobranchial body cyst.

Nephrosplenic Space Ablation in Horses After Homologous Pericardium Implant Using a Laparoscopic Stapler.

This study aimed to describe and evaluate a laparoscopic technique to promote nephrosplenic space ablation in horses using a homologous pericardium implant, preserved in 98% glycerin and fixed using laparoscopic polydioxanone staples. In this experimental study, six Arabian horses without previous related abdominal diseases were used. The surgical procedures were performed in the standing position under sedation with alpha-2 agonists and opioids, associated with local infiltration of the local anesthetic in the portal sites. The horses were restrained in a stock, and the left flanks were clipped and aseptically prepared. Three portals were created on the left flank, and the homologous pericardium implant, measuring 10 × 5 cm, was introduced into the abdominal cavity covering the nephrosplenic space, positioned between the dorsal border of the spleen and perirenal fascia, fixed with polydioxanone staples using a laparoscopic stapler. Physical examination and blood and peritoneal fluid sample collection were performed on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 of the postoperative period, and an exploratory laparoscopy was performed on day 60 to assess the effectiveness of the technique and eventual complications. There were no difficulties or significant complications during the surgical procedure, and the total average time to perform was 49.83 minutes (±10.19). In the postoperative period, there was a significant increase (P < .05) in the plasma fibrinogen concentration on days 7 and 14 compared with the preoperative moment. The total nucleated cell count in the peritoneal fluid increased (P < .05) on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30. After 60 days of the surgical procedure, the physical examination and laboratory data were within the normal range. Exploratory laparoscopy performed on day 60 revealed complete occlusion of the nephrosplenic space, and it was not possible to differentiate the pericardium implant from the scar tissue, not even in the histological evaluation performed on the collected samples. In two horses, omentum adhesion was observed in the region where the implant was fixed, and in two others, a synechia was observed between the implant area and mesocolon without association with clinical complications. The animals were followed up for 36 months at surgery, and no colic signs were observed along this period. It was concluded that the technique of ablation of the nephrosplenic space, using homologous pericardium preserved in 98% glycerin, fixed by polydioxanone staples by laparoscopy, was simple to perform, effective, and free of clinical complications during the period of evaluation, and its use may be indicated as a surgical option in clinical cases of horses with recurrent nephrosplenic entrapment.

Índices e dimensões ecocardiográficas de equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador / Echocardiographic indexes and dimension in horses of the Mangalarga Marchador breed

Com o objetivo de determinar os valores de referência ecocardiográficos de equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador, foram avaliados 80 equinos desta raça, machos e fêmeas, com 1,6 a 16 anos de idade, pesando entre 320 a 500 kg, divididos igualmente em 4 grupos: fêmeas de 1,6 a 4 anos de idade (G1), fêmeas com mais de 4 anos de idade (G2), machos de 1,6 a 4 anos de idade (G3), machos com mais de 4 anos de idade (G4). A avaliação constou de exame ecocardiográfico mono e bidimensional, tendo sido realizados através da janela cardíaca direita, nos modos B e M: DIVDs, DIVDd, SIVs, SIVd, DIVEs, DIVEd, PLVEs, PLVEd, Aod, FS%, EF%, AEs, Aod, Aes/ Aod, ponto E-S. Através da janela cardíaca esquerda nos modos B e M: DIVEs, DIVEd, FS%, EF%, AEs. Foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre as médias dos quatro grupos dos seguintes parâmetros: Aod, AEs, DIVDs, DIVDd, SIVs, SIVd, DIVEs, DIVEd, PLVEs, PLVEd, Vs, Vd e correlações estatísticas positivas entre Aod, AEs, SIVs, SIVd, PLVEs, PLVEd, Vd e a idade, entreAod, AEs, SIVs, SIVd, DIVEd, PLVEs, AEs/Aod e o peso e o perímetro torácico e entre Aod, AEs, SIVs, SIVd, DIVEs, PLVEs, Vd e a altura da cernelha. Houve influência tanto do sexo como da faixa etária sobre os valores de referência para equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador, tendo os machos acima de 4 anos apresentados valores de medidas ventriculares maiores. O peso, altura e idade dos animais influenciaram da mesma forma os resultados, estando todos relacionados positivamente ao tamanho da estrutura cardíaca.(AU)

Aiming to establish the echocardiographic reference values of cardiac dimensions and indexes in horses of the Mangalarga Marchador breed, 80 horses, weighing 320 to 500 kg, that were divided in four group by gender and age, as follows: 1.6 to 4-year-old females (G1), more than 4-year-old females (G2), 1.6 to 4-year-old males (G3) and above 4-year-old males (G4), were evaluated by standardized technique. The evaluation consisted of B-mode and guided M-mode echocardiography, by which the following measurements were made: from the right cardiac window, by B- and M-mode: systolic and diastolic RVID, IVS, LVID, LVFW, Aod, FS% and EF%, by B-mode: Las, Aod, and Las/Aod, by M-mode: S-E point, from left cardiac window, by B- and M-mode: LVIDs, LVIDd, FS% and EF% and by B-mode: Las. There were statistic differences between means of the four groups for the following parameters: Aod, Las, RVIDs, RVIDd, IVSs, IVSd, LVIDs, LVIDd, LVFWs, LVFWd, Vs, Vd. There were statistic correlations between Aod, Las, IVSs, IVSd, LVFWs, LVFWd, Vd and age; Aod, Las, IVs, IVSd, LVIDd, LVFWs, Las/Aod and bodyweight and thoracic perimeter; and Aod, LAs, IVSs, IVSd, LVIDs, LVFWs, Vd and height. Sex and age group influenced the reference values for the Mangalarga Marchador horses; males above 4 years presented higher ventricular measurement values. Height, weight and age of the horses influenced in the same way the results, all being positively related to the size of the cardiac structure.(AU)

Radial shock wave therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims were to evaluate the effects of radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) in dogs with hip osteoarthritis (OA) using clinical assessment and kinetic analysis. METHODS: Thirty dogs diagnosed with bilateral hip OA and 30 healthy dogs were used. In OA dogs, one limb was randomly selected for treatment with RSWT while the contralateral limb served as an untreated control. Dogs were evaluated while walking on a pressure walkway. Peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) were documented; symmetry index (SI) was also calculated. Blinded clinical evaluation was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Owner perception data regarding levels of physical activity were also collected. The RSWT protocol (2000 pulses, 10 Hz, 2-3.4 bars) consisted of three weekly treatment sessions (days 1, 8 and 16). Follow-up data were collected 30, 60 and 90 days after the first session. Data were compared between time points, groups and limbs pairs. RESULTS: At the end of the experimental period, mean PVF and VI values had increased (25.9 to 27.6%BW and 2.1 to 12.7%BW × s respectively) in treated limbs, with no significant differences in control limbs; SI values suggest improvement. Mean PVF and VI remained lower in the treated compared to the healthy group following treatment. The VAS scores suggested improvement in pain and lameness in treated dogs. Owner perception data suggested improved levels of physical activity following treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Outcomes of this study suggested beneficial effects of RSWT in dogs with hip osteoarthritis.

Predictive criteria to study the pathogenesis of malaria-associated ALI/ARDS in mice.

Malaria-associated acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) often results in morbidity and mortality. Murine models to study malaria-associated ALI/ARDS have been described; we still lack a method of distinguishing which mice will develop ALI/ARDS before death. This work aimed to characterize malaria-associated ALI/ARDS in a murine model and to demonstrate the first method to predict whether mice are suffering from ALI/ARDS before death. DBA/2 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA developing ALI/ARDS or hyperparasitemia (HP) were compared using histopathology, PaO2 measurement, pulmonary X-ray, breathing capacity, lung permeability, and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels according to either the day of death or the suggested predictive criteria. We proposed a model to predict malaria-associated ALI/ARDS using breathing patterns (enhanced pause and frequency respiration) and parasitemia as predictive criteria from mice whose cause of death was known to retrospectively diagnose the sacrificed mice as likely to die of ALI/ARDS as early as 7 days after infection. Using this method, we showed increased VEGF levels and increased lung permeability in mice predicted to die of ALI/ARDS. This proposed method for accurately identifying mice suffering from ALI/ARDS before death will enable the use of this model to study the pathogenesis of this disease.

Avaliação ultrassonográfica de linfonodos na pesquisa de metástases de neoplasia mamária em cadelas / Ultrasonographic evaluation of lymph nodes for metastasis research of canine mammary tumor

A avaliação de linfonodo, parte importante do estadiamento das neoplasias mamárias em cadelas, pode auxiliar no estabelecimento do prognóstico e na escolha da conduta terapêutica. A ultrassonografia em modo B possibilita avaliação de tamanho, contorno, borda, forma, arquitetura, ecotextura e ecogenicidade do parênquima dos linfonodos e, em modo Doppler, da quantidade e distribuição dos seus vasos internos. Este trabalho visou identificar as características ultrassonográficas mais importantes utilizadas para classificar os linfonodos em metastáticos e não-metastáticos, estabelecer elementos de confiabilidade do ultrassom como ferramenta para diferenciar linfonodos metastáticos de não-metastáticos e estabelecer procedimentos de reprodução deste exame. Foram examinados 67 linfonodos inguinais superficiais de 30 cadelas com tumor mamário e cada linfonodo foi classificado como metastático ou não-metastático. A impressão diagnóstica ultrassonográfica foi associada aos resultados do exame histopato lógico dos linfonodos obtendo-se taxa de concordância de 92,5 por cento, índice de sensibilidade de 94,1 por cento, índice de especificidade de 92 por cento, valor preditivo positivo de 0,8 e valor preditivo negativo de 0,9787. Características ultrassonográficas que classificaram um linfonodo como metastático ou como não-metastático foram listadas. O exame ultrassonográfico dos linfonodos regionais constitui importante ferramenta na detecção de metástase e sugere-se incluí-lo como rotina do estadiamento de neoplasias mamárias em cadelas.

Evaluation of lymph nodes is part of the staging of the mammary tumors and helps to establish a prognosis and therapy. B-mode ultrasonography was used to evaluate size, edge, nodal borders, shape, architecture, echotexture and echogenicity of lymph nodes and Doppler ultrasonography to evaluate the quantity and distribution of the vessels. The aims of this work were to identify which ultrasound features can be used to classify a lymph node as metastatic or non-metastatic; to establish its accuracy as a useful tool to this differentiation, and to establish procedures that permit the reproducibility of the results. Sixty seven lymph nodes of 30 female dogs with mammary tumors were examined by ultrasound and classified as metastatic or non-metastatic. The ultrasonographic diagnostic impression was confronted with the histopathologic results. The ultrasonographic classification of the lymph nodes was correct in 92.5 percent of the cases, with sensibility of 94.1 percent, specificity of 92 percent, positive predictive value of 0.8, and negative predictive value of 0.9787.The characteristics of the nodes to classify them as metastatic or non metastatic were registered. Ultrasound imaging of regional lymph nodes is important to detect metastases and it is suggested that it becomes a regular procedure in the staging of canine mammary tumors.

Identificação dos níveis séricos do fator de crescimento tipo insulina 1 em potros com osteocondrose / Identification of insulin-like growth factor-I serum levels in foals with osteo-chondrosis

A osteocondrose é uma das doenças ortopédicas do desenvolvimento mais comuns em cavalos, e deve ser encarada como uma desordem multifatorial. Caracteriza-se por ser uma doença dinâmica, onde o processo de reparo inicia-se quase que imediatamente após a formação da lesão osteocondral. A intensidade e eficácia deste reparo são fortemente relacionados à idade, e estão associados a reposição dos componentes da matriz cartilagínea. Uma vez que o fator de crescimento tipo insulina-1 (IGF-1) age regulando o crescimento da cartilagem articular, este estudo objetivou descrever os níveis séricos de IGF-I, insulina e glicose em potros Puro Sangue Lusitano hígidos ou com osteocondrose, desde o nascimento até 18 meses de idade. Dos potros acompanhados, 76,08 por cento apresentaram sinais radiográficos de osteocondrose com um mês de idade, porém somente 16,2 por cento mantiveram as lesões aos 18 meses. As concentrações de IGF-1 alcançaram picos entre 14 e 16 meses, equivalente ao início da puberdade. As concentrações de IGF-1 nos potros com osteocondrose foram menores que potros sadios, aos 2 e 5 meses (P<0,05), e os de insulina aos 2 meses (P<0,05). Em criatórios com alta ocorrência de osteocondrose recomenda-se que as mensurações dos níveis séricos de IGF-1 e insulina ocorram durante os primeiros 6 meses de idade, para que haja tempo hábil de se estabelecer medidas profiláticas e de tratamento.

Osteochondrosis is the most common orthopaedic developmental disorder in horses and has been traditionally defined as a multifactorial disease. The disease had a very dynamic character in which the repair process starts almost immediately after the lesion has formed. The intensity and efficacy of this repair process is strongly age-related and is determined by the turnover rate of the components of the extracellular matrix of the articular cartilage. Since the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) acts regulating the growth of articular cartilage, this study aimed to describe the serum levels of IGF-1, insulin and glucose in healthy Lusitano foals and foals with osteochondrosis, from birth to 18 months of age. At one month 76.08 percent of the foals showed radiographic signs of osteochondrosis, but at age of 18 months the percentage dropped to 16.2 percent. The IGF-1 concentrations reached peak values at age of 14 to 16 months, equivalent to the onset of puberty. The IGF-1 concentrations in foals with osteochondrosis were lower than in healthy 2 to 5-month-old foals (P<0.05), and the insulin at age of 2 months (P<0.05). On farms with high incidence of osteocondrosis is recommended that measurement of serum IGF-1 and insulin occur during the first 6 months of age, to have enough time to establish preventive and therapeutic measures.