Symmetric dimethylarginine correlates with the urea, creatinine, potassium, and clinical scores in feline urethral obstructions.

BACKGROUND: A urethral obstruction (UO) is an emergency commonly observed in male cats, which can result in significant clinical and laboratory alterations, leading to complications and death. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to correlate symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) with the urea, creatinine, potassium, and bicarbonate levels in cats with UO. In addition, the correlation between clinical score and time of obstruction was evaluated. METHODS: Thirty male cats were selected and allocated into a control group (CG, n = 13) and an obstruction group (OG, n = 17). The laboratory analyses were conducted before treatment (M0) and at different times after treatment (12 h [M12], 24 h [M24], and 48 h [M48]). Correlations were established between SDMA and creatinine, urea, bicarbonate, potassium, time of obstruction, and the clinical score. RESULTS: A strong correlation (r > 0.6) was observed between SDMA and creatinine, urea, and potassium in the OG. Furthermore, there was substantial agreement (kappa value) between SDMA and creatinine at M24. A higher clinical score was associated with a longer time of obstruction. In the OG, at M48, the SDMA and creatinine levels were 50% and 41.2% higher, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A correlation was observed between SDMA and creatinine in obstructed cats, and significant agreement between these values was observed 24 h after the unblocking treatment. A correlation among SDMA, urea, and potassium was observed. Approximately 9% more cats continued to have elevated SDMA levels after 48 h of treatment compared to creatinine. This suggests a slightly lower sensitivity of the latter biomarker but does not exclude the possibility of congruent and normalized values after a longer evaluation period.

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.

Desenvolvimento corporal de um filhote de tatu verdadeiro Dasypus novemcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) nascido sob cuidados humanos / Body development of a young armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus (LINNAEUS, 1758) born under human care

O objetivo deste trabalho foi acompanhar o crescimento de um filhote macho de Dasypus novemcinctusnascido em 10 de outubro de 2017 no Instituto "Lauro de Souza Lima". Entre 15 dias e 200 dias de vida, foram realizadas pesagens e medições do animal a cada 15 dias. Entre 230 e 390 dias de vida, foram realizadas mais três pesagens e medições. Avaliou-se o ganho de peso e o crescimento do filhote. O filhote apresentou um desenvolvimento corporal linear e um ganho de peso adequado, em todo o período avaliado, exceto pelo período mais frio do ano, considerando os cuidados básicos e alimentação oferecidos, correspondendo às expectativas de crescimento da espécie(AU).

This work aimed to follow the growth of a male Dasypus novemcinctusborn October 10, 2017 at the "Lauro de Souza Lima" Institute. Between 15 days and 200 days of life, the animal was weighed and measured fortnightly. Between 230 and 390 days of life, threemore weighings and measurements were performed. The pup presented a linear body development and an adequate weight gain, throughout the evaluated period, except for the coldest period of the year, considering the basic care and feeding offered, corresponding to the growth expectations of the species(AU).