Avaliação da eletrocardiografia de alta resolução em cães clinicamente normais

The aim of this study was to describe the technique and results of high resolution electrocardiography (ECGAR) in clinically healthy dogs. During this research, 32 adult crossed-breed, dogs from both sexes were used, which were divided in four groups accordingly to their mean body weight. The animals were submitted to high resolution electrocardiography in time domain. It was verified that the duration of QRS complex was smaller in the group of dogs with lower body weight when compared to the group of animals weighing over 21 kilograms. Moreover, the duration of the low amplitude signals of the last 40 ms of the QRS complex (LAS 40) did not show significant differences among groups. Also no significant difference was seen among groups in relation to the mean squared root of the squared voltage of the last 40 ms of the QRS complex (RMS 40). These results, once tabled, could contribute for standardization of the reference values for canine ECGAR. Furthermore, these values could serve as foundation for other researches with dogs in risk of development of sustained ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death, through the detection of the so called late potentials.No presente estudo, descreve-se a técnica e os resultados obtidos da eletrocardiografia de alta resolução (ECGAR) em cães clinicamente normais. Durante a pesquisa, foram utilizados 32 cães, adultos, sem raça definida, machos e fêmeas, divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com o peso corporal médio, sendo submetidos ao estudo da ECGAR no domínio do tempo. Quanto aos parâmetros eletrocardiográficos analisados, foi constatado que a duração do complexo QRS foi menor no grupo de cães com peso corporal inferior a 10 quilogramas. Por sua vez, a duração dos sinais de baixa amplitude dos últimos 40 ms do complexo QRS (LAS 40) não alterou significativamente entre os grupos. O mesmo ocorreu em relação à raiz quadrada média da voltagem ao quadrado dos últimos 40 ms do complexo QRS (RMS 40), permanecendo sem alteração significativa. Os resultados encontrados uma vez tabulados poderão contribuir na padronização dos valores para a espécie canina e servirão de subsídio para outras pesquisas com cães propensos ao desenvolvimento de arritmias ventriculares sustentadas e morte súbita, por meio da detecção dos chamados potenciais tardios

Isometry of Potential Attachment Sites for the Iliotrochanteric Suture in Dogs: an ex vivo Study

Background: Coxofemoral luxation is the most common traumatic luxation in dogs and the iliotrochanteric suture is one of the surgical treatment options. The orthopedic suture aimed at surgically restoring joint movement should be employed in an isometric manner in order to maintain adequate tension throughout the arc of motion. This study aimed to determine the isometric points for the iliotrochanteric suture in dogs during the joint extension and flexion movements. This evaluation was performed both in the intact hip joint and in the luxation model, establishing the best combination, among the determined points, for the reestablishment of normal joint movement.Materials, Methods & Results: Radiographic analyses of 12 canine cadaveric hips, both intact and in craniodorsal luxation model, were performed in a neutral position, flexion at 50°, and extension at 150°. In the trochanteric segment, two parallel lines were drawn, creating the central vertical axis and the secondary vertical axis. Three points were then determined on each axis, from proximal to distal, corresponding to 25, 50, and 75% of the height of the axis, and were labelled as T1, T2, and T3 and T4, T5, and T6, respectively. In the iliac segment, a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ilium was drawn, and 25, 50, and 75% of this height corresponded to points I1, I2, and I3, respectively. The lengths between the points were measured, with the objective of evaluating which combination of points presented less variation in the joint positions. The central location of the iliac and trochanteric segments, determined respectively by I2 and T2, provided smaller variations during the maximal movements of hip flexion and extension.Discussion: The surgical techniques of iliotrochanteric suture target to maintain the internal rotation of the femoral head inside the acetabulum and abduction of the femur until the soft tissues have healed. The described techniques for the iliotrochanteric suture present a great anatomical variety in the arrangement of the anchor points of the suture. It is known that if during motion, the attachment sites move closer to one another, the suture will become lax and, if the attachment sites move away from one another, the suture will tighten. Therefore, the implantation in isometric sites assists in reducing the variation of the distance between the points of origin and insertion of the suture during joint movement, keeping the suture tension constant and allowing the functional recovery of the joint. This study demonstrates that there are some locations for the origin and insertion of an iliotrochanteric suture that are associated with less length change than others. I2-T2 combination is the point closest to isometry for the iliotrochanteric suture during hip extension and flexion, so that, T2 is the most central point of the greater trochanter, corresponding to 50% of the height of its central vertical axis, as well as I2, which corresponds to the most central point of the ilium, representing 50% of the height of the most caudal portion of its body. The isometric point found by us details the exact location of perforation in all aspects (height and length), both in the ilium and the trochanter. In addition, it is a personalized point created for each patient from its radiographic examination and taking into consideration its anatomical variations, so that there is no damage to the suture during hip extension and flexion movements

Ovarian dysgerminoma causing multifocal metastases in young bitch

The ovarian neoplasias are unusual in canine species, mainly originated from germinative cells. Among these, dysgerminoma is a rare neoplasm in bitches, predominantly affecting senile and small and medium breeds. They are large, rounded, smooth surface, painless and firm in consistency. The clinical signs commonly demonstrated by patients with this neoplasia are abdominal distension and secondary signs of hyperestrogenism. The diagnosis should be based on the association of history, clinical signs, radiographic, ultrasonographic, cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical exams. The treatment is the surgical castration and metastases are uncommon. Due to the rarity in bitches, specifically the young animals, this study aimed to describe a case of left ovarian dysgerminoma, of considerable size and adherence in adjacent organs, in a Brazilian Fila, whose showed considerable increase in abdominal volume and progressive weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by means of complementary x-ray, ultrasound, histopathological and immunohistochemical tests. Even with the recommended surgical treatment (castration), the patient demonstrated severe respiratory symptoms and increased abdominal volume after two months, and the complementary exams suggested pulmonary and multifocal metastases and the tutor chose euthanasia. As presented by the results, although rare in bitches, dysgerminoma should be included in the differential of ovarian neoplasias, including the young ones

Relevance of periodontal disease as a precursor to systemic disorders in companion animals / Relevância da doença periodontal como precursora de afecções sistêmicas em animais de companhia

Periodontal disease (periodontitis) is an oral condition characterized by the involvement of the periodontium, that is, structures that protect and support the teeth. It is commonly diagnosed in small animals, especially in the elderly, and is a frequent cause of tooth loss in both dogs and cats. The etiological factor of periodontal disease is the organized sub- and supragingival plaque and numerous factors are responsible for the predisposition of the disease such as age, race, size and immunity of the patient. The symptomatology of the affected animals varies according to the degree of involvement of the disease, but they usually include halitosis, hyperemia, bleeding and gingival retraction, odontoliths, contact gingival ulcers, furcation exposure and tooth loss. The diagnosis is based on history, complete anamnesis, thorough examination of the oral cavity associated with extra and intraoral x-rays. The periodontal treatment has the purpose of eliminating the causal agent, removing dental stones, tooth extractions and polishing the remaining dental elements. In addition to local changes, periodontal disease can cause systemic damage, due to the rich vascularization of the periodontium and tooth movement in the tooth socket, allowing bacteria and their metabolites to enter the lymphatic and blood vessels during patient chewing, causing organ failure. In view of the high incidence of periodontal disease in pets and the consequent local and systemic changes, the objective of the current work was to carry out a bibliographic survey on this oral condition in dogs and cats, highlighting the damage to other organs due to bacteremia. In this context, the scientific literature emphasizes that the systemic immune response secondary to bacteremia predisposes the formation of immune complexes in the bloodstream that adhere to the walls of the endothelium causing local inflammation and endothelial lysis of the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, bones, among others, reflecting on diverse symptomatology. Thus, it is assumed that early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease can prevent the establishment and local progression of oral disease and, consequently, systemic impairments that directly affect the quality of life and survival of the affected.Periodontal disease (periodontitis) is an oral condition characterized by the involvement of the periodontium, that is, structures that protect and support the teeth. It is commonly diagnosed in small animals, especially in the elderly, and is a frequent cause of tooth loss in both dogs and cats. The etiological factor of periodontal disease is the organized sub- and supragingival plaque and numerous factors are responsible for the predisposition of the disease such as age, race, size and immunity of the patient. The symptomatology of the affected animals varies according to the degree of involvement of the disease, but they usually include halitosis, hyperemia, bleeding and gingival retraction, odontoliths, contact gingival ulcers, furcation exposure and tooth loss. The diagnosis is based on history, complete anamnesis, thorough examination of the oral cavity associated with extra and intraoral x-rays. The periodontal treatment has the purpose of eliminating the causal agent, removing dental stones, tooth extractions and polishing the remaining dental elements. In addition to local changes, periodontal disease can cause systemic damage, due to the rich vascularization of the periodontium and tooth movement in the tooth socket, allowing bacteria and their metabolites to enter the lymphatic and blood vessels during patient chewing, causing organ failure. In view of the high incidence of periodontal disease in pets and the consequent local and systemic changes, the objective of the current work was to carry out a bibliographic survey on this oral condition in dogs and cats, highlighting the damage to other organs due to bacteremia. In this context, the scientific literature emphasizes that the systemic immune response secondary to bacteremia predisposes the formation of immune complexes in the bloodstream that adhere to the walls of the endothelium causing local inflammation and endothelial lysis of the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, bones, among others, reflecting on diverse symptomatology. Thus, it is assumed that early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease can prevent the establishment and local progression of oral disease and, consequently, systemic impairments that directly affect the quality of life and survival of the affected.

Voluntary project “For Others” provides recreation and social interaction by implementing the activity assisted by animals / Projeto voluntário “Pelos Outros” proporciona recreação e interação social mediante implantação da atividade assistida por animais

Animal-assisted activity is characterized by informal visits to schools, daycare centers, nursing homes and hospitals with the presence of animals, trained or not, for recreation with educational, social and motivational purposes. This activity can be applied in isolation or in association with other complementary ones such as therapy and animal-assisted education. In this context, in the activity assisted by animals several species are used, but the one of choice is the canine, due to indole and dressage facility. It is essential that the participating animals have an updated health certificate so that they do not transmit infectious diseases, in addition to the importance for their own health. Scientifically, it has been proven that human-animal interaction provides social reintegration, reduction of anxiety, loneliness, depression and psychological disorders, in addition to improving self-esteem, reasoning and concentration. Thus, the association of these adjuvant factors with conventional therapies favors the quality of life and longevity of the participating individuals. In view of the promising results attributed to the activity assisted by animals, the objective of the present work is to describe the performance of the social project “For Others” in the implementation of this modality with the help of trained dogs, helping the elderly, children, disabled, sick and homeless people in the city of Franca (SP) and region. The results of this voluntary category demonstrate satisfaction not only from participants in the activity assisted by animals, but also from their families and caregivers.

Comparison of Intraoperative Nociception and Postoperative Acute Pain After Traditional or Minimally Invasive Ovariohysterectomy in Dogs

Background: Many variations of ovariohysterectomy techniques have been described, including the traditional one and minimally invasive procedures. Non-laparoscopic Snook hook technique is an alternative for performing minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy. Few studies have been carried out in order to assess pain in animals submitted to minimally invasive surgeries, especially involving one of the most performed surgical procedures in veterinary practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical duration, intraoperative nociception and acute postoperative pain after traditional ovariohysterectomy or minimally invasive non-laparoscopic technique in dogs using Snook hook. The hypothesis is that non-laparoscopic minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy would be faster and less painful than the conventional technique.Material, Methods & Results: Thirty dogs were divided into Traditional Group (TG = 15) and Minimally Invasive Group (MIG = 15). Heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, body temperature, oxyhemoglobin saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (ETCO2) and end-tidal isoflurane concentration were evaluated before the surgery to start (M0), during incision (M1), clamping of the first ovarian pedicle (M2), second ovarian pedicle (M3), uterine cervix (M4), abdominal suture (M5) and at the end of surgery (M6). The modified Glasgow Pain Scale was used for acute postoperative pain assessment and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess the sensitivity of surgical wound. The level of significance established for all statistical analyzes was 5%. Statistical differences were not observed between groups considering total surgical time and postoperative acute pain intensity (P > 0.05), in spite of MIG having shorter duration of surgery. There was no statistical difference between groups considering all intraoperative parameters except respiratory rate (TG < MIG; P < 0.05) and ETCO2 (MIG < TG; P < 0.05) at the moment of traction of the first ovarian pedicle (M2). Pain assessment by VAS showed statistical difference 24h after the end of surgery (TG < MIG) (P < 0.05). Discussion: Both procedures were similar regarding intraoperative nociception and acute postoperative pain. It is possible that the sensation of pain in both procedures was blocked by the effectiveness of analgesics, once they might cause an inhibition of painful behaviors limiting a possible difference in pain identification. Higher respiratory stress observed in MIG at M2 and higher pain score by VAS noted in MIG 24 h after the end of surgery can be justified by greater traction of ovarian pedicle, due to limited surgical access of minimally invasive technique. Minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy non-laparoscopic seems to be potentially faster, probably due to the smaller size of the abdominal incision, which takes less time to be closed. In the present study, both techniques were performed by an experienced surgeon, providing safe procedures, nevertheless it is important to emphasize that iatrogenic injury can be caused by surgeons not proficient in the Snook hook technique, considering the limited visualization of anatomical abdominal structures. Data obtained indicate that traditional ovariohysterectomy and non-laparoscopic Snook hook technique promote similar intraoperative nociception and acute postoperative pain, however minimally invasive procedure is potentially faster and with less surgical trauma

“Rural Extension - Dairy Cattle” of the Professional Improvement Program in Veterinary Medicine at University of Franca provides veterinary assistance to small rural properties of region / “Extensão Rural - Gado de Leite” do Programa de Aprimoramento Profissional em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Franca proporciona assistência veterinária a pequenas propriedades rurais da região

The rural extension is a technical activity that aims at an educational and instructive character in assisted properties, especially for small and medium rural dairy farmers. In this way, among other factors, it aims to maintain the welfare and health of the animals involved and also to produce subsistence with the activity. Given the importance of dairy farming in Brazil and the various difficulties encountered in this sector, this work aims to report the performance and importance of the “Rural Extension - Dairy Cattle” Project of the Professional Improvement Program in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Franca (UNIFRAN). This extension project, created in 2012, in addition to improving the knowledge of recently graduated academics, provides veterinary technical assistance to small rural dairy farmers in the city of Franca (SP) and region, especially in relation to the processes that involve the handling, welfare, nutrition, production, reproduction and health of the animals. Each selected student develops these activities for two consecutive years, under the constant supervision and guidance of the institution's faculty, in addition to the assistance of interns. Thus, using the rural extension methodology recommended by the “Rural Extension – Dairy Cattle” Project, It is admitted that it provides the intensive improvement of the veterinarian for being directly inserted in the current job market, in addition to offering instructions to rural producers followed by animal care, which favors the productivity and quality of the product obtained.

Histomorphological and immunophenotypic diagnoses of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and other sarcomas that affect the intestine of dogs

In view of the morphological similarity between gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and other sarcomas of the intestine of dogs, the aim was to carry out the histomorphological and immunohistochemical diagnosis of these tumors, associating breed, sex and age, location and tumor invasion. 217 cases were evaluated by histopathology and 36 diagnosed by immunohistochemistry were included (24 GIST and 12 other intestinal sarcomas). Mixed breed dogs were the most diagnosed with GIST, mainly elderly females (9.5±2.2 years); in the other intestinal sarcomas, crossbreeds and Dachshunds, males and females, were equally affected. The cecum was the most affected by GISTs, with tumor invasion of the intestinal layers in all cases. The small intestine was the most affected by the other intestinal sarcomas, with invasion of the layers in most of these tumors. GISTs expressed markers such as CD117 and DOG-1, unlike other intestinal sarcomas. GIST and other intestinal sarcomas denoted histomorphological and immunophenotypic characteristics similar to histopathology, justifying the association of immunohistochemistry for the definitive diagnosis. Keywords: CD117; DOG-1; GIST; veterinary oncolog

Comparison between the rebound (TD - 8000 portable) and applanation tonometer (Tono-Pen Avia™) managed by different evaluators for intraocular pressure measurements in rabbits

This study aimed to compare values of intraocular pressure (IOP) by different tonometers and evaluators (veterinary ophthalmologist specialist and veterinary not a specialist). For this, 30 rabbits were used, and in all (n = 60 eyes), the IOP was initially measured with a rebound tonometer (model TD - 8000 portable, Apramed Indústria e Comércio de Equipamentos Médicos Ltda) and, subsequently, with an applanation tonometer (portable model Tono-Pen Avia™®, Reichert Technologies®, USA). With the two devices, the measurements in mmHg were performed in the central region of the corneas, always performed in the same period, by a professional veterinary ophthalmologist (specialist) and a professional veterinary (not a specialist). Data were statistically compared using the simple analysis of variance test. With the rebound tonometer, IOP ranged from 7 to 14 mmHg when measured by both evaluators; while with the applanation tonometer, from 9 to 15 mmHg by the specialist and from 8 to 16 mmHg by the non-specialist. In the right eyes, the IOP measured by the applanation tonometer by the non-experienced evaluator was statistically lower than the specialist's values; yet, the results of the two evaluators were higher in these same eyes when compared with those of the rebound tonometer. In the left eyes, the IOP measured by the applanation tonometer by the non-experienced evaluator was statistically higher than the specialist's values with the rebound tonometer. Thus, it was possible to infer that, regardless of experience in the area, the applanation tonometer indicated higher mean values of IOP in both eyes and, about the evaluators, the means of the measurements performed by the specialist were higher compared to the non-professional specialist. Keywords: aqueous humor; glaucoma; veterinary ophthalmology; tonometry; uveiti

Modified walking suture technique in rhytidectomy in a Shar-Pei dog

Excessive facial skin folds is observed in several breeds of dogs and the weight exerted on the eyelids accents or promotes entropion, trichiasis and ptosis. Thus, this study reported a case of the 8-months-old male Shar-pei weighting 21.5kg was presented with an obstructed visual axis, eye discharge, fetid odor in facial folds around the jaw and the neck. It was indicated the surgical resection of the folds and correction of the upper and lower entropion. In this case, the association of Hotz-Celsus technique with rhytidectomy shaped in semiarchs, using the anchoring points with the modified walking suture, was effective in correcting the entropion and unblocking the visual axis with minimal scarring and preservation of the breed standard in 12 months follow up after surgery