Manejo da insuficiência renal aguda em cães e gatos

Acute renal failure (ARF) may be defined as a subtle loss of renal function, leading to accumulation of nitrogenated substances. Several causes may lead to the development of ARF in an animal, including severe shock, intense blood loss, hypotension, dehydration, hypovolemia, deep anesthesia and nephrotoxins. Fluid therapy remains the basis of ARF treatment in animals. Thee therapeutic objective is to normalize fluid balance, solve hemodynamic problems and promote urine production. The objective of the present study is to review the procedures to manage acute renal failure in dogs and cats.

Doença cerebelar em cães e gatos

Diseases of the cerebellar system are common in small animals, and result in a clinical syndrome characterized by hypermetria, base-wide stance and intentional tremors of the head and body. All movements of the limbs are spastic and awkward. The neurological examination assists in the localization of lesions restricted to the cerebellum or in the detection of disorders relating to other parts of the nervous system, which characterizes a multifocal disease process. Neurological disorders in dogs and cats may suggest a very extensive list of differential diagnoses, since they may be caused by infectious, degenerative and traumatic processes, among others. The possible etiologies for cerebellar syndrome include: aplasia and hypoplasia, abiotrophy, cancer, vascular stroke and inflammatory disorders. The aim of this paper is to review the clinical signs that aid in the location of the cerebellar lesion and discuss the possible causes of this syndrome in dogs and cats.

Conscientizar para o bem-estar animal: posse responsável

The community awareness on responsible ownership associated with public policies is key to the promotion of animal welfare. Most cities have a large population of dogs and cats wandering causing serious health problems and abuse. This project aimed to guide and inform the population aimed at animal welfare with the simple and direct approach to issues related to responsible ownership, management, nature conservation and zoonoses. The methodology developed to approach the project in two modules: the I and II, along public and private Elementary and High Schools in Araçatuba. Module I (Mod.I) is basedon the use of puppet theater and musicals, considering the target audience children 3-10 years and the second module (Mod 2) consists of presentations of lectures by undergraduate and graduate course of Veterinary Medicine FMVA UNESP campus Araçatuba, being the target audience of High School teenagers. Data collection proceeded by questionnaires, with questions regarding the care and practices to pets. The results revealed that there is a lack of information about animal welfare practice.

Orientação sobre posse responsável em uma área endêmica para leishmaniose visceral canina

The purpose of this work was to provide guidance to householders in the responsible care of their pets, in a region where canine visceral leishmaniasis is endemic. Questionnaires on responsible ownership and the control of this disease were completed by owners of dogs and cats in the city of Araçatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil, in order to evaluate their level of knowledge. Based on the identified deficiencies, the project team provided the owners of the pets with individual guidance at home, focusing on the most critical issues. Concerning nutrition, 70.45% (62/88) of owners provided pet food only, 27.28% (24/88) administered a mixed diet, and 2.27% (2/88) provided homemade food. Additionally, 78.41% (69/88) did not permit the consumption of raw meat, rare meat, or bones. 9.09% (8/88) of owners allowed their pets to wander the neighborhood alone. Among dogs, 14.77% (13/88) had never been clinically tested by a qualified professional, and 6.82% (6/88) and 15.91% (14/88) had never received any kind of vaccine or vermifuge, respectively. In relation to population control, only 20.45% (18/88) of the dogs had been sterilized. It was also observed that 25% (22/88) of owners had already had canine visceral leishmaniasis seropositive dogs in their homes. 54.55% (12/22) of these owners had referred their pets to veterinary clinics for euthanasia, 22.73% (5/22) had used the services of the city’s animal disease control center, and 18.18% (4/22) had paid for private treatment. Nevertheless, 35.23% (31/88) of the dogs had never been submitted to tests for infection diagnosis. From the results obtained, it could be inferred that the individuals who participated in this study were poorly informed concerning basic pet care, demonstrating a need to implement community awareness campaigns for the responsible ownership of pets.

Programa de conscientização de idosos sobre posse responsável de animais de estimação em bairro periférico do município de Araçatuba, SP

Currently, responsible ownership of pets has been widely discussed. In the past, they were brought to our society and it is our duty nowadays to establish this relationship between man and animal. This study aimed at evaluating the level of knowledge of elderly dog owners about responsible ownership with emphasis on control of canine visceral leishmaniasis and at the same time make them aware of the precautions to be taken. An individual questionnaire on the subject was applied to 68 elderly people. They all belong to Nossa Senhora Aparecida Village, located on the suburb of Araçatuba-SP. Along with the interview, veterinary students advised them on the control of canine visceral leishmaniasis, the importance of sterilization in cats and dogs and the responsible ownership, with distribution of informative leaflets. Fecal samples from dogs were collected by the owners and they were sent to the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases at Odontology Faculty at Araçatuba UNESP to be processed through the Willis-Mollay technique. Anthelmintic were acquired in the project and donated for the treatment of animals tested positive. 56.25% (63/112) out of the total number of dogs examined were females, aged between one and ten years. Only 32.14% (36/112) had access to the streets, 90.18% (101/112) were not castrated and 58% (65/112) were mixed breed (SRD). Among the owners, 88.24% (60/68) did not know what zoonosis is and 14.71% (10/68) were not aware what leishmaniasis is. Regarding the researched animals, 62.50% (70/112) had ectoparasites (fleas and ticks). It was also observed that 67.86% (76/112) of dogs had been dewormed, but in 59.82% (36/112) of cases, the intervals between these processes were irregular. For females, 85.71% (54/63) had no prevention heat and it was noted that 19.51% (8 / 41) had already given birth, had dystocia. With these data we can confirm the lack of information by these elderly and the need to establish community awareness and continued programs.

Meningite supurativa secundária a otite média e interna em um gato: relato de caso

Suppurative meningitis are rarely reported in dogs and cats. The present study aims to report the occurrence of suppurative meningitis secondary to otitis media and interna in a five-year-old female Persian cat examined at the Veterinary School of Unesp-Botucatu with acute progressive multifocal neurological alterations. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated predominance of neutrophils (90%) and the presence of bacteria. Therapy with antibiotics was initiated, but the animal came to die. beta-hemolytic Staphylococcus, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus and Proteus mirabilis were detected in fragments sent to culture. The present report demonstrates the importance of performing more specific exams such as complete CSF analysis in cases of otitis media and interna. This way, central nervous infections can be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, as those are acute diseases with poor prognosis.

Glioma misto em um cão: relato de caso

Intracranial neoplasms are common causes of neurological disorders in middle-aged and elderly dogs. With the feasibility of computed tomography, it is now possible to determine the extent and exact location of brain tumors, identifying them ante mortem in dogs and cats. This paper aims to report the occurrence of a mixed glioma in a Boxer dog examined at the Veterinary Hospital of Unesp, Botucatu Campus. The animal presented with a brain syndrome of acute onset and progressive course. CT scan showed the presence of a mass in the right cerebral hemisphere extending from the frontal to the parietal region and involving the basal ganglia. Given the gravity of the neurological disorder, the owner chose to perform euthanasia. Microscopic analysis of the mass allowed the diagnosis of mixed glioma.

Avaliação ultrassonográfica abdominal modo-B em cães e gatos filhotes: revisão de literatura

In veterinary medicine, the same clinician usually follows an animal from birth to old age, whereas in human medicine different specialists are required. It is therefore essential that veterinarians know the normal imaging, biochemical, hematological and physical exam values for younglings, which differ significantly from those of adults of the same species. Abdominal radiographies of young animals are poorly defined due to differences in tissue constitution in relation to adults. These same factors, however, substantially improve sonographic images of the region. Nonetheless, the interpretation of B-mode sonographic findings in puppies is difficult due to the lack of information about the normal parameters in this phase of life. The objective of this study was to compile information about peculiarities of abdominal B-mode ultrasonography in puppies and kittens.

Efeitos de concentrações crescentes de lidocaína hiperbárica, administradas no espaço subaracnóideo, sobre a medula espinhal e as meninges: estudo experimental em cães

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Ainda não está bem estabelecida a concentração de lidocaína que é potencialmente capaz de determinar lesão no tecido nervoso. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar os efeitos sobre a medula espinhal e as meninges, de concentrações crescentes de lidocaína administrada por via subaracnóidea, em injeção única através de agulha de Quincke. MÉTODO: Após a aprovação da Comissão de Ética em Experimentação Animal, 40 cães adultos foram anestesiados com fentanil e etomidato e submetidos a punção subaracnóidea com agulha de Quincke 22G 21/2 para introdução de 1 mL, em 10 segundos, de solução glicosada a 7,5% - Grupo 1; lidocaína a 5% em solução glicosada a 7,5% - Grupo 2; lidocaína a 7,5% em solução glicosada a 7,5% - Grupo 3; lidocaína a 10% em solução glicosada a 7,5% - Grupo 4. Após a recuperação da anestesia venosa, foram observados, no período em que os animais estavam em vigência do bloqueio subaracnóideo, a presença de bloqueio motor, o tônus do esfíncter anal (normal ou relaxado) e o nível de bloqueio sensitivo nos diferentes dermátomos das regiões cervical, torácica, lombar e sacral. Os animais permaneceram em cativeiro por 72 horas. Foram avaliados o tônus do esfíncter anal, a motricidade das patas posteriores, a sensibilidade dolorosa nas patas anteriores e posteriores e nos dermátomos sacrais, lombares e torácicos. Após serem sacrificados por eletrocussão sob anestesia, foram retiradas porções lombar e sacral da medula espinhal e das meninges para exame histológico por microscopia óptica. RESULTADOS: Nenhum animal dos Grupos 1 e 2 apresentou lesões clínicas ou histológicas. Três animais do Grupo 3 apresentaram alterações motoras nas patas posteriores e relaxamento do esfíncter anal. Nestes, foram observados focos de necrose na região posterior (dois cães) e necrose em faixa em toda a superfície medular (um cão). em um outro animal deste grupo, no qual foram notados focos de necrose, em área inferior a 5% do campo histológico não foram encontradas alterações clínicas. Sete animais do Grupo 4 apresentaram alterações clínicas (paralisia ou diminuição de força muscular nas patas posteriores, relaxamento do esfíncter anal) e histológicas (necrose na faixa da superfície medular ou focos de necrose de tecido nervoso). CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo, a lidocaína em concentrações superiores a 7,5%, em injeção única, administrada no espaço subaracnóideo por meio de agulha de Quincke, determinou alterações histológicas sobre a medula espinhal, mas não sobre as meninges.

Efeitos da administração subaracnóidea de grandes volumes de lidocaína a 2% e ropivacaína a 1% sobre a medula espinhal e as meninges: estudo experimental em cães

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A injeção de grandes volumes de anestésico local no espaço subaracnóideo, após punção dural acidental, é complicação da anestesia peridural. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar as possíveis alterações clínicas e histológicas desencadeadas por grandes volumes de lidocaína a 2% e ropivacaína a 1%, simulando injeção subaracnóidea acidental, em cães. MÉTODO: Vinte e um cães foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 3 grupos, que receberam por via subaracnóidea: G1 - cloreto de sódio a 0,9%; G2 - lidocaína a 2% e G3 - ropivacaína a 1%. A punção subaracnóidea foi realizada no espaço intervertebral L6-L7. O volume de anestésico local administrado foi de 1 ml para cada 10 cm de distância entre a protuberância occipital e o espaço lombossacral (5 - 6,6 ml). Após 72 horas de observação clínica os animais foram sacrificados e foi removida a porção lombossacral da medula para exame histológico, por microscopia óptica. RESULTADOS: Nenhum animal do G1 apresentou alterações clínicas ou histológicas da medula espinhal. Foram observados dois casos de necrose do tecido nervoso em G2, porém mudanças clínicas, em somente um desses cães e em outros dois animais que não apresentaram alterações histológicas. Foi encontrada necrose focal do tecido nervoso medular em um animal de G3. Todos os animais de G3 permaneceram clinicamente normais. CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se que grandes volumes de lidocaína a 2% determinaram alterações clínicas e histológicas mais intensas que os de ropivacaína a 1%.

Efeito do plasma rico em uréia na apoptose de neutrófilos de cães

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Características tomográficas de neoplasias encefálicas primárias em cães

Computed tomography (CT) can be considered an important test to identify the presence of primary brain neoplasias in dogs. CT results can help define the type of brain tumor when associated with clinical findings. It allows the identification of lesions and their features, such as size, location, compression and invasion of adjacent tissue. One must analyze the density, mass effect, peritumoral edema, calcification, and image enhancement after intravenous injection of contrast medium. Gliomas, meningiomas and tumors of the choroid plexus and pituitary are the most common primary brain neoplasms diagnosed by CT in dogs. The aim of this paper is to review the literature related to primary brain tumors and report their most important tomographic features, in order to help clinicians achieve a presumptive diagnosis of tumor type.

Validez y confiabilidad de la versión en español de la escala multidimensional de la UNESP-Botucatu para evaluar el dolor postoperatorio en gatos

This study focused on the validation of the Spanish version of the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale to assess postoperative pain in cats. The original scale in Portuguese was translated into Spanish by two independent translators, and summarised in one version by a third individual. The summarised version was back-translated and minor adjustments were made. The scale was reviewed by three anesthesiologists with Spanish as their first language, and the final version was submitted to psychometric testing. Thirty cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were video recorded during the perioperative period. Six observers from different spanish speaking countries, who had Spanish as the first language watched the videos and determined the pain scores using the Spanish version of the scale, identifying the cats that should receive analgesics. Videos were reanalysed in a different order about 2 months after the first assessment. The sensitivity to change, content and construct validity were established by the significant change in pain scores in response to surgery and analgesics. The agreement between the evaluations of the 'gold standard'(researcher that developed the scale) and the other observers confirmed the criterion validity. Inter- and intra-rater reliability, evaluated by intra-class correlation coefficient, ranged from good to very good for all scale items. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia identified by Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was > 7 with 92% of sensitivity and 91% of specificity. The Spanish version of the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale is interpretable (has an optimal analgesic intervention score), valid and reliable instrument for assessing acute pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Lissencefalia em cães e gatos: revisão

Lissencephaly is a condition characterized by a lack of cerebral convolutions and sulci, which results from defective migration of nervous cells precursors in the telencephalus. The cause is presumably genetic. Lhasa-Apso dogs are most frequently affected, even though it may also occur in association with cerebellar hypoplasia in the Irish Setter, Wire-Haired Terrier and Samoieda breeds. This association was also reported in a cat. Clinical signs consist of dementia, aggressiveness, seizures, visual and olfactive dysfunctions, slow postural reactions and reduced menace response. Definitive diagnosis requires exams such as magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral biopsy or necropsy. There is no specific therapy for this disease, and seizures must be treated with anticonvulsants. The aim of this study is to review the literature regarding lissencephaly.

Avaliação dos dados obtidos em um programa de esterilização cirúrgica de gatos em Araçatuba, SP no período de 1996 a 2010

Cats are gradually occupying a more important position as pets and this preference is a result of how easy cat maintenance in an urban environment is, even though they are very prolific and need surgical sterilization. This paper aims at evaluating obtained data within 15 years of research in a university service program that offers free cats sterilization surgery. We carried out a statistical analysis of data shown in the records of animals treated by the program. Surgical sterilization was performed on 647 animals (409 females – 63% and 238 males – 37%). Unilateral cryptorchidism was observed in 9 (3.8%) male cats. Forty (10%) female cats were pregnant at the time of the surgery and the treatment with contraceptives was observed in 67 (16.4%) female cats. One death occurred during anesthesia recovery and 2 cats were euthanized because of wound infection, totalizing an amount of 0.5% of severe complications. From 1996 to 2004, 212 female cats were spayed (122 adults and 90 prepubertal) and during that time two different approaches for ovariohysterectomy were compared: flank laparotomy and ventral midline celiotomy. The flank laparotomy approach was used in only 46 female cats (21.7%) due to some disadvantages observed – the need of an incision on each flank in prepubertal or nulliparous animals and the difficulty or impossibility of total uterus removal. In the same period, 105 male cats underwent orchiectomy via an open technique in which the spermatic cord was linked with nylon thread. From 2005 to 2010, 197 females (106 adults and 91 prepubertal) were spayed. The minilaparotomy technique was used to perform ovariohysterectomy on 139 female cats (70.6%). In this procedure, ovaries and uterus were exteriorized in a blind fashion with a hook through a small midline incision. The traditional midline ovariohysterectomy, which incision length permits direct visualization of the ovaries and uterus, had to be performed in 58 (29.4%) female cats due to advanced pregnancy, full urinary bladder during surgery or obesity. Over the past 6 years, 133 male cats (48 adults and 85 prepubertal) were castrated by means of an open technique in which the spermatic cord was tied to itself. The demand for surgeries during the project demonstrated that people are becoming aware concerning the importance of sterilization when facing cat overpopulation and abandonment.