Performance of crossbred lactating cows at grazing in response to nitrogen supplementation and different levels of concentrate feed / Desempenho de vacas mestiças leiteiras a pasto em resposta à suplementação nitrogenada e a diferentes níveis de concentrado

The performance of crossbred (1/2 Holstein x Zebu) cows supplemented on Brachiaria decumbens pasture during the wet-dry transition period was evaluated. Eight cows with 497±50kg, during third and fourth lactations and after the lactation peak were distributed in two 4 x 4 Latin squares. The treatments consisted of a factorial with two types of mineral supplements (nitrogenous and mineral salt) and two levels of concentrate (0.3 and 0.6% body weight (BW)/cow/day), based on corn and soybean meal (60:40), and supplied during the morning and afternoon milking. The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into four periods of 14 days, with seven days for adaptation and seven for data collection. No interaction (P> 0.05) was observed between the supplements and the concentrate levels. The nitrogenous salt and the highest concentrate level increased (P< 0.05) the intake of crude protein, and the highest concentrate level increased (P< 0.05) the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates and the digestibility of crude protein. No effect (P> 0.05) of supplement and concentrate level was observed on the milk constituents and feed efficiency. Grazing crossbred after the lactation peak during the wet-dry transition period achieve the productive potential with 0.3% BW of concentrate per day and mineral salt.(AU)

Foi avaliado o desempenho de vacas mestiças (1/2 Holandês x Zebu) suplementadas em pastagens de Brachiaria decumbens durante o período de transição águas-seca. Oito vacas com 497±50kg, durante a terceira e a quarta lactação e após o pico de produção, foram distribuídas em dois quadrados latinos 4 x 4. Os tratamentos consistiram de um fatorial com dois tipos de suplementos (sal nitrogenado e sal mineral) e dois níveis de concentrado (0,3 e 0,6% do peso corporal (PC)/vaca/dia), baseado em milho e farelo de soja (60:40) e suprido durante as ordenhas da manhã e da tarde. O experimento durou 56 dias, divididos em quatro períodos de 14 dias, sendo sete dias para adaptação e sete para coletas. Não foi encontrada interação (P>0,05) entre os suplementos e os níveis de concentrado. O sal nitrogenado e o maior nível de concentrado aumentaram (P<0,05) o consumo de proteína bruta, e o maior nível de concentrado aumentou (P<0,05) o consumo de carboidratos não fibrosos e a digestibilidade da proteína bruta. Não foi observado efeito (P>0,05) de suplemento e de nível de concentrado sobre os componentes do leite e a eficiência alimentar. Vacas mestiças após o pico de lactação durante o período de transição águas-seca alcançam seu potencial produtivo com 0,3% do PC/dia de concentrado e sal mineral.(AU)

Radiological and osteological study of the pelvic limbs in free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris).

This study aimed to describe the radiographic anatomy and osteology and to evaluate angular radiographic measurements-Norberg angle, inclination angle and anteversion angle-of the pelvic limbs in free-ranging capybaras. Twenty cadavers of free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), including five adults and 15 subadults, were studied. Ventrodorsal, craniocaudal, dorsoplantar and mediolateral radiographic views of the pelvic limbs were obtained. The radiographic features were described together with bone samples. The hip bone (os coxae), shaped like an isosceles trapezoid, was elongated and narrow with the presence of an oblong obturator foramen, sagittal ilial wing and rectilinear ilial body. The femoral shaft was relatively straight, while the greater trochanter was projected above the femoral head. No sesamoid bones of the gastrocnemius and popliteus muscles were observed radiographically or for those animals used in gross macroscopy. The fibula was located lateral and parallel to the tibia. Eight tarsal bones, four metatarsal bones and three digits were identified. The mean radiographic measurements included Norberg angle of 125.9°; respective angles of femoral inclination by the Hauptman B and Tomlinson methods of 139.9 and 141°; anteversion angle of the femoral head and neck of 29.80°. The bones of the pelvic limbs in capybaras have several anatomical characters and radiological features that are shared with members of the caviomorph superfamily Cavioidea. The radiographic angles measured in this study help characterize the functional morphology of this species.

Radiographic measurements of the hindlimbs in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous, Linnaeus, 1766).

Life expectancy of crab-eating foxes in captivity is approximately 11 years, which favours the development of diseases including orthopaedic disorders. However, to understand disorders that may affect these animals, it is worth determining a normal range of measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate radiographic measurements of joint angles of the hindlimbs and the ratio of patellar ligament length to patellar length in healthy crab-eating foxes. Fifteen captive crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), eight males and seven females, aged more than 1 year old, weighing 5.5-7.9 kg were used. Anatomic and mechanical femoral joint angles were assessed in ventrodorsal radiographic views, and mediolateral views were taken to measure patellar ligament length and patellar length, and the tibial plateau angle. The right and left hindlimbs were evaluated. All measurements were conducted in triplicate by the same investigator. No statistically significant differences were observed between sides in the radiographic measurements. The anatomic lateral proximal femoral angle and the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 95.43° and 92.75°, respectively. The mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle and the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 93.39° and 96.75°, respectively. Inclination angles measured according to the Tomlinson, Hauptman A and Hauptman B methods were 133.80°, 147.32° and 128.63°, respectively. The tibial plateau recorded 18.77°, and the ratio of the patellar ligament length to the patellar length was 1.99. In conclusion, the collected data are important to characterize the normal values of crab-eating fox limbs.

Sonographic Evaluation of Liver Hemodynamic Indices in Overweight and Obese Dogs.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic circulatory disturbances have been associated with obesity and fatty liver in humans. In the veterinary literature, however, there is limited information regarding the effects of different body condition scores (BCS) on liver hemodynamic indices in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of BCS on liver hemodynamic indices. ANIMALS: Fifty-three client-owned dogs of various breeds were included. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Dogs were divided into 3 BCS groups using a 5-point scale: G1 - 12 ideal dogs, G2 - 21 overweight dogs, G3 - 20 obese dogs. Mean portal velocity (MPV), portal blood flow volume (PBFV), portal congestion index (PCI), hepatic artery resistivity index (HARI), and hepatic vein (HV) spectral wave were obtained by pulsed Doppler sonography. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were determined. Liver enzymes activities and liver hemodynamic indices were compared among groups. RESULTS: Obese dogs had lower MPV, higher percentage of abnormal hepatic vein spectral wave and higher median ALP activity than did ideal dogs (P < 0.05). Overweight and obese dogs had lower PBFV than ideal dogs (P < 0.01). Overweight dogs had higher median GGT activity than ideal dogs (P < 0.05). No difference was observed for PCI, HARI and median ALT activity among the groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Obesity was associated with changes in portal vein indices and in HV spectral wave. These changes were accompanied by significant differences in some liver enzymes activities and could be a sign of early liver disease.

Osteology and radiology of the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) pelvic limb.

This study describes the osteology and radiology of the pelvic limb in maned wolves. Ten (five live and five dead) maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), five males and five females, aged from 2 to 7 years old were used. Digital radiographs were taken and recorded for both pelvic limbs in all animals. Osteology was correlated with the radiographic images. The pelvis had a rectangular shape, and the obturator foramen (foramen obturatum) was oval. The femoral neck (collum femoris) was short and thick. The greater trochanter (trochanter major) extended proximally to near the dorsum of the femoral head (caput ossis femoris). The lateral femoral condyle (condylus lateralis) was larger than the medial condyle (condylus medialis), and the intercondylar fossa (fossa intercondylaris) had a slightly oblique orientation. The proximal tibia displayed medial and lateral condyles with the medial larger. The femur was slightly shorter than the tibia. Seven tarsal bones (ossa tarsi) were present, four long metatarsal bones (ossa metatarsalia II - V) and a short first metatarsal bone (os metatarsal I).

First report of Strongyloides sp. (Nematoda, Strongyloididae) in Lutreolina crassicaudata (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) / Primeiro registro de Strongyloides sp. (Nematoda, Strongyloididae) em Lutreolina crassicaudata (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)

Abstract The present study reports the first case of the presence of the intestinal nematode Strongyloides sp. in fecal examinations of a male Lutreolina crassicaudata, considered a synanthropic marsupial species with zoonotic potential. The Willis technique was used for the diagnosis. Presence of typical eggs of Strongyloides species in feces was detected. A fecal culture was performed to obtain larval stages, free-living adults and infective third stage larvae (L3) of this nematode after seven days, which was morphologically identified as Strongyloididae. This is the first report of infection by Strongyloides sp. in a tick-tailed opossum from Brazil.

Resumo O presente estudo relata o primeiro registro da presença do nematódeo intestinal Strongyloides sp. em exames de fezes de um macho de Lutreolina crassicaudata, considerado um marsupial sinantrópico com potencial zoonótico. A técnica de Willis foi empregada no diagnóstico. Presença de ovos típicos de Strongyloides spp. foi detectada nas fezes. Uma coprocultura foi realizada para obtenção de estágios larvais, adultos de vida livre e larvas infectantes de terceiro estágio (L3) deste nematódeo após sete dias, os quais foram identificados morfologicamente como Strongyloididae. Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por Strongyloides sp. em uma cuíca de cauda grossa do Brasil.

First report of Strongyloides sp. (Nematoda, Strongyloididae) in Lutreolina crassicaudata (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae).

The present study reports the first case of the presence of the intestinal nematode Strongyloides sp. in fecal examinations of a male Lutreolina crassicaudata, considered a synanthropic marsupial species with zoonotic potential. The Willis technique was used for the diagnosis. Presence of typical eggs of Strongyloides species in feces was detected. A fecal culture was performed to obtain larval stages, free-living adults and infective third stage larvae (L3) of this nematode after seven days, which was morphologically identified as Strongyloididae. This is the first report of infection by Strongyloides sp. in a tick-tailed opossum from Brazil.

Mensurações do bulbo ocular e cálculo do poder dióptrico da lente intraocular em miniporcos / Ocular bulb measurements and diopter power calculation of the lens in minipigs

Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar o poder dióptrico da lente intraocular (LIO) em miniporco e as dimensões do bulbo do olho. Foram utilizados 17 miniporcos, sadios, adultos, machos e fêmeas, com peso médio de 70kg. Em todos os olhos foram realizadas a ultrassonografia modo A, a ceratometria e a medida da distância limbo a limbo. O cálculo do poder dióptrico da LIO foi obtido utilizando-se as fórmulas Haigis, Hoffer Q, SRK/T, Holladay I e Holladay II e o software Holladay IOL Consultant(r). Na comparação entre o sexo e a lateralidade do olho, não houve diferença nas variáveis biométricas e poder da LIO. A aplicação das fórmulas (Haigis, Holladay II, Holladay I, SRK/T e Hoffer Q) possibilitou o cálculo do poder da LIO. A Holladay II, fórmula que melhor individualiza o bulbo do olho do miniporco, estima valor dióptrico ao redor de 41 D. Os miniporcos têm potencial como modelo experimental em oftalmologia, relacionado ao seu menor porte e à facilidade no manejo, especialmente em experimentos de longa duração.

The aim of this study was to determine the refractive power of intraocular lens (IOL) of mini pigs and the dimensions of the eyeball. A total of 17 (34 eyes) healthy, adult, males and female animals, with average weight of 70kg were used. For every eye, A-mode ultrasound, keratometry and the measurement of limbo-to-limbo distance were conducted, all variables for calculating the refractive power of the IOL. The value was obtained using different formulas and Holladay IOL Consultant(r) Software. Additionally, the ocular measurements were compared per sex, laterality of the eye and the different formulas used in this study (Haigis, Hoffer Q, SRK / T, Holladay I and Holladay II). In the comparison between sex and laterality of the eye, there was no difference in biometric variables and power of the IOL. The application of the employed formulas (Haigis, Holladay II, Holladay I, SRK / T and Hoffer Q) allowed the IOL power calculation for this specie, and the observed value ranged between 39.58±2.15 and 46.60±2.81 diopters. Mini pigs play an important and growing role as an experimental model for study and practice of ophthalmic procedures, specially related to their smaller size and easy management in long-term experiments.

Influence of calibration protocols for a pressure-sensing walkway on kinetic and temporospatial parameters.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence on the kinetic and temporospatial parameters of calibration protocols with point and step techniques for a pressure-sensing walkway. METHODS: Nine Labrador dogs were used. Two protocols of point calibration technique (C1 and C2) and eight protocols of step calibration technique (C3 to C10) were performed. In C1, weight was added to a stool to match the body mass of each dog. In C2, weight was added to the stool to match a 46.1 kg person. The other eight calibration protocols represented combinations of the following factors: 46.1 kg and 96.1 kg persons, barefoot or wearing sneakers, and stepping onto the platform with one or two feet. RESULTS: The calibration protocols did not affect the temporospatial variables or percentages of body weight (%BW) distribution. Significant differences were found in both PVI (peak vertical force) and VI (vertical impulse) between barefoot versus wearing sneakers, 46.1 kg versus 96.1 kg person, and stepping onto the platform with one foot versus two feet. When comparing C1 with other protocols, significant differences were observed in PVF and VI for both forelimbs and hindlimbs. When comparing C2 with other protocols, significant differences were observed in PVF and VI for both forelimbs and hindlimbs in all protocols. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The PVF and VI were influenced by the calibration protocol used, but the %BW distribution and temporospatial parameters were not. Using the same calibration protocol for all dogs within the same group eliminated the variability of the kinetic data caused by the calibration.

Evaluation of the marsh deer stifle joint by imaging studies and gross anatomy.

This study aimed to evaluate the stifle joint of marsh deer using imaging studies and in comparison with gross anatomy. Ten hindlimbs from 5 marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) were used. Radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in each stifle joint. Two hindlimbs were dissected to describe stifle gross anatomy. The other limbs were sectioned in sagittal, dorsal or transverse planes. In the craniocaudal radiographic view, the lateral femoral condyle was broader than the medial femoral condyle. The femoral trochlea was asymmetrical. Subsequent multiplanar reconstruction revealed in the cranial view that the external surface of the patella was roughened, the medial trochlea ridge was larger than the lateral one, and the extensor fossa at the lateral condyle was next to the lateral ridge. The popliteal fossa was better visualized via the lateral view. Sagittal MRI images identified lateral and medial menisci, caudolateral and craniomedial bundles of cranial cruciate ligament, caudal cruciate ligament, patellar ligament and common extensor tendon. In conclusion, the marsh deer stifle presents some anatomical characteristics of the ovine stifle joint.

Casuística dos exames de diagnóstico por imagem na medicina de animais selvagens - 2009 a 2010 / Casuistics of diagnostic imaging in wildlife medicine - from 2009 to 2010

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate in the casuistry on class and systems frequently diagnosed in wild animals that were sent to the FMVZ-UNESP-Botucatu diagnostic imaging service. The class of birds was the most referred to the centers, followed by the mammals and reptiles. The majority of the requested tests were the radiographs and in a minor scale the tomography and ultrasound. Although the birds were the greatest number of animals sent to the service, mammals were the most radiographed for wound control. The most frequently observed system was the musculoskeletal caused by trauma, especially in birds. The radiograph was the most exam initially indicated, then the animal could be forwarded to other imaging modalities, which in wild animals medicine is still limited to research.

Bone morphology of the hind limbs in two caviomorph rodents.

In order to evaluate the hind limbs of caviomorph rodents a descriptive analysis of the Cuniculus paca (Linnaeus, 1766) and Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus, 1766) was performed using anatomical specimens, radiography, computed tomography (CT) and full-coloured prototype models to generate bone anatomy data. The appendicular skeleton of the two largest rodents of Neotropical America was compared with the previously reported anatomical features of Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769) and domestic Cavia porcellus (Linnaeus, 1758). The structures were analyzed macroscopically and particular findings of each species reported. Features including the presence of articular fibular projection and lunulae were observed in the stifle joint of all rodents. Imaging aided in anatomical description and, specifically in the identification of bone structures in Cuniculus paca and Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. The imaging findings were correlated with the anatomical structures observed. The data may be used in future studies comparing these animals to other rodents and mammalian species.

Association of 3D reconstruction and conventional radiography for the description of the appendicular skeleton of Chelonoidis carbonaria (Spix, 1824).

In this study, we associated imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and standard radiography, with anatomical specimens to describe the anatomy of the appendicular skeleton of red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria), using animals of different sizes, ages, sexes and weights. Manus and pes bones were described from conventional radiography and osteological specimens, because they have small structures that could not be reconstructed. The main anatomical feature that differentiates C. carbonaria from others Testudines is the ischial-pubic tuberculum. The pectoral girdle is formed by the union of two bones, the scapula and the coracoid, showing no bone connection with the shell. Carpal and tarsal bones can be fused or not and include: carporadial and central carpus, carpoulnar and V carpal, central tarsal and fibular tarsal, distal tarsal I and II. The phalangeal formula is 2:2:2:2:2 in the forelimb and 2:2:2:2:1 in the hind limb. Imaging examinations are important tools in anatomical description and can be used in living individuals, replacing or aiding the study with anatomical specimens.

Isolation of Staphylococcus epidermidis from inflamed upper respiratory tract of an orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus)

The orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) is a rodent species common in most parts of South America, and little is known about the pathologies that can afflict it. A specimen was delivered at the Wildlife Research and Medical Center (CEMPAS), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. The animal showed intense apathy, with purulent secretion in the nasal cavity and fracture of the lumbar spine. Due to the unfavorable prognosis, the porcupine was euthanized and microbiological culture of nasal discharge showed Staphylococcus epidermidis. The antimicrobial resistance test revealed sensitivity to all tested antimicrobials (ampicillin, oxacillin, tetracycline, penicillin G, neomycin, cephalexin, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazol, cefoxitin and cephalothin). This bacterium is part of the nasal flora of humans and other animals, and may cause infection under certain conditions. In the present study, the infection and colonization by S. epidermidis was the probable cause of the inflammatory process. The sensitivity to all tested antimicrobials suggests that this strain has not been previously exposed to such drugs.

Imaging studies of the hindlimbs of pacas (Cuniculus paca) bred in captivity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hindlimbs of pacas bred in captivity using radiographic and computed tomography (CT) studies. ANIMALS: Nine mature pacas (Cuniculus paca) 5.9-8.2 kg in body weight. METHODS: Radiographical aspects of the bones of the hindlimbs were evaluated, and the Norberg angle and inclination angle were measured for each hindlimb. Anteversion angle were measured in CT examination. RESULTS: The bone anatomy of the hindlimb of the paca was similar to that of the guinea pig, apart from two lunulae and a single fabella (lateral) which were observed. The Norberg angle had mean value of 130.56º ± 3.81 without any significant difference between testers. Inclination angles ranged from 142.44º ± 4.82 to 145.44º ± 4.09 by Hauptman's method, and from 144.94º ± 3.13 to 148.22º ± 3.25 by Montavon's method, for right and left hindlimbs respectively. Average values for the anteversion angles measured with CT ranged from 28.56º ± 5.56 to 32.91º ± 2.62. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The data may be used in future studies comparing the paca to other rodent species. In addition, the paca could be used as an animal model in orthopaedic research.

Comparison of infection by brucella spp: in free-ranging and captive wild animals from São Paulo State, Brazil

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the infection rate by Brucella spp. in wild and in captive animals. Serum samples from 121 animals (94 free-ranging and 27 captive) of different mammal species were evaluated. Sera were submitted to rose Bengal test (RBT) for screening and serum agglutination tests (SAT) and 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME) for confirmatory results. Nine animals (five free-ranging and four captive) tested positive in RBT, but negative in the confirmatory tests. Several domestic animal diseases that have control programs are not focused on wild reservoirs, such as brucellosis in Brazil. The study of new reservoirs in wildlife is essential to prevent emerging diseases.

Leptospira spp. antibodies in captive coatis (Nasua nasua Storr, 1780) (Carnivora: Procyonidae)

Leptospirosis is a worldwide infection that affects many species, including wild animals. The present study aimed to detect Leptospira spp. antibodies in 17 captive coatis (Nasua nasua) by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Nine (52.94 percent) animals tested positive and the following serovars were identified: Copenhageni (22.22 percent), Shermani (22.22 percent), Andamana (11.11 percent), Wolfii (11.11 percent) and Pyrogenes (11.11 percent). Two samples presented coagglutination, one (11.11 percent) for Hebdomadis and Wolfii, and another (11.11 percent) for Hebdomadis, Hardjo and Wolfii. The current study revealed the presence of the infection even in animals without any clinical signs, reinforcing the possibility that wild animals in captivity may be infected by leptospire serovars, thus enabling reservoirs.

Tibial segmental bone defect treated with bone plate and cage filled with either xenogeneic composite or autologous cortical bone graft. An experimental study in sheep.

Tibia segmental defect healing in sheep were clinically, radiographically and histologically evaluated. Twelve young sheep aged four to five months were divided into two groups, G1 and G2. A 3.5 cm long segmental defect was created in the right tibial diaphysis with maintenance of the periosteum. The bone defects in both groups were stabilized with a bone plate combined with a titanium cage. In G1 the cage was filled with pieces of autologous cortical bone graft. In G2 it was filled with a composite biomaterial which consisted of inorganic bovine bone, demineralized bovine bone, a pool of bovine bone morphogenetic proteins bound to absorbable ultra-thin powdered hydroxyapatiteand bone-derived denaturized collagen. Except for one G1 animal, all of them showed normal limb function 60 days after surgery. Radiographic examination showed initial formation of periosteal callus in both groups at osteo-tomy sites, over the plate or cage 15 days postoperatively. At 60 and 90 days callus remodeling occurred. Histological and morphometric analysis at 90 days after surgery showed that the quantity of implanted materials in G1 and G2 were similar, and the quantity of new bone formation was less (p = 0.0048) and more immature in G1 than G2, occupying 51 +/- 3.46% and 62 +/- 6.26% of the cage space, respectively. These results suggest that the composite biomaterial tested was a good alternative to autologous cortical bone graft in this experimental ovine tibial defect. However, additional evaluation is warranted prior to its clinical usage.