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

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

Do thyroid ultrasonographic features change according to age in euthyroid dogs?

The thyroid gland was assessed by ultrasound in healthy euthyroid mixed-breed medium size dogs in different age groups. The objective was to verify ultrasonographic imaging patterns in these groups, as well as to identify possible changes in imaging features resulting from ageing. Thirty dogs - 10 young (<1 year), 10 adult and 10 elderly - without clinical signs or history of thyroid gland disease with complete blood count and thyroid function tests within the reference values were evaluated. Each thyroid lobe was examined by ultrasound for shape, size, echogenicity and echotexture. The analysis of echogenicity and echotexture was made by histogram. Thyroid volume was estimated by the equation for ellipsoid (length × width × height) π/6. The thyroid volume of the young dogs in this study had a tendency to be higher than in adult dogs (P = 0.068) and older dogs (P = 0.120). The height of the thyroid lobe in the longitudinal plane was significantly higher (P = 0.026) in young dogs compared with the other dogs. The echotexture and echogenicity had no significant differences between groups, but the echogenicity was greater in older dogs. The results point out that ultrasound imaging of the thyroid volume is influenced by age in euthyroid dogs.

Sonographic abnormalities in augmented bladder using porcine intestinal submucosa (SIS) / Anormalidades ultrassonográficas em bexigas submetidas à cistoplastia utilizando submucosa intestinal suína (SIS)

Among the different materials for bladder augmentation, porcine intestinal submucosa (SIS) is the most widely investigated and stands out for its ability as a cell scaffold. In this context, the ultrasound examination allows the detection of changes from the surgical procedure, enabling the early verification of potential complications and evaluation of patient outcomes. The aim of this paper is to describe the main sonographic findings in dogs submitted to cystoplasty using acellular SIS and seeded with homologous smooth muscle cells at 30 (M30) and 60 (M60) days postoperatively. Sonographic changes included irregularities and thickening of bladder wall especially at M30. Additionally, were visualized urinary sediment and uroliths in animals submitted to acellular SIS cistoplasty. Abdominal ultrasonography was useful in the postoperative evaluation of animals undergoing cystoplasty with acellular or seeded SIS.(AU)

Entre os diferentes materiais utilizados para a reparação e o aumento da bexiga, a submucosa intestinal suína (SIS) é o mais amplamente investigado e se destaca por sua habilidade como um arcabouço celular. Nesse contexto, o exame ultrassonográfico possibilita a avaliação pós-operatória, bem como a detecção precoce de potenciais complicações. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever os principais achados ultrassonográficos em cães submetidos à cistoplastia utilizando a SIS acelular e semeada com células musculares lisas homólogas aos 30 (M30) e 60 (M60) dias de pós-operatório. As alterações ultrassonográficas pós-operatórias incluíram irregularidades e espessamento da parede da bexiga, especialmente aos M30. Além disso, foram visualizados sedimento urinário e urólitos em animais submetidos à cistoplastia utilizando a SIS acelular. A ecografia abdominal foi útil na avaliação pós-operatória dos animais submetidos à cistoplastia utilizando a SIS acelular e semeada com células musculares lisas homólogas.(AU)

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

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

Avaliação radiográfica de cães com displasia coxofemoral tratados pela sinfisiodese púbica / Radiographic evaluation in dogs with hip dysplasia treated by pubic symphysiodesis

Avaliou-se a progressão dos sinais radiográficos de cães com displasia coxofemoral ou potencialmente displásicos tratados pela técnica da sinfisiodese púbica. Foram utilizados 14 cães, seis machos e oito fêmeas, com idades entre quatro e seis meses. Após exame físico, procedeu-se ao exame radiográfico para avaliação da articulação coxofemoral, segundo padrão estabelecido pelo Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia Veterinária. Três deles foram também avaliados pelo método PennHIP. Pelo histórico clínico, nove (64 por cento) animais foram trazidos por manifestarem sinais de dificuldade locomotora com os membros pélvicos, manifestada especialmente por claudicação unilateral ou bilateral e dificuldade de se levantar. Cinco (36 por cento) cães não tinham qualquer sinal clínico, e em quatro (29 por cento) realizou-se o exame radiográfico como prevenção. O sinal físico mais evidente foi dor à palpação da articulação coxofemoral, e dois (14 por cento) cães apresentaram sinal de Ortolani positivo. Com exceção de um cão que apresentou infecção nos pontos cutâneos, todos os demais evoluíram sem complicações no período pós-operatório. Radiograficamente houve progressão das lesões articulares em seis (43 por cento) animais e oito (57 por cento) mantiveram a classificação inicial. Concluiu-se que cães tratados pela sinfisiodese púbica não apresentam melhora dos sinais radiográficos iniciais.

The radiographic findings in hip dysplastic or potentially hip dysplastic dogs treated by the pubic symphysiodesis were evaluated using 14 dogs - six males and eight females -, aging from four to six-month-old. After physical examination, the hip joint was evaluated by radiographic examination according to pattern established by the Colegio Brasileiro de Radiologia Veterinária. In addition, three dogs were evaluated by PennHIP method. According to medical history, nine (64 percent) dogs were admitted due to signs of locomotor difficulty in pelvic limbs, especially characterized by uni or bilateral lameness and stiffness on rising. Five (36 percent) dogs had no clinical signs. Radiographic examination was performed in four (29 percent) dogs as prevention. The most evident physical sign was pain on manipulation of the hip with Ortolani-positive in two (14 percent) dogs. Except for one dog that presented infection signs in the skin suture, no other postoperative complication was observed. The follow-up radiographic examination revealed progression of the degenerative articular changes in six (43 percent) dogs, and eight (54 percent) had no progression. In conclusion, the dogs treated by pubic symphysiodesis did not have improvement of the preoperative radiographic signs.