Sexual dimorphism in the murine model of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis is a heterogeneous disease, and the patient's sex seems to play a role in this heterogeneity. Hosts' sexual dimorphism in cysticercosis has been largely explored in the murine model of intraperitoneal Taenia crassiceps cysticercosis. In this study, we investigated the sexual dimorphism of inflammatory responses in a rat model of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis caused by T. crassiceps. T. crassiceps cysticerci were inoculated in the subarachnoid space of Wistar rats (25 females, 22 males). Ninety days later, the rats were euthanized for histologic, immunohistochemistry, and cytokines studies. Ten animals also underwent a 7-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Female rats presented a higher concentration of immune cells in the arachnoid-brain interface, reactive astrogliosis in the periventricular region, in situ pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and more intense hydrocephalus on MRI than males. Intracranial hypertension signals were not observed during the observational period. Overall, these results suggest sexual dimorphism in the intracranial inflammatory response that accompanied T. crassiceps extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis.

Are echocardiographic parameters affected by body condition scores in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758)?

This study aimed to determine the echocardiographic parameters of blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758) with varying body condition scores. Thirty-five birds only grown in captivity were included in the study and allocated into three different groups according to their respective body condition scores: Lean, Ideal, and Obese. The group of obese parrots presented lower right ventricle dimensions in diastole than lean parrots. The fractional shortening was considerably lower in obese parrots than in parrots with lean and ideal body condition scores but without statistical significance. The flow rate and the aortic pressure gradient were lower in the lean group than in the ideal group. The alterations in the nutritional state of captive blue-fronted amazon parrots may lead to cardiovascular dysfunctions detected through an echocardiographic evaluation, which represents an important diagnostic tool for these animals. The description of the techniques and the measures obtained in this study can contribute to future research in the area.

Treatment of Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs Using Amniotic Membrane-Derived Stem Cells: Preliminary Results.

INTRODUCTION: Intervertebral disc diseases (IVDD) represent the majority of neurological attendance and responsible for the most cases of paralysis in dogs. Treatments currently used do not show satisfactory results in patients with more severe and chronic neurological manifestations. METHODS: To promote nerve and muscular recovery, as well as improve quality of life, we aimed to create a double-blind test method, associating spinal decompression surgery and allogeneic transplantation of amniotic membrane-derived stem cells (AMSCs) in dogs with chronic IVDD. Cells were characterized as fetal mesenchymal cells and safe for application. Eight animals completed the experiment: stem cell applications were made in four animals that had previously undergone an unsuccessful surgical procedure ("SC group", n = 4); two animals were submitted to surgery, followed by applications of stem cells ("Surgery + SC", n = 2); two other animals were submitted to surgery, followed by the application of saline solution ("Surgery + placebo", n = 2). During the surgical procedure, a topical application was performed on the lesion and after fifteen and forty-five days another two applications were made via epidural. Animals were monitored biweekly and reassessed three months after surgery, by functional tests and magnetic resonance exams. RESULTS: Some animals presented significant neurological improvement, such as the recovery of nociception and ability to remain on station. Despite the need further studies, until the present moment, cell therapy has been feasible and has no harmful effects on animals. CONCLUSION: The protocol of preclinical trial showed the association with decompressive surgery and cell transplantation in dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD proved feasible, and it was possible to observe neurological improvement after treatment. No tissue improvement through MRI was found. The double-blind test guaranteed reliability of the evaluations and results obtained that, even with a small sample size, generated satisfactory results for the animals and owners.

Assessment of qualitative and quantitative parameters of healthy thyroid gland in adult horses by magnetic resonance imaging.

In humans and pets, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides important adjunctive anatomic information about the thyroid and its adjacent structures. To the best of our knowledge, however, no studies have been reported regarding the use of MRI for thyroid evaluation in horses. The aim of this study was to obtain qualitative and quantitative parameters of healthy thyroid gland in adult horses by MRI. Eleven horses were submitted to thyroid MRI evaluation. The healthy thyroid of these animals was ensured by normal examinations performed before (free thyroxine and ultrasound) and after (cytology) to MRI. It was concluded that the dorsal spin-echo T1-weighted, fast spin-echo T2-weighted, sagittal STIR and a three-dimensional T1-weighted gradient echo were the sequences that best characterized the thyroid lobes. Qualitatively, there was a significant variation in the elliptical format of some lobes considering the sagittal plane, which oscillated between rounded and flattened conformation. Excellent reproducibility of the quantitative thyroid parameters obtained was verified. The thyroid gland total volume mean of observers was 14.31 cm3 (±0.69). In relation with comparisons between quantitative parameters of left and right lobes, only differences regarding their respective lengths were observed. Thus, we can infer that the difference in some thyroid lobes format can be explained by the significant variation identified between left and right lobes lengths.

Higher Concentration of Taenia Antigens in the CSF is Related to Slight Ventricle Enlargement and Periventricular Neuronal Decrease in Young Rats

Purpose Experimental models might help understand the pathophysiology of neurocysticercosis-associated hydrocephalus. The present study aimed to compare the extent of hydrocephalus and tissue damage in rats with subarachnoid inoculation of different concentrations of Taenia crassiceps cyst proteins. Methods Sixty young rats were divided into two groups: low- and high-concentration groups. The animals in the low concentration group received 0.02ml of 2.4mg/ml T. crassiceps cyst proteins while those in the high concentration group received 0.02 ml of 11.6mg/ml T. crassiceps cyst proteins. The animals underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 1, 3, and 6 months postinoculation to assess the ventricle volume. Morphological assessment was performed at the end of the observation period. Results Repeated measures of ventricle volumes at 1, 3, and 6 months showed progressive enlargement of the ventricles. At 1 and 3 months, we observed no differences in ventricle volumes between the 2 groups. However, at 6 months, the ventricles were larger in the high concentration group (median » 3.86mm3, range: 2.37­12.68) compared with the low concentration group (median » 2.00mm3, range: 0.37­11.57), p » 0.003. The morphological assessment revealed a few inflammatory features in both groups. However, the density of oligodendrocytes and neurons within the periventricular region was lower in the high concentration group (5.18 versus 9.72 for oligodendrocytes and 15.69 versus 21.00 for neurons; p < 0.001 for both). Conclusion Our results suggest that, in rats, a higher concentration of T. crassiceps cyst proteins in the subarachnoid space could induce ventricle enlargement and reduce the number of neurons within the periventricular area.

Comparison of right and left common carotid arteries of horses and mules by two-dimensional ultrasound and Doppler flow / Comparação das artérias carótidas comuns direita e esquerda dos gêneros de equinos e muares por ultrassonografia bidimensional e Dopplerfluxométrico

In ultrasonography, the bi-dimensional mode (B-mode) allows the morphological and morphometric evaluation of several types of organs and tissues, while the Doppler mode allows the hemodynamic evaluation. In humans, the Doppler evaluation is routinely used in the assessment of important arteries and veins, such as the carotid arteries and jugular veins, with significant differences between genres and sides. However, in veterinary medicine, this diagnostic method is not yet well established in the evaluation of the carotid arteries, with only few reports in domestic horses. This study aims to compare the right and left common carotid arteries of domestic horses and mules using bi-dimensional and Doppler ultrasound evaluation. The common carotid arteries from 10 domestic horses (five males and five females) and 10 mules (five males and five females) were evaluated. The following variables were measured at three different portions (cranial, middle and caudal): diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT), resistivity index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), peak of systolic velocity (pSV) and final diastolic velocity (fDV). No significant differences were observed in the bi-dimensional variables (diameter and IMT) between the common carotid arteries of horses and mules, regardless of gender (p>0.05). In Doppler mode, there were no significant differences between carotid values in male and female horses (p> 0.05). In the mules, it was only possible to observe differences between the RI and PI values (p<0.05), being higher on the left side (0.81 and 2.04 respectively), and the fDV (p<0.05) higher, on the right side (14.35) in males. As for females, there was only in fDV (p<0.05), with the upper right side (23.16). Diameters and IMT do not differ between sides in horses and mules in B-mode ultrasound. Spectral Doppler in horses does not differ between sides, regardless of gender. As for mules, males differ in RI, PI and fDV between sides, while females differ only in fDV.(AU)

Na ultrassonografia, o modo bidimensional (modo B) permite a avaliação morfológica e morfométrica de vários tipos de órgãos e tecidos, enquanto o modo Doppler permite a avaliação hemodinâmica. Em humanos, a avaliação com Doppler é usada rotineiramente na avaliação de artérias e veias importantes, como as artérias carótidas e veias jugulares, com diferenças significativas entre gêneros e lados. No entanto, em medicina veterinária, este método diagnóstico ainda não está bem estabelecido na avaliação das artérias carótidas, com apenas poucos relatos em equinos domésticos. Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar as artérias carótidas comuns direita e esquerda de equinos e mulas domésticos, utilizando a avaliação bidimensional (modo B) e por ultrassonografia Doppler espectral. Avaliaram-se as artérias carótidas comuns de 10 equinos domésticos (cinco machos e cinco fêmeas) e 10 mulas (cinco machos e cinco fêmeas). As seguintes variáveis foram medidas em três porções diferentes (cranial, médio e caudal): diâmetro, espessura íntima-média (IMT), índice de resistividade (RI), índice de pulsatilidade (PI), pico de velocidade sistólica (pSV) e velocidade diastólica final (fDV). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas nas variáveis bidimensionais (diâmetro e IMT) entre as artérias carótidas comuns de cavalos e muares, independentemente do gênero (p>0,05). No modo Doppler, não houve diferenças significativas entre os valores para carótidas em equinos machos e fêmeas (p>0,05). Nos muares, só foi possível observar diferenças entre os valores de RI e PI (p<0,05), sendo maiores no lado esquerdo (0,81 e 2,04 respectivamente), e o fDV (p<0,05) superior no lado direito (14,35) nos machos. Quanto as fêmeas, houve apenas no fDV (p<0,05), sendo o lado direito superior (23,16). Os diâmetros e IMT não diferem entre os lados em equinos e muares na ultrassonografia modo B. Já o Doppler espectral nos equinos não difere entre os lados, independentemente do gênero. Quanto aos muares, os machos diferenciam no IR, IP e fDV entre os lados, enquanto as fêmeas apenas para fDV.(AU)

Lissencephaly in Shih Tzu dogs.

BACKGROUND: Lissencephaly is a brain malformation characterized by smooth and thickened cerebral surface, which may result in structural epilepsy. Lissencephaly is not common in veterinary medicine. Here, we characterize the first cases of lissencephaly in four Shih Tzu dogs, including clinical presentations and findings of magnetic resonance imaging of lissencephaly and several concomitant brain malformations. CASE PRESENTATION: Early-onset acute signs of forebrain abnormalities were observed in all dogs, which were mainly cluster seizures and behavioral alterations. Based on neurological examination, the findings were consistent with symmetrical and bilateral forebrain lesions. Metabolic disorders and inflammatory diseases were excluded. Magnetic resonance imaging for three dogs showed diffuse neocortical agyria and thickened gray matter while one dog had mixed agyria and pachygyria. Other features, such as internal hydrocephalus, supracollicular fluid accumulation, and corpus callosum hypoplasia, were detected concomitantly. Antiepileptic drugs effectively controlled cluster seizures, however, sporadic isolated seizures and signs of forebrain abnormalities, such as behavioral alterations, central blindness, and strabismus persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Lissencephaly should be considered an important differential diagnosis in Shih Tzu dogs presenting with early-onset signs of forebrain abnormalities, including cluster seizures and behavioral alterations. Magnetic resonance imaging was appropriate for ante-mortem diagnosis of lissencephaly and associated cerebral anomalies.

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.

Grayscale histogram analysis to study the echogenicity and echotexture of the walls of the common carotid arteries of horses and mules / Análise por histograma em escala de cinza para estudo da ecogenicidade e ecotextura das paredes das artérias carótidas comuns de equinos e muares

Visual inspection of ultrasound examination for assessment of echogenicity and echotexture of blood vessel tissues is a technique routinely used in medical practice in humans. However, simple visual inspection can lead to poor quality diagnoses and errors. The use of grayscale histogram (GSH) analysis has proved to be an efficient technique to quantify the region of interest, allowing minimization of image interpretation errors. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the echogenicity and echotexture of the walls of the common carotid arteries of healthy female horses and mules using the GSH technique and correlate them with age, body mass, and vessel diameters. B-mode ultrasound examinations were performed in the left and right common carotid arteries in three regions (cranial, middle, and caudal) in 11 horses and 11 healthy mules. The GSH of the animals showed heterogeneous walls, but did not differentiate statistically between female horses and mules. The Mean variable of the middle right, middle left and caudal right sides showed differences, more significant in the mules. On the middle right side, the Min variable was different, higher in the mules. On the middle and caudal left side, the variables Max and Mode showed higher values in the mules. For the mules, the age factor presented negative correlation with the Mean, Mode,, Mode(Count), and Mode(Count)/Count(%) variables, and the body mass factor presented negative correlation with the Mode, Mean and Max variables. For the female horses, the body mass factor showed positive correlation with the Mean and Mode variables. Echogenicity of the carotid artery walls differed between female horses and mules, whereas echotexture was heterogeneous and statistically similar among the animals. The age and body mass factors inversely influenced the echogenicity of the mules, but were not significant in the female horses, in which only the body mass factor positively influenced echogenicity.(AU)

A técnica de avaliação da ecogenicidade e ecotextura dos tecidos dos vasos sanguíneos por inspeção visual do exame de ultrassonografia, já é uma prática da rotina médica em humanos. No entanto, a simples visualização manual pode induzir à erros e diagnósticos de pouca qualidade. O uso de análise por histograma em escala de cinza (HEC) tem se demostrado uma eficiente técnica para quantificar a região avaliada, permitindo minimizar erros de interpretação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar e comparar a ecogenicidade e ecotextura das paredes das artérias carótidas comuns das fêmeas equina e muares hígidos usando a técnica de HEC, e correlacioná-las com a idade, massa corpórea e diâmetros dos vasos. Exames de ultrassonografia modo-B foram realizados nas artérias carótidas comuns esquerda e direita em três regiões (cranial, médio e caudal) em 11 fêmeas equina e 11 muares hígidos. O HEC dos animais apresentou paredes heterogêneas, mas não diferenciaram estatisticamente entre fêmeas equinas e muares. A variável Mean do lado direito médio, esquerdo médio e caudal apresentou diferenças, sendo maiores nos muares. No lado direito médio, o Min foi diferente, sendo superior nos muares. Já para o lado esquerdo médio e caudal, as variáveis Max e Mode apresentaram valores maiores nos muares. Para os muares, o fator idade apresentou correlação negativa com Mean, Mode, Mode (Count) e Mode(Count)/Count (%) e o fator massa corpórea apresentou correlação negativa com Mode, Mean e Max. Para as fêmeas equinas o fator massa corpórea apresentou correlação positiva com Mean e Mode. A ecogenicidade das paredes das artérias carótidas diferiram entre fêmeas equina e muares, já a ecotextura foi heterogênea e semelhante estatisticamente entre os animais. A idade e a massa corpórea influenciaram inversamente na ecogenicidade dos muares, enquanto que nas fêmeas equina a idade não foi significativa, apenas a massa corpórea influenciou positivamente com a ecogenicidade.(AU)

Can an inflammatory reaction in the meninges, caused by spinal puncture through tattooed skin, evolve into adhesive arachnoiditis? An experimental model in rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As the number of people with tattoos has been increasing, anesthesiologists are more and more faced with the decision to perform a neuraxial blockage through tattooed skin. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of puncture through tattooed skin determines acute inflammatory changes in the meninges and spinal cord and later evolve into adhesive arachnoiditis. METHOD: Forty-two male rabbits were randomized into 3 groups of 14: G1, spinal puncture through non-tattooed skin and saline solution injection; G2, spinal puncture through tattooed skin and saline solution injection, captive for 30 days; G3, spinal puncture through tattooed skin and saline solution injection, captive for 360 days. The animals were anesthetized and ultrasound-guided spinal puncture was performed in the intervertebral spaces between S1 - S2. During the period of captivity, the animals were clinically assessed for sensitivity and motor function. After that, they were sacrificed and the lumbosacral portion of the spinal cord was excised for histological analysis. RESULTS: No histological changes were found on group 1. Eleven animals from group two presented with foci of perivascular lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate in the pia mater and/or arachnoid. In Group 3, eight rabbits presented with inflammatory changes in the meninges, which were associated with thickening and/or adhesion of the pia mater and arachnoid in some cases and five rabbits presented only thickening of pia-mater. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal puncture through tattooed skin of rabbits can trigger acute inflammatory changes in the meninges and after a prolonged period of observation evolve into adhesive arachnoiditis.

Ultrasound as a safe and reliable guidance for subarachnoid puncture in rabbits.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate a model for studying the toxicity in nervous tissue and meninges using ultrasound to guide needle insertion into the subarachnoid space of rabbits, with the objective of avoiding injuries triggered by the puncture and by intraneural injection of solutions. METHODS:: Forty-five adult female rabbits were divided into 3 groups (G): G1 underwent subarachnoid puncture, G2 underwent subarachnoid injection of saline solution and G3 underwent subarachnoid injection of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. A needle was inserted into the S1-S2 subarachnoid space guided by ultrasound. The sensitivity and motility of the animals were evaluated for 3 days, after which the animals were sacrificed for removal of lumbar and sacral portions of the spinal cord for histological examination by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:: All animals had motor function and pain sensitivity on the evaluation period. No animal had complication during or after the procedures. CONCLUSION:: Ultrasound is a useful and safe method for the correct identification of the subarachnoid space of rabbits.

Ultrasound as a safe and reliable guidance for subarachnoid puncture in rabbits

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate a model for studying the toxicity in nervous tissue and meninges using ultrasound to guide needle insertion into the subarachnoid space of rabbits, with the objective of avoiding injuries triggered by the puncture and by intraneural injection of solutions. Methods: Forty-five adult female rabbits were divided into 3 groups (G): G1 underwent subarachnoid puncture, G2 underwent subarachnoid injection of saline solution and G3 underwent subarachnoid injection of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. A needle was inserted into the S1-S2 subarachnoid space guided by ultrasound. The sensitivity and motility of the animals were evaluated for 3 days, after which the animals were sacrificed for removal of lumbar and sacral portions of the spinal cord for histological examination by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Results: All animals had motor function and pain sensitivity on the evaluation period. No animal had complication during or after the procedures. Conclusion: Ultrasound is a useful and safe method for the correct identification of the subarachnoid space of rabbits.

Intramuscular Transplantation of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Equine Umbilical Cord.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have great therapeutic potential, particularly in the process of tissue repair and immunomodulation through the secretion of biomolecules. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that intramuscular transplantation of allogeneic MSCs obtained from equine umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) is safe, demonstrating that this is a suitable source of stem cells for therapeutic use. METHODS AND RESULTS: For this, UC-MSCs were cultured, characterized and cryopreserved for future transplantation in six healthy mares. On day 0, transplantation of three million UC-MSCs diluted in Hank's Balanced Solution (HBSS) was performed on right and left sides of the rump muscle. As a control, HBSS injections were performed caudally in the same muscle. Muscle biopsies were obtained as a control 30 days before transplantation (D-30). The biopsies were collected again on day 2 (left side) and day 7 (right side) post transplantation and examined histologically. All procedures were preceded by ultrasound examination and blood sampling. Hematologic evaluation remained within normal limits and no differences were observed between time points (p>0.05). Ultrasound examination was suggestive of inflammation 48 hours after transplantation in both groups (control and treated). At histological evaluation it was found only discrete inflammation signals between D-30×D2 (p<0.05) in the treated group, without differences (p> 0.05) between the groups at different time points. CONCLUSIONS: Equine UC-MSCs under the experimental conditions did not promote severe inflammation that causes tissue damage or lead to its rejection by the host organism and therefore has a good potential for clinical use.

Renal evaluation with B-mode and Doppler ultrasound in captive tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate, by B-mode ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound, the kidneys of one Neotropical primate maintained in captivity. METHODS: Ten adult intact tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella) were evaluated. The morphometric parameters of both kidneys were evaluated and kidney volumes calculated. Color Doppler was used to evaluate renal vascular architecture and to identify arteries of the left kidney. Spectral Doppler was used to measure peak-systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and resistive index (RI). RESULTS: Both kidneys presented homogeneous cortical echogenicity and homogeneous echotexture with preserved corticomedullary differentiation. There was no statistically significant difference between right and left kidneys for all morphometric parameters. RI of the left renal, interlobar, and arcuate arteries were, respectively, 0.75 (SD, 0.07), 0.70 (SD, 0.08), and 0.70 (SD, 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Both kidneys showed similar morphometric parameters by B-mode ultrasound, whereas RI by spectral Doppler decreased progressively from renal artery to interlobar and arcuate arteries.

Does Spinal Block Through Tattooed Skin Cause Histological Changes in Nervous Tissue and Meninges?: An Experimental Model in Rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although there is no documented evidence that tattoo pigments can cause neurological complications, the implications of performing neuraxial anesthesia through tattooed skin are unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess whether spinal puncture performed through tattooed skin of rabbits determines changes over the spinal cord and meninges. In addition, we sought to evaluate the presence of ink fragments entrapped in spinal needles. METHODS: Thirty-six young male adult rabbits, each weighing between 3400 and 3900 g and having a spine length between 38.5 and 39 cm, were divided by lot into 3 groups as follows: GI, spinal puncture through tattooed skin; GII, spinal puncture through tattooed skin and saline injection; and GIII, spinal puncture through skin free of tattoo and saline injection. After intravenous anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine, the subarachnoid space was punctured at S1-S2 under ultrasound guidance with a 22-gauge 2½ Quincke needle. Animals in GII and GIII received 5 µL/cm of spinal length (0.2 mL) of saline intrathecally. In GI, the needle tip was placed into the yellow ligament, and no solution was injected into the intrathecal space; after tattooed skin puncture, 1 mL of saline was injected through the needle over a histological slide to prepare a smear that was dyed by the Giemsa method to enable tissue identification if present. All animals remained in captivity for 21 days under medical observation and were killed by decapitation. The lumbosacral spinal cord portion was removed for histological analysis using hematoxylin-eosin stain. RESULTS: None of the animals had impaired motor function or decreased nociception during the period of clinical observation. None of the animals from the control group (GIII) showed signs of injuries to meninges. In GII, however, 4 animals presented with signs of meningeal injury. The main histological changes observed were focal areas of perivascular lymphoplasmacyte infiltration in the pia mater and arachnoid. There was no signal of injury in neural tissue in any animal of both groups. Tissue coring containing ink pigments was noted in all GI smears from the spinal needles used to puncture the tattooed skin. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the present results, intrathecal injection of saline through a needle inserted through tattooed skin is capable of producing histological changes over the meninges of rabbits. Ink fragments were entrapped inside the spinal needles, despite the presence of a stylet.

An atypical Toxoplasma gondii genotype in a rural Brazilian dog co-infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis.

Toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis are two worldwide zoonoses caused by the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp., respectively. This report describes the clinical and laboratorial findings of a co-infection with both parasites in a 4-year-old female dog suspected of ehrlichiosis that presented anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, tachyzoite-like structures to the lung imprints, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results positive for T. gondii (kidney, lung, and liver) and Leishmania spp. Co-infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania braziliensis was confirmed by sequencing; restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) confirmed an atypical T. gondii genotype circulating in dogs that has been reported to cause human congenital toxoplasmosis.

An atypical Toxoplasma gondii genotype in a rural Brazilian dog co-infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis

Toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis are two worldwide zoonoses caused by the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp., respectively. This report describes the clinical and laboratorial findings of a co-infection with both parasites in a 4-year-old female dog suspected of ehrlichiosis that presented anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, tachyzoite-like structures to the lung imprints, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results positive for T. gondii (kidney, lung, and liver) and Leishmania spp. Co-infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania braziliensis was confirmed by sequencing; restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) confirmed an atypical T. gondii genotype circulating in dogs that has been reported to cause human congenital toxoplasmosis.

Deforming mandibular osteomyelitis in a cow caused by Trueperella pyogenes / Osteomielite mandibular deformante em vaca causada por Trueperella pyogenes

This study reports an unusual case of deforming mandibular osteomyelitis in a cow caused by Trueperella (Arcanobacterium) pyogenes, on the face of the ventrolateral caudal portion of the right branch of the mandible. Fragment aspired of lesion by fine needle allowed cytological characterization, isolation and identification of T. pyogenes. Radiographic examination showed marked periosteal reaction in the right mandible, numerous lytic areas and cortical bone destruction. Despite of treatment based on in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity test, it was recommended the euthanasia due to progressive worsening of the cow's condition. Multiple abscesses were observed in the mandibular region at necropsy. Pyogranuloma was characterized in histological exam. Sampled material collected from the lesion after necropsy resulted in microbiological reisolation of T. pyogenes .

Relata-se caso incomum de osteomielite mandibular deformante em vaca, causada por Trueperella (Arcanobacterium) pyogenes, na face ventro-lateral da porção caudal do ramo direito da mandíbula. A punção aspirativa de fragmento da lesão permitiu a caracterização citológica, o isolamento microbiano e identificação de T. pyogenes. Exame radiográfico mostrou acentuada reação periodontal na mandíbula direita, com predomínio de áreas líticas e destruição da cortical óssea. Apesar da instituição do tratamento baseado no teste de sensibilidade microbiana in vitro, foi recomendada a eutanásia, em virtude da piora progressiva do estado geral do animal. No exame post-mortem foram observados múltiplos abscessos na lesão que, histologicamente, foi caracterizada como piogranuloma. A colheita de material da região mandibular afetada, após a necropsia, resultou no reisolamento microbiológico de T. pyogenes .

Effects caused by the spinal administration of ketamine S (+) 5% with no preservatives, using a single puncture, and located on the spinal cord and meninges in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of ketamine S (+) 5% with no preservatives and administered as a subarachnoid single puncture on the spinal cord and meninges of rabbits. METHODS: Twenty young adult female rabbits, each weighing 3500-5000 g and having a spine length between 34 and 38 cm, were divided by lot into two groups (G): 0.9% saline in G1 and ketamine S (+) 5% in G2, by volume of 5 µg per cm column (0.18 mL). After intravenous anaesthesia with ketamine and xylazine, the subarachnoid space was punctured at S1-S2 under ultrasound guidance, and a random solution was injected. The animals remained in captivity for 21 days under medical observation and were sacrificed by decapitation. The lumbosacral spinal cord portion was removed for immunohistochemistry to assess the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and histology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain. RESULTS: No histological lesions were found in the nervous tissue (roots and cord) or meninges in either group. CONCLUSION: The ketamine S (+) 5% unpreserved triggered no neurological or histological lesions in the spinal cord or meninges of rabbits.

Effects caused by the spinal administration of ketamine S (+) 5% with no preservatives, using a single puncture, and located on the spinal cord and meninges in rabbits

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of ketamine S (+) 5% with no preservatives and administered as a subarachnoid single puncture on the spinal cord and meninges of rabbits. METHODS: Twenty young adult female rabbits, each weighing 3500-5000 g and having a spine length between 34 and 38 cm, were divided by lot into two groups (G): 0.9% saline in G1 and ketamine S (+) 5% in G2, by volume of 5 μg per cm column (0.18 mL). After intravenous anaesthesia with ketamine and xylazine, the subarachnoid space was punctured at S1-S2 under ultrasound guidance, and a random solution was injected. The animals remained in captivity for 21 days under medical observation and were sacrificed by decapitation. The lumbosacral spinal cord portion was removed for immunohistochemistry to assess the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and histology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain. RESULTS: No histological lesions were found in the nervous tissue (roots and cord) or meninges in either group. CONCLUSION: The ketamine S (+) 5% unpreserved triggered no neurological or histological lesions in the spinal cord or meninges of rabbits. .