AN ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE THORACIC LIMB OF THE GIANT ANTEATER (MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA) COMPARED WITH THE DOMESTIC DOG TO GUIDE SURGICAL APPROACHES TO THE HUMERUS AND RADIUS.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a neotropical mammal considered to be vulnerable to extinction. Recent increased interest in veterinary care in the giant anteater has prompted renewed interest in anatomical descriptions in this species. The terrestrial habits and slow movements of the giant anteater contribute to its susceptibility to vehicular trauma on highways, which is a significant cause of mortality in the species. This study describes the muscular anatomy of the thoracic limb and variations of the long bones with emphasis on the structures surrounding the humerus and radius. It also describes the possible surgical approaches for the management of fractures of humerus and radius, comparing these with the surgical approaches described in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Three giant anteater and three domestic dog cadavers, from deaths not related to this project, were used. The medial approach to the humeral diaphysis of the giant anteater resulted in the least tissue trauma, and provided access to the flattest surface for implant attachment. The lateral approach to the radius proved challenging, requiring total detachment of the extensor carpi radialis muscle and incision of the very robust abductor digitorum longus muscle to access the distal diaphysis. Although the giant anteater shares many similarities of the thoracic limb anatomy with the domestic dog, important differences exist. This comparative knowledge will allow veterinary practitioners to directly apply the principles of fracture repair in these species. Safe access to these bones for possible osteosynthesis is essential to allow implant placement and minimize postoperative complications in this species.

Assessing the effectiveness of 30% sodium chloride aqueous solution for the preservation of fixed anatomical specimens: a 5-year follow-up study.

Anatomical specimens used in human or veterinary anatomy laboratories are usually prepared with formaldehyde (a cancerous and teratogenic substance), glycerin (an expensive and viscous fluid), or ethanol (which is flammable). This research aimed to verify the viability of an aqueous 30% sodium chloride solution for preservation of anatomical specimens previously fixed with formaldehyde. Anatomical specimens of ruminant, carnivorous, equine, swine and birds were used. All were previously fixed with an aqueous 20% formaldehyde solution and held for 7 days in a 10% aqueous solution of the same active ingredient. During the first phase of the experiment, small specimens of animal tissue previously fixed in formaldehyde were distributed in vials with different concentrations of formaldehyde, with or without 30% sodium chloride solution, a group containing only 30% sodium chloride, and a control group containing only water. During this phase, no contamination was observed in any specimen containing 30% sodium chloride solution, whether alone or in combination with different concentrations of formaldehyde. In the second phase of the experiment, the 30% sodium chloride solution, found to be optimal in the first phase of the experiment, was tested for its long-term preservation properties. For a period of 5 years, the preserved specimens were evaluated three times a week for visual contamination, odors, and changes in color and texture. There was no visual contamination or decay found in any specimen. Furthermore, no strange odors, or changes in color or softness were noted. The 30% sodium chloride solution was determined to be effective in the preservation of anatomic specimens previously fixed in formaldehyde.

Morphology and immunolocalization of aquaporins 1 and 9 in the agouti (Dasyprocta azarae) testis excurrent ducts.

This study investigated the morphology and immunoexpression of aquaporins (AQPs) 1 and 9 in the rete testis, efferent ducts, epididymis, and vas deferens in the Azara's agouti (Dasyprocta azarae). For this purpose, ten adult sexually mature animals were used in histologic and immunohistochemical analyses. The Azara's agouti rete testis was labyrinthine and lined with simple cubic epithelium. Ciliated and non-ciliated cells were observed in the epithelium of the efferent ducts. The epididymal cellular population was composed of principal, basal, apical, clear, narrow, and halo cells. The epithelium lining of vas deferens was composed of the principal and basal cells. AQPs 1 and 9 were not expressed in the rete testis. Positive reaction to AQP1 was observed at the luminal border of non-ciliated cells of the efferent ducts, and in the peritubular stroma and blood vessels in the epididymis, and vas deferens. AQP9 was immunolocalized in the epithelial cells in the efferent ducts, epididymis and vas deferens. The morphology of Azara's agouti testis excurrent ducts is similar to that reported for other rodents such as Cuniculus paca. The immunolocalization results of the AQPs suggest that the expression of AQPs is species-specific due to differences in localization and expression when compared to studies in other mammals species. The knowledge about the expression of AQPs in Azara's agouti testis excurrent ducts is essential to support future reproductive studies on this animal, since previous studies show that AQPs may be biomarkers of male fertility and infertility.

Swine viscera preservation in hypersaturated salt solution after alcohol fixation as a preparation method for educational purposes.

The use of live animals for educational purposes is an old practice that is still employed in teaching and research institutions. However, there are several objections to this practice, whether for ethical or humanitarian reasons. Surgical techniques teaching using anatomical pieces and/or preserved cadavers promotes greater learning efficiency, provides exercise repetition and increases the confidence and satisfaction of the students when compared to the use of live animals. The current work aimed to analyse the feasibility of using fresh swine urinary bladder and small intestines (jejunum), obtained from slaughterhouses, fixed in 99.8% ethyl alcohol (EA) and preserved in sodium chloride hypersaturated solution (SCHS) at 30%, for 7, 14 and 21 days, as an alternative method for surgical skills training (SST). Swine viscera, fixed in EA and preserved in SCHS, presented a realistic appearance, absence of odour and maintained the viable morphological characteristics during the performance of the operative techniques. Preservation solutions had low cost, were easy to acquire and did not offers risks to human health. Therefore, urinary bladders and small intestines fixed in 99.8% EA for 30 days and maintained in 30% SCHS at different periods were demonstrated as a good viable option as a preservation method for surgical skills training.

Biomechanics of the fresh and conserved bovine pericardium.

The use of biological membranes in surgeries is a reality for years, and one of the most used is the bovine pericardium, so the purpose of this research is to describe the bovine pericardium's biomechanics by comparing two directions of a test, one parallel to the longitudinal heart axis and one perpendicular. 20 adult bovine pericardium were tested for the maximum rupture force and rupture elongation, collecting four samples of each pericardium direction. In phase 2, eight pericardia were conserved for 4 months in a 98% glycerine solution, and the solution in which they were submerged was microbiologically analysed monthly. The Mann-Whitney test was used; there was a very significant difference between the perpendicular and parallel groups (p = .0001). The T test showed no significant difference for the rupture elongation (p = .0938). In pericardium preserved in glycerine, the outliers were removed regarding the maximum rupture force, and a Boxcox transformation was performed (λ = 0.25). Outliers were removed for the rupture elongation, and Bartlett's test (p = .7836), and Cramer-Von Mises (p = .5033) were performed and then, the analysis of variance (p < .0001), followed by the Tukey test at 5%. In the microbiological analysis, there was no presence of microorganisms during conservation. The research has shown that the pericardium collection direction influences its resistance and it can be stored in glycerine for 4 months without losing biomechanical characteristics.

Blood supply and arteriography of the pelvic limb of the Southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba).

The aim of this study was to compare the arterial vascularization of the pelvic limb between southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba) by dissection and radiographic examinations. Five specimens of caracaras (three males and two females), and seven great egrets (five males and two females) were used. Barium sulphate and latex suspension were injected into the left ventricle of the birds. The radiographs were taken with the pelvic limbs in the ventrodorsal, dorsoplantar, mediolateral and lateromedial recumbency. Thereafter, the material was fixed in a 10% solution of formaldehyde and dissected. The pelvic limb received its arterial supply from two main vessels, the ischiatic and external iliac arteries. The ischiatic artery presented to be the principal artery of pelvic limb in the caracara and great egret. Several branches arised from the ischiatic and external iliac arteries were described. No gender differences were observed in both species. The caracara and great egret showed arteries similar to those reported for the ostrich and domestic fowl. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that the caracara has a pelvic limb with more arterial branches and larger arterial diameter than the great egret, which is probably related to the specific behaviour of these birds, since the caracara is a bird that exercise more their pelvic limbs to capture its prey when compared with the great egret.

An anatomical training model for cerebrospinal liquid collection and myelography in embalmed dog cadavers / Modelo anatômico para treinamento de colheita de líquido cerebroespinhal e mielografia em cadáveres de cães quimicamente preparados

In research and academic activities, guidelines are essential and imperative especially on the use of animals. Alternative methods that do not bring academic or scientific harm should also be sought. This study aimed to develop a training model for the collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and myelography in the cervical and lumbar regions in cadavers of embalmed dogs, using an alcoholic solution and curing salts for fixation and conservation. The dogs were divided into 4 grups of 8 animal each and stored between 2ºC and 6ºC, for 30, 60, 90, or 120 days. Durotomy was performed to implant two urethral catheters (one in the cranial direction and another in the caudal direction to the spinal cord access site), in the subduraracnoid space. This space was fixed via manual infusion of saline solution with a 20-mL syringe to simulate the presence of the CSF and the positive pressure, while the puncture was made. Four cadavers of each group were randomly selected for the CSF puncture from the atlantooccipital joint and in the lumbar region between L5 and L6, respectively, and four were used for CSF puncture training, in which radiographic contrast (myelography) was injected in the same locations. This model was cost-effective, did not utilize toxic products, and can preserve cadavers for up to 120 days. In this novel anatomical model, a maximum of 15 students can be trained on CSF puncture, allowing cervical and lumbar myelography and at least 30 perforations per cadaver.

É essencial e imperioso ter critério quanto ao uso de animais em pesquisa e atividades de ensino e, consequentemente, buscar métodos alternativos que não causem prejuízo acadêmico ou científico. Para que não ocorra deterioração dos tecidos, a fixação e conservação de peças anatômicas e cadáveres devem ser realizadas. Objetivou-se, com este estudo, desenvolver um modelo anatômico para treinamento de colheita de líquido cerebroespinhal (LCE) e mielografia, nas regiões cervical e lombar. Os cães foram divididos em quatro grupos contendo oito animais cada e armazenados entre 2ºC e 6ºC, por 30, 60, 90 ou 120 dias. Foi realizada durotomia para implantação de duas sondas uretrais, no espaço subaracnóide. A infusão manual de solução fisiológica com seringa de 20 mL foi utilizada para simular a presença do LCE e a pressão positiva, enquanto era feita a punção. Quatro cadáveres de cada grupo foram selecionados para a punção de LCE na articulação atlantooccipital e na região lombar entre L5 e L6, e quatro foram utilizados para o treinamento da punção de LCE e injeção de contraste radiográfico (mielografia). A técnica anatômica empregada possibilitou o desenvolvimento de um modelo visando ao ensino e pesquisa da radiologia em cadáveres de cães quimicamente preparados, a custo baixo e sem utilização de produtos tóxicos, mantidos sob refrigeração por 120 dias. Com isso, um máximo de 15 alunos podem ser treinados em punção do LCR, permitindo mielografia cervical e lombar com 30 perfurações por cadáver.

The macro and micro-structure of the celiac and cranial mesenteric ganglia in a long-lived rodent - paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766) / La macro y micro estructura de los ganglios mesentéricos celíacos y craneales en un roedor longevo - paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766)

SUMMARY: The celiac, cranial mesenteric and celiacomesenteric ganglia of the paca (Cuniculus paca) were found between the celiac and cranial mesenteric arteries. Two predominant patterns were found: isolated celiac and cranial mesenteric ganglion and the celiacomesenteric ganglion. At the microscopic level, the ganglia are constituted by an agglomeration of neurons surrounded by capsule of connective tissue. Most of these neurons had a single eccentric nucleus. Satellite cells and mast cells were found around the soma. The mast cells were also found ar ound blood vessels and in the capsule of the ganglia.

RESUMEN: Los ganglios celíacos, mesentérico-craneales y celíaco mesentéricos de la paca (Cuniculus paca) se encontraron entre las arterias celíaca y mesentérica craneal. Se visalizaron dos patrones predominantes: celiaca aislada y ganglio mesentérico craneal y ganglio celiaco mesentérico. A nivel microscópico, los ganglios están constituidos por una aglomeración de neuronas rodeadas por una cápsula de tejido conectivo. La mayoría de estas neuronas tenían un solo núcleo excéntrico. Se encontraron células satélites y mastocitos alrededor del soma. Los mastocitos también se encontraron alrededor de los vasos sanguíneos y en la cápsula de los ganglios.

The morphology of paca (Cuniculus paca) testis with high dose of letrozole an aromatase inhibitor / La morfología del testículo de paca (Cuniculus paca) con altas dosis de letrozol, un inhibidor de la aromatasa

SUMMARY: The study reported the influence of the high and acute dose of Letrozole on the testis morphology in paca (Cuniculus paca), an aromatase inhibitor that reduces the endogenous estrogen, the essential hormone for spermatogenesis. Morphological changes were observed in seminiferous epithelium with germ cells with apoptotic characteristics and presence of vacuoles and nuclei in pycnose.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia de una dosis alta de Letrozol en la morfología de los testículos de la paca (Cuniculus paca), un inhibidor de la aromatasa que reduce el estrógeno endógeno, la hormona esencial para la espermatogénesis. Se observaron cambios morfológicos en el epitelio seminífero con células germinales con características apoptóticas y la presencia de vacuolas y núcleos en picnosis.

Parâmetros métricos da traqueia e suas correlações com o perímetro torácico, peso e comprimento corporal de cães sem raça definida (Canis familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758) / Metric parameters of the trachea and their correlations with thoracic perimeter, weight and body length of unknown breed dogs (Canis familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758)

Com o presente estudo objetivou-se analisar dados métricos da traqueia de cães e correlacioná-los com o comprimento corporal, perímetro torácico e peso corporal. Utilizou-se 48 cães sem raça definida, 19 machos e 29 fêmeas. Os animais foram pesados e em seguida aferiu-se o comprimento corpóreo, o perímetro torácico, o comprimento e diâmetro traqueal, e o número de anéis traqueais. O peso dos cães variou de 4,2 a 21,5 kg, o comprimento corporal de 40,6 a 81,0 cm e o perímetro torácico de 36,0 a 63,5 cm. A traqueia exibiu número total de anéis entre 32 e 43, comprimento entre 13,0 e 23,4 cm, diâmetro de sua porção cervical entre 11,0 e 23,5 mm e de sua porção torácica entre 8,2 e 20,9 mm. Avaliou-se também a esqueletopia da terminação traqueal, que manteve relação com o 2º (2,0%), 3º (6,3%), 4º (20,8%) ou 5º (12,5%) espaços intercostais, e com a 3ª (6,3%), 4ª (35,4%) ou 5ª (16,7%) costelas. Evidenciou-se fortes correlações positivas do comprimento traqueal com o peso corporal (rS=0,763; p<0,001), o comprimento corporal (r=0,826; p<0,001) e o perímetro torácico (r=0,735; p<0,001). Portanto, o estudo anatômico da traqueia, ao fornecer subsídios morfológicos para a realização de procedimentos clínico-cirúrgicos nesse órgão, mostra-se como uma importante ferramenta na prática veterinária.

The present study aimed to analyze metric data from the trachea of dogs and to correlate them with the thoracic girth, body length and weight. We used 48 dogs of unknown breed, 19 males and 29 females. The animals were weighed and then body length, thoracic girth, length and diameter of the trachea, and the number of tracheal rings were measured. The weight of dogs ranged from 4.2 to 21.5 kg, body length from 40.6 to 81.0 cm and thoracic girth from 36.0 to 63.5 cm. The trachea exhibited a total number of tracheal rings between 32 and 43, length between 13.0 and 23.4 cm, diameter of the cervical portion between 11.0 and 23.5 mm and in the thoracic portion between 8.2 and 20.9 mm. We also evaluated the tracheal termination skeletopy, which maintained relations with the 2nd (2.0%), 3 (6.3%), 4 (20.8%) or 5 (12.5%) intercostal spaces, and with the 3rd (6.3%), 4th (35.4%) or 5th (16.7%) ribs. Strong positive correlations of tracheal length with body weight (rS = 0.756, p <0.001), body length (r = 0.808, p <0.001) and thoracic girth (r = 0.735, p <0.001) were found. Therefore, the anatomical study of the trachea provides morphological subsidies for the realization of clinical and surgical procedures in this organ, being an important tool in veterinary practice.

Análise da textura de músculos peitorais submetidos à fixação e conservação em álcool / Tenderness analysis of muscles fixed and kept in alcohol

A textura, ou maciez, pode ser avaliada pela mensuração da força necessária para ocorrer o cisalhamento das fibras musculares. Objetivou-se, nesse trabalho, a análise da textura de músculos submetidos à fixação e conservação em álcool, ao longo de um ano, mediante uso de um aparelho analisador de textura. Foram utilizados 48 peitos de frangos jovens, pesados, fixados e conservados em álcool etílico 96° GL. As análises foram realizadas após 15, 30, 90, 180 e 360 dias de conservação, além do grupo controle de músculos frescos. Os valores da força de cisalhamento dos diferentes grupos aumentaram progressivamente de 3,38 (grupo controle) até 15,31 Kgf (180 dias), caindo para 9,53 Kgf após 360 dias. Concluiu-se que quando músculos são submetidos à fixação e conservação em álcool 96° GL, ocorre diminuição da maciez, tornando-os quase cinco vezes mais rígidos ao corte após seis meses, e três vezes mais rígidos após um ano. Sugere-se que a dissecção de peças anatômicas musculares ocorra até 90 dias após fixação e conservação em álcool 96° GL ou ao redor de um ano nesse agente conservante, pois há menor rigidez tissular nesses períodos. Embora se tenha estudado o efeito do álcool na textura de tecido muscular de aves, acredita-se que, devido à grande homogeneidade tissular neste caso, tais dados possam ser extrapolados ou servir de base para estudos similares em outras espécies.

Texture, or tenderness, may be evaluated by measuring the force necessary to cause rupture of muscle fibers. The aim of this paper was to analyze the texture of muscles fixed and kept in alcohol, throughout a year, by using a texture analyzer. Forty eight poultry breasts were weighted, fixed and kept in a 96° GL ethylic alcohol solution. Analyses were performed at 15, 30, 90, 180 and 360 days of conservation, besides the one of the control group of fresh breasts. Values of shear forces of different groups increased progressively from 3.38 (control group) to 15.31 Kgf (180 days), decreasing to 9.53Kgf after 360 days. It was concluded that when muscles are fixed and kept in ethylic alcohol 96° GL the tenderness is decreased, becoming almost five times harder during the first six months and three times harder after a year. It is suggested that muscle anatomic pieces dissection occurs up to 90 days after fixation and conservation in 96° GL alcohol or around 1 year on this conservation product because there is smaller muscle stiffness in these times. Although the alcohol effect in texture of poultry muscle tissue has being studied in this paper, it is believed that, due this great tissue homogeneity, these data might be taken or being basis to similar studies in other species.

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance reconstruction images before and after surgical therapy of spontaneous canine brain tumors

Specific software was used for reconstruction of spontaneous intracranial tumor volume from magnetic resonance images (MRI) in three dogs. Histopathologically confirmed meningioma, cystic meningioma, and choroid plexus tumors were evaluated before and after surgery. The software allowed the whole-volume segmentation of the skin, brain, tumor, edema, and cyst. Manipulation of the three-dimensional images (3D) allowed visualization of all anatomical structures, aided clinical understanding, surgical planning, and treatment monitoring.

Um programa de computador específico foi utilizado para reconstrução do volume tumoral intracraniano espontâneo por imagens de ressonância magnética (IRM) em três cães. Tumores histopatologicamente confirmados como meningioma, meningioma cístico e tumor do plexo coróide foram avaliados antes e após cirurgia. O programa de computador permitiu a segmentação por completo da pele, do cérebro, do tumor, do edema e do cisto. A manipulação das imagens tridimensionais permitiu a visibilização de todas as estruturas anatômicas, além da compreensão clínica, do planejamento cirúrgico e da monitorização do tratamento.

Duplicidade da artéria renal em cão / Renal artery duplicity in dog

Alterações vasculares renais são observadas com baixa freqüência em medicina veterinária e podem ter implicações diretas no funcionamento normal destes órgãos devido à alteração do fluxo sangüíneo. Assim, o objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de duplicidade da artéria renal em uma cadela de cinco anos, sem raça definida e com 18kg. O animal veio a óbito após hemoparasitose crônica e foi submetido à injeção de látex pela aorta torácica, na altura do sexto espaço intercostal esquerdo. O animal foi dissecado após fixação com solução de formol a 10 por cento, no laboratório de Anatomia Animal da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da UNICASTELO, Campus Fernandópolis, SP, visando-se à evidenciação dos ramos da aorta abdominal. Observou-se que o rim direito era irrigado por duas artérias, de calibres diferentes, caracterizando uma duplicidade dessa artéria renal. A artéria secundária apresentava diâmetro 28,1 por cento menor que a principal do mesmo antímero e 34,3 por cento menor que a principal do outro antímero. Ambas as artérias adentravam o rim pela região do hilo renal e apresentavam trajetos praticamente paralelos. O rim esquerdo apresentava irrigação pela artéria renal correspondente, sem qualquer alteração anatômica em número. Esta duplicidade da artéria renal deve ser considerada em cães, principalmente quando alterações renais estiverem presentes ou quando intervenções cirúrgicas abdominais forem conduzidas próxima aos rins, visando-se, dessa forma, a evitar que erros sejam cometidos por desconhecimento anatômico de estruturas importantes.

Renal vessels abnormalities are noticed with low frequency in veterinary medicine ad may have direct implications on the regular functioning of these organs due blood flow change. Thus, the aim of this report is describe a case of duplicity of the renal artery in a five year crossbred female weighting 18kg. The animal went to death due chronic hemoparasitosis and had latex injected by the thoracic aorta, on the sixth left intercostal space. It was dissected after being set in a 10 percent formaldehyde solution on the Animal Anatomy Laboratory of the Veterinary Medicine College, UNICASTELO, Fernandópolis, SP, aiming the visualization of the abdominal aorta branches. It was observed that the right kidney was irrigated by two arteries, of different diameters, characterizing duplicity of the renal artery. The secondary artery presented a diameter 28.1 percent smaller than the main artery of the same antimeter and 34.3 percent smaller than the main artery of the other antimeter. Both right arteries got into the kidney by the hilus region and presented practically parallel path. The left kidney presented irrigation by the corresponding renal artery, without any anatomical alteration in number. This kidney arterial duplicity should be considered in dogs, mainly when kidney alterations are present or when abdominal surgical interventions are driven near the kidneys, aiming to avoid errors due anatomical unfamiliarity of important structures.

Handling of female pacas (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766) for ultrasound pregnancy detection

A paca é um roedor sul-americano cujo manejo, tranqüilização ou anestesia oferece um grande campo de pesquisa devido aos poucos artigos existentes. Doze pacas fêmeas adultas foram utilizadas, mantidas separadas em seis baias, sendo capturadas com um puçá de polipropileno e levadas a uma sala na qual se realizava a tricotomia abdominal. Após, os animais eram colocados em uma gaiola de ferro de compressão lateral. A sessão de ultra-sonografia era realizada em modo B com um transdutor setorial eletrônico de 5,0 e 7,5 MHz. Para a diminuição do estresse causado pelos procedimentos, a tranqüilização das fêmeas era realizada com diazepam e maleato de midazolam por via oral. Ambos demonstraram-se efetivos na tranqüilização das pacas previamente e durante as sessões, sendo que o maleato de midazolam proporcionou um melhor manejo dos animais.

Real time B-mode ultrasound in pacas pregnancy (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer o tempo de prenhez da paca por meio de ultra-sonografia. Nove pacas prenhes foram periodicamente acompanhadas com um transdutor eletrônico setorial bi-frequencial de 5,0 e 7,5 MHz, em modo B, desde a detecção ultra-sonográfica da vesícula embrionária ou do feto até o nascimento dos filhotes. Os animais foram colocados em uma gaiola de ferro de prensagem lateral e permaneceram em posição quadrupedal durante as sessões. Um pano escuro foi usado para cobrir a gaiola e frutas foram oferecidas durante o exame ultra-sonográfico para evitar reações agressivas. Quanto mais precocemente ocorreu a detecção de prenhez, maior foi o período de acompanhamento ultra-sonográfico até o nascimento dos filhotes. Apenas um filhote nasceu por parto, com 796,5 ± 74,36 gramas (valor médio ± desvio padrão da amostra) e 33,46 ± 0,60 centímetros (valor médio ± desvio padrão da amostra) de comprimento (entre a borda rostral do focinho e a extremidade distal da cauda). O período de prenhez da paca abrange 135 a 139 dias.

Gross anatomical study of the aortic ARC branches of the paca (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

It was described the distribution of the aortic arc in eight animals of the Agouti paca species, which were 2 adult females, 3 young males and 3 young females that came from the Wild Animal Sector at the Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences of Jaboticabal - UNESP. After natural death, the animals had their arterial vessels injected with Neoprene latex 650® coloured by a specific pigment and set in a 10 percent formalin solution. After dissection, it was noticed that the aortic arc gives off the left subclavian artery and the brachiocephalic trunk. The latter originates the left carotid common artery and other trunk, that gives off the right carotid common artery and the right subclavian artery, that originates the vertebral artery, the costocervical trunk, the superficial cervical artery, the axillary artery and the internal thoracic artery, as well as it happens in the left subclavian artery. In just one animal, the left common carotid artery takes a siphon-shaped path just after its origin in the right subclavian artery. In other animals, the left common carotid artery occurs as a straight path

Hemi-ovariossalpingohisterectomia em pacas prenhes e posterior ocorrência de prenhez (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766) / Hemiovarysalpingohysterectomy in pregnant pacas and further occurrency of pregnancy (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

Foi descrita a hemi-ovariossalpingohisterectomia em cinco pacas prenhes mantidas em cativeiro no Setor de Animais Silvestres da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV-UNESP) de Jaboticabal, Säo Paulo, Brasil, a fim de observar futura prenhez no corno restante. A tranqüilizaçäo foi obtida após aplicaçäo de azaperone (4mg/kg) seguida da aplicaçäo de sulfato de atropina (0,06mg/kg) e da associaçäo de cloridrato de quetamina (20mg/kg) e cloridrato de xilazina (1,5mg/kg), ambos na mesma seringa, para induçäo da anestesia. A anestesia geral foi obtida mediante inalaçäo de halotano por máscara. Por meio de laparotomia mediana, foram retirados o corno uterino prenhe, o ovário e a tuba uterina, todos do mesmo antímero. Antibióticos (30.000UI/kg de três penicilinas e 12,5mg/kg de duas estreptomicinas) e analgésico (0,02mg/kg de buprenorfina) foram aplicados imediatamente após a cirurgia, sendo repetidos após dois dias. Todas as aplicaçöes foram feitas por via intramuscular. Apesar da permanência de apenas um ovário após a cirurgia, nova prenhez ocorreu no corno restante nas cinco fêmeas submetidas à cirurgia, com o nascimento de filhotes (apenas um por parto) após 215, 248, 276, 302 e 310 dias da hemi-ovariossalpingohisterectomia

Anatomicosurgical arterial segmentation of the cat lungs (Felis catus domesticus, L., 1758)

The aim of this research was to establish the anatomicosurgical segments through lobation and arterial intralobar branching in cats lungs. After dissection of twenty lungs, it was noted that the right pulmonary artery, usually, emits a branch to the cranial lobe and a branch to the middle lobe, arising together from a trunk. A large branch irrigates the caudal lobe in most of the cases. Two branches arising in common origin from the caudal lobe branch irrigate the accessory lobe. The left pulmonary artery originates a trunk that, in most of the cases, emits a branch to the cranial and a branch to the caudal part of the left cranial lobe. It can be concluded that the right lung is formed by four and the left by two lobes, and variations occur in the pulmonary arterial branching

Intramyocardial course of the coronary arteries in the marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)

The course of the coronary arteries was studied in marsh deers for comparison with domestic ruminants. The left coronary artery is originated from the aorta in the cardiac auricular surface and divides into paraconal and circumflex branches, which fit the paraconal interventricular sulcus and the subsinuous sulcus, respectively; this artery also gives off a branch to the conus arteriosus just before penetrating the myocardium. The right coronary artery arises from the aorta, in the heart cranial border and ends in this border, close to the subsinuous interventricular sulcus, perhaps without fitting it