Heart Rate Variability and Electrocardiographic Parameters Predictive of Arrhythmias in Dogs with Stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Intermittent Haemodialysis.

Intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) is used in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce azotaemia. Monitoring the cardiovascular system plays an important role in this treatment to detect cardiovascular repercussions. Heart rate variability (HRV) and dispersions of the QT interval and P wave are important markers for mortality risk in humans. This study aimed to describe the time-domain and frequency-domain heart rate variability indexes, P and QT dispersions and electrocardiographic alterations observed in dogs with Stage IV CKD undergoing IHD. Thirty dogs of both sexes, of varying ages and breeds, and weighing between 15 and 30 kg were used. Animals were divided into three groups, control (10 healthy dogs), clinical treatment (10 dogs with CKD IV submitted to clinical treatment twice a week) and IHD (10 dogs with CKD IV submitted to clinical treatment and to dialysis treatment with intermittent haemodialysis twice a week). Clinical, laboratory, HRV indexes and electrocardiographic parameters, as well as QT and P-wave dispersions, were assessed in both CKD groups, prior to and after the end of each clinical treatment/IHD session during the first three sessions. Dogs with CKD IV undergoing IHD had clinically important electrolyte imbalances, primarily hypokalaemia, and pertinent electrocardiographic findings, such as the occurrence of supraventricular arrhythmias and increases in possible predictive parameters for arrhythmias. In spite of these observations, HRV indexes were better in animals undergoing haemodialysis and, in addition, IHD was more effective at reducing levels of creatinine, urea and phosphorus compared to intravenous fluid therapy treatment.

The Effect of Intermittent Hemodialysis on the Hematological and Serum Biochemistry Profile in Dogs With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) is a type of kidney replacement therapy commonly prescribed in veterinary medicine for cases of drug removal, fluid, acid-base, and electrolyte disorders, acute kidney injury, and cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in uremic crisis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intermittent hemodialysis in dogs with IRIS stage 4 CKD in contrast to dogs treated only with standard medical management, without dialysis, to improve their quality of life. Twenty-five dogs previously diagnosed with IRIS stage 4 CKD were selected for the study according to the inclusion criteria. Dogs were randomized to 2 distinct groups: the control group (n = 11), which underwent a conventional clinical treatment for CKD; and the hemodialysis group (n = 14), which underwent intermittent hemodialysis in addition to the clinical treatment. Both groups had a period of 15 days of clinical and laboratory evaluation. Laboratory analysis consisted of chemistry and hematological evaluation before and after both treatments at a minimum interval of 48 hours. Clinical parameters and eventual complications were assessed every 30 minutes during the IHD. When compared with conventional treatment, IHD was highly efficient in removing urea, creatinine, and phosphorus, but presented a hematological risk to the patient, requiring constant monitoring of hematological and biochemical profiles in order to correct alterations. Therefore, IHD is a highly recommended treatment if adequately monitored by trained professionals.

Computed tomographic and radiographic morphometric study of cardiac and coelomic dimensions in captive blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758) with varying body condition scores.

This study aimed to assess radiographic and tomographic cardiac parameters, including width and length of the heart, and the ratio of heart width to coelom width of blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) with varying body condition scores. Thirty-five captive birds were included in the study and were allocated into one of three groups according to their respective body condition score: lean, ideal and obese. No differences were observed among the groups with regard to radiographic and tomographic measurements. Computed tomography enabled better identification of the structures of the cardiovascular system without interference from the overlying structures of the celomatic cavity observed in radiographic images. However, radiographic examinations should still be considered the standard screening method to identify cardiac alterations, such as increased or reduced organ dimensions. Standardizing the techniques and measurements performed in this study may serve as a basis for further research in the field.

Maternal, fetal and neonatal heart rate and heart rate variability in Holstein cattle / Frequência cardíaca e variabilidade da frequência cardíaca materna, fetal e neonatal em bovinos da raça Holstein

The aim of this study was to describe the normal values for maternal, fetal and neonatal heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) indexes in the time domain (standard deviation of beat-to-beat interval - SDNN; root mean square of successive beat-to-beat differences - RMSSD) and the frequency domain (low frequency - LF; high frequency - HF; relationship between low and high frequency - LF/HF) in 23 Holstein cows, 23 fetuses and 18 neonates during the perinatal period. HR and HRV were calculated by fetomaternal electrocardiography (ECG). Fetomaternal measurements were taken six times prepartum (between days 234 and 279 of pregnancy) and measurements were taken in neonates six times after calving (after birth and five times weekly). HR, time and frequency domain were analyzed. No significant changes in maternal, fetal beat-to-beat interval (RR interval) or HR were found. In maternal variables, SDNN decreased significantly from 38.08±2.6ms (day 14 before calving) to 23.7±2.5ms (day 1 after calving) (p<0.05), but the RMSSD did not change significantly. HR and RR interval of calf differed statistically from the day before delivery (163±7.5bpm; 381±24.2ms) to the day after calving (131±5bpm; 472±16.2ms). Time variables (SDNN and RMSSD) and the frequency-domain variables (LF and HF) were significantly different (p<0.05) between fetal and neonatal stages. Reductions in the values of SDNN and RMSSD can reflect a sympathetic dominance. After calving, the increase in HF and decrease in LF variables can indicate activation of the vagal nerve followed by heart and respiratory modulation.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os valores normais para os índices de frequência cardíaca (FC) materna, fetal e neonatal e de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) no domínio do tempo (desvio padrão do intervalo batimento a batimento, SDNN; raiz quadrada média de sucessivas diferenças de batimento a batimento, RMSSD) e do domínio da frequência (baixa frequência, LF; alta frequência, HF; relação entre baixa e alta frequência, LF/HF) em 23 vacas Holandesas, 23 fetos e 18 neonatos durante o período perinatal. A FC e a VFC foram calculadas por eletrocardiografia materno-fetal. As medidas materno-fetais foram realizadas seis vezes antes do parto (entre os dias 234 e 279 de gestação) as medidas neonatais foram realizadas seis vezes após o parto (um dia após nascimento e semanalmente, durante cinco semanas). FC, e variáveis no domínio do tempo e de frequência foram analisadas. Não foram encontradas alterações significativas na FC e no intervalo de batimento para batimento (intervalo RR) materno e fetal. Nas variáveis maternas, o SDNN diminuiu significativamente de 38,08±2,6ms (dia 14 antes do parto) para 23,7±2,5ms (dia 1 após o parto) (p<0,05), mas o RMSSD não alterou significativamente. A FC e o intervalo e RR do bezerro diferiram estatisticamente a partir de um dia antes do parto (163±7,5bpm, 381±24,2ms) até o dia seguinte ao parto (131±5bpm, 472±16,2ms). As variáveis de tempo (SDNN e RMSSD) e as variáveis de domínio de frequência (LF e HF) foram significativamente diferentes (p<0,05) entre os momentos fetal e neonatal. As reduções nos valores de SDNN e RMSSD podem refletir domínio simpático. Após o parto, o aumento da HF e a diminuição das variáveis LF podem indicar a ativação do nervo vagal seguido de modulação cardíaca e respiratória.(AU)

Echocardiographic parameters and vertebral heart size (VHS) in lambs during the neonatal period / Parâmetros ecocardiográficos e tamanho cardíaco vertebral (VHS) em cordeiros durante o período neonatal

Due to cardiac immaturity, newborns have a different morphology and cardiac output when compared with adults. The purpose of this study was to describe the cardiac changes in echocardiographic characteristics and vertebral heart size (VHS) in newborn lambs during the neonatal period. Twenty-eight healthy Ile de France lambs were evaluated from birth to 35 days old. With the assistance of echocardiography, this study evaluated, both in systole and diastole, indexes related to the right and left ventricles, the aorta (Ao), the left atrium (LA), the E point to septal separation (EPSS) and the thickness of the interventricular septum (VSd, VSs). The left atrium-to-aorta ratio (LA:Ao) was analyzed and both the shortening (SF%) and ejection fractions were calculated (EF%). The VHS was obtained by measuring the heart's long and short axes and comparing it to the thoracic vertebrae. Throughout the first 35 days, the results obtained demonstrated an increased LV:RV ratio when compared to adult lambs. The calculated indexes and the LA:Ao ratio did not present statistically significant differences. The VHS values were normally distributed, presenting a mean of 9.67 vertebrae (v) during the entire period. Both radiographic and echocardiographic parameters showed significant differences between the analyzed moments. The VHS values ranged from 8.4v at the minimum end to 11.2v at the maximum. In order to prevent these changes from being misdiagnosed as heart diseases, this study contributed to take note of neonatal physiological anatomy peculiarities and in addition, it describes the parameters for this age in Ilê de France lambs.(AU)

Devido à imaturidade cardíaca, os recém-nascidos apresentam uma morfologia e débito cardíacos diferenciados quando comparado aos adultos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as alterações cardíacas ecocardiográficas e silhueta cardíaca ao exame radiográfico a partir do método VHS (vertebral heart size) em cordeiros recém-nascidos durante o período neonatal. Vinte e oito cordeiros saudáveis da raça Ile de France foram avaliados desde o nascimento até os 35 dias de idade. Ao exame ecocardiográfico avaliou-se em sístole e diástole, os índices relacionados aos ventrículos direito (VD) e esquerdo (VE), a parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo, aorta (Ao), átrio esquerdo (Ae), septo e ponto E, e diâmetros finais. Foi feita a relação entre o átrio esquerdo e aorta, além da fração de ejeção e de encurtamento. O VHS foi mensurado a partir do tamanho dos eixos longo e curto do coração em relação às vértebras torácicas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram aumento do VE em relação ao VD no decorrer dos 35 dias (p<0,05). Os índices calculados e a relação AE:Ao não tiveram diferença. Os valores de VHS tiveram distribuição normal com média de 9,67 vértebras em todo o período. Os parâmetros radiográficos e ecocardiográficos mostraram diferenças significativas entre os momentos analisados. Os valores VHS variaram de 8.4 a 11.2 vertebras. Para evitar que essas alterações sejam erroneamente interpretadas como cardiopatias na espécie, este estudo demonstra às peculiaridades do desenvolvimento cardíaco neonatal em cordeiros, além de descrever parâmetros para esta faixa etária em cordeiros da raça Ilê de France.(AU)

Avaliação da frequência cardíaca materna, fetal e neonatal e sua variabilidade em equinos da raça Paint Horse / Maternal, fetal and neonatal heart rate evaluation and its variability in the Paint Horse breed

Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever a frequência cardíaca (FC) e os índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) materna e fetal no terço final da gestação, bem como descrever a evolução do desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso autônomo durante o período fetal e neonatal. Foram avaliados 20 animais de cada categoria, cujos exames eletrocardiográficos, maternos e fetais, foram realizados aos 15 e sete dias pré-parto. Quanto ao eletrocardiograma neonatal, os momentos avaliados foram ao nascimento até as primeiras 48 horas de vida, e posteriormente, uma vez por semana até os 35 dias de idade. Ocorreram diferenças significativas na frequência cardíaca fetal (FCF) no período avaliado, porém os índices de VFC fetais não se alteraram. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos índices de VFC materna. A média da FCF diminuiu significativamente dos 15 para sete dias do pré-parto (95,6±11,4 bpm; 83,1±12,6, respectivamente), entretanto os índices de VFC fetal não diminuíram. Os resultados obtidos da VFC fetal e neonatal deste estudo, quando comparados aos maternos, indicaram predomínio parassimpático durante a fase fetal e, simpático durante a neonatal, até a terceira e/ou quarta semanas de idade, momento no qual se inicia o equilíbrio entre os dois sistemas.(AU)

The aim of this study were to describe the heart rate (HR) and indexes of maternal and fetal heart rate variability (HRV) in final period of pregnancy, as well as to describe the evolution of the development of autonomic nervous system during fetal and neonatal period. There were 20 animals in each category, whose maternal and fetal electrocardiographic examinations were performed at 15 and 7 days antepartum. Neonatal ECG it was evaluated at birth until the first 48 hours of life, and then once a week up to 35 days. There were significant differences in fetal heart rate (FHR) during this period, but the fetal HRV indexes have not changed. There were no significant differences in the rates of maternal HRV. The mean of fetal HR decreased significantly from 15 to seven antepartum days (95.6±11.4 bpm; 83.1±12.6, respectively), though the fetal HRV indexes have not decreased. The results of fetal and neonatal HRV in the present study, when compared to maternal indicate the parasympathetic dominance during fetal and neonatal sympathetic phase during to the third and/or fourth weeks of age, at which point begins the modulation of the two systems.(AU)

Evaluation of neonatal vitality and blood glucose, lactate and cortisol concentrations in foals of the Paint Horse breed / Avaliação dos padrões de vitalidade neonatal, glicemia, lactato e cortisol em potros da raça Paint Horse

Clinical evaluations of newborns, as well as defining the therapeutic decision, represent significant challenges to the veterinarian. This study aimed to evaluate neonatal vitality using the modified Apgar score and blood glucose, lactate, and cortisol concentrations in newborn equines. Twenty foals of the Paint Horse breed born by normal delivery were evaluated during the first 48 hours of life. The modified Apgar score was determined at birth and 10 minutes later, with values ranging from 0 to 10. Blood samples for the laboratory tests were collected at birth and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, and 48 hours. The mean Apgar score was significantly lower at birth than at 10 minutes (p < 0.001). Blood glucose concentrations increased significantly between birth (98.90 ± 35.97 mg/dL) and 8 hours (127.90 ± 27.15 mg/dL), stabilizing after the first 12 hours (148.95 ± 29.59 mg/dL). Serum lactate concentrations showed a significant decrease across the time points tested, with the highest value occurring at birth (5.48 ± 2.17 mmol/L) and stabilizing after 24 hours (2.76 ± 1.31 mmol/L). Cortisol concentrations significantly decreased (p < 0.01) between 4 (10.46 ± 7.46 µg/dL) and 48 hours (5.21 ± 3.35 µg/dL), with the highest value occurring 4 hours after birth. The common occurrence of laboratory abnormalities in healthy newborn foals reinforces the need to conduct regular clinical examinations and to develop laboratory reference values for different breeds and ages.(AU)

A avaliação clínica dos recém-nascidos, bem como a definição da conduta terapêutica adotada representam expressivos desafios ao Médico Veterinário. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a vitalidade neonatal pelo escore de Apgar modificado, glicemia, lactatemia e cortisol em neonatos equinos. Para tal, foram utilizados 20 potros da raça Paint Horse, nascidos em eutocia, durante as primeiras 48 horas de vida. O escore de Apgar modificado foi realizado ao nascimento e 10 minutos após, atribuindo-se notas de 0 a 10. As colheitas das amostras de sangue, para a realização das análises laboratoriais, ocorreram nos momentos ao nascimento, 4, 8, 12, 20 16, 20, 24, 36 e 48 horas de vida. A média do escore de Apgar ao nascimento foi significativamente menor que aos 10 minutos (p<0,001). A glicemia aumentou significativamente entre o nascimento (98,90 ± 35,97 mg/dL) e às 8 horas (127,90 ± 23 27,15 mg/dL), com estabilização após as primeiras 12 horas (148,95 ± 29,59 mg/dL). A concentração sérica de lactato apresentou decréscimo significativo entre os momentos estudados, sendo o maior valor encontrado ao nascimento (5,48 ± 2,17 mmol/L), com estabilização a partir das 24 horas (2,76 ± 1.31 mmol/L). As concentrações de cortisol, reduziram significativamente (p<0,01), entre as 4 (10,46 ± 7,46 µg/dL) e as 48 horas (5,21 ± 3,35 µg/dL), sendo o maior valor encontrado as 4 horas após o nascimento. A ocorrência comum de anormalidades laboratoriais em potros recém-nascidos, aparentemente saudáveis, reforça a necessidade da realização de exames clínicos regulares e o desenvolvimento de valores laboratoriais de referência, em diferentes raças e idades.(AU)

Monitoramento de parâmetros laboratoriais em gatos sem raça definida durante o período neonatal / Monitoring of laboratory parameters during neonatal period in mixed-bred cats

O objetivo do presente estudo foi à monitoração dos parâmetros laboratoriais como hemograma, enzimas hepáticas alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT), glicemia e proteinograma sérico, e avaliar o efeito da idade em gatos sem raça definida durante a fase neonatal. Vinte gatos machos e fêmeas foram utilizados a partir do terceiro dia de vida até o 38º dia de idade. As amostras de sangue foram colhidas semanalmente e as análises laboratoriais (hemograma, enzimas hepáticas, glicemia e proteinograma sérico) realizadas no 3º, 10º, 17º, 24º, 31º e 38º dia de idade. Os resultados exibiram efeito significativo da idade sobre a contagem total de eritrócitos, concentração de hemoglobina, volume globular, volume corpuscular médio, concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média, leucócitos totais, neutrófilos, eosinófilos e basófilos. Nenhum efeito foi observado em células como linfócitos, monócitos ou na concentração sérica de glicose. A análise das modificações ocorridas nos parâmetros laboratoriais durante a fase neonatal reflete o desenvolvimento fisiológico do filhote e contribui para o conhecimento do processo adaptativo em gatos neonatos durante o primeiro mês de vida, sendo útil para a avaliação clínica, diagnóstico e tratamento das doenças neonatais.(AU)

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of age on blood count, liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), glycemia and on protein profile in mixed-breed cats during the neonatal phase. Twenty male and female cats were used from 3 to 38 days after birth. Weekly blood samples were obtained and laboratory analyses (blood count, liver enzymes, glycemia and protein profile) were performed on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st and 38th day of age. The results exhibited significant effect of age on total red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, total leukocyte count, mean segmented neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. No effect was observed in lymphocyte, monocyte and glucose concentration. The analysis of changes in laboratory parameters which occurred during the neonatal period reflects the physiological development of the kitten and contributes to knowledge of the adaptive process in neonates cats during the first month of life, and is useful for clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of neonatal diseases.(AU)