Pharmacokinetic study of oral amitriptyline in horses.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of oral amitriptyline in horses. Oral amitriptyline (1 mg/kg) was administered to six horses. Blood samples were collected from jugular and lateral thoracic vein at predetermined times from 0 to 24 hr after administration. Plasma concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed using noncompartmental methods. Pharmacodynamic parameters including heart rate, respiration rate, and intestinal motility were evaluated, and electrocardiographic examinations were performed in all subjects. The mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) of amitriptyline was 30.7 ng/ml, time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax ) 1-2 hr, elimination half-life (t1/2 ) 17.2 hr, area under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) 487.4 ng ml-1  hr-1 , apparent clearance (Cl/F) 2.6 L hr-1  kg-1 , and apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) 60.1 L/kg. Jugular vein sampling overestimated the amount of amitriptyline absorbed and should not be used to study uptake following oral administration. Heart rate and intestinal motility showed significant variation (p < .05). Electrocardiography did not provide conclusive results. Further studies are required to discern if multiple dose treatment would take the drug to steady state as expected, consequently increasing plasma concentrations.

Sedative and antinociceptive effects of different combinations of detomidine and methadone in standing horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intravenous (IV) detomidine with methadone in horses to identify a combination which provides sedation and antinociception without adverse effects. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded, crossover. ANIMALS: A group of eight adult healthy horses aged (mean ± standard deviation) 7 ± 2 years and 372 ± 27 kg. METHODS: A total of six treatments were administered IV: saline (SAL); detomidine (5 µg kg-1; DET); methadone (0.2 mg kg-1; MET) alone or combined with detomidine [2.5 (MLD), 5 (MMD) or 10 (MHD) µg kg-1]. Thermal, mechanical and electrical nociceptive thresholds were measured, and sedation, head height above ground (HHAG), cardiopulmonary variables and intestinal motility were evaluated at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120 and 180 minutes. Normal data were analyzed by mixed-model analysis of variance and non-normal by Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Nociceptive thresholds in horses administered methadone with the higher doses of detomidine (MMD, MHD) were increased above baseline to a greater degree and for longer duration (MMD: 15-30 minutes, MHD: 30-60 minutes) than in horses administered low dose with methadone or detomidine alone (MLD, DET: 5-15 minutes). No increases in nociceptive thresholds were recorded in SAL or MET. Compared with baseline, HHAG was lower for 30 minutes in MMD and DET, and for 45 minutes in MHD. No significant sedation was observed in SAL, MET or MLD. Intestinal motility was reduced for 75 minutes in MHD and for 30 minutes in all other treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Methadone (0.2 mg kg-1) potentiated the antinociception produced by detomidine (5 µg kg-1), with minimal sedative effects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Detomidine (5 µg kg-1) with methadone (0.2 mg kg-1) produced antinociception without the adverse effects of higher doses of detomidine.

Ovariohysterectomy requires more post-operative analgesia than orchiectomy in dogs and cats.

The requirement for post-operative analgesia after ovariohysterectomy (OH) versus orchiectomy in dogs and cats was compared. Twelve male and 12 female cats and 12 male and 12 female dogs received meloxicam, 0.1 mg/kg body weight, PO, 2 h before surgery. Eleven female cats and 3 female dogs received rescue analgesia (P = 0.002). No male of either species required rescue analgesia. The number of cats receiving rescue analgesia was greater in females than in males (P < 0.0001). One should not rely solely on preoperative short-acting opioid and preemptive use of NSAIDs to control postoperative pain following OH, in dogs or cats. Postoperative pain after OH should be assessed for at least 2 h for cats and 4 h for dogs, using species-specific validated tools, to ensure proper postoperative pain diagnosis and management. Male dogs and cats subjected to orchiectomy required less postoperative analgesia intervention than female dogs and cats submitted to OH.

L'ovariohystérectomie nécessite d'avantage d'antalgiques post-opératoires que l'orchiectomie chez les chiens et les chats. Dans cette étude, nous avons comparé le besoin en antalgiques post-opératoires après l'OH versus l'orchiectomie chez les chiens et les chats. Douze mâles et 12 femelles, chats et chiens, ont reçu 0,1 mg/kg de Méloxicam par voie orale, 2h avant chirurgie. Onze chattes et trois chiennes ont eu besoin d'antalgiques de secours (P = 0,002). Aucun mâle de l'une ou l'autre espèce n'en a eu besoin. Chez les chats, les besoins en antalgiques de secours étaient plus élevés chez les femelles que les mâles (P < 0,0001). Il est donc primordial de ne pas se fier uniquement aux opioïdes à action courte préopératoire, et à l'utilisation préventive des AINS, pour contrôler la douleur post-opératoire après OH, tant chez le chien que chez le chat. L'évaluation de la douleur post-opératoire après l'OH devrait être suivie pendant au moins 2 heures pour les chats, et 4 heures pour les chiens, en utilisant des outils validés et spécifiques pour chaque espèce, afin d'assurer un diagnostic et une prise en charge post-opératoire appropriés à la douleur. Chez les chiens et les chats, les mâles soumis à l'orchiectomie ont nécessité moins d'intervention d'antalgiques post-opératoires que les femelles soumissent à l'OH.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Mechanical nociceptive thresholds using four probe configurations in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between probe tip size and force readings of mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MTs) to identify appropriate probes for horses. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, crossover study. ANIMALS: Eight adult, mixed-breed horses aged 5-10 years, weighing 268-460 kg. METHODS: Four probe configurations (PCs) were used in random sequence: 1.0 mm diameter (SHARP); 3.2 mm (BLUNT); spring-mounted 1.0 mm (SPRING), and 3 × 2.5 mm (3PIN). A remote-controlled unit on the horse increased force (1.2 N second(-1)) in a pneumatic actuator on the metacarpus. Mean MT for each PC was calculated from 10 readings for each horse. Data were log-transformed for analysis using mixed-effects anova/linear regression (p < 0.05). Variability of data for each PC was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation MTs were: SHARP, 5.6 ± 2.3 N; BLUNT, 11.4 ± 3.4 N; 3PIN, 9.6 ± 4.6 N, and SPRING 6.4 ± 1.8 N. Mean MT for SHARP was significantly lower than for BLUNT (p < 0.001) and 3PIN (p < 0.001), but not different from SPRING (p > 0.05). Mean MT was significantly higher for BLUNT than for 3PIN (p < 0.05) and SPRING (p < 0.001). Mean MT for 3PIN was significantly higher than for SPRING (p < 0.001). Larger contact area PCs produced higher MTs than smaller PCs, but the relationship was not linear. BLUNT (area: 10-fold greater) gave a MT two-fold higher than SHARP. 3PIN (area: 20-fold greater) produced more variable MTs, less than two-fold higher than SHARP. SPRING was similar to SHARP. CVs were: SHARP, 22.9%; BLUNT, 72.3%; 3PIN, 44.2%, and SPRING, 28.7%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The PC has nonlinear effects on MT. Therefore, it is important to define PC when measuring MT. Smaller probe tips may be preferable as MT data are less variable.

Multilingual validation of the short form of the Unesp-Botucatu Feline Pain Scale (UFEPS-SF).

Background: Pain is the leading cause of animal suffering, hence the importance of validated tools to ensure its appropriate evaluation and treatment. We aimed to test the psychometric properties of the short form of the Unesp-Botucatu Feline Pain Scale (UFEPS-SF) in eight languages. Methods: The original scale was condensed from ten to four items. The content validation was performed by five specialists in veterinary anesthesia and analgesia. The English version of the scale was translated and back-translated into Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish by fluent English and native speaker translators. Videos of the perioperative period of 30 cats submitted to ovariohysterectomy (preoperative, after surgery, after rescue analgesia and 24 h after surgery) were randomly evaluated twice (one-month interval) by one evaluator for each language unaware of the pain condition. After watching each video, the evaluators scored the unidimensional, UFEPS-SF and Glasgow composite multidimensional feline pain scales. Statistical analyses were carried out using R software for intra and interobserver reliability, principal component analysis, criteria concurrent and predictive validities, construct validity, item-total correlation, internal consistency, specificity, sensitivity, the definition of the intervention score for rescue analgesia and diagnostic uncertainty zone, according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: UFEPS-SF intra- and inter-observer reliability were ≥0.92 and 0.84, respectively, for all observers. According to the principal component analysis, UFEPS-SF is a unidimensional scale. Concurrent criterion validity was confirmed by the high correlation between UFEPS-SF and all other scales (≥0.9). The total score and all items of UFEPS-SF increased after surgery (pain), decreased to baseline after analgesia and were intermediate at 24 h after surgery (moderate pain), confirming responsiveness and construct validity. Item total correlation of each item (0.68-0.83) confirmed that the items contributed homogeneously to the total score. Internal consistency was excellent (≥0.9) for all items. Both specificity (baseline) and sensitivity (after surgery) based on the Youden index was 99% (97-100%). The suggestive cut-off score for the administration of analgesia according to the ROC curve was ≥4 out of 12. The diagnostic uncertainty zone ranged from 3 to 4. The area under the curve of 0.99 indicated excellent discriminatory capacity of UFEPS-SF. Conclusions: The UFEPS-SF and its items, assessed by experienced evaluators, demonstrated very good repeatability and reproducibility, content, criterion and construct validities, item-total correlation, internal consistency, excellent sensitivity and specificity and a cut-off point indicating the need for rescue analgesia in Chinese, French, English, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.

Inquérito sobre o uso de animais não humanos em pesquisas no Instituto de Ciências Biológicas – UNESP – Botucatu - SP / Survey regarding the use of animals in research at UNESP Biosciences Institute, Botucatu - SP / Encuesta sobre el uso de animales no humanos en investigaciones en el Instituto de Biociencias de La Unesp, Botucatu - SP

A necessidade do uso de animais de laboratório para pesquisa científica na área biológica é um paradigma atual. Este trabalho objetivou, por meio de questionário, verificar as concepções de pesquisadores, a prática e as condições do uso de animais não humanos em experimentação científica na área de Ciências Biológicas, do Instituto de Biociências (IB), da Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), campus de Botucatu-SP. De 39 pesquisadores, 28% usavam animais em pesquisa, com predomínio de roedores e peixes. O uso de animais em pesquisa foi considerado altamente necessário ou necessário para 79% dos pesquisadores, incluindo os que não usam animais para tal propósito, com predomínio dos pesquisadores com mais de 20 anos de carreira. Dos pesquisadores que usam animais, 73% não acreditavam na viabilidade de métodos substitutivos em suas linhas de pesquisa. Dentre os professores que abandonaram as práticas experimentais com animais, 83% o fizeram por mudança da linha de pesquisa e não por razões éticas ou financeiras. Alguns métodos de eliminação (“eutanásia”) estavam em desacordo com a legislação vigente. Em 73% dos ambientes havia controle de temperatura e luminosidade, no entanto, em 65% não havia enriquecimento ambiental. A maioria dos pesquisadores, principalmente os mais antigos, ainda considera o modelo animal necessário para testar as hipóteses científicas. Conclui-se que o incentivo a aplicação de técnicas substitutivas é necessário, por meio de ações de conscientização e validação de métodos substitutivos, para que os pesquisadores se familiarizem com essa nova perspectiva. Com relação aos animais, faz-se necessária a adequação dos métodos de eliminação de acordo com a legislação vigente, o uso de analgésicos em todas as intervenções invasivas e a inserção de enriquecimento ambiental para melhoria do bem-estar dos animais.

The use of animals for scientific purposes in the biological area is a current paradigm. This study aimed, by using a questionnaire, to investigate the opinions of researchers and the practice and conditions of use of animals in scientific experimentation in the area of Biological Sciences, of the Institute of Biosciences (IB), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho "(UNESP), campus of Botucatu. Of 39 researchers, 28% used animals in research, with a predominance of rodents and fish. The use of animals in research was considered highly necessary or necessary for 79% of researchers, including those who did not use animals for this purpose, with a predominance of researchers with more than 20 years career. From those who use animals, 73% did not believe in the viability of replacement methods in their research areas. Among the researchers who did not use animals any more, 83% did so by changing the area of research and not for ethical or financial reasons. Some elimination methods ("euthanasia") are in violation of current legislation, 73% of the environments had temperature and light control and there was no environmental enrichment in 65% of environments. The vast majority of researchers and mainly the olders, still consider the animal model as necessary to test scientific hypotheses. The conclusion was that the use of substitutive methods should be encouraged, by validation of substitute methods, so that researchers may become familiar with this new perspective. From the animal point of view it is necessary to follow the current legislation regarding “euthanasia”, the use of painkillers during all invasive interventions and inclusion of environmental enrichment for improving the welfare of animals.

La necesidad del uso de animales de laboratorio para investigación científica en el área biológica es un paradigma actual. Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo, mediante uso de cuestionario, verificar las concepciones de investigadores, la práctica y las condiciones del uso de animales no humanos en experimentación científica en el área de Ciencias Biológicas, del Instituto de Biociencias (IB), de la Universidad Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), campus de Botucatu-SP. De 39 investigadores, 28% usaban animales en investigación, con predominio de roedores y peces. El uso de animales en investigación fue considerado altamente necesario o necesario por 79% de los investigadores, incluyendo los que no usan animales para tal propósito, con predominio de los investigadores con más de 20 años de carrera. De los investigadores que usan animales, 73% no creían en la viabilidad de los métodos substitutivos en sus líneas de investigación. Entre los profesores que abandonaran las prácticas experimentales con animales, 83% lo hicieron por cambios en la línea de investigación, y no por razones éticas o financieras. Algunos métodos de eliminación (“eutanasia”) están en descuerdo con la legislación vigente, en el 73% de los ambientes había control de temperatura y luminosidad y no había enriquecimiento ambiental en el 65% de los ambientes. La gran mayoría de los investigadores y aún más claramente los más antiguos, todavía considera el modelo animal como necesario para probar las hipótesis científicas. Se concluye que se debe incentivar la aplicación de técnicas substitutivas, por medio de acciones de concientización y validación de métodos substitutivos, para que los investigadores se familiaricen con esta nueva perspectiva. Del punto de vista de los animales se hace necesaria una adecuación de los métodos de eliminación de los animales de acuerdo con la legislación vigente, el uso de analgésicos en todas las intervenciones invasivas [...]

Inquérito sobre o uso de animais não humanos em pesquisas no Instituto de Ciências Biológicas UNESP Botucatu - SP / Survey regarding the use of animals in research at UNESP Biosciences Institute, Botucatu - SP / Encuesta sobre el uso de animales no humanos en investigaciones en el Instituto de Biociencias de La Unesp, Botucatu - SP

A necessidade do uso de animais de laboratório para pesquisa científica na área biológica é um paradigma atual. Este trabalho objetivou, por meio de questionário, verificar as concepções de pesquisadores, a prática e as condições do uso de animais não humanos em experimentação científica na área de Ciências Biológicas, do Instituto de Biociências (IB), da Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), campus de Botucatu-SP. De 39 pesquisadores, 28% usavam animais em pesquisa, com predomínio de roedores e peixes. O uso de animais em pesquisa foi considerado altamente necessário ou necessário para 79% dos pesquisadores, incluindo os que não usam animais para tal propósito, com predomínio dos pesquisadores com mais de 20 anos de carreira. Dos pesquisadores que usam animais, 73% não acreditavam na viabilidade de métodos substitutivos em suas linhas de pesquisa. Dentre os professores que abandonaram as práticas experimentais com animais, 83% o fizeram por mudança da linha de pesquisa e não por razões éticas ou financeiras. Alguns métodos de eliminação (“eutanásia”) estavam em desacordo com a legislação vigente. Em 73% dos ambientes havia controle de temperatura e luminosidade, no entanto, em 65% não havia enriquecimento ambiental. A maioria dos pesquisadores, principalmente os mais antigos, ainda considera o modelo animal necessário para testar as hipóteses científicas. Conclui-se que o incentivo a aplicação de técnicas substitutivas é necessário, por meio de ações de conscientização e validação de métodos substitutivos, para que os pesquisadores se familiarizem com essa nova perspectiva. Com relação aos animais, faz-se necessária a adequação dos métodos de eliminação de acordo com a legislação vigente, o uso de analgésicos em todas as intervenções invasivas e a inserção de enriquecimento ambiental para melhoria do bem-estar dos animais.(AU)

The use of animals for scientific purposes in the biological area is a current paradigm. This study aimed, by using a questionnaire, to investigate the opinions of researchers and the practice and conditions of use of animals in scientific experimentation in the area of Biological Sciences, of the Institute of Biosciences (IB), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho "(UNESP), campus of Botucatu. Of 39 researchers, 28% used animals in research, with a predominance of rodents and fish. The use of animals in research was considered highly necessary or necessary for 79% of researchers, including those who did not use animals for this purpose, with a predominance of researchers with more than 20 years career. From those who use animals, 73% did not believe in the viability of replacement methods in their research areas. Among the researchers who did not use animals any more, 83% did so by changing the area of research and not for ethical or financial reasons. Some elimination methods ("euthanasia") are in violation of current legislation, 73% of the environments had temperature and light control and there was no environmental enrichment in 65% of environments. The vast majority of researchers and mainly the olders, still consider the animal model as necessary to test scientific hypotheses. The conclusion was that the use of substitutive methods should be encouraged, by validation of substitute methods, so that researchers may become familiar with this new perspective. From the animal point of view it is necessary to follow the current legislation regarding “euthanasia”, the use of painkillers during all invasive interventions and inclusion of environmental enrichment for improving the welfare of animals.(AU)

La necesidad del uso de animales de laboratorio para investigación científica en el área biológica es un paradigma actual. Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo, mediante uso de cuestionario, verificar las concepciones de investigadores, la práctica y las condiciones del uso de animales no humanos en experimentación científica en el área de Ciencias Biológicas, del Instituto de Biociencias (IB), de la Universidad Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), campus de Botucatu-SP. De 39 investigadores, 28% usaban animales en investigación, con predominio de roedores y peces. El uso de animales en investigación fue considerado altamente necesario o necesario por 79% de los investigadores, incluyendo los que no usan animales para tal propósito, con predominio de los investigadores con más de 20 años de carrera. De los investigadores que usan animales, 73% no creían en la viabilidad de los métodos substitutivos en sus líneas de investigación. Entre los profesores que abandonaran las prácticas experimentales con animales, 83% lo hicieron por cambios en la línea de investigación, y no por razones éticas o financieras. Algunos métodos de eliminación (“eutanasia”) están en descuerdo con la legislación vigente, en el 73% de los ambientes había control de temperatura y luminosidad y no había enriquecimiento ambiental en el 65% de los ambientes. La gran mayoría de los investigadores y aún más claramente los más antiguos, todavía considera el modelo animal como necesario para probar las hipótesis científicas. Se concluye que se debe incentivar la aplicación de técnicas substitutivas, por medio de acciones de concientización y validación de métodos substitutivos, para que los investigadores se familiaricen con esta nueva perspectiva. Del punto de vista de los animales se hace necesaria una adecuación de los métodos de eliminación de los animales de acuerdo con la legislación vigente, el uso de analgésicos en todas las intervenciones invasivas [...](AU)

Effect Of Local Anesthesia On Weight Gain Of Pre-Weaning Piglets Submitted To Castration / Efeito Da Anestesia Local No Ganho De Peso Do Nascimento À Desmama Em Leitões Submetidos A Orquiectomia / Efecto De La Anestesia Local En La Ganancia De Peso Del Nacimiento Hasta El Desmame De Lechones Sometidos A Orquiectomia

The policies of welfare on animal production have been expanded to improve the animal needs and match the demands of the consumer market. Castration represents a questionable welfare factor related to pig production. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the use of local anesthesia before castration on productive performance in pre-weaning piglets, assessed by weight gain. Animals were divided into two treatments: 1) castration without local anesthesia (SURG; n = 52) and 2) castration after intra-testicular local anesthesia (SURG+LA; n = 52) when animals were three to seven days old. Piglets were weighed before (W0) and at seven (W1) and 14 days (W2) after orchiectomy, when they were weaned. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test to investigate differences between groups. There were no differences in Weight (W2) and weight gain at weaning between SURG+LA animals compared to SURG animals (3.57 ± 0.60 kg and 3.74 ± 0.71 kg, respectively; p = 0.17). According to the experimental conditions of this study, local anesthesia before castration of piglets does not affect weight gain at weaning, warranting further investigation following the effect of local anesthesia prior to castration until the slaughtering phase.(AU)

As políticas de bem-estar animal se expandiram para garantir as necessidades dos animais frente à demanda do mercado consumidor. A castração é questionável do ponto de vista de bem-estar na produção animal. Este estudo objetivou investigar o efeito da anestesia local antes da orquiectomia na desempenho produtivo de leitões até o desmame, por meio da avaliação do ganho de peso. Os animais entre três e sete dias de idade foram divididos em dois tratamentos: orquiectomia sem anesthesia local (SURG; n = 52) e com anestesia intratesticular (SURG+LA; n = 52). Os animais foram pesados antes (W0), aos sete (W1) e 14 dias (W2) após a orquiectomia, com a última pesagem concomitante à desmama. A análise estatística foi realizada pela análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida do teste de Student-Newman-Keuls para avaliar as diferenças entre os grupos. Não houve diferenças no peso ou ganho de peso (3.57 ± 0.60 kg e 3,74 ± 0.71 kg, respectivamente; p = 0.17) à desmama. O uso de anestesia local não foi importante para o ganho de peso dos animais castrados nas condições experimentais propostas, contudo, considerando-se que o período de teste foi relativamente curto o estudo necessita de uma avaliação que alcance as demais fases do ciclo de produção.(AU)

Las políticas de bienestar animal se expandieron para garantizar las necesidades de los animales frente a la demanda del mercado consumidor. La castración es cuestionable desde el punto de vista de bienestar animal en la producción animal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto de la anestesia local antes de la orquiectomia en la performance de lechones previo al desmame, mediante evaluación de la ganancia de peso. Los animales con edad entre tres y siete días fueron divididos en dos tratamientos: orquiectomia sin anestesia local (SURG; n = 52) y con anestesia intratesticular (SURG+LA; n = 52). Los animales fueron pesados antes (W0), a los siete (W1) y 14 días (W2) luego de la orquiectomia, siendo el último pesaje concomitante al desmame. El análisis estadístico fue realizado a través de análisis de variancia (ANOVA) seguida por test de Student-Newman-Keuls para evaluar las diferencias entre los grupos. No fueron encontradas diferencias entre el peso o ganancia de peso (3.57 ± 0.60 kg y 3,74 ± 0.71 kg, respectivamente; p = 0.17) al momento del desmame. El uso de la anestesia local no fue importante para la ganancia de peso de los animales castrados en las condiciones experimentales propuestas, sin embargo considerándose que el período experimental fue relativamente corto el estudio necesita una evaluación que alcance otras etapas del ciclo productivo.(AU)

Effect Of Local Anesthesia On Weight Gain Of Pre-Weaning Piglets Submitted To Castration / Efeito Da Anestesia Local No Ganho De Peso Do Nascimento À Desmama Em Leitões Submetidos A Orquiectomia / Efecto De La Anestesia Local En La Ganancia De Peso Del Nacimiento Hasta El Desmame De Lechones Sometidos A Orquiectomia

The policies of welfare on animal production have been expanded to improve the animal needs and match the demands of the consumer market. Castration represents a questionable welfare factor related to pig production. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the use of local anesthesia before castration on productive performance in pre-weaning piglets, assessed by weight gain. Animals were divided into two treatments: 1) castration without local anesthesia (SURG; n = 52) and 2) castration after intra-testicular local anesthesia (SURG+LA; n = 52) when animals were three to seven days old. Piglets were weighed before (W0) and at seven (W1) and 14 days (W2) after orchiectomy, when they were weaned. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test to investigate differences between groups. There were no differences in Weight (W2) and weight gain at weaning between SURG+LA animals compared to SURG animals (3.57 ± 0.60 kg and 3.74 ± 0.71 kg, respectively; p = 0.17). According to the experimental conditions of this study, local anesthesia before castration of piglets does not affect weight gain at weaning, warranting further investigation following the effect of local anesthesia prior to castration until the slaughtering phase.

As políticas de bem-estar animal se expandiram para garantir as necessidades dos animais frente à demanda do mercado consumidor. A castração é questionável do ponto de vista de bem-estar na produção animal. Este estudo objetivou investigar o efeito da anestesia local antes da orquiectomia na desempenho produtivo de leitões até o desmame, por meio da avaliação do ganho de peso. Os animais entre três e sete dias de idade foram divididos em dois tratamentos: orquiectomia sem anesthesia local (SURG; n = 52) e com anestesia intratesticular (SURG+LA; n = 52). Os animais foram pesados antes (W0), aos sete (W1) e 14 dias (W2) após a orquiectomia, com a última pesagem concomitante à desmama. A análise estatística foi realizada pela análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida do teste de Student-Newman-Keuls para avaliar as diferenças entre os grupos. Não houve diferenças no peso ou ganho de peso (3.57 ± 0.60 kg e 3,74 ± 0.71 kg, respectivamente; p = 0.17) à desmama. O uso de anestesia local não foi importante para o ganho de peso dos animais castrados nas condições experimentais propostas, contudo, considerando-se que o período de teste foi relativamente curto o estudo necessita de uma avaliação que alcance as demais fases do ciclo de produção.

Las políticas de bienestar animal se expandieron para garantizar las necesidades de los animales frente a la demanda del mercado consumidor. La castración es cuestionable desde el punto de vista de bienestar animal en la producción animal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto de la anestesia local antes de la orquiectomia en la performance de lechones previo al desmame, mediante evaluación de la ganancia de peso. Los animales con edad entre tres y siete días fueron divididos en dos tratamientos: orquiectomia sin anestesia local (SURG; n = 52) y con anestesia intratesticular (SURG+LA; n = 52). Los animales fueron pesados antes (W0), a los siete (W1) y 14 días (W2) luego de la orquiectomia, siendo el último pesaje concomitante al desmame. El análisis estadístico fue realizado a través de análisis de variancia (ANOVA) seguida por test de Student-Newman-Keuls para evaluar las diferencias entre los grupos. No fueron encontradas diferencias entre el peso o ganancia de peso (3.57 ± 0.60 kg y 3,74 ± 0.71 kg, respectivamente; p = 0.17) al momento del desmame. El uso de la anestesia local no fue importante para la ganancia de peso de los animales castrados en las condiciones experimentales propuestas, sin embargo considerándose que el período experimental fue relativamente corto el estudio necesita una evaluación que alcance otras etapas del ciclo productivo.

Aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais em ovinos submetidos a dietas com níveis elevados de enxofre com objetivo de indução de polioencefalomalácia / Clinical and laboratory aspects of sheep supplemented with high levels of sulfur in diet to induce polioencephalomalacia

A polioencefalomalacia (PEM) é uma doença neurológica que acomete ruminantes e pode ser desencadeada por diversos fatores, dentre eles o consumo excessivo de enxofre. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a relação entre dietas ricas em enxofre, altos níveis de gás sulfídrico ruminal e a ocorrência de polioencefalomalácia em ovinos. Foram utilizados 18 ovinos, divididos em três grupos (G1, G2 e G3) que receberam diferentes níveis de enxofre na dieta; 0,2%, 0,9% e 1,2%, respectivamente. Exames físicos (frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, temperatura retal e motricidade ruminal) e complementares (concentração de sulfeto de hidrogênio ruminal, hemogasometria venosa, pH do fluído ruminal, concentração de cobre sérico e hepático, tomografia computadorizada, necropsia e histopatologia) foram realizados. A temperatura retal, a hemogasometria venosa e o pH do fluido ruminal permaneceram dentro dos valores de referência para a espécie. A motricidade ruminal estava diminuída nos grupos G2 e G3 em comparação com o G1 (controle). Quanto maior a ingestão de enxofre, menores foram os níveis de cobre sérico e hepático. Valores elevados de sulfeto de hidrogênio ruminal foram detectados nos grupos G2 e G3. Nenhum animal apresentou sinais clínicos de PEM. Nos exames de tomografia computadorizada, necropsia e exame histopatológico do sistema nervoso central (SNC), não foram observadas alterações compatíveis com PEM. É provável que algum outro fator esteja associado ao excesso de enxofre na dieta para o desenvolvimento de PEM em ovinos.

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is a neuropathologic condition of ruminants that can be induced by a variety of factors including excessive sulfur intake. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between diets rich in sulfur, high levels of ruminal hydrogen sulfide and the occurrence of polioencephalomalacia in sheep. Eighteen sheep were divided into three groups (G1, G2, and G3) and supplemented with 0.2%, 0.9% and 1.2% sulfur in the diet respectively. Clinical evaluation (i.e. heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature and rumen motility) and laboratory exams (i.e. ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration, venous gas analysis, ruminal pH, serum and liver copper concentration, computed axial tomography, necropsy, and histopathological examination) were performed. Rectal temperature, venous gas and ruminal pH were within normal limits. Tachycardia and tachypnea were observed in sheep of the three groups. Rumen motility was decreased in animals of group G2 and G3 when compared with G1. The higher the sulfur intake, the lower was the serum and liver levels of copper. Increased ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration was detected in G2 and G3 sheep. None of the animals had clinical signs of PEM. Computed axial tomography, macroscopic and histopathological examination of the central nervous system showed no evidence of PEM. It is suggested that other factors are associated with excessive sulfur consumption for a PEM outbreak to occur in sheep.

Aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais em ovinos submetidos a dietas com níveis elevados de enxofre com objetivo de indução de polioencefalomalácia / Clinical and laboratory aspects of sheep supplemented with high levels of sulfur in diet to induce polioencephalomalacia

A polioencefalomalacia (PEM) é uma doença neurológica que acomete ruminantes e pode ser desencadeada por diversos fatores, dentre eles o consumo excessivo de enxofre. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a relação entre dietas ricas em enxofre, altos níveis de gás sulfídrico ruminal e a ocorrência de polioencefalomalácia em ovinos. Foram utilizados 18 ovinos, divididos em três grupos (G1, G2 e G3) que receberam diferentes níveis de enxofre na dieta; 0,2%, 0,9% e 1,2%, respectivamente. Exames físicos (frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, temperatura retal e motricidade ruminal) e complementares (concentração de sulfeto de hidrogênio ruminal, hemogasometria venosa, pH do fluído ruminal, concentração de cobre sérico e hepático, tomografia computadorizada, necropsia e histopatologia) foram realizados. A temperatura retal, a hemogasometria venosa e o pH do fluido ruminal permaneceram dentro dos valores de referência para a espécie. A motricidade ruminal estava diminuída nos grupos G2 e G3 em comparação com o G1 (controle). Quanto maior a ingestão de enxofre, menores foram os níveis de cobre sérico e hepático. Valores elevados de sulfeto de hidrogênio ruminal foram detectados nos grupos G2 e G3. Nenhum animal apresentou sinais clínicos de PEM. Nos exames de tomografia computadorizada, necropsia e exame histopatológico do sistema nervoso central (SNC), não foram observadas alterações compatíveis com PEM. É provável que algum outro fator esteja associado ao excesso de enxofre na dieta para o desenvolvimento de PEM em ovinos.(AU)

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is a neuropathologic condition of ruminants that can be induced by a variety of factors including excessive sulfur intake. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between diets rich in sulfur, high levels of ruminal hydrogen sulfide and the occurrence of polioencephalomalacia in sheep. Eighteen sheep were divided into three groups (G1, G2, and G3) and supplemented with 0.2%, 0.9% and 1.2% sulfur in the diet respectively. Clinical evaluation (i.e. heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature and rumen motility) and laboratory exams (i.e. ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration, venous gas analysis, ruminal pH, serum and liver copper concentration, computed axial tomography, necropsy, and histopathological examination) were performed. Rectal temperature, venous gas and ruminal pH were within normal limits. Tachycardia and tachypnea were observed in sheep of the three groups. Rumen motility was decreased in animals of group G2 and G3 when compared with G1. The higher the sulfur intake, the lower was the serum and liver levels of copper. Increased ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration was detected in G2 and G3 sheep. None of the animals had clinical signs of PEM. Computed axial tomography, macroscopic and histopathological examination of the central nervous system showed no evidence of PEM. It is suggested that other factors are associated with excessive sulfur consumption for a PEM outbreak to occur in sheep.(AU)

Intoxicação Iatrogênica de um felino por Cloridrato de Bupivacaína

O Cloridrato de Bupivacaína é um anestésico local do tipo amida de ação duradoura que, quando administrado em altas doses ou por vias inadequadas, pode acarretar efeitos tóxicos aos sistemas nervoso central (SNC) e cardiocirculatório. Este trabalho visa a relatar o quadro clínico desenvolvido por um felino, da raça siamesa, de 8 meses, do sexo feminino, intoxicado pela administração iatrogência de cloridrato de bupivacaína, trazido ao Hospital Veterinário Mundo Animal, apresentando quadro convulsivo, evoluindo para depressão do SNC e alterações cardiovasculares; bem como a terapia instituída no controle dos sinais apresentados. Foi instituída terapêutica de suporte, ventilação com oxigênio a 100%, controle das convulsões com o uso de benzodiazepínicos e controle do edema pulmonar e efusões pleurais e pericárdicas com o uso de furosemida. O paciente evoluiu positivamente, recebendo alta após 5 dias.

Effects of a convertible to-and-fro and circle anesthetic system on cardiopulmonary variables in isoflurane anesthetized horses

Six healthy adult horses two male and four female, mean body weight of 424 + 44.1kg, were anesthetized with xylazine, ketamine/diazepam and isoflurane for 60 minutes using a convertible to-and-fro and circle system. Variables analyzed were arterial blood pH, carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO 2) and oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), respiratory rate(RR), and blood pressure. The horses were allowed to breath spontaneously, and were positioned in right lateral recumbency. The arterial O2 values were significantly higher during isoflurane anesthesia when compared to the baseline values, and significantly lower after induction with ketamine/diazepam although arterial hypoxemia were not present. The arterial PCO2 values were significantly higher from baseline values during isoflurane anesthesia occurring arterial hypercapnia and mild respiratoryacidosis. The arterial pH changes paralleled the changes in PaCO 2. Respiratory rate values were significantly lower during isoflurane anesthesia when compared to baseline values. All values remained within accepted range for lateral recumbent spontaneously breathing anesthetized horses. There were no significant differences between the circle and the to-and-fro system, demonstrating that either system is safe to maintain isoflurane anesthesia in adult horses.

Utilização de células-tronco autólogas de medula óssea na regeneração do nervo tibial de coelhos mediante técnica de tubulização com prótese de silicone / Applyng of autologous stem cells from bone marrow in the regeneration of tibial nerve of rabbits using the tubulization technique with silicone tube

Neste estudo é apresentado um modelo experimental de defeito agudo em nervo periférico para avaliação da regeneração nervosa mediante técnica de tubulização associada à inoculação de células-tronco autólogas de medula óssea. Foram utilizados 12 coelhos Nova Zelândia albinos, submetidos à secção bilateral e ao afastamento de 5mm do nervo tibial e posterior reparo mediante utilização de câmara de silicone. Internamente à prótese de tubulização do nervo tibial esquerdo em todos os animais, foram inoculadas células-tronco autólogas de medula óssea, coletadas a partir do úmero. Como grupo controle (nervo tibial direito), mediante aplicação da mesma técnica de reparo, solução de NaCl 0,9 por cento foi administrada internamente à prótese. Após 30 dias de observação, os animais foram eutanasiados e foi realizada a avaliação histológica dos segmentos nervosos por meio das colorações de hematoxilina-eosina, luxol fast blue e azul de toluidina. Com os resultados, foi possível concluir que o transplante de células-tronco autólogas associado à técnica de tubulização apresenta vantagens no processo de regeneração nervosa periférica.

This study presents an experimental model of an acute deffect in a peripheral nerve to evaluate neural regeneration using a tubulization technique associated with the inoculation of autologous stem cells from bone marrow. A total of 12 New Zealand white rabbits underwent a bilateral dissection of the tibial nerve followed by repair with silicone tubulization. On the left tibial nerve of all animals, the tube was filled with autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells collected from the humerus. For control, using the same repair technique, the tubes were filled with a NaCl solution in the right tibial nerve. After 30 days of observation, the animals were euthanized and a histological evaluation of the collected nerve segments was performed by staining with hematoxylin-eosin, luxol fast blue, and toluidine blue. From the results it is possible to conclude that the transplanted autologous stem cells associated with the tubulization technique present an advantage in the peripheral nerve regeneration process.

Utilização de células-tronco autólogas de medula óssea na regeneração do nervo tibial de coelhos mediante técnica de tubulização com prótese de silicone

This study presents an experimental model of an acute deffect in a peripheral nerve to evaluate neural regeneration using a tubulization technique associated with the inoculation of autologous stem cells from bone marrow. A total of 12 New Zealand white rabbits underwent a bilateral dissection of the tibial nerve followed by repair with silicone tubulization. On the left tibial nerve of all animals, the tube was filled with autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells collected from the humerus. For control, using the same repair technique, the tubes were filled with a NaCl solution in the right tibial nerve. After 30 days of observation, the animals were euthanized and a histological evaluation of the collected nerve segments was performed by staining with hematoxylin-eosin, luxol fast blue, and toluidine blue. From the results it is possible to conclude that the transplanted autologous stem cells associated with the tubulization technique present an advantage in the peripheral nerve regeneration process.

Neste estudo é apresentado um modelo experimental de defeito agudo em nervo periférico para avaliação da regeneração nervosa mediante técnica de tubulização associada à inoculação de células-tronco autólogas de medula óssea. Foram utilizados 12 coelhos Nova Zelândia albinos, submetidos à secção bilateral e ao afastamento de 5mm do nervo tibial e posterior reparo mediante utilização de câmara de silicone. Internamente à prótese de tubulização do nervo tibial esquerdo em todos os animais, foram inoculadas células-tronco autólogas de medula óssea, coletadas a partir do úmero. Como grupo controle (nervo tibial direito), mediante aplicação da mesma técnica de reparo, solução de NaCl 0,9% foi administrada internamente à prótese. Após 30 dias de observação, os animais foram eutanasiados e foi realizada a avaliação histológica dos segmentos nervosos por meio das colorações de hematoxilina-eosina, luxol fast blue e azul de toluidina. Com os resultados, foi possível concluir que o transplante de células-tronco autólogas associado à técnica de tubulização apresenta vantagens no processo de regeneração nervosa periférica.

Utilização de células-tronco autólogas de medula óssea na regeneração do nervo tibial de coelhos mediante técnica de tubulização com prótese de silicone

This study presents an experimental model of an acute deffect in a peripheral nerve to evaluate neural regeneration using a tubulization technique associated with the inoculation of autologous stem cells from bone marrow. A total of 12 New Zealand white rabbits underwent a bilateral dissection of the tibial nerve followed by repair with silicone tubulization. On the left tibial nerve of all animals, the tube was filled with autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells collected from the humerus. For control, using the same repair technique, the tubes were filled with a NaCl solution in the right tibial nerve. After 30 days of observation, the animals were euthanized and a histological evaluation of the collected nerve segments was performed by staining with hematoxylin-eosin, luxol fast blue, and toluidine blue. From the results it is possible to conclude that the transplanted autologous stem cells associated with the tubulization technique present an advantage in the peripheral nerve regeneration process.

Neste estudo é apresentado um modelo experimental de defeito agudo em nervo periférico para avaliação da regeneração nervosa mediante técnica de tubulização associada à inoculação de células-tronco autólogas de medula óssea. Foram utilizados 12 coelhos Nova Zelândia albinos, submetidos à secção bilateral e ao afastamento de 5mm do nervo tibial e posterior reparo mediante utilização de câmara de silicone. Internamente à prótese de tubulização do nervo tibial esquerdo em todos os animais, foram inoculadas células-tronco autólogas de medula óssea, coletadas a partir do úmero. Como grupo controle (nervo tibial direito), mediante aplicação da mesma técnica de reparo, solução de NaCl 0,9% foi administrada internamente à prótese. Após 30 dias de observação, os animais foram eutanasiados e foi realizada a avaliação histológica dos segmentos nervosos por meio das colorações de hematoxilina-eosina, luxol fast blue e azul de toluidina. Com os resultados, foi possível concluir que o transplante de células-tronco autólogas associado à técnica de tubulização apresenta vantagens no processo de regeneração nervosa periférica.

First report on orally administered methadone to multi-drug resistance (MDR1) gene normal horses

Opioids are potent analgesics and are believed to be the best choice for moderate and severe nociceptive pain. Investigating all the possible administration route options for pain management in the different animal species is warranted in horses as systemic administration of these drugs in horses is difficult. In this study the authors describe for the first time in the literature the administration of methadone orally to MDR1 genotipically normal horses. Twelve adult healthy horses (6 females and 6 males) were studied. Horses randomly received one of the doses of methadone (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4mg/kg) per os, which was administered using a 60cc syringe containing 30ml of corn syrup The results showed all doses produced plasma levels compatible to analgesic plasma levels in human beings. The authors conclude that methadone is absorbed when orally administered in horses at doses of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg.kg -1. It does not produce excitement, sedation, nor undesirable side effects in healthy horses. Further studies are necessary in order to establish clinical guidelines for oral methadone as an alternative for pain management in the horse.

Antinociceptive effects of epidural tramadol administration in dogs as an anlagesic for experimental stifle surgery

Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic with m-opioid and monoaminergic agonist effect. Ten healthy adult dogs were studied (mean ± SEM body weight 17.3 ± 3.8 kg), premedicated with acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg, IM), induced with thiopental (10 mg/kg, IV) and maintained under anesthesia with halothane in oxygen. Twenty minutes after starting halothane anesthesia, tramadol (1.0 mg/kg in 0.22 ml/kg of sterile water) was administered epidurally at the lumbo-sacral space. Surgery began 15 minutes later. Pulse and respiratory rates, systolic, mean and diastolic arterial blood pressure, and pulse oximetry were measured before premedication (baseline), and at fixed intervals after anesthesia induction. Arterial pH, PaO2, PaCO2, HCO3 -, and SaO2 were measured at baseline, immediately before the epidural, and 60, 120, 240 and 360 minutes thereafter. Post-operative analgesia was evaluated for four hours using a scoring system. Statistically significant decrease in arterial blood pressure was observed following anesthetic induction. The PaCO2 increased significantly from baseline at 60 minutes after epidural tramadol. The remaining variables were not significantly different from baseline values. No variables were significantly different from values obtained immediately before tramadol administration. Intraoperative antinociception was considered adequate, with satisfactory post-operative ana

Effects of morphine or tramadol on thiopental anesthetic induction dosage and physiologic variables in halothane anesthetized dogs

Eight dogs were premedicated with tramadol (1.0 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], IM) and the other eight with morphine (1.0 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], IM) 20 minutes prior to anesthetic induction. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental and maintained with halothane in oxygen delivered in a Bain system, with spontaneous respiration. Degree of sedation and occurrence of emesis were evaluated after preanesthetic medication. Dose of thiopental necessary to allow tracheal intubation was recorded and compared between the two groups. Arterial blood gas analyses were done before premedication and at 60 minutes of anesthesia. Tramadol produced no visible sedation and no vomit, while morphine induced a moderate degree of sedation in all dogs and vomit in 62% of them. Dose requirement of thiopental was significantly higher in the dogs premedicated with tramadol. Dogs premedicated with morphine had significantly higher PaCO 2 and lower pH at 60 minutes of anesthesia. Tramadol is not a reliable sedative and do not induce vomit in healthy dogs. The requirement of subsequent anesthetics may not be significantly reduced as compared with morphine. Dogs premedicated with tramadol are likely to maintain better intraoperative respiratory function than when premedicated with morphine. Clinically, tramadol may be useful for premedication of dogs where vomit is undesirable.

Comparative evaluation of the effects of epidural morphine and 0.9% sodium chloride on cardiorespiratory function and anesthetic recovery in ponies

Epidural analgesia is an effective technique to treat acute and chronic pain as well as to provide preemptive, intraoperative, and postoperative analgesia. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of epidurally injected morphine and a control group that received 0.9% sodium chloride. Eighteen healthy male adult ponies were studied. Two groups of 9 were formed. Group M (morphine) received 0.1mg/kg morphine diluted up to 5ml in sterile water, injected at the first intercoccygeal intervertebral space. Group S (saline) received 5ml of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride. All animals received 1mg/kg xylazine IV for sedation, were induced with 5% guaifenesin at 55mg/kg and 5% thiopental sodium at 4mg/kg IV, and maintained with halothane. Orthopedic surgeries on the thoracic limb (desmotomy) and on the pelvic limb (total ostectomy of the metatarsal II bone) were performed. After anesthesia induction, heart rate, respiratory rate, and arterial blood pressure recorded at 15 minutes intervals, for 90 minutes. Recovery times were recorded beginning when the administration of halothane was interrupted. Recovery quality was graded and compared between groups. Data was analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Bonferronis test, and ANOVA on ranks. Results demonstrated that recovery time was significantly shorter for the saline group, although the recovery quality was better for the morphine group. E