Anatomic Bases for Brachial Plexus Block of Capuching (Sapajus libidinosus)

Background: In captivity, capuchin monkeys compete for space and rank. Fights can result in traumas, especially to the limbs, requiring interventions that are often outpatient. Local anesthesia as a tool in these procedures, as an aid to chemical restraint, is very relevant for small outpatient surgeries, or even for pain relief. Knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy is essential to perform local anesthesia. Thus the objective of the present study was to determine, by anatomical studies of the brachial plexus region, the best access pathways for anesthetic blocking of the nerve.Materials, Methods & Results: Seven adult capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) were used, weighing 2-3 kg, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde aqueous solution at 10%. In five of these animals the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar regions were dissected to visualize the muscles, clavicle and bracchial plexus nerves. An analogical pachymeter was used to measure the depth of the plexus in relation to the cranial and caudal clavicle face and axillary fossa, comparing the length of two hypodermic needles (13x4.5 mm and 15x5 mm). Simulation of the anesthetic block was tested in two animals: before dissecting an acrylic varnish solution was injected using a syringe and 13x4.5 mm needle in the supraclavicular, infraclavicular regions and axillary fossa. To assess the positioning points of the syringe, dissection was performed and the varnish perfusion in the plexus was observed. For the anesthetic block in the supraclavicular region the dorsal median of the clavicle with a 95º deltoclavicular angle with the needle perpendicular to the skin was taken as point of reference. In the infraclavicular the reference point was the caudal face of the median clavicle with an 80º deltoclavicular angle. In the axillar region, with the limb at 90º, the syringe was positioned perpendicular to the axillar at the height of the mid portion of the thorax. The mean and standard deviation of the skin-brachial plexus distance for the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar techniques were, respectively, 1.76 ± 0.1387 cm, 1.12 ± 0.239 cm and 1.59 ± 0.365 cm. These data showed the viability of executing the anesthesia technique by three access pathways. However, in the supraclavicular access pathway in the anesthetic simulation with the 13x4.5 mm hypodermic needle, the stain diffused to the plexus, showing, when compared with the 1.76 cm mean skin- plexus distance a safe distance to prevent the needle from perforating the nerve.Discussion: The techniques reported in the human literature for brachial plexus block presented a series of complications, with incomplete blocks and hemorrhages when the axillar access pathway was used and presented risk of pneumothorax in the supraclavicular. In the capuchin monkey the supraclavicular access pathway in anesthetic simulation with 13x4.5mm hypodermic needle showed a safe distance for the needle not to perforate the nerve, so that the use of this needle could be indicated in 2-3 kg animals. However, hypodermic needles are not recommended for use in this area because of the risk of perforating the subclavicular artery close to the plexus. As an alternative some anesthesiologists use the infraclavicular access pathway with atraumatic needles recommended for brachial plexus block, with relative success and fewer complications. Although the supraclavicular region showed the best depth in relation to the technique used here, anesthetic tests should be made to confirm the efficaciousness of executing the brachial plexus anesthetic technique in capuchin monkeys using atraumatic needles for nerve block

Progressive Histiocytosis of Non-Epitheliotropic Dendritic Cells in a Feline

Background: Histiocytic tumors in felines are nodules that commonly develop on limbs and head extremities. They can be divided into many subtypes including cutaneous histiocytoma, histiocytic sarcoma, reactive fibrohistiocytic nodule, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and progressive feline dendritic cell. Despite the same origin, they have behaviors that differ from each other, thus it is important to confirm diagnosis with histopathological and immunohistochemical tests, because early identification can facilitate prognosis and treatment. In this study, we describe the pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics, enabling differentiation feline neoplasms derived from histiocytes. Case: A 5-year-old, crossbreed, male, feline presented with a nodulation at the base of the left ear. The mass was slow growing, partially alopecic, with no other changes associated with tumor development. The nodule was round and circumscribed, movable, with an elevated surface. He was referred for surgery and an elliptical sample around the tumor was carefully dissected. Routine histopathological evaluation was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), as well as immunohistochemistry. Histopathology showed circumscribed proliferation of histiocytic cells, with abundant and eosinophilic cytoplasm. The proliferative cells were large and rounded, extending from the superficial dermis and basement membrane to the deep dermis. At the extremities, some cells had visible vacuoles. Mitotic activity ranged from 3 to 4 mitoses per field in 40x magnification. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining for histocompatibility complex MCII and lysozyme antibodies, marking histiocytic cells. Labeling was positive for CD20 in cells of lymphoid lineage B and negative for E-cadherin. Histiocytic cells did not invade the epidermis; hence, proliferation was classified as nonepitheliotropic. These methods contribute to the literature regarding the diagnosis of this rare tumor. Therefore, histological as well as immunohistochemical evaluation are important bfor confirming clinical diagnosis of histiocytic proliferation non-epitheliotropic. Discussion: Progressive histiocytosis of feline dendritic cells, in both epitheliotropic and non-epitheliotropic forms, is considered a clinically progressive and rare disorder. There are reports which include cytological, clinical, histological and immunohistochemical examinations, but the diagnostic characteristics regarding the non-epitheliotropic classification have not yet been properly identified. Nodulations are predominantly observed in head and limb regions, usually non-ulcerated, which can both increase and decrease in size, and are typically painless. The tumor in the present case was restricted to the base of the ear and no evidence of infiltration or metastasis was found. Progressive histiocytosis may spread and reach the lymphatic system through the lymph nodes, subsequently becoming systemic. The non-aggressive behavior observed in this case is possibly related to the non-epitheliotropic pattern. In the present case, MHC II histocompatibility complex markers, a phenotype compatible with dendritic cells, were used. Lysozyme antibodies marked histiocytic cells and the reactive lymphoid infiltrate was composed of CD20-positive B lymphoid lineage cells. Staining for E-cadherin was negative, negative results in labeling experiments is common, it is dependent upon the cellular origin of the leukocytes present in the sample. Staining for these molecules is recommended for differentiating feline progressive histiocytosis from Langerhans cells. Langerhans cells can be characterized by E-cadherin expression in about 10% of cases and marked T lymphocyte and neutrophil expression in the affected tissue. In this case, the histopathological exam along with immunohistochemistry was essential for differentiating them

Bovine Mastitis Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Nocardia farcinica

Background: Mastitis caused by Nocardia is characterized by pyogranulomatous inflammation related to inadequate hygiene conditions and is difficult to treat. Prompted by the absence of documentation of Nocardia farcinica associated to bovine mastitis in the Northeast region of Brazil, this is the first report to describe bovine mastitis caused by multidrug-resistant N. farcinica. Case: Four milk samples (one from each teat) obtained from a 3-year-old Jersey cow raised on a property located in the metropolitan region of Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil, were submitted to the Laboratory of Infectious-Contagious Diseases of the Veterinary Hospital at Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. At the laboratory, samples were cultured in base agar enriched with 7% sheep blood (blood agar) in a microbiological incubator at 37°C under aerobic conditions for 72 h. After only 48 h, however, pure bacterial colony growth was observed in all samples. Macroscopic analysis revealed small colonies, with an irregular shape, dry aspect, and greyish in color. Gram-positive rods forming filaments and/or ramifications were observed using a Gram staining method. Nocardia spp. were identified according to morphotinctorial characteristics. Susceptibility testing using the disc-diffusion method in agar (antibiogram) was performed using the following antibiotics: penicillin (10 IU), tetracycline (30 µg), amoxicillin (10 µg), gentamicin (10 µg), cephalexin (30 µg), erythromycin (15 µg), cephalothin (30 µg) and ampicillin (30 µg). However, the organism exhibited resistance to all drugs; as such, a new milk sample was obtained at the same location the initial samples were collected. Samples (approximately 5 mL) were collected aseptically and separately from all four teats in sterile bottles, during which the presence of granular material was noted. Bacterial culture was performed as previously described and, after 48 h, colony growth with the same characteristics as the first isolation were observed, and with same morphotinctorial characteristics in the Gram stain. A resistance profile was observed for 14 of the antimicrobial drugs tested; sensitivity was verified only for ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. One bacterial colony was selected and sent to the Center of Strategic Technology of Northeast (CETENE-PE) for species identification using a matrix-associated laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF/MS) technique, which confirmed the species to be N. farcinica. Molecular characterization of 16s ribosomal DNA was performed using polymerase chain reaction with universal prokaryotic primers 516F-13R. Subsequently, the amplified product was subjected to sequencing, and the result was analyzed for quality using Phred base calling software; bases with a Phred value > 20 were kept. The sequence was evaluated using GenBank, in which the isolate exhibited 99% similarity to N. farcinica. Discussion: Clinical findings and animal history associated with microbiological culture and bacterial identification using the MALDI-TOF technique, as well as DNA sequencing, confirmed the case of clinical mastitis to be caused by N. farcinica. These bacteria are considered saprophytes, and their occurrence is associated with deficiencies in hygienic-sanitary management, such as not using pre- and post-dipping, which may favor mammary gland infection. Treatment of N. farcinica mastitis is effective only when properly performed, with agent identification and antibiotic sensitivity tests in vitro associated with the adoption of hygienic-sanitary measures. This is the first description of bovine mastitis caused by N. farcinica in the northeast of Brazil. Multidrug resistance should raise awareness of producers searching for laboratory aids in agent identification as well as antibiotic sensitivity tests, and to develop a proper therapeutic protocol based on results obtained in laboratory examinations

Septicemia em bezerro por Mannheimia haemolytica no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Mannheimia haemolytica é uma bactéria comensal do trato respiratório de bovinos e associada à infecção do trato respiratório desses animais, podendo causar pneumonia, pleurite e septicemia. É considerado o principal agente causador de doenças respiratórias em bovinos. Relata-se um caso de septicemia em um bezerro causado por M. haemolytica. No exame clínico detectou-se taquicardia, taquipneia, respiração abdominal, hipertermia e desidratação. As mucosas oral, nasal e conjuntivais (bilateral) apresentavam-se hiperêmicas, além de um quadro de poliartrite e broncopneumonia. Após cultivo bacteriano do material das articulações e dos pulmões foi possível isolar M. haemolytica. No hemograma foi observado acentuada hiperfibrinogenemia e leucocitose com neutrofilia. No exame necroscópico foram observados poliartrite purulenta. O pulmão apresentou broncopneumonia difusa, além de intensa congestão dos vasos sanguíneos das leptomeninges. Os achados clínicos associados ao exame microbiológico e necroscópico confirmaram o diagnóstico de mannheimiose, sendo este o primeiro relato do envolvimento de M. haemolytica em septicemia em bezerro no Brasil

Simultaneous Occurrence of Hemangiosarcoma and Grade II Mast Cell Tumor in a Pit Bull Terrier

Background: The incidence of cutaneous neoplasms in dogs is high and quite variable. Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and mast cell tumor (MCT) are commonly diagnosed neoplasms in isolation; however, reports of concomitant occurrence in a single patient are rare. HSA is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of endothelial origin; the spleen is the most commonly affected organ. MCT is a common neoplasm that may affect any region of the body, without predilection for sex, although some breeds have shown higher incidence. This report describes a case of HSA and MCT in a Pit bull terrier.Case: A 5-year-old white male Pit bull was presented to the Small Animal Clinic of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco with nodules in preputial region measuring 5,4 x 3,7 cm and an ulcerated nodule in the right lateral thoracic region measuring 23,0 x 19,0 x 5,5 cm. The owner reported surgical excision of two previous nodules one year before the consultation, but neither were submitted for cytopathological or post-surgical histopathological examination. Two months after the procedure, the nodules recurred. Cytopathological examinations of preputial and lateral thoracic nodules were performed, with a suggestive diagnosis for HSA and MCT, respectively. Due to the unfavorable prognosis and the weakness of the animal, euthanasia was elected. Necroscopic examination revealed an ideal body condition score (4/9), hypertrophy of right pre-scapular and axillary lymph nodes, red hepatization in the apical lobe of the right lung, with multiple, soft and pigmented nodules in the spleen, liver, pancreas and testis. Several tissue samples were collected, conditioned in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution, routinely processed for histology, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue. Microscopically, the lateral thoracic nodule consisted of round cells in cordonal arrangement, with sparse basophilic and discretely granular cytoplasm, and a round, central nucleus with a single evident nucleolus. Some cells were positively marked by toluidine blue, and the neoplasm was classified as grade II MCT. The preputial and digital nodules were confirmed as well-differentiated HSA, with fusiform cells forming vascular structures containing large numbers of erythrocytes and irregular fibrovascular stroma. Metastases of HSA were observed in the lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, and testis. Invasion of mast cells was observed in lymph node.Discussion: Although the etiology of HSA has not yet been clarified, its occurrence in dogs with poorly pigmented skin exposed to ultraviolet light is well established, consistent with observations in this case. MCTs often occur on the pelvic and thoracic limbs, abdomen, and chest. Primary site of HSA may be in any tissue, but it is commonly seen in highly vascular organs such as the spleen. When it occurs on the skin, HSA has more frequently been reported in the preputial and scrotal regions in dogs. For both neoplasms, the locations in this Pit bull corresponded to those commonly reported. MCTs with ulceration, edema, pruritus, and flushing are associated with worse prognosis. Metastasis is a major concern when evaluating oncologic patients. While it is difficult to determine the primary site of HSAs, metastasis often occurs in the lungs and liver. In this case, metastatic lesions were identified in the lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, and testis by necropsy and histopathology. Fine needle aspiration of neoplasm-suggestive lesions should be performed prior to surgical procedures, especially because of its high sensitivity for MCTs. MCT and HSA are tumors of great significance, due to their high occurrence and variable prognosis. Multidisciplinary diagnostics involving clinical and pathological aspects are essential to guide the prognosis and treatment of these tumors.Mariana Lumack do Monte Barretto, Rômulo Freitas Francelino Dias, Saulo Romero Felix Gonçalves, Órion Pedro da Silva, Roseane Oliveira Feitosa, Stephanie Caroline Gueiros Silva, Valdemiro Amaro da Silva Junior & Andrea Alice da Fonseca Oliveir

Canine Cystitis Caused by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica

Background: Urinary tract infection in dogs is usually associated with the presence of bacteria, with a higher prevalence of Gram-negative bacteria, represented mainly by enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Proteus spp., followed by Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. There are scant reports of Salmonella spp. as the causative agent of urinary tract infection in dogs.  Indeed, the literature describes only a few cases, most of which involve the isolation of these bacteria in feces. This paper reports a case of canine cystitis caused by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica in the northeast region of Brazil.Case: A female dog of the Fila Brasileiro breed, about 9 year-old, wormed but unvaccinated, was evaluated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco – UFRPE.  The dog showed clinical signs of apathy, cachexia, polyphagia, polyuria and opacity of the crystalline lens. The dog’s owner stated that the animal was fed with commercial dog food. In the clinical exam, the patient presented pale mucosa, cachexia, absence of ectoparasites, and her rectal temperature was 39.5°C. Moreover, cardiorespiratory auscultation of the patient revealed tachycardia (190 bpm) and tachypnea (36 bpm). The owner’s main complaint was the clinical condition of frequent urination (polyuria). A urinalysis and urine culture with antibiogram were requested as complementary exams, after collecting the urine by cystocentesis. The volume obtained in the physical examination of urinalysis was 7 mL of yellow urine with a putrid smell, cloudy appearance and density of 1.024. The chemical examination revealed pH 6.5, protein (+++), bilirubin (+), normal urobilinogen and negative reactions for glycoses, ketone, nitrite and urine occult blood. Bacteriuria and pyuria were detected in a urine sediment test. Urine was cultured on blood agar and Levine agar in a bacteriological incubator at 37°C under aerobiosis, for 24 h. This culture produced an exuberant and pure growth of glossy grey bacterial colonies on blood agar and glossy colonies on Levine agar. The Gram test revealed gram-negative bacilli. The sample was subjected to biochemical tests to identify Gram-negative enterobacteria, whose results provided a presumptive identification of Salmonella species. The microbial species was identified using a VITEK 2 Compact®, and was followed by a serology test for the identification of the serogroup using a polyvalent serum, which enabled the identification of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. The antibiogram showed sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and penicillin, and resistance to amoxicillin and ampicillin.Discussion: Clinical signs of cachexia and polyuria may be related to canine urinary tract infection caused by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, since these symptoms had already been recorded previously in a case of a bacterial infection by the same serogroup. Isolation of Salmonella spp. in a non-selective medium was determinant in identifying these bacteria. Since these are not commensal bacteria of the canine urinary tract, their isolation in this tract indicates that they are responsible for the infection or disease, although such cases are rare. Another aspect that should be highlighted is the risk of human infection, because of the zoonotic potential of Salmonella spp., which may be transmitted by contact with dog urine. This is the first report of the isolation of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica in a case of canine cystitis on the northeast region of Brazil, and underscores the importance of complementary diagnostic exams such as urine culture

Systemic Cryptococcosis in a Miniature Schnauzer Dog

Background: Cryptococcosis is an important zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide. The disease is caused by a soilborne opportunistic fungus of the genus Cryptococcus, which can also be found in the feces of birds, especially pigeons. In Brazil, the geographical distribution of the agent is fairly defined, with the species C. gattii predominantly found in thenorth-eastern states. Diagnosis is based on the clinical history, physical examination findings, and results of complementary testing, such as cytopathological and histopathological examinations. This report aims to describe the clinical and anatomopathological findings in a case of systemic cryptococcosis in a dog.Case: A 4-year-old female Miniature Schnauzer was referred for necropsy. For 3 months prior to death, the dog had displayed generalized alopecia, pruritus, and severe weight loss, Initially, a private veterinarian had suspected leishmaniasis. Gross examination was performed and samples for cytopathology, histopathology, and fungal culture were obtained. Themacroscopic examination revealed generalized alopecia, congested mucosa, cachexia, hyperemia of the brain, and multiple white nodules measuring 0.5 cm to 4 cm in the lungs and the kidneys. None of the other organs showed significant lesions. Cytopathological examination of the nodules revealed a highly cellular sample, with a severe chronic inflammatory response, characterized by multinucleated giant cells and round-to-elliptical, yeast-shaped structures (5-10 μm), suggestive ofCryptococcus organisms. Histopathological examination of the lungs, kidneys, and brain revealed a severe diffuse chronic inflammatory process, with lymphocytic infiltration and multinucleated giant cells; countless yeast-shaped, round-to-ovoid structures (similar in appearance to “soap bubbles”) that were negative in hematoxylin-eosin stain were also present.Grocott’s methenamine silver stain was then applied, which positively stained the organism capsules black, confirming Cryptococcus. For mycological diagnosis, samples from the lungs nodules were cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol 0.4% and incubated for 7 days at 25-30ºC. Abundant small, smooth, irregular-sized,cream-colored colonies were obtained, and a mycological smear, stained by India ink, was performed.Discussion: Considered an uncommon disease, canine cryptococcosis can be misdiagnosed. Clinical findings, such as alopecia, lymphadenopathy, and cutaneous nodules that may be ulcerated, are commonly seen in these patients due to the hematogenous spread of the organism. In the case described, the dog’s owner was contacted and asked to provide epidemiological information. The owner reported that the dog had lived in an apartment, with little access to the street; however, pigeons were frequently observed on the balcony, along with pigeon feces in the dog feeder. The presence of pigeon feces is a risk factor for the development and spread of the fungus, which may be problematic to public health. Cytopathological examination is a simple, quick diagnostic tool with good sensitivity for some infectious agents. Mycological culture can provide results due to the characteristic of the Cryptococcus sp., since the encapsulated yeast produces a mucous-like colony. Cryptococcosis has a relevant role in public health, so a precise diagnosis is imperative. Its diagnosis is based upon culture, cytology and serological tools. When the animal does not survive to the ilness, the association between necropsyfindings and histopathological examinations is essencial.Keywords: canine, diagnostic, yeast, anatomopathology

Anatomia macroscópica dos órgãos reprodutores do Puma yagouaroundi (Geoffroy, 1803) macho

O Puma yagouaroundi (gato-mourisco) é um felino que apresenta vasta distribuição geográfica no Brasil, podendo ser encontrado em vários biomas. Na literatura observa-se escassez de trabalhos sobre sua anatomia macroscópica. O objetivo do trabalho foi a descrição macroscópica do sistema reprodutor masculino visando a obtenção de informações que possam ser úteis ao manejo reprodutivo da espécie. O estudo foi realizado em um cadáver macho doado ao Laboratório de Anatomia Veterinária pelo Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. O animal foi fixado em formal a 10 % para posterior dissecação e descrição do sistema reprodutor masculino. Foram identificadas as seguintes estruturas funcionais do aparelho genital masculino do gato-mourisco: escroto, pênis, testículos, epidídimos, ductos deferentes e as glândulas genitais acessórias, identificando-se apenas a próstata, não possuindo as glândulas bulbouretrais e vesiculares. O escroto com seus constituintes internos situa-se na região subanal. Os testículos apresentaram formato ovóide, posicionado perinealmente, dentro do escroto. O ducto deferente compreende uma estrutura longa, contínua a cauda do epidídimo, desembocando na superfície craniodorsal da próstata. O pênis mostrou-se um órgão curto, achatado látero-lateralmente com presença de espículas e localizado dentro do prepúcio

Anatomic Bases for Brachial Plexus Block of Capuching (Sapajus libidinosus)

Background: In captivity, capuchin monkeys compete for space and rank. Fights can result in traumas, especially to the limbs, requiring interventions that are often outpatient. Local anesthesia as a tool in these procedures, as an aid to chemical restraint, is very relevant for small outpatient surgeries, or even for pain relief. Knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy is essential to perform local anesthesia. Thus the objective of the present study was to determine, by anatomical studies of the brachial plexus region, the best access pathways for anesthetic blocking of the nerve.Materials, Methods & Results: Seven adult capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) were used, weighing 2-3 kg, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde aqueous solution at 10%. In five of these animals the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar regions were dissected to visualize the muscles, clavicle and bracchial plexus nerves. An analogical pachymeter was used to measure the depth of the plexus in relation to the cranial and caudal clavicle face and axillary fossa, comparing the length of two hypodermic needles (13x4.5 mm and 15x5 mm). Simulation of the anesthetic block was tested in two animals: before dissecting an acrylic varnish solution was injected using a syringe and 13x4.5 mm needle in the supraclavicular, infraclavicular regions and axillary fossa. To assess the positioning points of the syringe, dissection was performed and the varnish perfusion in the plexus was observed. For the anesthetic block in the supraclavicular region the dorsal median of the clavicle with a 95º deltoclavicular angle with the needle perpendicular to the skin was taken as point of reference. In the infraclavicular the reference point was the caudal face of the median clavicle with an 80º deltoclavicular angle. In the axillar region, with the limb at 90º, the syringe was positioned perpendicular to the axillar at the height of the mid portion of the thorax. The mean and standard deviation of the skin-brachial plexus distance for the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar techniques were, respectively, 1.76 ± 0.1387 cm, 1.12 ± 0.239 cm and 1.59 ± 0.365 cm. These data showed the viability of executing the anesthesia technique by three access pathways. However, in the supraclavicular access pathway in the anesthetic simulation with the 13x4.5 mm hypodermic needle, the stain diffused to the plexus, showing, when compared with the 1.76 cm mean skin- plexus distance a safe distance to prevent the needle from perforating the nerve.Discussion: The techniques reported in the human literature for brachial plexus block presented a series of complications, with incomplete blocks and hemorrhages when the axillar access pathway was used and presented risk of pneumothorax in the supraclavicular. In the capuchin monkey the supraclavicular access pathway in anesthetic simulation with 13x4.5mm hypodermic needle showed a safe distance for the needle not to perforate the nerve, so that the use of this needle could be indicated in 2-3 kg animals. However, hypodermic needles are not recommended for use in this area because of the risk of perforating the subclavicular artery close to the plexus. As an alternative some anesthesiologists use the infraclavicular access pathway with atraumatic needles recommended for brachial plexus block, with relative success and fewer complications. Although the supraclavicular region showed the best depth in relation to the technique used here, anesthetic tests should be made to confirm the efficaciousness of executing the brachial plexus anesthetic technique in capuchin monkeys using atraumatic needles for nerve block

Melanoma in a Dairy Goat

Background: Skin neoplasms in goats, albeit less frequent than in equines and cattle, are no less important, given that the presence of melanoma is worrisome due to its local and metastatic aggressiveness, which leads to death, especially in northeastern Brazil, where ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are high, being an important factor the development of this neoplasia, especially in light-skinned animals. This report describes the clinical and pathological aspects, beyond the attempted surgical treatment a case of Saanen goat melanoma raised in Feira Nova, Pernambuco, Brazil.Case: A 4-year-old pregnant Saanen goat was treated at the AGA/UFRPE. The animal presented blackened fetid masses located on the lower lip and ventral region of the jaw that had grown for two months. In addition to the tumor, a physical examination revealed altered submandibular and left prescapular lymph nodes. Local anesthesia and sedation were applied and both neoplasms were excised.  The goat was then medicated with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs and discharged. However, 45 days later, the goat returned with multiple nodules similar in appearance to the previous one and in a severe clinical condition, characterized by pale mucous membranes, dehydration, enophthalmia, bilateral nasal serous secretion and enlargement of the lymph nodes mandibular, retro pharyngeal and right paratid, as well as slight respiratory snores in the ventral portion of lungs and productive cough. Due to the unfavorable prognosis, the animal was euthanized. Macroscopic findings revealed multiple nodular, infiltrative and blackened lesions on the tongue, lung, kidneys and liver, enlarged and blackened lymph nodes, and sagittal section of the cervical spine identified a dark spot on the seventh thoracic vertebra. In the histological evaluation of necrotic lesions present in the skin, lung, liver and kidneys was observed nodular infiltration of anaplastic cells was noted, with anisocytosis, anisocariosis, multiple nucleoli and intracytoplasmic granulation compatible with melanin and larger amelanotic cells compatible with cells high degree of malignancy. The bone marrow of the mandible and vertebrae, in turn, have melocytic and amelanocytic cell metástases.Discussion: The animal’s region of origin is characterized by high incident solar radiation, which, allied to skin depigmentation in this breed, favor the formation of neoplasms. Clinical signs are multifactorial, depending on the lesion, and may be nonspecific, as in this case. Ninety percent of cases occurring in the region of the mouth are malignant. The initial tumoral mass was located in the lower lip, which corresponds to the second region of highest incidence reported in the literature. Despite the aggressive and metastatic characteristics of melanomas, surgical excision and/or cryosurgery are the only forms of treatment, with a poor to reserved prognosis, depending on the occurrence of locoregional lymph node metastasis. Early detection can be achieved by aspiration biopsy cytology, which may suggest neoplastic cells, or by imaging exams that reveal possible metastases and adjacent structures compromised by tumors. Necropsy of the animal revealed local infiltration of the tumors and metastatic dissemination, which may be attributed to the depth of the lesion and extracellular propagation through blood vessel lumina. The histological findings revealed dissemination of neoplastic cells and intracytoplasmic melanin granulation, which are compatible with melanoma. Melanocyte metastasis to lymph nodes and vital organs leads to systemic involvement, so early identification and surgical removal of blackened and ulcerated masses is crucial