Genetic origin of donkeys in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The genetic groups of native donkeys in Brazil are characterized by adaptation to the local environment. However, the donkey population in the country is declining, mainly because of agricultural mechanization and transportation that has led to the abandonment and the consequent indiscriminate slaughter of these animals. There are three local genetic groups of distinct geographic and temporal formation. However, analyses of their origin, phylogenetic relationship, and population structure are scarce. Within this context, molecular markers such as the mitochondrial control region (D-loop) are useful for these analyses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the variation and origin of maternal lineages of groups of naturalized donkeys in Brazil (Brazilian, Nordestino, and Pêga). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We detected five mitochondrial haplotypes with 19 polymorphic sites, two of them exclusively found in the Nordestino donkey; this group is in fact more distant from the others. Phylogenetic analysis indicates maternal contributions of two clades (Nubian and Somali) to the formation of the genetic groups of donkeys, a fact that explains the high diversity, structure, and distances of the groups, reported here for the first time. CONCLUSION : This analysis contributes production and conservation of native donkey breeds. It also gives clues about the formation of the Iberian breeds from which Brazilian donkeys originated.

Acupuncture in the Anesthetic Recovery of Bitches Submitted to Ovariohysterectomy.

Background: Cardiorespiratory depression caused by anesthesia decreases the quality and increases the time of postoperative recovery. The acupoint Governor Vessel 26 (GV26) is a resuscitation point that can reverse this depression and can be safely used without side effects. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the stimulation and anesthetic recovery time of GV26 in bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy (OH) under dissociative anesthesia. Methods: As pre-anesthetic protocol, acepromazine 0.2% (0.1 mg/kg) and tramadol hydrochloride (2 mg/kg) was used, and induction was performed using midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) and ketamine (10 mg/kg). For the control group, standard procedure was performed for OH, with anesthetic recovery and post-surgical procedures. For the acupuncture group (AP), the stimulation of acupoint GV26 was performed 20 minutes after the anesthetic induction and maintained for 5 minutes. Respiratory rate, amplitude (superficial, normal or deep), type of respiratory movement (abdominal, abdominocostal or thoracoabdominal), heart rate, capillary filling time, temperature, presence or absence of laryngotracheal reflex, presence or absence of interdigital reflexes were assessed immediately before PAM application, and 2 (T1), 5 (T2), 10 (T3), 15 (T4), 20 (T5), 25 (T6) and 30 (T7) minutes after treatment. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: When comparing the AP group with the control group, an improvement in amplitude of the chest cage was observed at all times, where the animals remained in normal or deep respiratory amplitude. The heart rate was significantly higher for the AP group (155.5 ± 34.4 bpm) than the control group at T1 (105.1 ± 15.4 bpm), while recovery time was lower for the AP group (54.1 ± 14.9 min) when compared to control group (79.9 ± 17.9 min). Conclusion: The present paper demonstrated the efficacy of GV26 in maintaining adequate respiratory amplitude and decreasing the anesthetic recovery time.

Pain Assessment and Acute Phase Response in Donkeys Submitted to Inguinal Orchiectomy.

In most animals, pain can compromise physiological functions and delay healing so, rapid detection of pain through behavior and inflammatory reaction with biomarkers are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate pain, physiological variations and Acute Phase Proteins (APP) in donkeys undergoing orchiectomy technique by inguinal access. For this research, 15 male northeastern donkeys kept in extensive management were selected, with a mean age of 4.5±3.1 years. All animals had the same anesthetic protocol, using dissociative anesthesia and local block with lidocaine, followed by orchiectomy by inguinal access. Due to their predisposition to complications, the inguinal technique is the most indicated to minimize complications and excessive inflammation in donkeys' orchiectomy, the donkeys were evaluated regarding behavioral assessment of pain, hematological parameters, APP and the surgical wound, during 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. As for the physiological parameters and APP, no significant differences were observed between times, due to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In the macroscopic evaluation of the surgical wound, it was observed that there were no significant differences between the times, with animals presenting mean scores of 1.8±0.414, in 48 hours 1.6 ± 0.507, and in 72 hours 1.6 ± 0.507. Most animals had mild to moderate edema in the scrotum and foreskin regions. As for pain assessment, the average scores were between 2 and 3, representing mild and moderate pain, not requiring intervention. However, further research is needed to elucidate the behavior of PFAs in the face of variables and the creation of new pain scales for animals raised in an extensive system.

Vincristine sulfate treatment influence on kidney function of female dogs with transmissible venereal tumor / Influência do tratamento com sulfato de vincristina na função renal de cadela com tumor transmissível venéreo

Chemotherapy agents have some undesirable and non-selective cytostatic effects. Considering that kidneys are vulnerable to drug-induced toxicity, this study evaluated renal injury caused by vincristine sulfate (VS) in 12 female dogs diagnosed with transmissible venereal tumor (TVT). The animals were treated with VS (0.025 mg/kg IV) every 7 days for 4 weeks. During treatment, the animals were subjected to clinical examination, blood count, serum measurement of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. In addition, urinalysis and urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) measurements were performed. All parameters were determined three times: before beginning the treatment (T0), after 14 days (T1), and after 28 days (T2). During the study period, there were no changes in serum urea or creatinine levels, urine specific gravity, or persistent proteinuria. Furthermore, urinary GGT measurement did not indicate tubular lesions, and consistent elevation of SDMA was found in only one patient above the reference range. The results showed that weekly therapy with VS as a single agent for 28 days does not induce renal injury in most cases.(AU)

Os agentes quimioterápicos possuem efeitos citostáticos indesejáveis e não seletivos. Considerando a vulnerabilidade renal à toxicidade induzida por drogas, este estudo avaliou a lesão renal causada pelo sulfato de vincristina (VS) em 12 cadelas com diagnóstico de tumor venéreo transmissível (TVT). Os animais foram tratados com VS (0,025 mg / kg IV) a cada sete dias, durante quatro semanas. No transcurso do tratamento, os animais foram submetidos a exame clínico, hemograma, dosagem sérica de dimetilarginina simétrica (SDMA), nitrogênio ureico sanguíneo (BUN), creatinina, alanina aminotransferase e fosfatase alcalina. Além disso, foram realizadas análises de urina e medições de gama-glutamil transferase (GGT) urinária. Todos os parâmetros foram mensurados em três tempos, antes do início do tratamento (T0), aos 14 dias (T1) e aos 28 dias (T2). Durante o período do estudo, não houve alterações nas concentrações de ureia ou creatinina séricas, na gravidade específica da urina ou proteinúria persistente. Além disso, a medição de GGT urinária não indicou lesões tubulares, e elevação consistente de SDMA foi encontrada em apenas um paciente acima do intervalo de referência. Os resultados mostraram que a terapia semanal com VS como agente único por 28 dias não induz lesão renal na maioria dos casos.(AU)

Chemical and microbiological characterization of tinctures and microcapsules loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract.

The aim of this study was to characterize tinctures and microcapsules loaded with an ethanol extract of red propolis through chemical, physicochemical and microbiological assays in order to establish quality control tools for nutraceutical preparations of red propolis. The markers (isoflavonoids, chalcones, pterocarpans, flavones, phenolic acids, terpenes and guttiferones) present in the tinctures A and B were identified and confirmed using LC/ESI/FTMS/Orbitrap. Four compositions (A, B, C and D) were prepared to contain B tincture of the red propolis with some pharmaceutical excipients and submitted to two drying processes, i. e. spray-drying and freeze-drying to obtain microcapsules loaded with the red propolis extract. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis were submitted to the total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity tests. The antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were tested using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains. The tinctures and microcapsules presented high flavonoid quantities from 20.50 to 40.79 mg/100 mg of the microcapsules. The antioxidant activity and IC50 were determined for the tinctures A and B (IC50: 6.95 µg/mL and 7.48 µg/mL), the spray-dried microcapsules (IC50: 8.89-15.63 µg/mL) and the freeze-dried microcapsules (IC50: 11.83-23.36 µg/mL). The tinctures and microcapsules were proved to be bioactive against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with inhibition halos superior to 10 mm at concentration of 200 µg/mL and MIC values of 135.87-271.74 µg/mL using gram-positive strain and 271.74-543.48 µg/mL using gram-negative strain. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis have a potential application for nutraceutical products.

Endoparasites of donkeys (Equus asinus) used in commercial skin exploitation in the Northeast of Brazil / Endoparasitos de jumentos (Equus asinus) utilizados em uma exploração comercial de peles no Nordeste brasileiro

The present study identified the main endoparasites present in donkeys (Equus asinus) used in skin exploitation located in Cando municipality, Bahia State, Northeast of Brazil. The samples were collected from September 2019. Feces were collected from the rectal ampulla of 34 animals, macroscopically visualized for parasitic forms, and microscopically evaluated to identify endoparasites forms using the McMaster method. Parasitological results were associated with sex, age, and bodyweight Stata Corp LLC 14. Endoparasites were found in 82.3% of the animals, with the egg count ranging from 50 to 1050 eggs per gram (EPG). The sole presence of superfamily Trichostronglylidae was observed in 67.6% of the donkeys, in 8.8% co-infected by Trichostronglylidae and Eimeria spp., while Trichostronglylidae and Strongyloides westeriwas detected in 2.9%, and simultaneous infection by Trichostronglylidae, Strongyloides westeri, and Oxyuris equi was observed in 2.9%. The occurrence of parasitic infections varies according to nutritional status, age, sex, and environmental exposure (p>0.05). A high occurrence of infection was observed in young animals and those with lower body weight.(AU)

O presente trabalho identificou os principais endoparasitas em jumentos utilizados em uma exploração de pele localizada no município de Canudos, Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. As amostras foram colhidas no período de setembro de 2019. Fezes de 34 jumentos, colhidas diretamente da ampola retal, foram visualizadas macroscopicamente para formas parasitárias e avaliadas microscopicamente para identificar endoparasitos pela técnica de McMaster. Os resultados parasitológicos foram associados com sexo, idade e peso corporal pelo Stata Corp LLC 14. Endoparasitas foram encontrados em 82,3% dos animais, com contagem de ovos variando de 50 a 1050 ovos por grama (OPG). Presença de unicamente parasitos da superfamília Trichostronglylidae foi observada em 67,6% dos jumentos, 8,8% estavam coinfectados por Trichostronglylidae e Eimeria spp., 2,9% por Trichostronglylidae e Strongyloides westeri e 2,9% apresentaram presença simultânea de Trichostronglylidae, Strongyloides westeri e Oxyuris equi. A ocorrência de infecções parasitárias varia de acordo com a idade, sexo e exposição ambiental (p>0.05). Observou-se alta ocorrência de animais infectados nos animais jovens e naqueles com menor peso corporal.(AU)

The reality of the donkey's exploitation for the hide trade in Brazil: disease outbreaks and animal welfare compromised in rescued donkeys / A realidade da exploração de jumentos para exportação de pele no Brasil: surtos sanitários e bem-estar animal comprometido em asininos resgatados

About 800 donkeys that were confined in a restrictive area used in a manner comparable to a warehouse for receiving donkeys for slaughter were abandoned. After receiving reports of mistreatment, civilians acted to save the animals. A task force was organized that planned veterinary and zootechnical actions and activities for daily health management, feeding, and clinical care to attend to the abandoned donkeys. Positive cases were diagnosed for glanders, equine infectious anemia, equine herpesvirus, and equine babesiosis. The objective of this communication is to bring to the attention of the scientific community the interventions in the area of animal health and welfare, to address the episode of northeast donkeys that were victims of international trade. It is fundamental to change the approach related to the management of donkeys in Brazil, and appeal to the necessity to identify ethical and sustainable ways to incorporate donkeys in Brazil in the 21st century.(AU)

Cerca de 800 jumentos confinados em uma área utilizada como entreposto de recebimento e encaminhamento de jumentos para abate foram abandonados. Após denúncias de maus tratos, a sociedade civil atuou para salvar os animais. Foi constituída uma força tarefa que planejou ações e atividades veterinárias e zootécnicas atuando diariamente no manejo sanitário, na alimentação e nos cuidados clínicos na assistência aos jumentos abandonados. Foram diagnosticados casos positivos de mormo, anemia infecciosa equina, herpesvírus equino e babesiose equina. O objetivo desta comunicação foi relatar para a comunidade científica as intervenções nas áreas de saúde e bem-estar animal no episódio dos jumentos nordestinos vítimas do comércio internacional. É fundamental mudar a abordagem em relação ao manejo de jumentos no Brasil e apelar para a necessidade de identificar maneiras éticas e sustentáveis de incorporar os jumentos no Brasil do século 21.(AU)

Glicemia de gatos obesos obtida por meio do teste de tolerância à glicose / Glucose of obese cats obtained through the glucose tolerance test

Esse trabalho avaliou a glicemia de gatos obesos por meio do teste de tolerância à glicose, a fim de identificar a hiperglicemia por resistência à insulina nesses animais. Foram avaliados 16 gatos, sendo oito com condição corpórea ideal (Grupo Controle) e oito com sobrepeso (Grupo Sobrepeso). Após jejum alimentar de 12 horas, os animais receberam glicose, via intravenosa, na dose de 0,5g/kg e amostras de sangue foram coletadas para aferição da glicemia no Tempo zero, após 10 (Tempo 1), 30 (Tempo 2), 60 (Tempo 3), 90 (Tempo 4) e 120 (Tempo 5) minutos. No teste de tolerância à glicose, não houve diferença significativa na comparação da glicemia entre os tempos dos dois grupos. Na comparação entre os tempos de um mesmo grupo pode-se verificar que diferentemente do Grupo Controle, não houve diferença significativa entre os Tempo 1 e Tempo 2 do Grupo Sobrepeso, sugerindo um discreto retardo na redução da concentração de glicose entre esses tempos. No estudo realizado, o teste de tolerância à glicose intravenosa apresentou-se factível, porém o período mínimo de 2 anos de obesidade foi insuficiente para a observação de alterações significativas no metabolismo da glicose em gatos obesos. Entretanto, foi possível observar o retardo na redução da concentração de glicose entre 10 e 30 minutos, o que pode estar relacionado à resistência à insulina.

Estudo comparativo experimental da injeção perineural do álcool benzílico 0, 75 e do álcool etílico absoluto nos nervos palmares de eqüinos / Experimental comparative study of perineural injection of benzyl alcohol 0, 75 and absolute ethyl alcohol in equine palmar nerves

Foi estudada a neurólise química dos nervos Palmares em 10 eqüinos. Usando-se uma ferradura especial para induzir claudicação, a locomoção avaliada ao passo e trote e os graus foram registrados antes e após a injeção perineural do álcool benzílico 0,75% (Grupo A) e o álcool etílico absoluto (Grupo B). Os testes mostraram que ambos os neurolíticos dessensibilizaram completamente a sola dos animais a partir de 30 dias, assim permanecendo até o 150º dia nos animais do Grupo A, quando ocorreu retorno progressivo da sensibilidade. Jáno Grupo B, aos 180 dias, a sensibilidade permanecia ausente. A análise histopatológica revelou que nos nervos infiltrados com álcool benzílico 0,75% prevaleceram lesões próprias de axonotemese,sugerindo tendência de regeneração e restabelecimento da condução nervosa, enquanto que nos nervos infiltrados com álcool etílico absoluto, prevaleceram lesões simuladoras de neurotemese, com degeneração nervosa permanente. Concluiu-se que os álcoois utilizados foram eficientes bloqueadores temporários ou permanentes dos nervos Palmares em eqüinos.

The clinical and histopathological effects of two alcoholic neurolytics were studied in horses. Normal horses were shod with a designed shoe adaptted with 5 screws to produce solar pain. After gait and lameness score analysis, the palmar nerve of 5 horses was injected with 5 ml of 0,75% benzyl alcohol (Group A) and 5 horses were injected with 5 ml of absolute ethyl alcohol (Group B). The animals were submitted to regular lameness evaluation and solar sensibility tests during next six months. The solar sensitivity returned 5 months latter in the group injected with benzyl alcohol 0,75%, while in the group injected with absolute ethyl alcohol, the sole was still desensitized 6 months latter. The histopathological findings showed that the nerve injected with benzyl alcohol 0,75%, resulted inaxonotmesis, characterized by axonal nerve degeneration, with possibilities for the nerve conduction recovery. The perineural injectionof ethyl alcohol absolute, resulted in neurotmesis with difficult nerve regeneration. It was concluded that chemical neurolysis with alcoholis an option for temporary or permanent nerve blocks in horses.