Occurrence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and its isolation and genotyping in donkeys, mules, and horses in Brazil.

The occurrence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii was determined in donkeys, mules, and horses from different regions of Brazil. Serum samples from 304 donkeys (67.11%), 118 horses (26.05%), and 31 mules (6.84%) were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (cutoff=64). Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 129 equids (28.47%) (82 donkeys, 32 horses, and 15 mules). Tissue samples from 19 seropositive and 50 seronegative animals were obtained in order to isolate the parasite by means of mouse bioassay, and T. gondii was isolated from a donkey. Through genotypic characterization of the isolate, by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using 11 genotypic markers, the genotype #163 (TgCkBr220), which has already been described in chickens in Brazil, was identified.

Cardiorespiratory effects of isoflurane anesthesia in crested caracaras (Caracara plancus).

To evaluate the cardiorespiratory changes induced by isoflurane (ISO) anesthesia in the crested caracara (Caracara plancus), eight crested caracaras that weighed 1.0 kg (range 0.9-1.1 kg) were the subjects for the study. The birds were anesthetized by face mask with ISO for brachial artery catheterization. After recovery, anesthesia was re-induced and maintained with ISO with spontaneous ventilation. Electrocardiography, direct systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial blood pressure (DAP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), end-tidal carbon dioxide (P(ET)CO2), and cloacal temperature (T degrees C) were measured before induction (baseline, under physical restraint) and after 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 min of ISO anesthesia. Arterial blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis at baseline, 10, 25, and 40 min. No cardiac arrhythmias were observed in the present study. RR, SAP, DAP, MAP, T degrees C and pH decreased from baseline values, whereas arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, bicarbonate concentration, and P(ET)CO2 were significantly higher than baseline. Apnea was not observed in any bird. ISO anesthesia is suitable for use in healthy members of this species despite the moderate cardiovascular and respiratory depression produced.

Some cardiopulmonary effects of sevoflurane in crested caracara (Caracara plancus).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiorespiratory changes induced by sevoflurane (SEV) anesthesia in the crested caracara (Caracara plancus). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Eight crested caracaras (Caracara plancus) weighing 1.0 (0.9-1.1) kg were used for the study. METHODS: The birds were anesthetized by face mask with isoflurane for brachial artery catheterization. After recovery, anesthesia was re-induced with 6% SEV via face mask. After induction, a noncuffed endotracheal tube was placed and anesthesia was maintained with SEV (3.5% end-tidal) in oxygen (1 L minute(-1)) using an Ayre's T-piece nonrebreathing circuit, with spontaneous ventilation. Electrocardiography (ECG), direct systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP, and MAP), respiratory rate (f(R)), end-tidal carbon dioxide (Pe'CO(2)), and cloacal temperature (T degrees C) were measured before induction (baseline - under physical restraint) and after 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 minutes of SEV anesthesia. Arterial blood samples were collected for gas analysis at baseline and then at 10, 25 and 40 minutes. RESULTS: No ventricular arrhythmias were observed in the present study. Respiratory rate, SAP, DAP, MAP, T degrees C and pH decreased from pre-induction values, while arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, bicarbonate concentration, and Pe'CO(2) were significantly higher than baseline. None of the birds were apneic. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sevoflurane anesthesia is suitable for use in healthy members of this species, despite the moderate cardiovascular and respiratory depression produced.