Coinfection by toxoplasma gondii and leishmania spp. in domestic cats (Felis catus) in State of Mato Grosso do Sul

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

Molecular detection of hemotrophic mycoplasmas among domiciled and free-roaming cats in Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

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

Serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania infantum and Neospora caninum in cats from an area endemic for leishmaniasis in Brazil

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

Morphological aspects of tympanic bulla after ventral osteotomy in cats

To evaluate tympanic bulla healing after experimental ventral osteotomy in cats. Twenty adult cats were submitted to unilateral ventral bulla osteotomy and divided into two groups: cats of A1 group (n=10) were euthanized at 8 weeks and cats of A2 group (n=10), at 16 weeks postoperative. Signs of Horner's syndrome or damage to the inner ear were not found. Open-mouth radiographs taken in the immediate postoperative showed interruption in the contour of the larger compartment of the operated bulla. The result of Mcnemar'test was significant in A2 group (*p=0.0156). Macroscopic exams revealed that the operated bullae were similar to the normal ones, with preservation of the tympanic cavity. Connective tissue at the osteotomy site of the larger compartment was significantly found in the operated bullae in both groups (McNemar test: A1 p=0.0020*; A2 p=0.0078*). Histomorphometric analyses showed that the connective tissue length at the osteotomy site was shorter in A2 group than in the A1 group (Mann-Whitney test: p=0.0021*). Experimental ventral osteotomy did not alter significantly the tympanic bulla conformation and complete regeneration of tympanic bulla frequently did not occur before 16 weeks of postoperative period.

Comparison of the digestive efficiency of extruded diets fed to ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus)

The digestive tract of ferrets is anatomically simple, with no caecum, ileocolic valve or external differentiation between the transition of ileum and colon. The species has a short large intestine that provides minor contributions to the digestive process. Aiming to better understand the digestibility efficiency of ferrets, the present study compared the digestibility of extruded diets with different amounts of macronutrients fed to dogs, cats and ferrets. Three formulations for cat maintenance were used (values in % of DM basis): high carbohydrate (HC; nitrogen-free extract (NFE) = 54 %, protein = 31 % and fat = 8 %); moderate carbohydrate (MC; NFE = 37 %, protein = 41 % and fat = 10 %); and low carbohydrate (LC; NFE = 19 %, protein = 46 % and fat = 23 %). Apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility was determined by the method of total collection of faeces. Results were compared by ANOVA, considering the diet and species effects and their interactions. Means were compared by the Tukey's test (P < 0·05). Dogs and cats presented similar food intakes, but ferrets consumed almost two times more food (g/kg body weight). Species × diet interactions were verified for apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD; P < 0·05). Ferrets presented lower DM digestibility than dogs and cats for all three diets (P < 0·05), lower NFE digestibility than dogs for the three diets and lower NFE digestibility than cats for the HC and LC diets (P < 0·05). For crude protein (CP), ferrets presented lower ATTD than dogs and cats (P < 0·05), whereas for fat, dogs and ferrets presented similar ATTD, and higher values than those presented by cats (P < 0·05). Kibble diets had a lower DM, CP and NFE digestibility when fed to ferrets compared with dogs and cats. Fat digestibility was similar between dogs and ferrets and higher than that for cats.

Sugarcane fibre may prevents hairball formation in cats

Hair ingested by licking during cat grooming can eventually coalesce into solid masses in cat gastrointestinal tract. It is believed that dietary fibre might reduce formation of these trichobezoars (hairballs). The effects of two insoluble fibre sources added to kibble diets were evaluated with respect to trichobezoar faecal excretion. Thirty-two cats and four diets were used in a randomised block design: a control diet without additional fibre, 10 % added sugarcane fibre, 20 % added sugarcane fibre or 10 % added cellulose. Animals were fed for 42 d and during three separate periods (days 15-17, 25-27 and 40-42), the cats were housed individually in metabolic cages and their faeces were totally collected. The faeces were evaluated and the trichobezoars were isolated and classified into small (<1 cm), medium (1·1-2 cm) or large (>2·1 cm). Means were evaluated by repeated measures ANOVA and contrasts (P < 0·05). Cats fed sugarcane fibre shown a linear reduction of small and medium trichobezoar excretion (number per cat per day; P = 0·004) as well as a reduction in trichobezoar mass excretion (mg per cat per day; P < 0·01). The control group showed increased faecal excretion of large trichobezoars (P = 0·003), which were not present in the high sugarcane fibre group (P < 0·006). No effect of cellulose was observed for any evaluated trait. Therefore, long fibres (sugarcane fibre) may cause greater peristaltic stimulation, increasing the propulsion of hair through the gut, but further research is needed to validate this mechanism. In conclusion, sugarcane fibre reduced faecal hairball elimination in cats, which may have clinical applications for the prevention of health problems related to trichobezoars.

The effects of fiber inclusion on pet food sensory characteristics and palatability

The objectives of this study were to determine (a) the influence of fiber on the sensory characteristics of dry dog foods; (b) differences of coated and uncoated kibbles for aroma and flavor characteristics; (c) palatability of these dry dog foods; and (d) potential associations between palatability and sensory attributes. A total of eight fiber treatments were manufactured: a control (no fiber addition), guava fiber (3%, 6%, and 12%), sugar cane fiber (9%; large and small particle size), and wheat bran fiber (32%; large and small particle size). The results indicated significant effects of fibers on both flavor and texture properties of the samples. Bitter taste and iron and stale aftertaste were examples of flavor attributes that differed with treatment, with highest intensity observed for 12% guava fiber and small particle size sugar cane fiber treatments. Fracturability and initial crispness attributes were lowest for the sugar cane fiber treatments. Flavor of all treatments changed after coating with a palatant, increasing in toasted, brothy, and grainy attributes. The coating also had a masking effect on aroma attributes such as stale, flavor attributes such as iron and bitter taste, and appearance attributes such as porosity. Palatability testing results indicated that the control treatment was preferred over the sugar cane or the wheat bran treatment. The treatment with large sugarcane fiber particles was preferred over the treatment with small particles, while both of the wheat bran treatments were eaten at a similar level. Descriptive sensory analysis data, especially textural attributes, were useful in pinpointing the underlying characteristics and were considered to be reasons that may influence palatability of dog foods manufactured with inclusion of different fibers.

Potentiation of epidural lidocaine by co-administering tramadol by either intramuscular or epidural route in cats

This study investigated the analgesic and systemic effects of intramuscular (IM) versus epidural (EP) administration of tramadol as an adjunct to EP injection of lidocaine in cats. Six healthy, domestic, shorthair female cats underwent general anesthesia. A prospective, randomized, crossover trial was then conducted with each cat receiving the following 3 treatments: EP injection of 2% lidocaine [LEP; 3.0 mg/kg body weight (BW)]; EP injection of a combination of lidocaine and 5% tramadol (LTEP; 3.0 and 2.0 mg/kg BW, respectively); or EP injection of lidocaine and IM injection of tramadol (LEPTIM; 3.0 and 2.0 mg/kg BW, respectively). Systemic effects, spread and duration of analgesia, behavior, and motor blockade were determined before treatment and at predetermined intervals afterwards. The duration of analgesia was 120 ± 31 min for LTEP, 71 ± 17 min for LEPTIM, and 53 ± 6 min for LEP (P < 0.05; mean ± SD). The cranial spread of analgesia obtained with LTEP was similar to that with LEP or LEPTIM, extending to dermatomic region T13-L1. Complete motor blockade was similar for the 3 treatments. It was concluded that tramadol produces similar side effects in cats after either EP or IM administration. Our findings indicate that EP and IM tramadol (2 mg/kg BW) with EP lidocaine produce satisfactory analgesia in cats. As an adjunct to lidocaine, EP tramadol provides a longer duration of analgesia than IM administration. The adverse effects produced by EP and IM administration of tramadol were not different. Further studies are needed to determine whether EP administration of tramadol could play a role in managing postoperative pain in cats when co-administered with lidocaine after painful surgical procedures.

Tick-borne agents in domesticated and stray cats from the city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, midwestern Brazil

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

Assessment of a quantitative 5' nuclease real-time polymerase chain reaction using the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase gamma subunit (nuoG) for Bartonella species in domiciled and stray cats in Brazil

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

Postoperative pain control in cats: clinical trials with pre-emptive lidocaine epidural co-administered with morphine or methadone

To evaluate the effectiveness of epidural lidocaine in combination with either methadone or morphine for postoperative analgesia in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Under general anesthesia, 24 cats that underwent ovariohysterectomy were randomly allocated into three treatments groups of eight each. Treatment 1 included 2% lidocaine (4.0 mg/kg); treatment 2 included lidocaine and methadone (4.0 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively); and treatment 3 included lidocaine and morphine (4.0 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively). All drugs were injected in a total volume of 0.25 ml/kg via the lumbosacral route in all cats. During the anesthetic and surgical periods, the physiological variables (respiratory and heart rate, arterial blood pressure and rectal temperature) were measured at intervals of time zero, 10 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins, 60 mins and 120 mins. After cats had recovered from anesthesia, a multidimensional composite pain scale was used to assess postoperative analgesia at 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after epidural. The time to first rescue analgesic was significantly (P <0.05) prolonged in cats that received both lidocaine and methadone or lidocaine and morphine treatments compared with those that received the lidocaine treatment. All cats that received lidocaine treatment alone required rescue analgesic within 2 h of epidural injections. All treatments had significant cardiovascular and respiratory changes but they were within acceptable range for healthy animals during the surgical period. The two combinations administered via epidural allowed ovariohysterectomy with sufficient analgesia in cats, and both induced prolonged postoperative analgesia.

Fibra para cães: efeitos sobre o processo de extrusão, digestibilidade, fermentação microbiana, tempo de retenção intestinal e palatabilidade de rações para cães

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

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.

Avaliação dos conceitos sobre posse responsável exercida pela terceira idade em instituições não governamentais de Araçatuba-SP

Pets bring expressive benefits into the life of the elderly, so it becomes necessary to emphasize some of the concepts regarding responsible ownership consisting of a set of important attitudes that accounts for the well-being of all. In this context, non-governmental institutions represent an excellent mean of communication and information. Besides, the increase of the third aged people population indicates that a survey of parameters to this respect is necessary. Being thus, the objective of this work was to analyze the aged ones´ level of knowledge regarding their responsibility for their pet. A questionnaire was applied to 134 aged people, members of non-governmental organizations in the city of Araçatuba, SP, in order to find out how they took care of their pet animals. The pets aged from 2 to 336 months, being 43,3% mixed-breed animals. Out of that, 60,9% were male dogs and among cats, 65.2% were female cats. There was a 69.4% preference for dogs and a 17.9% preference for cats, only 10.5% of the elderly had preference for birds. From the descriptive statistics analysis it could be observed that 69.40% did not have any access to the street and that 50% did not have a veterinarian follow-up. Regarding vaccination it could be observed that 71.64% had received the rabies vaccine and 70.9% had received the combination vaccine. Also, 74.63% did not know the right moment to give medicines against animal worms. Another important fact was that 85.07% of the animals were not castrated and 84.91% were not under any preventive contraception method. In regard to food 50.75% of the animals were fed strictly with animal food, 12.69% with domestic food and 36.57% with both. Finally, 78.36% of the pets had never been ill. In this way, we can assure the importance of making responsible pet ownership measures well-known among third-aged people.

A influência da idade na percepção de dificuldade de abertura de embalagens PET para refrigerantes

Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for subjective aspects of the interface between human beings and the products and systems that surround them, whether in the workplace or at home. This study addresses the association of age and the perception of difficulty during a simulation of opening process PET bottles for soft drinks. During the activities, the subjects exerted their maximum torque forces, trying to open five different models of these packages, and then they assigned scores for perception in a scale. The results indicate that for some models, there were differences between levels of perceived difficulty between age groups.