Corrective Surgery for Palpebral Coloboma in a Feline Using the Technique of Transposition of the Lip Commissure

Background: Eyelid coloboma is considered a disease caused by failure in eye development during the first semester of pregnancy. In felines, its prevalence occurs in the upper eyelids, temporal region, and bilaterally. Coloboma, whether to a large or small extent, can lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca and trichiasis, situations that can give rise to secondary ulcerative keratitis. The only corrective method is blepharoplasty. The current work aims to report the case of corrective surgery for eyelid coloboma in a feline with a successful postoperative period, in order to corroborate the effectiveness of the technique. We also report a finding of persistent pupillary membrane.Case: A 7-month-old male feline, no defined breed, was analyzed with a purulent mucus secretion and signs of discomfort in the right eye. After the ophthalmic screening, the presence of a coloboma was identified, which occupied approximately 50% of the size of the upper eyelid, in the temporal-dorsal region of the right eye. The cat had already undergone an enucleation of the left eye due to a perforation arising from ulcerative keratitis. Together with coloboma, the presence of blepharospasm, trichiasis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and secondary ulcerative keratitis were diagnosed. The presence of persistent pupillary membrane was also observed, a rare condition in the feline species. To confirm the ulcer, the fluorescein test was applied and treatment with antibiotic eye drops and lacrimomimetics (tear film replacements) drops was administered until the day of surgery, one week later. Concomitant with the institution of treatment prior to surgery, blood was collected for complementary pre-surgical tests such as blood count and biochemistry, which demonstrated satisfactory results. Corrective surgery was then instituted by the technique of transposing the labial commissure, described in 2010, which consists of replacing the colobomatous tissue with a flap from the oral region. To ensure quality in the postoperative period, the use of the Elizabethan collar, oral antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cleaning with 0.9% saline solution around the sutures were prescribed. The first return appointment occurred on the day after the operation and further appointments were made weekly for one month. As the animal did not present any complications in the healing process, the spacing between the follow-up appointments was increased. After 2 months, the animal demonstrated a palpebral reflex and a pleasant appearance.Discussion: The results were similar to those described by the author of the technique, as there was no recurrence of hair in contact with the cornea, the flap mucosa became efficient in terms of the quality in lubricating the fibrous tunic, and an appearance acceptable to the owner was achieved. It is also reported that, different from previous studies, the technique was able to correct palpebral coloboma without any complications during the post-surgical process. In all previously published works, some type of setback was reported, such as dehiscence of the suture of the oral region, dehiscence of the transposed suture, superficial necrosis of the flap, deformation of facial folds, excessive graft retraction, and return of trichiasis in the pre-existing medial region. It is inferred, then, that the use of this technique for correction of eyelid coloboma longer than 1/3 should be indicated

Cloacoplasty in a 40-Day-Old Monk Parakeet with Cloacal Prolapse

Background: The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is also known as the quaker parrot and belongs to the order Psittaciformes in the family Psittacidae. The cloaca is a posterior orifice common to reproductive, digestive and urinary systems and the cloacal prolapse is the displacement or inversion of its anatomic position. Nowadays, the non-conventional pet market in Brazil is rapidly growing, which demands more skills and competences from an avian veterinarian. This study case has as its main objective to present a 40-day-old monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) with cloacal prolapse, treated using the cloacoplasty technique. It is important to mention that the occurrence of cloacal prolapse in this species and in such an early age is uncommon.Case: The patient presented 1 day before the physical examination an increased volume in the cloacal region and hematochezia, and diagnosed as cloacal prolapse. For the treatment, wounds were washed using physiological saline solution, ice and sugar were applied in order to reduce the edema, and mineral oil was used for repositioning the cloacal mucosa. Finally, local anesthesia was applied and 2 isolated contralateral sutures were done with the objective of reducing the sphincter’s diameter, without compromising the flow of urine and feces.  The monk parakeet was treated with antibiotic Avitrin®)  [oxytetracycline hydrochloride - 8.1 mg/mL] and a vermifuge [mebendazole 50 mg/mL]. A sample of feces was also obtained and sent to the Laboratory of Avian Pathology Diagnosis. The patient was discharged after 7 days of the treatment, obtaining a favorable result with no further complications.Discussion: The results of the coproparasitological examination were negative for the samples analyzed; nevertheless, the possibility of a false negative result cannot be totally dismissed. Cloacal prolapse may be related to cases of hypersexual disorder or overexertion to defecate due to intestinal parasites, posture, polyps, enteritis, neoplasm or cloacal hyperplasia. Besides that, endoparasitism is common in captive birds. For the correct treatment, proceed with a cloacoplasty, in which 1 or 2 simple sutures are made separated laterally in both sides, promoting the narrowing of the orifice. The surgeries such as the cloacoplasty are currently being defended, but in most cases as an adjuvant therapy. Cloacal prolapse in birds is a disease considered as an intestinal emergency. The techniques presented in this work demand sedation or anesthesia for the patient, which were not authorized by the tutor due to the high risk involved. However, due to the characteristic of domestication and docile behavior of the bird, it was possible to perform the 2 sutures with a local anesthetic block only. Cloacal prolapse is relatively common in adult psittacine birds, but uncommon in monk parakeets and young birds.  The treatment performed was effective for the monk-parakeet presented in this study case. The authors, however, would like to strongly reinforce the need to identify the cause of cloacal prolapse in order to properly treat it. The importance of correctly identifying the anatomy of a psittacine bird as well as applying precisely the suture techniques are the most important conclusions obtained, making both the identification of the problem and its solution through surgical intervention a simpler and successful process.Keywords: birds, endoparasites, suture, wild

Carcinoma de células escamosas corneal em um cão - uso da Mitomicina C 0.02% como adjuvante no tratamento

Background: Although Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is most commonly seen in the epidermis, this malignant neoplasm can manifest in various other tissues. A wide range of factors may be related to the development of SCC in the cornea, with continuous exposure to ultraviolet radiation and chronic friction to the ocular surface being the most accepted theories. In addition to surgical procedures, the use of mitomycin C in the topical treatment of corneal SCC has shown good results in therapeutic management. Thus, the objective of the current work is to report the satisfactory response observed in the use of mitomycin C in a case of SCC in the cornea of a dog.Case: A 9-year-old male Pug dog was attended by the Veterinary Ophthalmology and Microsurgery Sector (SOMVET) of the University Veterinary Hospital (HVU) of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in the cornea of the left eye, which had recurred after a previous surgical intervention. Secretion and discomfort in the left eye were noted during clinical examination. In addition, both eyes presented pigmentary keratitis in the medial corner. Surgical excision of the neoplasm was performed using the surgical technique of anterior lamellar keratectomy.In the immediate postoperative period, topical therapy was started with eye drops based on mitomycin C at 0.02%, for a period of 28 consecutive days. The use of this chemotherapy drug in the topical form was intended to minimize the chances of recurrence of the clinical condition, since the patient is predisposed to this alteration. In addition, supportive therapy was implemented to improve patient comfort, consisting of the use of tobramycin-based eye drops (6 times a day, for 14 days), atropine 1% eye drops (BID, for 3 days), lubricating eye drops based on sodium hyaluronate (3 times a day, for continuous use), and immunomodulatory eye drops based on tacrolimus 0.02% (twice a day, for continuous use). The patient was evaluated 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery, when good results were observed. One year after treatment, the dog was still showing no signs of recurrence of the treated clinical condition.Discussion: It is known that chronic friction on the surface of the cornea predisposes to the diagnosis of corneal SCC. Accordingly, in the clinical examination of the patient in this report, the presence of bilateral pigmentary keratitis was observed, an alteration that leads to a framework of chronic aggression to the cornea. Surgical treatment is recommended to remove the tumor mass in the ocular region. However, in cases of corneal SCC, the literature highlights that recurrence after surgical excision is a common factor. As the patient in this study arrived at the clinic with a history of recurrence, topical therapy with mitomycin C associated with surgical treatment was instituted. This chemotherapy drug has shown encouraging results in the treatment of some neoplasms, especially SCC. Its use in this case supported previous findings, pointing to a satisfactory result in which the patient had no recurrences after one year of follow-up. In addition, the concentration and frequency used of the active ingredient did not lead to adverse effects in the short or medium term. Keywords: corneal, dry keratitis, chronic, chemotherapy. Título: Carcinoma de células escamosas corneal em um cão - uso da MitomicinaC 0.02% como adjuvante no tratamento Descritores: corneal, ceratoconjuntivite seca, crônico, quimioterápico.Background: Although Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is most commonly seen in the epidermis, this malignant neoplasm can manifest in various other tissues. A wide range of factors may be related to the development of SCC in the cornea, with continuous exposure to ultraviolet radiation and chronic friction to the ocular surface being the most accepted theories. In addition to surgical procedures, the use of mitomycin C in the topical treatment of corneal SCC has shown good results in therapeutic management. Thus, the objective of the current work is to report the satisfactory response observed in the use of mitomycin C in a case of SCC in the cornea of a dog. Case: This study addresses the case of a 9-year-old male Pug dog who was attended by the Veterinary Ophthalmology and Microsurgery Sector (SOMVET) of the University Veterinary Hospital (HVU) of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). The patient presented with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in the cornea of the left eye, which had recurred after a previous surgical intervention. Secretion and discomfort in the left eye were noted during clinical examination. In addition, both eyes presented pigmentary keratitis in the medial corner. Surgical excision of the neoplasm was performed using the surgical technique of anterior lamellar keratectomy. In the immediate postoperative period, topical therapy was started with eye drops based on mitomycin C at 0.02%, for a period of 28 consecutive days. The use of this chemotherapy drug in the topical form was intended to minimize the chances of recurrence of the clinical condition, since the patient is predisposed to this alteration. In addition, supportive therapy was implemented to improve patient comfort, consisting of the use of tobramycin-based eye drops (6 times a day, for 14 days), atropine 1% eye drops (BID, for 3 days), lubricating eye drops based on sodium hyaluronate (3 times a day, for continuous use), and immunomodulatory eye drops based on tacrolimus 0.02% (twice a day, for continuous use). The patient was evaluated 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery, when good results were observed. One year after treatment, the dog was still showing no signs of recurrence of the treated clinical condition. Discussion: It is known that chronic friction on the surface of the cornea predisposes to the diagnosis of corneal SCC. Accordingly, in the clinical examination of the patient in this report, the presence of bilateral pigmentary keratitis was observed, an alteration that leads to a framework of chronic aggression to the cornea. Surgical treatment is recommended to remove the tumor mass in the ocular region. However, in cases of corneal SCC, the literature highlights that recurrence after surgical excision is a common factor. As the patient in this study arrived at the clinic with a history of recurrence, topical therapy with mitomycin C associated with surgical treatment was instituted. This chemotherapy drug has shown encouraging results in the treatment of some neoplasms, especially SCC. Its use in this case supported previous findings, pointing to a satisfactory result in which the patient had no recurrences after one year of follow-up. In addition, the concentration and frequency used of the active ingredient did not lead to adverse effects in the short or medium term

Intrastromal Fluconazole - Effectiveness in the Surgery of Stromal Abscess in a Horse

Background: Due to its ocular microflora, the equine species is predisposed to develop mycotic ulcers which, when not properly treated, can lead to the formation of a stromal abscess. A stromal abscess occurs through the introduction of microorganisms into the corneal stroma. During re-epithelialization, the foreign body is encapsulated, thus creating a barrier that protects bacteria or fungi from treatment with antimicrobial medication. This framework can end up resulting in blindness due to chronic iridocyclitis, putting the animal's vision at risk. The current work aims to report a case of corrective surgery for stromal abscess in a mare with the administration of intraoperative intrastromal fluconazole, in order to corroborate the effectiveness of the technique.  Case: A 9-year-old mare was evaluated, with the complaint that her right eye was closed and “yellowish” and that she had already been treated with intramuscular injectable anti-inflammatory drugs based on flunexin meglumine (Banamine® - 50 mg) for 15 days, referring to a possible ulcer in the right eye.  Ophthalmic screening resulted in a negative direct reflex and no threat response in the right eye. Examination of the conjunctiva showed congestion and chemosis. Examination of the cornea of the right eye was negative for Fluorescein and Green Lissamine tests, and opacity and corneal neovascularization were noted. The final diagnosis was a corneal abscess of probable fungal origin secondary to a keratomycosis. After the consultation, complementary blood and biochemical tests were performed, which showed normal results for the species in question, and treatment was started with eye drops based on atropine 1% (Fagra® - 20 mL), ciprofloxacin antimicrobial eye drops (Ciprovet Colirio® - 5 mL), and antifungal eye drops based on ketoconazole 1% (manipulated), in addition to an intramuscular injectable anti-inflammatory based on flunexin meglumine (Banamine® - 50 mg - 1.1 mg/kg SID) and an intramuscular injectable analgesic based on sodium dipyrone (Febrax® - 0.5 g - 15 mL/animal SID) until the day of surgery, which was booked for 3 days later. The surgical intervention was then instituted by the technique of anterior lamellar keratectomy followed by intrastromal hydration with fluconazole and the forming of a bipedicled flap, in order to remove the necrotic tissue and antigenic stimulation factors, while the conjunctival flap aimed to improve blood supply and protect the injured area, thus favoring local healing. For better postoperative quality for the animal, continuation of the same treatment as prior to surgery was prescribed for a period of 15 days. The return of the animal for the removal of the flap was scheduled for 45 days after surgery, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a delay of 135 days. When the animal returned the flap was still stable. A second surgery was instituted for the removal of the flap, during which it was possible to affirm that the cornea had recovered total integrity and partial transparency with only a leukoma in the previous location of the abscess.Discussion: The technique of anterior lamellar keratectomy together with the use of a conjunctiva flap for the treatment of stromal abscess in horses is a known technique that is used routinely, although some cases report the formation of a second infection in the same space. However, there are few reports on the use of intrastromal hydration with antifungal medication adjuvant to the surgical technique, which, as shown in this report, proved to be effective since even with the issue of a delay in removing the conjunctival flap, the eye remained whole and there was no second infection. The use of this technique can therefore be indicated for the treatment of stromal abscess in horses, given the safety that the application of intrastromal antifungal provides.Keywords: azole, abscess, stromal, keratectomy, ophthalmology, equine, mare.Descritores: azol, abscesso, estroma, ceratectomia, oftalmologia, equino, égua.

Toracotomia com esofagotomia para remoção de corpo estranho esofágico em um cão

Na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, a ocorrência de corpos estranhos (CE) no trato digestório é rotineira, principalmente em cães e gatos com hábitos alimentares não controlados e filhotes. Nos cães, a principal ocorrência trata-se de ossos e em gatos, materiais lineares. A remoção cirúrgica, usualmente, é o método eficaz no tratamento dos CE esofágicos, sendo a endoscopia a técnica de eleição, porém, em alguns casos, é preconizada a realização de toracotomia com esofagotomia, pois apresenta os melhores resultados na resolução cirúrgica. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar o caso de um canino, de dois anos de idade, da raça Labrador, que foi atendido pelo Setor de Oftalmologia e Microcirurgia do Hospital Veterinário Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (HVU-UFSM) e que apresentava obstrução esofágica por corpo estranho. Após o diagnóstico e com os resultados dos exames complementares favoráveis, o paciente foi submetido à toracotomia com esofagotomia para a remoção do CE. No transoperatório foram utilizadas medicações analgésicas, anti-inflamatórias e antibióticas, sendo: dipirona 25 mg/kg, TID, cloridrato de tramadol 4 mg/kg, TID, meloxicam 0,1 mg/kg SID e cefalotina 30 mg/kg BID, todas pela via intravenosa. No terceiro dia pós-cirurgia o paciente recebeu alta sem complicações. As mesmas medicações foram prescritas para administração em domicílio, substituindo a via de administração para a via oral e o antibiótico para cefalexina 30mg/kg. A abordagem cirúrgica escolhida para o tratamento foi indicada pelo tamanho e localização do CE no esôfago. Assim, conclui-se que a utilização desta técnica proporciona a remoção com a visualização da viabilidade das camadas esofágicas e demonstra resultados excelentes com retorno as atividades de rotineiras

ATLANTIC EPIPHYTES: a data set of vascular and non-vascular epiphyte plants and lichens from the Atlantic Forest

Epiphytes are hyper-diverse and one of the frequently undervalued life forms in plant surveys and biodiversity inventories. Epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, have high endemism and radiated recently in the Pliocene. We aimed to (1) compile an extensive Atlantic Forest data set on vascular, non-vascular plants (including hemiepiphytes), and lichen epiphyte species occurrence and abundance; (2) describe the epiphyte distribution in the Atlantic Forest, in order to indicate future sampling efforts. Our work presents the first epiphyte data set with information on abundance and occurrence of epiphyte phorophyte species. All data compiled here come from three main sources provided by the authors: published sources (comprising peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses), unpublished data, and herbarium data. We compiled a data set composed of 2,095 species, from 89,270 holo/hemiepiphyte records, in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, recorded from 1824 to early 2018. Most of the records were from qualitative data (occurrence only, 88%), well distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest. For quantitative records, the most common sampling method was individual trees (71%), followed by plot sampling (19%), and transect sampling (10%). Angiosperms (81%) were the most frequently registered group, and Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae were the families with the greatest number of records (27,272 and 21,945, respectively). Ferns and Lycophytes presented fewer records than Angiosperms, and Polypodiaceae were the most recorded family, and more concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Data on non-vascular plants and lichens were scarce, with a few disjunct records concentrated in the Northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest. For all non-vascular plant records, Lejeuneaceae, a family of liverworts, was the most recorded family. We hope that our effort to organize scattered epiphyte data help advance the knowledge of epiphyte ecology, as well as our understanding of macroecological and biogeographical patterns in the Atlantic Forest. No copyright restrictions are associated with the data set. Please cite this Ecology Data Paper if the data are used in publication and teaching events. © 2019 The Authors. Ecology © 2019 The Ecological Society of Americ

Pseudopterygium in a Rabbit - Treatment with Tracolinus

Background: Pseudopterygium, also known as aberrant conjunctival growth, is poorly described in the literature, although it is known that this abnormality is uncommon and affects dwarf rabbits and their crossbreeds. The etiology of this disease is unknown, but there are hypotheses that the conjunctival growth cause may have its origins in immunological factors, inflammation, traumatic conditions, or cartilage dysplasias. Thus, this study reports the treatment efficacy applied in a rabbit, through the continuous use of tracolimus eye drops, after surgical procedure of conjunctival fold resection, as a way of controlling the pseudopterygium in rabbits.Case: This case report discusses the positive results from the surgical and therapeutic conduct of a clinical case attended by the Ophthalmology and Microsurgical Veterinary Service at the Hospital Veterinário Universitário (HVU) of the UFSM. The patient was a male rabbit, sterilized cunicle, approximately 2-year-old, crossed with a dwarf rabbit. The owner's main complaint was the change in the aspect of the left eye, with progressive worsening in the previous four weeks. In the ophthalmological examination, the animal did not present impaired vision or discomfort, however, a vascularized pink membrane was noted, which consisted of a fold of the bulbar conjunctiva, that grew centripetally and covered 90% of the cornea in 360 degrees. The diagnosis was confirmed through visual inspection and the patient's history. The eye alteration had a characteristic aspect, described as proliferation of the bulbar conjunctiva over the cornea, in a centripetal manner and without signs of inflammation. In addition, other ophthalmological alterations were ruled out during the patient's physical and specific examination. The patient was referred for anesthetic evaluation and, in addition, pre-surgical blood tests were performed, which were normal, according to the expected ranges for the species. Subsequently, the animal was submitted to surgical treatment, which consisted of dividing the exuberant conjunctiva, followed by three radial incisions in equal portions. Next, the conjunctival fold was completely incised to the edge of the limbus, without the need of sutures. Anterior lamellar keratectomy was performed on the portion where the membrane was attached to the cornea. For home care, tobramycin-based eye drops (QID, for 7 days) and 0.02% aqueous tacrolimus eye drops (BID - continuous use) were prescribed. The animal was reevaluated 7, 14, 30, 60, 120 and 180 days after surgical correction, and no recurrence of pseudopterygium was observed during the follow-up period. The prognosis of patients with pseudopterygium is reserved, as it is known that the disease may recur after surgical treatment. Therefore, the continuous use of the chosen immunomodulating eye drops was recommended as well as periodic follow-up of the patient.Discussion: In the current study, it was not possible to increase knowledge regarding about the pseudopterygium etiology. Although the condition is not serious, it can cause partial impairment of vision and chronic discomfort. However, the vision field described in the rabbit in this current case remained unchanged, in accordance with other cases described in the literature. Furthermore, no signs of patient discomfort were detected. Some surgical techniques described in the literature for correction of pseudopterygium, shows membrane’s growth recurrence. The use of immunomodulatory drugs is suggested for relapses controlling. In this study, the tracolimus eye drops efficacy was tested, and presented good results in the patient's evaluations for a long period after surgery. The use of immunomodulators is an option for adjuvant topical treatment for controlling pseudopterygium growth, which, associated with corrective surgical treatment, has shown positive results.Keywords: conjunctiva, aberrant, immunomodulator, treatment, bunny.Título: Pseudopterígio em coelho - tratamento com tracolimusDescritores: conjuntiva, aberrante, imunomodulador, tratamento, coelho

Cloacoplasty in a 40-Day-Old Monk Parakeet with Cloacal Prolapse

Background: The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is also known as the quaker parrot and belongs to the order Psittaciformes in the family Psittacidae. The cloaca is a posterior orifice common to reproductive, digestive and urinary systems and the cloacal prolapse is the displacement or inversion of its anatomic position. Nowadays, the non-conventional pet market in Brazil is rapidly growing, which demands more skills and competences from an avian veterinarian. This study case has as its main objective to present a 40-day-old monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) with cloacal prolapse, treated using the cloacoplasty technique. It is important to mention that the occurrence of cloacal prolapse in this species and in such an early age is uncommon.Case: The patient presented 1 day before the physical examination an increased volume in the cloacal region and hematochezia, and diagnosed as cloacal prolapse. For the treatment, wounds were washed using physiological saline solution, ice and sugar were applied in order to reduce the edema, and mineral oil was used for repositioning the cloacal mucosa. Finally, local anesthesia was applied and 2 isolated contralateral sutures were done with the objective of reducing the sphincter’s diameter, without compromising the flow of urine and feces.  The monk parakeet was treated with antibiotic Avitrin®)  [oxytetracycline hydrochloride - 8.1 mg/mL] and a vermifuge [mebendazole 50 mg/mL]. A sample of feces was also obtained and sent to the Laboratory of Avian Pathology Diagnosis. The patient was discharged after 7 days of the treatment, obtaining a favorable result with no further complications.Discussion: The results of the coproparasitological examination were negative for the samples analyzed; nevertheless, the possibility of a false negative result cannot be totally dismissed. Cloacal prolapse may be related to cases of hypersexual disorder or overexertion to defecate due to intestinal parasites, posture, polyps, enteritis, neoplasm or cloacal hyperplasia. Besides that, endoparasitism is common in captive birds. For the correct treatment, proceed with a cloacoplasty, in which 1 or 2 simple sutures are made separated laterally in both sides, promoting the narrowing of the orifice. The surgeries such as the cloacoplasty are currently being defended, but in most cases as an adjuvant therapy. Cloacal prolapse in birds is a disease considered as an intestinal emergency. The techniques presented in this work demand sedation or anesthesia for the patient, which were not authorized by the tutor due to the high risk involved. However, due to the characteristic of domestication and docile behavior of the bird, it was possible to perform the 2 sutures with a local anesthetic block only. Cloacal prolapse is relatively common in adult psittacine birds, but uncommon in monk parakeets and young birds.  The treatment performed was effective for the monk-parakeet presented in this study case. The authors, however, would like to strongly reinforce the need to identify the cause of cloacal prolapse in order to properly treat it. The importance of correctly identifying the anatomy of a psittacine bird as well as applying precisely the suture techniques are the most important conclusions obtained, making both the identification of the problem and its solution through surgical intervention a simpler and successful process.Keywords: birds, endoparasites, suture, wild

Effect of probiotic and prebiotic upon the gain of weight, feed intake and diarrhoea occurrence in piglets at the suckling phase Efeito da adição de probiótico e prebiótico sobre o ganho de peso, consumo de ração e ocorrência de diarréia em leitões na fase de aleitamento

This study intended to assess the effect of probiotic and/or prebiotic added in sows feed on piglets weight (WE), feed intake (FI) and the percentage of diarrhoea (ID), during lactation. There were used 24 sows and 289 piglets, distributed in a completely randomized, with four treatments (T1 = control; T2 = addition of prebiotic; T3 = addition of probiotic; and T4 = addition of prebiotic + probiotic). From 0 to 14 days of age, the prebiotic addition increased the piglets weight gain. Meanwhile, in the period of 15 to 21 days, the piglets from treatments T3 and T4 showed better GP in comparison to the groups T1 and T2. From 0 to 7 days of life, control group piglets had higher incidence of diarrhoea (ID). The only probiotic addition received the lowest average cost in sow feed and the best economic efficiency.<br>Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito de probiótico e/ou prebiótico adicionados na ração de matrizes suínas sobre o ganho de peso (GP) e consumo de ração (CR) dos leitões e porcentagem de diarréia nos mesmos (PD) durante a fase de aleitamento. Foram utilizadas 24 matrizes e 289 leitões provenientes destas, distribuídos num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (T1= controle; T2= adição de prebiótico; T3 = adição de probiótico; e T4 = adição de prebiótico + probiótico). Os resultados demonstraram que de 0 a 14 dias de idade, a adição de prebiótico aumentou o ganho de peso (GP) dos leitões. Entretanto, no período de 15-21 dias, os leitões dos tratamentos T3 e T4 demonstraram melhor GP em comparação aos dos grupos T1 e T2. De 0-7 dias de vida, os leitões do grupo controle apresentaram maior ocorrência de diarréia (OD). Entretanto de 15-21 dias o grupo controle (T1) e o T4 apresentaram menor OD. Conclui-se que o prebiótico adicionado na ração das matrizes proporciona melhor GP dos leitões de 0-14 dias de vida; a utilização de probiótico adicionado ou não de prebiótico melhoram o GP dos leitões de 15-21 dias; a suplementação somente de prebiótico proporcionou menor OD na leitegada no período de 0-7 dias de idade; e a associação de probiótico + prebiótico ocasionaram menor OD dos leitões no período de 15° - 21° dia da fase de aleitamento. A adição somente de probiótico obteve o menor custo médio na alimentação das matrizes e melhor índice de eficiência econômica.ZOOTECIJ