Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates transport stress-induced heart injury in newly hatched chicks via ERS-UPR-autophagy dependent pathway.

Transport stress (TS) not only affects animal welfare but also eventually leads to higher morbidity and mortality. Moreover, TS could induce heart injury in animals, but the possible mechanism has yet to be fully explored. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is a main active component of Radix Astragali, which has an extensive anti-stress effect. However, the effect of APS on TS-induced heart injury has not yet been elucidated. In this study, a chick model of simulated TS was used. 240 newly hatched chicks were arranged into 4 groups: Control (Con), Transport group (T), Transport + water group (TW), and Transport + APS group (TA). Before transport, the chicks of the TW and TA groups were treated with deionized water and APS (0.25 mg/mL, 100 µL) by oral drops respectively. The histopathological analysis of myocardial tissue was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. qRT-PCR and Western Blotting assays were employed to measure the expression of genes and proteins. Semiquantitative PCR was performed for the X box-binding protein-1 (XBP-1) mRNA splicing assay. The results indicated that APS significantly reduced TS-induced myocardial histopathological changes. Meanwhile, TS induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), evidenced by an activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathway and up-regulation of ERS-markers (P < 0.05). Moreover, TS markedly triggered autophagy induction by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), reflected by augmented LC3-II/LC3-I, AMPK phosphorylation and autophagy-related genes (ATGs) expression (P < 0.05). Importantly, our study manifested that treatment of APS could reduce TS-induced ERS and AMPK-activated autophagy, accordingly alleviating heart injury of transported chicks. In summary, these findings indicate that TS induces heart injury in chicks via an ERS-UPR-autophagy-dependent pathway, and APS as an effective therapeutic method to alleviate it.

Persistent fibrosis and decreased cardiac function following cardiac injury in the Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp).

Following the discovery of heart regeneration in zebrafish, several more species within the Cyprinidae family have been found to have the same capability, suggesting heart regeneration may be conserved within this family. Although gonad regeneration has been observed in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), one of the largest cyprinid fish, the species' response to cardiac injury has not been characterized. Surprisingly, we found cardiomyocytes do not repopulate the injured region following cryoinjury to the ventricle, instead exhibiting unresolved fibrosis and decreased cardiac function that persists for the 8-week duration of this study. Additionally, fibroblasts are likely depleted following injury, a phenomenon not previously described in any cardiac model. The data collected in this study indicate that heart regeneration is unlikely in grass carp (C. idella). It is possible that not all members of the Cyprinidae family possesses regenerative capability observed in zebrafish. Further study of these phenomenon may reveal the underlying differences between regeneration versus unresolved fibrosis in heart disease.

Cardiac assessments of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico following exposure to Deepwater Horizon oil.

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill profoundly impacted the health of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Barataria Bay, LA (BB). To comprehensively assess the cardiac health of dolphins living within the DWH oil spill footprint, techniques for in-water cardiac evaluation were refined with dolphins cared for by the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program in 2018 and applied to free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in BB (n = 34) and Sarasota Bay, Florida (SB) (n = 19), a non-oiled reference population. Cardiac auscultation detected systolic murmurs in the majority of dolphins from both sites (88% BB, 89% SB) and echocardiography showed most of the murmurs were innocent flow murmurs attributed to elevated blood flow velocity [1]. Telemetric six-lead electrocardiography detected arrhythmias in BB dolphins (43%) and SB dolphins (31%), all of which were considered low to moderate risk for adverse cardiac events. Echocardiography showed BB dolphins had thinner left ventricular walls, with significant differences in intraventricular septum thickness at the end of diastole (p = 0.002), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at the end of diastole (p = 0.033). BB dolphins also had smaller left atrial size (p = 0.004), higher prevalence of tricuspid valve prolapse (p = 0.003), higher prevalence of tricuspid valve thickening (p = 0.033), and higher prevalence of aortic valve thickening (p = 0.008). Two dolphins in BB were diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension based on Doppler echocardiography-derived estimates and supporting echocardiographic findings. Histopathology of dolphins who stranded within the DWH oil spill footprint showed a significantly higher prevalence of myocardial fibrosis (p = 0.003), regardless of age, compared to dolphins outside the oil spill footprint. In conclusion, there were substantial cardiac abnormalities identified in BB dolphins which may be related to DWH oil exposure, however, future work is needed to rule out other hypotheses and further elucidate the connection between oil exposure, pulmonary disease, and the observed cardiac abnormalities.

Transient deep and giant negative T waves in dogs with myocardial injury.

INTRODUCTION: Although transient deep and giant negative T waves (NTWs) may develop during myocardial injury (MI) in humans, no data exist on this repolarization abnormality in canine MI. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the occurrence of transient deep/giant NTWs in dogs with MI. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively searched to identify dogs with MI and transient deep/giant NTWs. Signalment, history, and selected diagnostic test results were reviewed. Data analysis was descriptive. RESULTS: Six cases were diagnosed with MI associated with deep (n = 1) and giant (n = 5) transient NTWs. Myocardial injury was classified as acute in all cases and was due to snake envenomation (n = 3), sepsis (n = 2), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 1). At the time of deep/giant NTWs identification, all dogs had elevated cardiac troponin I and ≥1 echocardiographic abnormality of the left ventricular structure and/or function. Moreover, all dogs with giant NTWs had prolonged QT intervals. After the MI resolution, T-wave polarity and QT-interval duration became normalized in all dogs. Moreover, left ventricular morphological and functional parameters were completely normalized in four dogs. In contrast, ventricular echogenicity remained heterogeneous in two dogs, despite otherwise normalized ventricular parameters. Five dogs were still alive at the conclusion of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Transient deep/giant NTWs may develop in dogs with acute MI and T-wave polarity changes seem to occur synchronously with the evolution of myocardial damage. Moreover, transient deep/giant NTWs seem associated with a favorable prognosis in canine MI.

Renovascular Hypertension Induces Myocardial Mitochondrial Damage, Contributing to Cardiac Injury and Dysfunction in Pigs With Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Renovascular hypertension (RVH) often manifest with metabolic syndrome (MetS) as well. Coexisting MetS and hypertension increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but the mechanisms underlying cardiac injury remain unknown. We hypothesized that superimposition of MetS induces myocardial mitochondrial damage, leading to cardiac injury and dysfunction in swine RVH. METHODS: Pigs were studied after 16 weeks of diet-induced MetS with or without RVH (unilateral renal artery stenosis), and Lean controls (n = 6 each). Systolic and diastolic cardiac function were assessed by multidetector CT, and cardiac mitochondrial morphology (electron microscopy) and myocardial function in tissue and isolated mitochondria. RESULTS: Body weight was similarly higher in MetS groups vs. Lean. RVH groups achieved significant stenosis and developed hypertension. Mitochondrial matrix density and adenosine triphosphate production were lower and H2O2 production higher in RVH groups vs. Lean and MetS. Lean + RVH (but not MetS + RVH) activated mitophagy, which was associated with decreased myocardial expression of mitophagy-related microRNAs. MetS groups exhibited higher numbers of intermitochondrial junctions, which could have prevented membrane depolarization/activation of mitophagy in MetS + RVH. Cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy (increased left ventricular muscle mass), and diastolic function (decreased E/A ratio) were greater in MetS + RVH vs. Lean + RVH. CONCLUSIONS: MetS+RVH induces myocardial mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. MetS + RVH failed to activate mitophagy, resulting in greater cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction. Mitochondrial injury and impaired mitophagy may constitute important mechanisms and therapeutic targets to ameliorate cardiac damage and dysfunction in patients with coexisting MetS and RVH.

Left atrial appendage rupture due to blunt chest trauma in an Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).

An adult male Eurasian otter, found dead on the roadside, was submitted for post-mortem examination in April 2014 at the Veterinary Pathology Unit of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Teramo, as part of the RECAL [RECovery and post mortem Analysis of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni (Salerno, Italy), and surrounding areas] project. Necropsy revealed an abundant hemothorax associated with multifocal, bilateral pulmonary contusions and lacerations, and a severe hemopericardium characterised by the presence of a wide blood clot in the intact pericardial sac. Two small laceration wounds of the left auricle were found at the base, along the atrioventricular groove, and on the outer free wall. Since myocardial and endocardial tissues showed no other gross and histopathological abnormalities, a left atrial appendage rupture resulting from a blunt chest trauma was diagnosed. Blunt traumatic cardiac rupture is a rarely reported, life-threatening condition in humans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a left atrial appendage rupture due to blunt chest trauma in veterinary literature. The possible occurrence of a cardiac rupture following a blunt thoracic injury should be taken into consideration in veterinary emergency care.

Identification and management of a subacute right ventricular perforation by an active-fixation permanent pacemaker lead in a dog.

A 5-year-old short-haired dachshund was referred with a history of repeated syncope associated with a third-degree atrioventricular block. A permanent transvenous pacemaker with an active-fixation lead was implanted. In the following 3 weeks, the syncopal episodes reappeared owing to a loss of ventricular capture. The pacemaker was reprogrammed to higher output, and effective pacing was re-established. Thoracic radiographs and echocardiography failed to identify any evidence of lead displacement. One month later, the patient presented a new episode of loss of capture. After fluoroscopy, cardiac perforation was suspected and subsequently confirmed by thoracotomy. An epicardial pacemaker lead was implanted without removing the perforating lead as there were no bleeding complications or damage to adjacent organs, and the length of time elapsed since implantation was assumed to have allowed for significant fibrotic adhesions to develop. Nineteen months after epicardial pacemaker implantation, endocardial lead dislodgement occurred. Simultaneously, the dog presented with gastrointestinal and respiratory abnormalities and severe thrombocytopenia. Once the dog was stabilized, the endocardial lead was percutaneously removed. One month later, loss of ventricular capture recurred. The owners declined any further treatment, and euthanasia was elected. Cardiac perforation after pacemaker implantation is an infrequent complication. In this case, the dog lived 22 months after subacute right ventricular perforation. Despite the poor prognosis associated with cardiac perforation by pacemaker leads, different approaches are possible to successfully manage this major complication. Extraction of the displaced lead remains controversial as, if the lead is not removed, late lead migration can occur.

Cardiac laceration following non-penetrating chest trauma in dog and cat.

Cardiac laceration with non-penetrating chest trauma is reported as a common cause of death in human following rapid deceleration in high-speed vehicular accident. In contrast, in veterinary medicine, traumatic rupture of heart and great-vessel structures appears to be an uncommon cause of death. Here we report three cases of cardiac laceration following non-penetrating chest trauma in a one cat and two dogs. In two of these cases, necropsy revealed a rupture of the heart associated with fractures of the ribs and lung contusion; only one case did not exhibit any external chest injury but revealed pericardial tear associated with hemothorax following rupture of the right auricle of the heart. However, in all three presented cases, the thoracic location of the injuries allowed to conclude that the cause of the cardiac rupture was due to a direct impact of the chest wall with a high speed object and consequent transmission of the kinetic force and compression of the heart between left and right thorax. These case reports underline the importance of a systematic and complete macroscopic evaluation of the heart in all cases of death following non-penetrating chest trauma in dog and cat such as in human. They also highlight how, in clinical and forensic practice, the cardiac injury following blunt chest trauma should be ruled out even in the cases of absence of external chest injury.

Troponina C na detecção imuno-histoquímica de alterações regressivas precoces no miocárdio de bovinos e ovinos intoxicados por monofluoroacetato de sódio / Troponin C in immunohistochemical detection of early regressive myocardial lesions in cattle and sheep poisoned with sodium monofluoroacetate

Ao que tudo indica, o monofluoroacetato de sódio (MF) é o princípio tóxico das numerosas plantas que causam "morte súbita" no Brasil. Eventualmente, observam-se, nos animais intoxicados por MF, grupos de cardiomiócitos com aumento da eosinofilia citoplasmática. Essas alterações cardíacas, no entanto, na maioria dos casos, ainda são incipientes, de difícil interpretação, não há reação inflamatória e devem ser diferenciadas de artefato. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo detectar a presença de alterações regressivas precoces no miocárdio de bovinos e ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por MF, através da imuno-histoquímica com troponina C (cTnC). Fragmentos de coração de seis bovinos (três que receberam, por via oral, doses únicas de 0,5mg/kg e, os demais, 1,0mg/kg de MF) e cinco ovinos (um recebeu, por via oral, dose única de 0,5mg/kg, outros dois receberam doses de 1,0mg/kg; um ovino recebeu, por via oral, doses subletais repetidas diariamente de 0,1mg/kg/dia, por quatro dias, e outro, 0,2mg/kg/dia por seis dias) foram submetidos à técnica de imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo anti-cTnC. Nos cardiomiócitos dos bovinos e ovinos verificou-se redução dos níveis de expressão da cTnC no citoplasma de grupos de fibras musculares. Diminuição significativa na imunorreatividade ocorreu, sobretudo, em cardiomiócitos que apresentavam, no exame histopatológico, aumento da eosinofilia citoplasmática. A diminuição ou ausência da expressão da cTnC nos animais intoxicados por MF permitiu estabelecer a diferença entre necrose coagulativa de cardiomiócitos e artefato ocasionado pelo fixador. Isso indica que este método pode ser utilizado com segurança para identificação de lesões regressivas precoces, ou não, no miocárdio, independentemente da causa. Adicionalmente, é possível afirmar que, dependendo do tempo de evolução, a toxicose por MF, bem como por plantas causadoras de "morte súbita" em bovinos e ovinos, podem cursar com lesões necrotizantes no miocárdio.

Sodium monofluoroacetate (MF) is the toxic principle of several plants that cause "sudden death" of cattle in Brazil. Groups of cardiomyocites with high cytoplasmic eosinophilia are sometimes observed in animals poisoned by MF. However, this cardiac alteration is difficult to interpret, as there is no inflammatory reaction and it must be differentiated from artifacts. The present study had the objective to detect the presence of early regressive lesions in the myocardium of sheep and cattle experimentally poisoned by MF through immunohistochemistry with troponin C (cTnC). Fragments of the heart muscle from six cattle (three received, orally, single doses of 0.5mg/kg and the others, single doses of 1.0mg/kg) and five sheep (one received, orally, single dose of 0.5mg/kg, the other two received single doses of 1.0mg/kg, one received sublethal daily doses of 0.1mg/kg for four days, and another received daily sublethal doses of 0.2mg/kg for six days) were submitted to immunohistochemistry with antibody anti-cTnC. In the cardiomyocites of cattle and sheep, it was possible to observe reduction of the expression levels for cTnC in the cytoplasm of groups of cardiac muscle fibers. Significant reduction of immunoreactivity ocurred overall in cardiomyocites that presented high cytoplasmic eosinophilia. The decrease or absence of expression for cTnC in animals poisoned by MF allowed to estabilish the difference between coagulative necrosis of cardiomyocites and artifacts caused by fixation. This indicates that this method can be used safely to identify any lesions, early regressive or not, in the myocardium independently of the cause. It is also possible to affirm that poisoning by MF as well as the one caused by "sudden death" causing plants can progress with necrotizing myocardial lesions.

Troponina C na detecção imuno-histoquímica de alterações regressivas precoces no miocárdio de ovinos naturalmente intoxicados por Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) / Troponin C in the immunohistochemistry detection of early regressive changes in sheep myocardium naturally poisoned by Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae)

Amaranthus spp. são plantas nefrotóxicas popularmente conhecidas como "caruru". Em casos de intoxicação por estas plantas, a principal alteração histopatológica está presente no rim, sob forma de nefrose tubular tóxica, porém em alguns casos pode haver alterações cardíacas. Alterações no eletrocardiograma, compatíveis com quadros de hipercalemia, foram descritas em suínos intoxicados por Amaranthus retroflexus e lesões como degeneração e necrose de miócitos cardíacos descritas em suínos intoxicados por A. caudatus e ovinos intoxicados por A. spinosus. Há dúvidas com relação às alterações cardíacas, que, na maioria dos casos, são incipientes, o que pode levar a erros de interpretação. Para a realização do trabalho foram utilizados blocos parafinados oriundos de um surto natural de intoxicação por A. spinosus no sudeste do Brasil. Esse estudo teve como objetivo detectar a presença de alterações regressivas incipientes no miocárdio de ovinos intoxicados por A. spinosus, através da utilização imuno-histoquímica do anticorpo anti-troponina C. Foram utilizados fragmentos de coração de 8 ovinos adultos e 2 fetos, intoxicados naturalmente por A. spinosus. Estes fragmentos foram submetidos à técnica de imuno-histoquímica com a utilização do anticorpo anti-troponina C. Pela avaliação imuno-histoquímica do coração dos oito ovinos adultos observaram-se diversos grupos de miócitos com diminuição significativa ou ausência de imunorreatividade para o anticorpo anti-troponina C; essas áreas correspondiam, em grande parte, aos mesmos grupos de miócitos que apresentavam, pela coloração de Hematoxilina e Eosina (H.E.) alterações que variavam de leve tumefação celular a aumento da eosinofilia, perda de estriação, lise celular e cariólise, ou mais raramente, acompanhadas de infiltrado inflamatório...

Amaranthus spp. are nephrotoxic plants popularly known as "pigweed". In cases of poisoning by these plants, the main histopathological alteration is found in the kidneys as toxic tubular nephrosis; however, in some cases, there may be cardiac changes. ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia have been described in pigs poisoned by Amaranthus retroflexus. Degeneration and necrosis of myocytes have been described in pigs poisoned by A. caudatus and sheep poisoned by A. spinosus. There are doubts regarding cardiac changes, since in most cases they are incipient and don't exhibit inflammatory reaction, which can lead to misinterpretation. For this study, paraffin blocks with tissues from a poisoning outbreak by A. spinosus in southeastern Brazil were used. The objective of the study was to detect the presence of incipient regressive changes in the myocardium of sheep poisoned by A. spinosus using anti-troponin C antibody-based immunohistochemistry. Fragments of hearts from 8 adult sheep and 2 fetuses naturally poisoned by A. spinosus were used. In the immunohistochemistry evaluation of the 8 hearts from the adult sheep there were several groups of myocytes with significant decrease or absence of immunoreactivity for anti-troponin C antibody. In most cases, these same areas on Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining exhibited changes that varied from mild cellular tumefaction to increased eosinophilia, as well as loss of striation, cell lysis and karyolysis, sometimes accompanied by inflammatory infiltrate...

The Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Intracardiac Quill Foreign Body in a Dog.

A dog was referred to Alta Vista Animal Hospital with a porcupine quill penetrating the right ventricle. The presenting complaint was tachypnea and dyspnea secondary to bilateral pneumothorax. Computed tomography revealed bilateral pneumothorax without evidence of quills. A median sternotomy was performed and the quill was removed. The dog recovered uneventfully. Quill injuries are common in dogs; however, intracardiac quill migration is rare. Dogs without evidence of severe cardiac injury secondary to intracardiac foreign bodies may have a good prognosis.

Avaliação dos valores de troponina I, eletrocardiograma e ecocardiograma em felinos sedados com cetamina e midazolam, suplementados ou não com oxigênio / Troponin I, electrocardiography and echocardiography values in felines sedated with ketamine and midazolam, supplemented or not with oxygen

Lesões no miocárdio, causadas por baixa perfusão e oxigenação cardíaca, podem ser ocasionadas por fármacos anestésicos, como a cetamina. Essas lesões podem ser identificadas por meio de biomarcadores específicos e, dentre estes, destaca-se a troponina I. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações cardiovasculares com base nos valores de troponina I (TnI), eletrocardiograma (ECG) e ecocardiograma em gatos sedados com cetamina e midazolam, suplementados ou não com oxigênio. Utilizaram-se 12 gatos machos, hígidos, nos quais se avaliaram os valores de troponina I, eletro e ecocardiografia, frequência cardíaca (FC) e pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) no momento basal (M0). Na sequência, os animais foram sedados com a associação de 10mg.kg-1 de cetamina e 0,5mg.kg-1 de midazolam pela via intramuscular. Decorridos aproximadamente 10 minutos, os animais foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: com e sem suplementação de oxigênio via máscara facial (GCO e GSO, respectivamente), sendo submetidos novamente aos exames citados. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas, para dosagem de TnI em seis, 12 e 24 horas após a administração dos agentes anestésicos. Não foram observadas alterações significativas na FC, na PAS e no ECG após a administração dos tratamentos em ambos os grupos. Os valores médios de TnI elevaram-se significativamente em T6 quando comparados ao basal em ambos os grupos, com médias de 0,507±0,335ng/mL no GSO e 0,777±0,505ng/mL no GCO. Na ecocardiografia, o débito cardíaco (DC) reduziu em M1 em ambos os grupos, quando comparados aos valores basais, sendo M0 0,472±0,115 e M1 0,234±0,08 no GSO e M0 0,356±0,095 e M1 0,222±0,09 no GCO, expressos em L/min. Conclui-se que a administração de cetamina e midazolam em gatos hígidos não promove alterações eletrocardiográficas, aumenta os valores de troponina I, com pico de seis horas após a administração, reduz o débito cardíaco, e que a suplementação de oxigênio 100% via máscara facial não atenua tais alterações.

Myocardium injuries caused by low myocardial oxygenation and perfusion might be induced by anesthetics agents like ketamine. These injuries can be detected by specific biomarkers and, among them, troponin I. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular changes based on troponin I (TnI) values, electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography in cats sedated with ketamine and midazolam, supplemented or not with oxygen. Blood samples were collected from 12 intact male healthy cats for troponin I (T0) and they were then submitted to electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluation, as well as measurements of heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (M0). Subsequently, they were ketamine-midazolam (10mg.kg-1 and 0,5 mg.kg-1 respectively) anesthetized by intramuscular route. After about 10 minutes, the animals were randomly allocated into two groups with or without oxygen supplementation (GCO or GSO, respectively), again being subjected to the tests mentioned. Blood samples for troponin I were collected at 6, 12 and 24 hours after sedation. HR, SBP and ECG did not change among groups. The TnI values rise significantly in T6 comparing to baselines in both groups (0,507±0,335 ng/mL in GSO and 0,777±0,505 ng/mL in GCO). In echocardiography, the cardiac output decreased at M1, in both groups compared to baseline (M0 0,472±0,115 and M1 0,234±0,08 in GSO and M0 0,356±0,095 and 0,222±0,09 in GCO, L/min). We concluded that ketamine and midazolam sedation in healthy cats did not cause changes electrocardiography, increase troponin I values, with an 6 hours peak after administration, reduces cardiac output and oxygen supplementation, via facial mask, did not attenuated these alterations.

Porcupine quill migration in the thoracic cavity of a German shorthaired pointer.

A 7 yr old German shorthaired pointer presented with progressive respiratory distress and lethargy. Two weeks prior to presentation, the dog had porcupine quills removed from the left forepaw, muzzle, and sternal area. At the time of presentation, the dog had bounding pulses and friction rubs in the right dorsal lung field. Harsh lung sounds and decreased lung sounds were ausculted in multiple lung fields. Radiographs revealed a pneumothorax and rounding of the cardiac silhouette suggestive of pericardial effusion. Computed tomographic imaging was performed and revealed multiple porcupine quills in the thoracic cavity. Surgery was performed and quills were found in multiple lung lobes and the heart. Following surgery the dog remained hypotensive. A post-operative echocardiogram revealed multiple curvilinear soft-tissue opacities in the heart. Given the grave prognosis the dog was subsequently euthanized and a postmortem examination was performed. A single porcupine quill was discovered in the left atrium above the mitral valve annulus. The quill extended across the aortic root, impinging on the coronary artery below the level of the aortic valve. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first known report of porcupine quill migration through the heart.

Acquired Gerbode defect and third-degree atrioventricular block secondary to vehicular trauma in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of traumatically acquired left ventricular to right atrial communication (Gerbode defect), atrial septal defect (ASD), and third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) necessitating permanent pacemaker placement in a dog. CASE SUMMARY: A 1.5-year-old neutered male Newfoundland dog was struck by a car and was referred for further evaluation and treatment of hemoabdomen. Persistent third-degree AVB, a right-sided cardiac murmur and right-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) were identified, and echocardiographic examination revealed a type-A Gerbode defect and ASD. Pimobendan, furosemide, and enalapril therapies were initiated for treatment of CHF. Persistent AVB eventually necessitated permanent pacemaker implantation. Initial attempts at minimally invasive occlusion of the Gerbode defect were unsuccessful; however the dog continues to do well clinically on chronic cardiac medications. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: To our knowledge, an acquired Gerbode defect secondary to trauma with associated ASD, CHF, and third-degree AVB necessitating permanent pacemaker therapy have not yet been reported in the veterinary literature. The extended survival and follow-up available on this patient postpacemaker implantation also documents that longer term survival is possible with this defect.

Myocardial contusion and rib fracture repair in an adult horse.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings and management of myocardial injury secondary to blunt thoracic trauma and rib fracture in an adult horse. CASE SUMMARY: A 6-year-old Warmblood gelding presented for treatment of blunt thoracic trauma. Sonographic examination of the thorax revealed a complete, mildly comminuted fracture of the left 5th rib with a fragment overlying the left atrium and coronary artery, hemothorax, and subjective left ventricular dyskinesis. Evidence of myocardial injury included atrial fibrillation, ventricular ectopy, and increased plasma cardiac troponin I concentration. The rib fracture was repaired under general anesthesia using a wire and plate technique. The atrial fibrillation converted to normal sinus rhythm coincidentally with intraoperative local infusion of mepivicaine in administration of intercostal perineural analgesia. Continuous, resting, and exercising electrocardiograms, serial cardiac troponin I concentrations and echocardiograms were used to monitor the myocardial injury. The horse was discharged after 5 days of hospitalization. Reexaminations 3 and 15 months after the initial trauma showed healing of the fracture and no evidence of myocardial sequelae. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of the diagnosis and monitoring of myocardial injury secondary to blunt thoracic trauma, as well as surgical repair of a rib fracture in an adult horse. Rib fractures and myocardial trauma can be successfully managed in adult horses and myocardial injury should be considered in cases of thoracic trauma.

Estudo da pressão arterial pelo método indireto oscilométrico (petmap®) em cães domésticos não anestesiados / Study of blood pressure by the indirect oscillometric method (petmap®) in domestic unanesthetized dogs

O estudo das pressões arteriais sistólica, média, diastólica e da frequência cardíaca, pelo método indireto oscilométrico (petmap®), foi realizado em 150 cães atendidos pelo Serviço de Clínica Médica de Pequenos Animais da FMVZ - Unesp/Botucatu. Investigou-se a influência de fatores como presença do proprietário, estado de saúde, diagnóstico de doença renal, raça, idade, sexo, decúbito, contenção, fluidoterapia, condição corpórea, temperamento, atividade física, dieta e atitude associados ou não à elevação da pressão arterial. Dos 150 cães, 34% encontravam-se sob a categoria de risco mínimo para o desenvolvimento de lesões hipertensivas, 14,6% com hipertensão branda, 22,6% com hipertensão moderada e 28,66%, com hipertensão grave. Houve influência, dos fatores analisados, na elevação da pressão arterial de acordo com a categoria de risco.

The study of systolic, mean, diastolic and heart rate by the oscillometric indirect method (PetMapTM) was performed in 150 dogs attended by the Small Animal Service of Medicine of FMVZ - Unesp/Botucatu. The influence of factors such as presence of the owner, health status, diagnosis of kidney disease, race, age, sex, recumbency, containment, fluid, body condition, temperament, physical activity, diet and attitude associated or not with elevated blood pressure was investigated. Of the 150 dogs, 34% were under the category of minimal risk for the development of hypertensive lesions, 14.6% with mild hypertension, 22.6% with moderate hypertension and 28.66% with severe hypertension. The analyzed factors influenced the elevation of blood pressure according to risk category.

Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations in dogs with leishmaniasis: correlation with age and clinicopathologic abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: There is anecdotal evidence of myocardial injury in dogs with leishmaniasis due to generalized vasculitis and myocarditis. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate serum concentration of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) as an indicator of myocardial injury in dogs with leishmaniasis and to assess the relationship between cTnI concentration and age, serum antibody titer, and a variety of blood analytes. METHODS: In this retrospective study, serum cTnI concentration was measured in dogs with leishmaniasis and in age-matched healthy dogs. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs and moderate-to-high seropositivity for Leishmania as measured by ELISA. Correlations between cTnI concentration and ELISA seropositivity, PCV, concentrations of serum creatinine, total protein, albumin, and globulin, albumin:globulin ratio (A/G), and urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) were investigated. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare analytes between dogs with normal and increased (> 0.06 µg/L) cTnI concentration and to compare cTnI concentrations between dogs with and without anemia, azotemia, and proteinuria. RESULTS: In dogs with leishmaniasis (n = 40), median cTnI concentration was higher than in control dogs (n = 11) (P = .011). Sixteen dogs (40%) with leishmaniasis had increased cTnI concentration; cTnI was moderately to weakly correlated with decreased albumin concentration, decreased A/G, increased UPC, decreased PCV, positive Leishmania titer, and increased age. Dogs with leishmaniasis had significantly higher total protein and globulin concentrations and lower PCV, albumin concentration, and A/G than control dogs. Hematologic and biochemical analytes did not differ significantly between dogs with cTnI concentration within the reference interval and those with increased concentrations. Concentration of cTnI was higher in proteinuric dogs compared with nonproteinuric dogs (P = .017). CONCLUSION: A proportion of dogs with leishmaniasis have increased serum cTnI concentration, indicative of some degree of cardiac injury. Additional studies are needed to investigate the relationship between leishmaniasis and possible myocardial injury.

Pan-epicardial lineage tracing reveals that epicardium derived cells give rise to myofibroblasts and perivascular cells during zebrafish heart regeneration.

Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to a severe loss of cardiomyocytes, which in mammals are replaced by scar tissue. Epicardial derived cells (EPDCs) have been reported to differentiate into cardiomyocytes during development, and proposed to have cardiomyogenic potential in the adult heart. However, mouse MI models reveal little if any contribution of EPDCs to myocardium. In contrast to adult mammals, teleosts possess a high myocardial regenerative capacity. To test if this advantage relates to the properties of their epicardium, we studied the fate of EPDCs in cryoinjured zebrafish hearts. To avoid the limitations of genetic labelling, which might trace only a subpopulation of EPDCs, we used cell transplantation to track all EPDCs during regeneration. EPDCs migrated to the injured myocardium, where they differentiated into myofibroblasts and perivascular fibroblasts. However, we did not detect any differentiation of EPDCs nor any other non-cardiomyocyte population into cardiomyocytes, even in a context of impaired cardiomyocyte proliferation. Our results support a model in which the epicardium promotes myocardial regeneration by forming a cellular scaffold, and suggests that it might induce cardiomyocyte proliferation and contribute to neoangiogenesis in a paracrine manner.

Traumatic myocardial laceration as a result of suspected cranial migration of a sewing needle from the stomach of a dog.

This report describes a myocardial transdiaphragmatic foreign body as a consequence of a suspected cranial migration of a sewing needle from the stomach of a dog. Surgical removal of myocardial transdiaphragmatic foreign bodies may be associated with significant haemorrhage that requires immediate surgical action, so direct visualisation of the retrieval of a myocardial foreign body is mandatory. A combination of caudal midline sternotomy and cranial coeliotomy approach with diaphragmatic split allowed good visualisation and management of the haemorrhage associated with the foreign body removal in this case.

Effective and safe anesthesia for Yorkshire and Yucatan swine with and without cardiovascular injury and intervention.

The goal of this study was to identify an injectable anesthetic protocol that provides sedation sufficient for peripheral vascular catheterization, intubation, and transport while minimizing cardiovascular changes in Yorkshire and Yucatan pigs with and without cardiovascular injury and intervention (CI). Phase 1 examined the safety and efficacy of acepromazine-ketamine, diazepam-ketamine, midazolam-ketamine, and medetomidine-ketamine in 5 healthy Yorkshire pigs. For each drug combination, we obtained multiple measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, sedation score, ability to catheterize and intubate, and recovery score. Phase 2 evaluated and refined the dose of the most effective Phase 1 anesthetic combination (midazolam-ketamine) in healthy and CI Yorkshire pigs (n = 53 trials). Phase 3 mirrored Phase 2 but tested midazolam-ketamine in healthy and CI Yucatan pigs (n = 34 trials). Midazolam (0.5 mg/kg)-ketamine (25 to 27 mg/kg) was the most effective anesthetic combination in healthy Yorkshire pigs, but this dose was less effective in healthy Yucatan pigs and CI Yorkshire and Yucatan pigs. Midazolam-ketamine resulted in tachycardia and apnea more frequently in CI pigs than healthy pigs. This combination also caused vomiting in one CI Yucatan pig. Overall, midazolam-ketamine provided safe and effective sedation for catheterization and intubation of both healthy and CI pigs. This study suggests Yucatan pigs may require a higher dose midazolam-ketamine to achieve the same level of sedation as that in Yorkshire pigs. Although anesthetic complication rates were higher in CI pigs, our results indicate that midazolam-ketamine can be safely used for sedation of both pig breeds with and without CI.