Naturally Acquired Infectious Canine Hepatitis in Two Captive Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) Puppies.

We report the clinicopathological manifestations of canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV 1) infection in captive-born naturally infected maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Two 3-month-old maned wolves presented with lethargy, emesis, dehydration, pallor, hypothermia, leucocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphopaenia and thrombocytopaenia. One of the puppies died shortly after admission, with gross changes that included marked gastrointestinal petechiae, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and pulmonary haemorrhage. Histologically, large eosinophilic intranuclear body inclusions were found in the liver and kidneys. The other wolf had elevated alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities, and later developed anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, bilirubinaemia, bilirubinuria, haematuria and proteinuria. Ultrasound demonstrated hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, inguinal lymphadenomegaly and lesions suggestive of gastritis and enteritis. Despite supportive treatment, the animal died. At necropsy, there was icterus, subcutaneous oedema in the inguinal region and hindlimbs, subchondral haemorrhage of articular cartilage of the femoral-tibial-patellar and tarsal joints of both hindlimbs, lymphadenomegaly, bronchopneumonia, hepatomegaly and petechiae in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Microscopically, there was a severe necrotizing hepatitis with intranuclear viral inclusions, fibrinous-necrotizing splenitis, non-suppurative meningoencephalitis and interstitial nephritis. A quantitative PCR test for CAV 1 using DNA extracted from peripheral blood was positive. The clinicopathological findings are similar to those of CAV 1 infection in dogs and other canids.

Social environment and genetics underlie body site-specific microbiomes of Yellowstone National Park gray wolves (Canis lupus).

The host-associated microbiome is an important player in the ecology and evolution of species. Despite growing interest in the medical, veterinary, and conservation communities, there remain numerous questions about the primary factors underlying microbiota, particularly in wildlife. We bridged this knowledge gap by leveraging microbial, genetic, and observational data collected in a wild, pedigreed population of gray wolves (Canis lupus) inhabiting Yellowstone National Park. We characterized body site-specific microbes across six haired and mucosal body sites (and two fecal samples) using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. At the phylum level, we found that the microbiome of gray wolves primarily consists of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria, consistent with previous studies within Mammalia and Canidae. At the genus level, we documented body site-specific microbiota with functions relevant to microenvironment and local physiological processes. We additionally employed observational and RAD sequencing data to examine genetic, demographic, and environmental correlates of skin and gut microbiota. We surveyed individuals across several levels of pedigree relationships, generations, and social groups, and found that social environment (i.e., pack) and genetic relatedness were two primary factors associated with microbial community composition to differing degrees between body sites. We additionally reported body condition and coat color as secondary factors underlying gut and skin microbiomes, respectively. We concluded that gray wolf microbiota resemble similar host species, differ between body sites, and are shaped by numerous endogenous and exogenous factors. These results provide baseline information for this long-term study population and yield important insights into the evolutionary history, ecology, and conservation of wild wolves and their associated microbes.

Appeasing Pheromones for the Management of Stress and Aggression during Conservation of Wild Canids: Could the Solution Be Right under Our Nose?

Thirty-six species of canid exist globally, two are classified as critically endangered, three as endangered, and five as near threatened. Human expansion and the coinciding habitat fragmentation necessitate conservation interventions to mitigate concurrent population deterioration. The current conservation management of wild canids includes animal translocation and artificial pack formation. These actions often cause chronic stress, leading to increased aggression and the suppression of the immune and reproductive systems. Castration and pharmaceutical treatments are currently used to reduce stress and aggression in domestic and captive canids. The undesirable side effects make such treatments inadvisable during conservation management of wild canids. Pheromones are naturally occurring chemical messages that modulate behaviour between conspecifics; as such, they offer a natural alternative for behaviour modification. Animals are able to distinguish between pheromones of closely related species through small compositional differences but are more likely to have greater responses to pheromones from individuals of the same species. Appeasing pheromones have been found to reduce stress- and aggression-related behaviours in domestic species, including dogs. Preliminary evidence suggests that dog appeasing pheromones (DAP) may be effective in wild canids. However, the identification and testing of species-specific derivatives could produce more pronounced and beneficial behavioural and physiological changes in target species. In turn, this could provide a valuable tool to improve the conservation management of many endangered wild canids.

Morphological and molecular diagnosis of diseases of free-ranging crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) / [Diagnóstico morfológico e molecular de doenças de cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) de vida livre]

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of diseases in free-ranging wild canids that were roadkill on highways in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. PCR tests were performed for the detection of Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp., and Hepatozoon sp. in the spleen. Morphological evaluation and identification of parasites was performed in the liver and lung. Twenty specimens of C. thous were necropsied at the Animal Pathology Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Tissue samples were processed for histopathological examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. There was no PCR amplification of genomic DNA sequences of Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp., and Hepatozoon sp. using DNA extracted from the spleen as template. Histologically, lesions associated with parasitism by Platynosomum sp. and Angiostrongylus sp. were observed in the liver and lung, respectively. This is the first report of Platynosomum sp. and Angiostrongylus sp. parasitism in C. thous in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Therefore, this study demonstrated parasitism of crab-eating foxes by Platynosomum sp. and Angiostrongylus sp. Importantly, no evidence of infection with Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp., and Hepatozoon sp. was obtained by PCR analysis.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de doenças em canídeos silvestres de vida livre que foram atropelados em rodovias no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Testes de PCR foram realizados para a detecção de Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp. e Hepatozoon sp. no baço. A avaliação morfológica e a identificação de parasitas foram realizadaa no fígado e no pulmão. Vinte espécimes de C. thous foram necropsiados no Setor de Patologia Animal do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Amostras de tecido foram processadas para exame histopatológico e análise de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Não houve amplificação por PCR das sequências de DNA genômico de Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp. e Hepatozoon sp. usando-se DNA extraído do baço como modelo. Histologicamente, lesões associadas ao parasitismo por Platynosomum sp. e Angiostrongylus sp. foram observadas no fígado e no pulmão, respectivamente. Este é o primeiro relato de Platynosomum sp. e Angiostrongylus sp. parasitismo em C. thous no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Portanto, este estudo demonstrou parasitismo de cachorro-do-mato por Platynosomum sp. e Angiostrongylus sp. É importante detacar que não há evidências de infecção por Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp. e Hepatozoon sp. por análise de PCR.(AU)

Plasma Concentration of Advanced Glycation End-Products From Wild Canids and Domestic Dogs Does Not Change With Age or Across Body Masses.

Dogs provide a physiological paradox: In domestic dogs, small breeds live longer lives than large breed dogs. Comparatively, a wild canid can be a similar size than many large breed dogs and outlive their domestic cousin. We have previously shown that oxidative stress patterns between domestic and wild canids differ, so that wild canids invest in a robust antioxidant system across their lives; whereas domestic dogs tend to accumulate lipid damage with age. There is a close association between oxidative stress and the production of a carbohydrate based-damage, Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). AGEs can bind to their receptor (RAGE), which can lead to increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and decreases in antioxidant capacity. Here, I used plasma from wild and domestic canids to address whether blood plasma AGE-BSA concentration associated with body mass and age in domestic dogs; And whether AGE-BSA concentration patterns in blood plasma from wild canids are similar to those found in domestic dogs. I found no correlation between circulating AGE-BSA concentration and body size or age in either domestic dogs and wild canids. These data suggest that AGEs formation may be a conserved trait across the evolution of domesticated dogs from wild ancestors, in opposition to oxidative stress patterns between these two groups. And, that, in domestic dogs, lipid metabolism, rather than carbohydrate metabolism, may be upregulated to yield the previously found differences in circulating lipid damage across lifespan and body sizes.

Dioctophymosis in a free-ranging maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus): clinical-therapeutic, ultrasonographic and pathological aspects - case report / [Dioctofimose em um lobo guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus) de vida livre: aspectos clínico-terapêuticos, ultrassonográficos e patológicos - relato de caso]

Dioctophymosis is the disease caused by Dioctophyma renale, a large nematode, popularly known as giant kidney worm, and whose definitive hosts are the domestic dog and many wild mammal species. There are some reports of maned wolf parasitism by D. renale, however, in most cases the reports are restricted to the finding of the parasite during necropsy, without clinical assessment. The present report aimed to describe the clinical-therapeutic, ultrasonographic and pathological aspects of D. renale parasitism in a free-ranging maned wolf, emphasizing the treatment with an association of doramectin, praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel that resulted in complete elimination of the parasite.(AU)

A dioctofimose é a doença causada pelo Dioctophyma renale, um nemátodo grande, popularmente chamado de verme gigante do rim e que tem como hospedeiro definitivo o cão doméstico e inúmeras espécies de mamíferos silvestres. Existem alguns relatos do parasitismo do lobo-guará por D. renale, contudo, na maioria das vezes, os relatos se restringem apenas ao achado do parasita durante a necropsia, sem a correlação clínica. O presente relato objetiva descrever os aspectos clínico-terapêuticos, ultrassonográficos e patológicos do parasitismo por D. renale em um lobo-guará de vida livre, enfatizando o tratamento com uma associação de doramectina, praziquantel, pamoato de pirantel e febantel, o que resultou na eliminação completa do parasita.(AU)

A study on the morphoquantitative and cytological characteristics of the bulbar conjunctiva of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus; Illiger, 1815).

The maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus, is a near-threatened carnivore inhabiting the Brazilian Cerrado. Few studies have been conducted on this species, and even fewer have explored its ophthalmological characteristics. Vision is critical to wild canids; thus, this study aimed to provide a morphoquantitative description of the bulbar conjunctiva of the maned wolf using cytological and histological analyses. Ten healthy maned wolves from a conservational centre, including 4 females and 6 males aged 1-12 years (6.5 ± 2.8), were included in the study. The samples for cytological analysis were collected from the inferior conjunctival sac using a cytobrush, and conjunctival tissue was collected for histological analysis from the temporal canthus zone. The cytological samples were stained using the Papanicolaou method, and the histological sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin, Periodic acid-Schiff, picrosirius red and Masson's trichrome stains. The cytological samples were studied for stain quality, and the different cell types were counted. Histological examination was used to determine tissue types in the conjunctiva and their proportions. Analyses revealed a stratified squamous epithelium with some goblet cells and eventual pigmentation in the basal layer. Loose connective tissue with the presence of some mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells was also observed. The epithelium of the maned wolf's bulbar conjunctiva resembles that of dogs and other carnivore species; furthermore, its physiological and pathological responses were similar to those of other carnivore species.

Craniometry in Cerdocyon thous (Carnivora, Canidae) / Craneometría en Cerdocyon thous (Carnivora, Canidae)

The objective of this study was to obtain data on craniometric parameters in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and to define the general skull type of this species, analysing whether the craniometric classification of domestic dogs can be applied. Eleven skulls of C. thous were included in the analysis, irrespective of age and sex. The location of nine craniometric points established for craniometry in domestic dogs was determined and based on the distances between these points, 17 craniometric parameters were measured. Those parameters were used to calculate the following six craniometric indices: 53.17 ± 2.54 mm skull index, 2.33 ± 0.08 mm craniofacial index, 59.17 ± 3.57 mm neurocranial index, 125.58 ± 6.63 mm facial index, 37.52 ± 2.65 mm basal index and the index of the foramen magnum 54.47 ± 3.48 mm. According to the analysed indices, the skull shape in C. thous can be classified as mesaticephalic.

El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener datos sobre los parámetros craneométricos del zorro cangrejero (Cerdocyon thous) y definir el tipo general de cráneo de esta especie, analizando si se puede aplicar la clasificación craneométrica de los perros domésticos. Once cráneos de C. thous fueron incluidos en el análisis, independientemente de la edad y el sexo. Se determinó la ubicación de nueve puntos craneométricos establecidos para la craneometría en perros domésticos y, en función de las distancias entre estos puntos, se midieron 17 parámetros craneométricos. Esos parámetros se usaron para calcular los siguientes índices craneométricos: índice craneal de 53,17 ± 2,54 mm, índice craneofacial de 2,33 ± 0,08 mm, índice neurocraneal de 59,17 ± 3,57 mm, índice facial de 125,58 ± 6,63 mm, índice basal de 37,52 ± 2,65 mm y el índice del foramen magnum 54,47 ± 3,48 mm. Según los índices analizados, la forma del cráneo en C. thous se puede clasificar como mesaticefálica.

Neospora caninum DNA in feces of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous - Linnaeus, 1776) from northeastern Brazil.

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular tissue cyst-forming coccidian parasite and it was first described in dogs. Despite the relevance of wild canids in the transmission chain of N. caninum, there are few studies in Brazil. The aim of the present study was to detect N. caninum DNA in feces of free-range and captive crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) from different states of northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples of eighteen crab-eating foxes (fifteen individually and three pools) were collected in sterile containers and were kept cool at -20 °C until further processing. All fecal samples were subjected to DNA extraction. A nested PCR targeting the ITS-1 gene was performed for N. caninum. All the positive bands were extracted from the gel and purified. Forward and reverse strands were sequenced and the nucleotide sequences obtained were compared with N. caninum sequences deposited in Genbank. The alignment was edited and phylogenetic reconstruction was based on the ITS1 gene sequences. Thirteen stool samples were PCR-positive for N. caninum DNA. Nine out of thirteen positive samples showed similarity between 99%-100% for N. caninum in relation to the sequence U25044.1 stored at GenBank. The crab-eating fox could have an important role in the sylvatic cycle of Neospora caninum in Brazil. Experimental infections studies involving these wild canids may confirm if the crab-eating foxes are definitive hosts of N. caninum.

Co-Infection by Sarcoptes scabiei and Microsporum gypseum in Free-Ranging Crab-Eating Fox, Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766)

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical manifestation, treatment and outcome of a case of co- infection by Sarcoptes scabiei and Microsporum gypseum in Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox) from Northeastern Brazil.

Molecular characterization of Sarcocystis spp. in intestine mucosal scrapings and fecal samples of Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus).

Sarcocystis spp. are obligatory intracellular protozoan parasites which can infect humans and animals. Most of Sarcocystis species were identified based on the detection of muscle cysts in different intermediate hosts (IH). Regarding to natural infection in definitive host, there are few reports which have reached to determining species of Sarcocystis. The present work was aimed to studying the occurrence of Sarcocystis spp. (oocysts and sporocysts) in mucosal scrapings of small intestine and fecal samples of one the most abundant wild canids from South America, Lycalopex gymnocercus (Pampas fox), and to identify the Sarcocystis spp. using molecular tools. A total of 131 free-living L. gymnocercus were sampled in rural areas located in several departments from Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Fecal samples from all the animals and 33 small intestines were analyzed. Fecal and mucosal scrapings samples were analyzed by sugar flotation method and once oocysts or sporocysts were detected, sedimentation was performed and DNA extracted with a commercial kit. A PCR was conducted using primers targeting a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene and the amplicons were purified and sequenced. Of the total Pampas foxes analyzed, 23 (17.6%) had Sarcocystis spp. oocysts/sporocysts in fecal and/or mucosal samples. Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts were detected in 13.0% (17/131) of fecal samples and in 39.4% (13/33) of mucosal samples by the initial sugar flotation. Twenty one L. gymnocercus samples were processed by DNA extraction and PCR. Molecular identification of Sarcocystis spp. infection was successfully achieved in 14 foxes and was distributed as follows: 4.6% S. cruzi (6/131), 3.8% Sarcocystis spp. using birds as IH (S. albifronsi and S. anasi among others, 5/131), 0.8% S. tenella (1/131) and 1.5% (2/131) with low homology (97%) with S. miescheriana. In one fecal sample with spherical oocysts, the sequencing results showed a 100% sequence identity with Hammondia heydorni. The results show that the mucosal scrapings are the eligible sample to identify prevalence and to proceed with species identification. Lycalopex gymnocercus is suggested as definitive host for S. cruzi, S. tenella and probably various Sarcocystis spp. using birds as intermediate hosts as well as for H. heydorni.

Biometria testicular e características morfológicas dos espermatozoides de cachorros-do-mato Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766 (Carnivora, Canidae) / Testicular biometry and morphological characteristics of crab-eating fox sperm Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766 (Carnivora, Canidae)

A pesquisa teve por objetivos avaliar a biometria testicular, coletar o sêmen e analisar as características morfológicas dos espermatozoides de cachorros-do-mato Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766. Foram utilizados cinco animais, maiores de três anos de idade e com peso superior a 6 kg. Os animais foram anestesiados com xilazina 2%, cloridrato de ketamina 10% e atropina 1%. Foi determinado o volume testicular (testículos medidos com paquímetro). O sêmen foi coletado pelo método de eletroejaculação e a morfologia espermática analisada pelo método de preparação em câmara úmida, sendo realizado também o teste supravital (corante eosina/ nigrosina). O volume médio dos testículos foi 2,96 ± 0,56 cm3. A análise da morfologia espermática teve média de 54,2 % de defeitos totais e alta incidência de caudas dobradas e enroladas, gotas citoplasmáticas e defeitos no formato da cabeça. No teste supravital obteve-se 77,4 ± 5,17 % de células vivas. Conclui-se que os cachorros-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) possuem volume testicular menor que outros canídeos selvagens; que a técnica de coleta de sêmen foi eficiente para a espécie e que o sêmen apresenta elevada patologia espermática, talvez devido à pequena variabilidade genética da população.

This research aimed to evaluate the testicular biometry, collect semen and analyze the morphological characteristics of the sperm of crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766. Five animals older than three years-old and weighing more than 6 kg were used. The animals were anaesthetized with 2% of xylazine, 10% of ketamine hydrochloride, and 1% of atropine. The testicular volume was determined (testicles measured with caliper ruler). The semen was collected by the electroejaculation method, and the spermatozoa morphology was analyzed by the preparation in a humidified chamber method. The supravitally test was also performed (eosin /nigrosine pigment). The average volume of the testicles was 2,96 ± 0,56 cm3. Analysis of the morphology had a mean of 54.2% of total defects and high incidence of bent and rolled tails, cytoplasmic droplets and head shape defects. In supravitally tests were obtained 77.4 ± 5.17% of alive cells. We conclude that the crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) have lower testicular volume than other wild canids, that the semen collection technique was efficient for the species, and that the semen has high sperm pathology, perhaps due to the low genetic variability of the population.

Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) new intermediate host of Sarcocystis svanai (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae).

Several Sarcocystis spp. have carnivores as definitive host and sarcocysts are common in muscles of herbivores (intermediate host). However, sarcocysts have been found in muscles of wild and domestic carnivores suggesting they are intermediate host for some Sarcocystis spp. Here, we report mature sarcocysts in the muscles of Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus). A total of 36 free-living foxes were analyzed. Different skeletal muscles were assessed by microscopic and molecular methods. Cysts and/or DNA of Sarcocystis sp. were detected in 61.1% (22/36) foxes. Histopathology revealed the presence of sarcocysts in 52.8% (19/36) foxes. The tongue and masseter were the muscles more frequently infected. Of all the samples processed by homogenization of pooled muscles of each animal, 45.4% (10/22) evidenced muscle cysts and 68.2% (15/22) resulted positives by PCR. Individual cysts obtained from the ten positive samples in direct microscopic examination were all positive by PCR. Five amplicons from individual cysts from different samples were selected for sequencing together with four PCR products obtained from the pooled muscles. All nine sequences shared a high identity among them (99.8-100%) and showed the highest identity by BLAST (99%) with a S. svanai sequence (KM362428) from a North American dog. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall was thin (<1µm), had minute undulations, with tiny evaginations and without evident villar protrusions. The cyst wall type is referred as "type 1". Sarcocystis svanai infects L. gymnocercus with a high prevalence and the presence of mature sarcocysts suggests the role of the Pampas fox as natural intermediate host. The definitive host of S. svanai remains unknown.

Occurrence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii DNA in brain tissue from hoary foxes (Pseudalopex vetulus) in Brazil.

The hoary fox (Pseudalopex vetulus) is a wild canid native to Brazil and is commonly found in the semiarid northeastern area living in contact with cattle. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii DNA in hoary foxes, in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Brain tissue samples were collected from 49 hoary foxes. From the samples, DNA extraction and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed using specific primers for N. caninum and T. gondii. The prevalences found were 14.3% (7/49) for T. gondii and 12.2% (6/49) for N. caninum. The molecular identities of the amplified products were confirmed by means of the sequencing reaction. This study demonstrated the presence of N. caninum and T. gondii DNA in free-ranging hoary foxes in Brazil for the first time, thus confirming that this species is an intermediate host.

Strain and strain rate by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in a maned wolf / Strain e strain rate por meio de ecocardiogratia speckle traking bidimensional em um lobo-guará

The measurement of cardiovascular features of wild animals is important, as is the measurement in pets, for the assessment of myocardial function and the early detection of cardiac abnormalities, which could progress to heart failure. Speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) is a new tool that has been used in veterinary medicine, which demonstrates several advantages, such as angle independence and the possibility to provide the early diagnosis of myocardial alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the left myocardial function in a maned wolf by 2D STE. Thus, the longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain and strain rate were obtained, as well as, the radial and longitudinal velocity and displacement values, from the right parasternal long axis four-chamber view, the left parasternal apical four chamber view and the parasternal short axis at the level of the papillary muscles. The results of the longitudinal variables were -13.52±7.88, -1.60±1.05, 4.34±2.52 and 3.86±3.04 for strain (%), strain rate (1/s), displacement (mm) and velocity (cm/s), respectively. In addition, the radial and circumferential Strain and Strain rate were 24.39±14.23, 1.86±0.95 and -13.69±6.53, -1.01±0.48, respectively. Thus, the present study provides the first data regarding the use of this tool in maned wolves, allowing a more complete quantification of myocardial function in this species.

A obtenção de parâmetros cardiovasculares em animais selvagens são importantes de serem avaliados, assim como em animais de companhia, para a obtenção da função miocárdica e determinação precoce de alterações cardíacas que poderiam evoluir para insuficiência cardíaca . A ecocardiografia speckle tracking (2D STE) é uma ferramenta nova que tem sido utilizada em medicina veterinária, a qual tem demonstrado várias vantagens quanto ao seu uso, como a independência do ângulo de insonação e a possibilidade de se obter o diagnóstico precoce de alterações miocárdicas. Objetivou-se avaliar a função miocárdica esquerda de um lobo guará por meio do uso da 2D STE. Desta forma, foram obtidas as variáveis Strain e Strain Rate longitudinais, circunferenciais e radiais, assim como a velocidade e o deslocamento longitudinais e radiais, utilizando os cortes eixo longo paraesternal direito quatro câmaras, paraesternal esquerdo apical quatro câmaras e eixo curto paraesternal direito no plano dos músculos papilares. Os resultados das variáveis longitudinais fora -13,52±7,88, -1,60±1,05, 4,34±2,52 e 3,86±3,04 para Strain (%), Strain rate (1/s), deslocamento (mm) e velocidade (cm/s), respectivamente. Quanto ao Strain e Strain rate radiais e circunferenciais foram obtidos 24,39±14,23, 1,86±0,95 e -13,69±6,53, -1,01±0,48. Portanto, o presente estudo fornece os primeiros dados a respeito do uso desta ferramenta em lobos guarás, permitindo uma quantificação da função miocárdica de forma mais completa nesta espécie.

Reproductive Biology of the Coyote (Canis latrans): Integration of Mating Behavior, Reproductive Hormones, and Vaginal Cytology.

The reproductive biology of wild Canis species is often described as unique among mammals because an unusual combination of behavioral and physiological characteristics including a seasonally monestrous cycle, copulatory lock or tie, obligatory pseudopregnancy, social monogamy, and biparental care of the young. We investigated social behavior, endocrine profiles, and vaginal cytology of female coyotes (Canis latrans) during 4 breeding seasons, 2000-2003. Blood levels of estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and relaxin were measured, and mating behavior and changes in vaginal epithelium were documented. After aligning the data from each individual to her estimated day of ovulation, we compared pregnant coyotes with nonpregnant females and evaluated temporal relationships among hormone levels, behavior, and vaginal cytology. We found that patterns of proceptive and receptive behaviors correlated with the secretion of steroid hormones, as did vaginal epithelial cytomorphosis. In addition, although progesterone levels of pregnant and pseudopregnant coyotes were indistinguishable, prolactin demonstrated a discernible intergroup difference and relaxin was only detectable in pregnant females. Although this study included characteristics not previously published for this species, it also showed how key aspects of reproduction were correlated temporally, and emphasized the importance of an integrated perspective when addressing the reproductive biology of coyotes, or other wild species of canids.