Omentalisation as a treatment for prostatic cysts and abscesses

Seven dogs with prostatic retention cysts and three with prostatic abscess were referred for prostatic omentalisation and were discharged 72 hours later. Eight dogs had an uneventful recovery while one dog had a minor incontinence for two days. One dog died due to a previous long-term sepsis. The low incidence of post-operative complications and brief hospitalisation period make omentalisation the surgery of choice for the treatment of prostatic cysts and abscess.

Plication of the free wall of the left ventricle in dogs with doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy

Objective - To evaluate plication of the free wall of the left ventricle, which reduces the left ventricular area and volume, as a method to improve the left ventricular systolic function without cardiopulmonary bypass. Animals - 8 mixed-breed adult dogs. Procedure - Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) was induced in each dog by administration of doxorubicin (30 mg/m2, IV, q 21 d for 168 days). Two dogs died during induction of cardiomyopathy. Plication surgery was performed in 4 dogs. Two dogs did not ondergo to surgery (control group). Values for cardiac output (CO), 2-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography, arterial blood pressure, electrocardiography, blood cell counts, and serum biochemical analyses were recorded after induction of DCM (baseline) and 1, 2, 7, 15, 21, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days after plication surgery. Ambulatory ECG (Holter) recordings were conducted for 24 hours on the day of surgery. Results - 1 dog died after plication surgery. The remaining dogs undergoing ventricular plication had a significant improvement in CO, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening and reductions of left ventricular area and volume after surgery. Electrocardiographic and Holter recordings revealed premature ventricular complexes, which resolved without treatment during the first week after surgery. Clinical condition of the control dogs declined, and these 2 dogs died approximately 40 days after induction of cardiomyopathy. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - Plication of the free wall of the left ventricle improved left ventricular systolic function in dogs with doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Additional studies are needed to evaluate its application in dogs with naturally developing DCM.

The role of the oblique ligament in the mechanical behavior of the medial collateral ligament of the mongrel dog elbow joint - Some biomechanical aspects

This study investigated the oblique ligament mechanical contribution to the medial collateral ligament of the canine elbow joint. Fifteen dogs were used for the study of the failure load, displacement, and energy absorption of the medial collateral and oblique ligaments of the canine elbow joint, associate and separately in the joint. Medial collateral ligament failure load and energy absorption were significantly higher in relation to the isolated oblique ligament. When the ligaments were associated in the joint, they presented an increment in failure load, displacement and energy absorption in relation to the ligaments analyzed separately. It was concluded, therefore, that the oblique ligament could have an important paper in the stability of the canine elbow joint, as it favors the medial collateral ligament resistance to the tensile load, one of the main stabilizer of the elbow joint.

Avaliação ultraestrutural do colágeno do ligamento colateral medial associado ao ligamento oblíquo da articulaç ão do cotovelo de cão SRD após ensaio de tração

Ultrastructural evaluation of the collagen of the mongrel dog medial collateral ligament associated to the oblique ligament after strain. The present work aimed to observe the disposition of the collagen fibres of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow joint of the dog, when associated to the oblique ligament. Thus, 18 articulations were used, divided in three groups. A group had the medial collateral ligament collected and not stretched, other group had the collateral medial ligament stretched separately and the other group had both ligaments (medial collateral and oblique) stretched associately. The medial collateral ligament examined by scanning electron microscopy presented a wavy and reticular pattern of the collagen fibres when not submitted to strain, which was not totally destroyed when it was associated to the oblique ligament. When stretched separately, the medial collateral ligament after strain totally loses the reticular pattern, demonstrating the waste of the fibres to resist to the tension.

Evaluation of homologous, heterologous, and affinity conjugates for the serodiagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

Use of serological tests in the diagnosis of infectious diseases in wild animals has several limitations, primarily the difficulty of obtaining species-specific reagents. Wild canids, such as maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), are highly predisposed to infection by Toxoplasma gondii and, to a lesser extent, to Neospora caninum. The aim of the present study was to evaluate homologous, heterologous, and affinity conjugates in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFATs) for detecting immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum in maned wolves. Serum samples were obtained from 59 captive animals in Brazil and tested by ELISA for T. gondii serology and IFAT for N. caninum serology using 3 different enzymatic and fluorescent conjugates: homologous (guinea pig anti-maned wolf IgG-peroxidase and -fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC]), heterologous (rabbit anti-dog IgG-peroxidase and -FITC), and affinity (protein A-peroxidase and -FITC). Seropositivity to T. gondii was comparable among the homologous (69.5%), heterologous (74.6%), and affinity (71.2%) enzymatic conjugates. A significant positive correlation was found between the antibody levels determined by the 3 enzymatic conjugates. The highest mean antibody levels (ELISA index = 4.5) were observed with the protein A-peroxidase conjugate. The same seropositivity to N. caninum (8.5%) was found with the homologous and heterologous fluorescent conjugates, but protein A-FITC was not able to detect or confirm any positive samples with homologous or heterologous conjugates. Our results demonstrate that homologous, heterologous, and affinity conjugates might be used in ELISA for serological assays of T. gondii in wild canids, whereas for N. caninum infection, only the homologous or heterologous fluorescent conjugates have been shown to be useful. © American Society of Parasitologists 2005.

Comparação entre técnicas coproparasitológicas no diagnóstico de ovos de helmintos e oocistos de protozoários em cães.

In this study we evaluated the frequency of enteroparasites in pet dogs and their association with age, sex and breed, as well as the efficiency of the Willis-Mollay, Faust, Sedimentation and Direct exam methods. By these methods we processed 401 fecal samples. The samples were positive in the following percentages: Ancylostoma spp. (53.1%), Toxocara canis (20.7%), Cystoisospora ohioensis (15.7%), Trichuris vulpis (3.7%), Dipylidium caninum (2.5%) and Taenia spp. (1.0%). Toxocara canis (67.3%) and C. ohioensis (47.3%) showed higher positivity in the puppies. The Willis-Mollay technique was more efficient in the diagnosis of Ancylostoma spp. and T. canis eggs. The Direct method was the least efficient. It was found that the majority of the cases of D. caninum were diagnosed by the Sedimentation method (8=2.0%), while for T. vulpis Willis-Mollay (12=3.0%) and Sedimentation (13=3.2%) were more efficient. In view of these results, we can recommend the association of Willis-Mollay and Sedimentation methods for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal helminths. Due to the elevated occurrence of Ancylostoma spp. and T. canis, which are involved in zoonotic diseases, it becomes necessary to apply more efficient prophylaxis of canine intestinal parasitosis at the City of Araçatuba, state of São Paulo.

Nutritional support and outcome in hospitalized dogs and cats

This study investigated the effect of assisted nutritional support on the outcome and time of hospitalization (TH) of dogs and cats. The study compared two groups of 400 hospitalized animals. The animals in group 1 did not receive assisted nutritional support because they were hospitalized before the clinical nutrition service was implemented; animals in group 2 were nutritionally managed. Animals in group 1 received a low-cost diet with no consumption control. Group 2 animals had their maintenance energy requirement (MER) calculated, received a high-protein and high-energy super-premium diet, had their caloric intake (CI) monitored, and received enteral and parenteral nutritional support when necessary. The statistical analysis of the results included the standard T test (group 1 versus group 2) and chisquare and Spearman's correlation to evaluate group 2 (CI and outcome, body condition score (BCS) and outcome, BCS and CI). For group 2, favorable outcome (FO), defined as the percent responding to therapy and dis-charged from the hospital, was 83%, and the TH was 8.59 days. These values were lower (P < .001) for group 1 (63.2% FO and TH of 5.7 days). For group 2, 65.5% of the animals received voluntary consumption (93.1% outcome), 14.5% received enterai support (67.9% FO), 6.5% received parenteral support (68% FO), and 6.17% did not eat (38.5% FO), demonstrating an association between the type of nutritional support and outcome (P < .01). Group 2 animals that received 0% to 33% of their MER had 62.9% FO, and those receiving more than 67% had 94.3% FO, which shows that lower mortality rates are associated with higher CI (P < .001). TH was higher for animals with higher CI (P < .001). The BCS did not correlate with Cl (P > .05) but did correlate with outcome (P < .01). FO was 68.7% for animals with low BCS, 85.7% for animals with ideal BCS, and 86.6% for overweight animals. Nutritional support could allow for longer therapies, thus increasing the TH and FO rate.

Clinical and cardiovascular alterations produced by scorpion envenomation in dogs

Scorpionism is a common problem that occurs in tropical and subtropical countries and assumes great medical-sanitary importance due to its fatal effect on sensitive individuals, being able to lead children and aged people to death. The envenomation lethal potential is responsible for the serious cardiopulmonary alterations the scorpion toxin produces in its victims. The present research evaluated the effects of Tityus serrulatus venom on dogs, using two distinct doses: a dose that simulates natural envenomation (0.4 mg/total dose), and an experimental dose (0.25 mg/kg). General clinical signs were observed at different moments after envenomation, and specific data related to the cardiopulmonary system were evaluated by systemic arterial pressure measurement, CK-MB enzymatic activity dosage, and radiographic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examinations. Results demonstrated that the scorpion venom, in experimental doses, was able to cause acute and reversible cardiac injury in few days, and, in the dose that simulated natural accident, it produced clinical signs of light envenomation, such as local pain, hyperesthesia, sialorrhea, vomiting, diarrhea, sneeze and prostration.

Serological profile of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in apparently healthy dogs of the city of Botucatu, São Paulo state, Brazil

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a coccidian protozoan of worldwide distribution. The seroprevalence in canine population can be an alternative for measuring T. gondii urban spreading. A total of 780 blood samples from dogs were collected, during the yearly anti-rabies campaign, carried out by the Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry (FMVZ), São Paulo State University, UNESP, together with the county health authorities, in August 1999. Using Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) for detecting antibodies anti-T. gondii in the sera samples, we observed that 258 dogs (33.1%) were positive. The associations between the serological results and the epidemiological variables were studied. Statistically significant differences were not found regarding sex (32.2% male and 34.3% female reactors). Dogs without a defined breed showed seropositivity statistically higher than the pedigreed group. The occurrence of infection was considered higher with age.

Neurohormonal, hemodynamic, and electrocardiographic evaluations of healthy dogs receiving long-term administration of doxorubicin

Objective - To evaluate diagnostic testing that could be used to establish an early diagnosis of cardiotoxicosis induced by long-term administration of doxorubicin. Animals - 13 adult mixed-breed dogs. Procedures - 7 dogs were administered doxorubicin chloride (30 mg/m2, IV, q 21 d for 168 days [cumulative dose, 240 mg/m2]), and 6 dogs received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (5 mL, IV, q 21 d for 168 days; control group). Echocardiography, ECG, arterial blood pressure, plasma renin activity (PRA), and plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were assessed before each subsequent administration of doxorubicin and saline solution. Results - Dogs that received doxorubicin had a significant decrease in R-wave amplitude, compared with values for the control group, from 30 to 210 mg/m2. Doxorubicin-treated dogs had decreases in fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction evident as early as 30 mg/m2, but significant differences between groups were not detected until 90 mg/m2 was reached. There was also a significant increase in PRA (≥ 120 mg/m2) and left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions (≥ 60 and ≥ 180 mg/m2, respectively). Systemic arterial pressure, remaining echocardiographic variables, and concentrations of norepinephrine and BNP had significant variations, but of no clinical importance, during doxorubicin administration. Conclusions and clinical relevance - Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicosis developed at 120 mg/m2, but there were no clinical signs of dilated cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure. Echocardiography and determination of PRA were able to detect early cardiac alterations during the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, despite apparently differing degrees of sensitivity to development of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicosis.

Arthrodesis tarsocrural or tarsometatarsal in 2 dogs using circular external skeletal fixator

An external fixation technique, using a circular fixator, to obtain arthrodesis was evaluated in 2 dogs with infected open lesions and soft tissue damage. In both cases, articular cartilage was curetted, and devitalized bone and necrotic soft tissue were removed. No bone graft was used. The wounds were maintained open and the dogs received postoperative antibiotic therapy. The arthrodesis site was compressed progressively as needed. Infection was eradicated and bony union was obtained in both dogs. It was concluded that the use of a circular fixator is an effective method to achieve arthrodesis.

Densidade das células do endotélio corneano em olhos de cães à microscopia especular

The aim of this study was to examine the endothelial surface and to perform a morphometric analysis of the corneal endothelial cells in normal eyes of dogs using specular microscopy. Morphometric analysis with regard mean cell area and cell density was performed. Both eyes of ten mixed-breed, males and females, with 6 years of age, weighing about 15 kg euthanatized for reasons unrelated to this study were evaluated. Eyes were examined to determine that they did not have visible ocular disease and transported to the laboratory in moist chamber. Using a contact specular microscope the corneal endothelium was examined. Three images of the central corneal endothelium of each eye were obtained. The mean cell area and the cell density of the corneal endothelial cells were obtained using software for corneal endothelium analysis and density measurement. The mean cell area was 395 ± 36 μm 2 and the endothelial cell density was 2555 ± 240 cells/mm2. The present work demonstrates that the normal corneal endothelium of dog is similar to those described in human.

Avaliação radiográfica, densitométrica e histológica do uso de perfurações ósseas para o estímulo de consolidação de fraturas do terço distal do rádio de cães

To stimulate the bone callus development process from distal third of radius, 24 adult mongrel dogs used were from both sexes. These dogs were separated in two experimental groups of 12 animals each, named control and treated, divided in 4 moments (M1=15 days; M2=30 days; M3=45 days; M4=60 days), who underwent were performed surgical fractures. In treated group, it was performed bone perforations on proximal and distal edges, craniolateral and mediolateral to the fracture site. At the end of each moment, control and treated animals were evaluated by radiography, histology, and bone mineral densitometry (BMD) was determined on fracture site. According to the radiographic data of treated dogs, it was verified on days 15 and 30 more intense bone regeneration than control group. During M3 and M4, it wasn't detected any difference in bone reparation process betweencontrol and treated groups. In densitometric study, BMD values were greater in treated animals than in control dogs. Histological studies revealed at 15 and 30 days chondrocyte hyperplasia and initial endochondral ossification on drilled limbs; control group showed sustainment connective tissue and initial chondrocyte hiperplasia. At M3 and M4 of the treated group, were verified development and remodeling of periosteal callus in more advanced phases when comparing with limbs from control group. It can be concluded that using perforations enhances blood flow supply and activation of osteogenic cells on fracture site, stimulating the beginning of fracture consolidation process.

Mensuração de hormônios andrógenos, estrógeno, fosfatase ácida prostática (PAP) e antígeno prostático específico (PSA) em cães adultos com próstata normal e hiperplásica

Prostatic diseases have been a common problem in middle age and older intact male dogs. Among these, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) is the most frequent, age-related and hormonal-dependent condition of human and canine prostate. Blood samples were collected from 37 male intact dogs, tree years old dogs or more to determine androgens, estrogen, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) according to histopathological aspects. Low levels of estrogen and high levels of prostatic specific antigen (PSA) were founded in dogs with BHP, respectively. Seric and urinary PAP levels were high in dogs with hyperplasia.

Estudo retrospectivo de osteossarcoma primário dos ossos da pelve em cães em um período de 14 meses

The osteosarcoma (OSA) is one of the most common malignant tumors of dogs. Large and giant-breed dogs are affected and the mean age of these dogs is about 7 years. The tumor usually involves the metaphyses of long bones and the treatment is radical amputation and chemotherapy with cisplatin. The therapy of neoplasia located in pelvis is difficult and usually don't accept by owners. This report describes the incidence of primary osteosarcoma in pelvis of dogs, during a period of fourteen months. Of the eight animals taken care with this neoplasia, a bigger frequency in the dogs of the race Rottweiler and German Pastor was observed. Amongst the bones that compose animal's pelvis was observed greater osteosarcoma incidence in ileum (6 cases). Lameness, functional impotence of pelvic member and pain had been the main observed clinical signals. In seven cases was found advanced involvement osseous, mainly, for lyses of the cortical. All the animals had been submitted to the euthanasia for not presenting possibility of surgical treatment with safety margin. Also one was taken in consideration for this decision to the clinical condition of the patients, the possibilities to confer improvement in the quality of life of the dogs and the option of the owners' front to the prognostic.