Early life programming by diet can play a role in risk reduction of otitis in dogs

IntroductionOtitis in dogs is often chronic while local treatment primarily consists of flushing, antibiotics, and/or antifungals. We were interested in finding early life variables that associate with otitis later in life, preferably some that could be modified.MethodsA cross-sectional hypothesis-driven study with longitudinal data was performed to search for associations between pre- and postnatal exposures, and the incidence of owner-reported otitis in dogs at over 1 year of age. The multivariate logistic regression analysis study included data from 3,064 dogs and explored 26 different early life variables at four early life stages: prenatal, neonatal, postnatal, and puppyhood. We compared two feeding patterns, a non-processed meat-based diet (NPMD, raw) and an ultra-processed carbohydrate-based diet (UPCD, dry).ResultsWe report that eating a NPMD diet significantly decreased the risk of otitis later in life, while eating a UPCD diet significantly increased the risk. This was seen in different life stages of mother or puppy: The maternal diet during pregnancy (p=0.011) and the puppies’ diet from 2 to 6 months of age (p=0.019) were both significantly associated with otitis incidence later in life, whereas the puppies’ first solid diet, was associated in the same way, but did not reach significance (p=0.072). Also, analyzing food ratios showed that when puppies were consuming >25% of their food as NPMD it significantly decreased their incidence of otitis later in life, while a ratio of >75% UPCD in their diet significantly increased their risk of otitis. Also, if the dog was born in the current family, was exposed to sunlight for more than 1 hour daily, and was raised on a dirt floor during puppyhood, there was a lower risk of otitis development later in life.DiscussionThe findings only suggest causality, and further studies are required. However, we propose that veterinarians, breeders, and owners can impact otitis risk by modifying factors such as diet and environment

Goat coalho cheese with alcoholic beverages: a first report about technological aspects and their implications on physicochemical properties and starter culture / Queijo de coalho caprino com bebidas alcoólicas: um primeiro relato sobre aspectos tecnológicos e suas implicações nas propriedades físico-químicas e na cultura starter

The aim of this research was to determine the viability of the production of goat Coalho cheese seasoned with alcoholic beverages. Five treatments of goat Coalho cheese were prepared: without alcohol (control); with aged cachaça (T1); with cocoa honey liqueur (T2); with mead (T3); and with pure malt beer (T4). Samples were evaluated for chemical composition, pH, color, texture and total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count during maturation (days 0 and 5) and storage (days 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60). Seasoned cheeses showed physicochemical characteristics according to the identity and quality of Coalho cheese, showing that alcoholic seasoning does not change the characterization of the final product. However, due to the shorter pressing time when compared to the literature and the timing of the seasoning, cheeses with alcoholic beverages negatively influenced the physicochemical (fat and moisture) and instrumental (pH, color and texture) characteristics. In addition, seasoned cheeses only showed LAB counts from the fifth day of maturation, demonstrating an initial inhibition of starter culture. Still, alcoholic seasoning has proven to be a viable technology. However, new pressing and seasoning times should be studied.The aim of this research was to determine the viability of the production of goat Coalho cheese seasoned with alcoholic beverages. Five treatments of goat Coalho cheese were prepared: without alcohol (control); with aged cachaça (T1); with cocoa honey liqueur (T2); with mead (T3); and with pure malt beer (T4). Samples were evaluated for chemical composition, pH, color, texture and total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count during maturation (days 0 and 5) and storage (days 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60). Seasoned cheeses showed physicochemical characteristics according to the identity and quality of Coalho cheese, showing that alcoholic seasoning does not change the characterization of the final product. However, due to the shorter pressing time when compared to the literature and the timing of the seasoning, cheeses with alcoholic beverages negatively influenced the physicochemical (fat and moisture) and instrumental (pH, color and texture) characteristics. In addition, seasoned cheeses only showed LAB counts from the fifth day of maturation, demonstrating an initial inhibition of starter culture. Still, alcoholic seasoning has proven to be a viable technology. However, new pressing and seasoning times should be studied

Post-surgical Evaluation of the Analgesic Impact of Epidural Tramadol, when Associated with Levobupivacaine, in Bitches Undergoing Mastectomy and Ovariohysterectomy

Background:Mammary tumors are the most common neoplasms in female dogs. Surgical removal of the mammary gland chain is considered the standard treatment and is usually performed along with ovariohysterectomy (OH) to suppress ovarian hormonal influence. Mastectomies cause moderate to severe pain and require preferential multimodal analgesic protocols. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy and the recovery times on female dogs undergoing mastectomies and OH between those treated with epidural levobupivacaine alone and those treated with associated doses of tramadol and anesthetized with propofol.Materials, Methods & Results:Eighteen female dogs were pretreated with acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg), using propofol (4 mg/kg)for induction andanesthesia maintenance. The dogs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6) treated with epidural anesthesia with levobupivacaine alone at 1.5 mg/kg (GL) or associated with tramadol at doses of 2 mg/kg (GLT2) or 4 mg/kg (GLT4). After anesthesia,the mean propofol infusion rate for each groupwere calculed. During the postoperative period,the degree of analgesia according to the University of Melbourne Pain Scale for 6 hours were determined, considering seven time points for evaluation (M30, M60, M90, M120, M180, M240, and M360). Supplemental analgesia with morphine (0.5 mg/kg) to those dogs with scores ≥13 were provided. During the recovery period,the time intervals between the end of anesthesia, and the following events: extubation (EX), the first head movement (MC), and the establishment of sternal (PE) and quadrupedal (PQ) positions were measured. The data were subjected to the Friedman test for analysis of non-parametric variables within the same group and to the Mann–Whitney test for independent variables, comparing the mean scores between groups (statistical significance was set at P<0.05). In the GL group, a higher mean propofol infusion rate than in either the GLT2 or GLT4 groups were found. The EX, PE, and PQ times were similar between the groups with a lower MC interval (P=0.041) for dogs in the GLT2 group. The pain assessment revealed higher scores for dogs in the GL group than for those in the GLT4 group (M30 to M120 and M360). Over time, the initial scores increased after M90 (GL group) and afterM120 (in all groups) andadditional analgesia were required only in GL dogs.Discussion:Mammary tumors were more frequent in middle-aged and elderly female dogs, corroborating current literary data. Regarding anesthesia recovery, no differences in the time for extubation and sternal and quadrupedal positions were found, probably due to similar propofol infusion times and to similar metabolism among the dogs, independent of the higher mean infusion rates used in the group treated only with the local anesthetic. The post-surgical analgesic evaluation revealed lower pain scores in the groups in which tramadol was associated with levobupivacaine, in agreement with studies reporting its analgesic potential to approach surgical pain at doses ranging from 1 to 4 mg/kg. However, even lower scores with the highest dose of the proposed opioid were detected, suggesting improved effectiveness for occupying opioid and monoaminergic pathway receptors. Considering the results, epidural anesthesia with levobupivacaine and tramadol seems to provide adequate post-surgical analgesia for a minimum period of 6 hours, and the best comfort is obtained with a dose of 4 mg/kg of opioid

Pharmacokinetics of Carboplatin in Combination with Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide in Female Dogs with Mammary Carcinoma

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of metronomic cyclophosphamide on carboplatin’s tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics in dogs with mammary carcinoma. Sixteen female dogs with mammary carcinoma were divided into groups: 300 mg/m2 intravenous (i.v.) carboplatin therapy (G1 = 8) or 300 mg/m2 i.v. carboplatin which was associated with 12.5 mg/m2 oral cyclophosphamide in a metronomic regimen (G2 = 8). The investigated animals underwent a clinical evaluation, a mastectomy, a carboplatin chemotherapy, and serial blood sampling for the pharmacokinetic analysis. The adverse events and survival rates were monitored. A non-compartmental analysis was applied to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of carboplatin in the 2nd and 4th chemotherapy cycles. Carboplatin PK showed high interindividual variability with a 10-fold variation in the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) in G1. The systemic plasma exposure to carboplatin was equivalent in both of the treatments considering the AUC and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) values. Although the red blood cells (p < 0.0001), platelets (p = 0.0005), total leukocytes (p = 0.0002), and segmented neutrophils (p = 0.0007) were reduced in G2, the survival rate increased (p = 0.0044) when it was compared to G1. In conclusion, adding low daily doses of cyclophosphamide to a carboplatin therapy showed promising outcomes in female dogs with mammary tumors

Physicochemical analysis, consumer profile and sensory analysis of goat Coalho cheeses seasoned with alcoholic beverages / Análise fisico-química, perfil de consumidor e análise sensorial de queijos de coalho de cabra condimentados com bebidas alcoólicas

The present study sought to characterize the physicochemical, bacteriological and sensorial effects that alcoholic beverages exert on goat Coalho cheese. For that, goat Coalho cheeses were seasoned with alcoholic beverages and physicochemical and bacteriological analyses were performed on day 0, as well as sensory analysis. The potential consumers were expected to be slightly familiar with goat dairy products. Among the seasoned cheeses, goat Coalho cheese with beer had the best acceptability and purchase intention, a result that is associated with the typical consumption of such alcoholic beverage by potential consumers. Soft and white characteristics were the most emphasized by taste testers, what is in agreement with the instrumental color and texture. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), acid and alcoholic aromas and taste were the characteristics responsible for acceptability. Therefore, it is concluded that goat cheese with alcoholic beverages can be elaborated and have good acceptability

Consensus for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of feline mammary tumors

Mammary neoplasms are described as the third most common type of feline tumor, after haematopoietic and skin tumors, and present a challenge for clinicians because the prognosis for feline mammary tumors ranges from guarded to poor. Thus, it is necessary to define new therapeutic approaches and establish more in-depth knowledge about this disease in felines. The main aspects of the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of feline mammary neoplasia were discussed, aiming to standardize the criteria and to serve as a guide for pathologists and veterinary clinicians.As neoplasias mamárias são descritas como o terceiro tipo mais frequente de tumor em felinos (após as neoplasias hematopoiéticas e cutâneas) e apresentam um desafio para os clínicos devido ao prognóstico, que varia de reservado a ruim. Assim, é necessário conhecer melhor essa doença em felinos e definir novas abordagens terapêuticas. Discutiu-se os principais aspectos de diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento da neoplasia mamária felina, com o objetivo de padronizar os critérios e servir de guia para patologistas e clínicos veterinários

Immunophenotypic features of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes from mammary carcinomas in female dogs associated with prognostic factors and survival rates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The immune system plays an important role in the multifactorial biologic system during the development of neoplasias. However, the involvement of the inflammatory response in the promotion/control of malignant cells is still controversial, and the cell subsets and the mechanisms involved are poorly investigated. The goal of this study was to characterize the clinical-pathological status and the immunophenotyping profile of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and their association with the animal survival rates in canine mammary carcinomas.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Fifty-one animals with mammary carcinomas, classified as carcinomas in mixed tumors-MC-BMT = 31 and carcinomas-MC = 20 were submitted to systematic clinical-pathological analysis (tumor size; presence of lymph node and pulmonary metastasis; clinical stage; histological grade; inflammatory distribution and intensity as well as the lymphocytic infiltrate intensity) and survival rates. Twenty-four animals (MC-BMT = 16 and MC = 8) were elected to the immunophenotypic study performed by flow cytometry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Data analysis demonstrated that clinical stage II-IV and histological grade was I more frequent in MC-BMT as compared to MC. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the intensity of inflammation (moderate/intense) and the proportion of CD4⁺(≥ 66.7%) or CD8⁺T-cells (<33.3%) were not associated with worse survival rate. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only lymphocytic infiltrate intensity ≥ 600 (<it>P </it>= 0.02) remained as independent prognostic factor. Despite the clinical manifestation, the lymphocytes represented the predominant cell type in the tumor infiltrate. The percentage of T-cells was higher in animals with MC-BMT without metastasis, while the percentage of B-lymphocytes was greater in animals with metastasized MC-BMT (<it>P </it>< 0.05). The relative percentage of CD4⁺T-cells was significantly greater in metastasized tumors (both MC-BMT and MC), (<it>P </it>< 0.05) while the proportion of CD8⁺T-cells was higher in MC-BMT without metastasis. Consequently, the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ratio was significantly increased in both groups with metastasis. Regardless of the tumor type, the animals with high proportions of CD4⁺and low CD8⁺T-cells had decreased survival rates.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The intensity of lymphocytic infiltrate and probably the relative abundance of the CD4⁺and CD8⁺T-lymphocytes may represent important survival prognostic biomarkers for canine mammary carcinomas.</p

Elaboração de um protocolo assistencial multiprofissional para pessoas com feridas complexas na atenção primária à saúde / Preparation of a multiprofessional care protocol for people with complex wounds in primary health care

Objetivo: Relatar a elaboração de um protocolo assistencial multiprofissional para atendimento de pessoas com feridas complexas na atenção primária à saúde. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, realizado de março a julho de 2021, no Distrito Sanitário do Subúrbio Ferroviário, Salvador/BA. Resultados: A elaboração de um protocolo assistencial de enfermagem, médico, psicossocial, nutricional, fisioterapêutico, de terapia ocupacional e de educação física, favorece o cuidado prestado de forma holística, humanizada e integral, minimizando complicações. Considerações finais: Urge que o cuidado de pessoas com feridas complexas seja multiprofissional, de forma a evitar o prolongamento do tratamento, extensão da gravidade dos ferimentos, minimizar custos ao Sistema Único de Saúde, proporcionar bem estar do indivíduo, melhor qualidade de vida e o seu possível retorno às atividades sociais com brevidade. 

Informed consent form signed by the animal´s owners

Informed consent form signed by the animal´s owner