Cranioplasty Using Autologous Fasciae Latae Graft for Nasal Bone Fracture Repair in a Dog

Background: In facial reconstruction, several kinds of grafts can be used, like bone grafting, cutaneous grafting, biological membranes, fasciae latae, biomaterials, and others. The advantage of using fasciae latae in the tissue reparation is the need of little blood supply, making it a viable option in the restoration of biological functions. The objective of this study was to describe the case of a female poodle, 12-year-old, and with subcutaneous emphysema due to fracture of the nasal bone, submitted to cranioplasty using fasciae latae.Case: It was attended a 12-year-old female poodle due to a traumatic brain injury. At physical examination, the animal had presented facial swelling and respiratory distress with inspiratory effort. Additionally, were verified subcutaneous emphysema and a depression in the nasal plane region with crepitus on palpation. Radiographic examinations revealed nasal bone and maxilla fractures. The animal was submitted to cranioplasty for nasal bone fracture repair. To access the nasal bone and frontal sinus was performed an incision in the dorsal midline from the level of medial orbital rim to the nasal plane. The subcutaneous tissue was divulsioned to allow the exposure of the nasal bone fracture, whose small fragments prevented the internal fixation. The bone defect was then repaired using free autologous fasciae latae of 2 cm wide x 3 cm long, sutured to the periosteum. Subcutaneous emphysema gradually decreased until its resolution at three days postoperatively. The surgical wound had complete healing at 10 days after surgery without concomitant complications.Discussion: The choice of the reconstructive technique is based on the operative planning and the surgeon’s experience. In the present case we opted for the autologous fasciae latae graft since its ready availability and lesser predisposition to immunogenic sensibilization and rejection. In addition, we opted for the autologous fasciae latae graft because it is an occlusive material that would prevent the air flow through it during the inspiration and expiration, and consequently the aggravation of the subcutaneous emphysema. In fact, the resolution of the subcutaneous emphysema occurred three days after grafting. Furthermore, the resolution of the subcutaneous emphysema was determined by the lower retraction of the autologous fasciae latae graft due to the scar fibrous tissue deposition. The choice of the reconstructive technique is also based on the viability of the recipient bed, which should provide adequate blood supply for the reception of the free graft. In the present case, however, the bone defect did not provide adequate blood supply and structural support. Due to this, the autologous fasciae latae graft was crucial to the verified results, since it requires less blood supply and structural support to remain the graft viable. We concluded that the autologous fasciae latae graft may be a viable option for the anatomical and functional reconstruction of traumatic lesions localized in the skull, particularly the nasal bone, due to the satisfactory follow-up in the present case without the occurrence of complications. A larger sample size, however, it is necessary to evaluate the real effectiveness of the autologous fasciae latae graft in reconstructive skull surgery on small animals

External Skeletal Fixator Intramedullary Pin “Tie-in” for the Repair of Comminuted Tibial Fracture in a Brazilian Fox (Pseudalopex vetulus)

Background: The Brazilian fox (Pseudalopex vetulus, Lund 1842) is a naturally endemic specie of the Brazilian savana vegetation. Due to the rapid destruction of its habitat, the specie is considered “vulnerable” and subject to different kinds of trauma that usually results in fractures and dislocations. Among the methods of fractures fxation, highlights the external skeletal fxator intramedullary pin “tie-in” which consists of the intramedullary pin associated to the external fxator. The aim of the present report was to describe the case of a Brazilian fox with a comminuted tibial fracture, submitted to osteosynthesis using an external skeletal fxator intramedullary pin “tie-in”. Case: It was attended an exemplar of Pseudalopex vetulus, male, young adult, with 3.9 kg body weight and history of functional impotence of the left hindlimb. At the physical and orthopedic evaluations were observed loss of bone continuity and crepitus in tibial region, and the presence of a contaminated lacerating skin wound about 3 cm in diameter in the lateral side of the injured limb. Craniocaudal and mediolateral radiographic projections of the left hindlimb revealed the presence of a complete comminuted fracture at the proximal and distal shaft of the left tibia; and a complete transverse fracture at mid shaft of the left fbula. Due to this, the animal was submitted to fracture fxation using an external skeletal fxator intramedullary pin “tie-in”. For the surgical procedure, broad trichotomy and antisepsis of the left hindlimb were performed, followed by a longitudinal incision on the medial side of the tibia. After bone fragments identifcation, was realized the retrograde positioning of a Steinmann pin of 3.0 mm in diameter toward the proximal epiphysis. Subsequently, the pin was externalized in the parapatelar region and then replaced toward the distal epiphysis. The intramedullary pin was not cut, but folded and attached to the transcortical pins of the unilateral external skeletal fxator using polymethylmethacrylate acrylic resin. For the unilateral external skeletal fxator were placed four Kirschner pin of 1.5 mm in diameter. Of these, two pins were placed at the proximal bone segment of the fracture, and two at the distal one. The central bone segment was not transfxed by pins. Radiographic postoperative examination revealed fracture reduction with good alignment of the bone fragments. The metallic implants were also well positioned. Bone healing was verifed at 150 days postoperatively. At this moment, radiographic examination revealed calcifed and ossifed bone callus, and the maintenance of bone axis.The animal was reintroduced to nature. Discussion: The external skeletal fxator intramedullary pin “tie-in” features biomechanical superiority to both intramedullary and external skeletal fxator pin, since it resists to rotational, bending and axial forces that act at the fracture. Additionally, it is a less expensive fracture fxation method, especially when replacing the lateral connecting rod by polymethylmethacrylate acrylic resin. It was concluded that the external skeletal fxator intramedullary pin “tie-in”can be considered viable in small wild mammals, such as the Brazilian fox (Pseudalopex vetulus), since it enabled the bone healing and the limb functionality. Further studies with a greater number of individuals, however, are necessary to evaluate the real applicability of the fracture fxation method.Keywords: traumatology, osteosynthesis, wild animals

Follicular Histomorphometry and Evaluation of Ovarian Apoptosis in Queens of Different Age Groups

Background: In humans and bitchs the age is another factor that may affect the size of ovarian structures, verifying alterations in the quality of the pool and size of follicular structures, which can compromise the use of these structures for in vitro maturation. There are no reports correlating the morphometric characteristics of the follicles and ovarian apoptosis at different ages in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histomorphometric parameters of follicular growth and the relationship with the occurrence of apoptosis in ovarian tissue of young, adult and senile queens.Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen domestic queens, multiparous, of different breeds and age groups were used in this study and divided into three groups according to their ages: five months to one year - young; (7.8 ± 1.0 months); one to six years - adults (2.8 ± 0.5 years); and more than six years - senile (8.0 ± 0.9 years). Vaginal cytology was performed in order to characterize the estrous phase associated with plasma concentrations of progesterone. The morphology and percentage of the vaginal epithelium cells were evaluated and queens were classified into estrous and non-estrus and plasma concentrations of progesterone were determined. Ovarian samples were collected after ovariohysterectomy to routine histological processin and all follicles were counted and categorized into two groups, non-atresic and atresic. The mean follicular and oocyte diameters were calculated between the measurement of the largest diameter and perpendicular diameter. The relationship between follicle and oocyte were determined using the measurements of diameter, area and perimeter. The apoptotic cells were detected and cells were considered positive when TUNEL reaction was detected. The morphometric index of 1039 follicles were evaluated. Primordial follicles in young animals showed larger diameter, follicular area and perimeter than the structures of adult queens, as well as the unilaminar primary follicles of the same group were larger compared with senile animals (P 0.05). For the pre-ovulatory follicles there was no positive correlation between the oocyte growths regarding the follicles (P > 0.05). Only in senile animals positive markers for apoptosis were identified in nuclei of primordial follicles. No significant differences concerning the number of follicles and Tunel positive cells were observed between groups (P > 0.05).Discussion: Considering the importance of this study for greater knowledge in the basic aspects for reproductive biotechnologies, we verified that secondary follicles showed the largest diameters and younger animals the largest values for diameter, area and perimeter, suggesting that this age group could be ideal for the use and manipulation of oocytes. The process of follicular atresia is characterized by the occurrence of apoptosis, or programmed cell death when the organism begins to efficiently eliminate dysfunctional cells. The study of follicular apoptosis in small animals, especially in cats, is very important for the development of reproduction biotechnologies. Phenomenon of apoptosis showed no relationship with age in queens, occurring in a physiological, continuous and proportionate manner considering the number of nondominant follicles involved in each estrous cycle

Bloqueio peribulbar com ropivacaína a 0,75% para facectomia em cães: padronização e comparação de técnicas

Objetivou-se comparar as técnicas de punções única e dupla e estabelecer uma dose (mL/kg) de ropivacaína 0,75% para realização do bloqueio peribulbar em cães. Vinte e dois cães com indicação para cirurgia de catarata, machos ou fêmeas, de diferentes raças, idades e pesos foram utilizados no experimento. Os pacientes foram alocados em três grupos: punção única inferior (PUI), superior (PUS) ou dupla (PD). Em todos os grupos foram realizadas no máximo três punções em intervalo de 20 minutos tendo-se como critério para repetição a não centralização bulbar. Os volumes administrados foram de 0,2 mL/kg (primeira punção) e, caso necessário, de 0,1 mL/kg nas segunda e terceira punções. Avaliou-se a duração dos bloqueios motor e sensitivo (estesiometria) em intervalos de 15 minutos, número de punções e complicações. As variáveis foram submetidas à análise de variância com medidas repetidas e análise de resíduos. Aquelas com distribuição normal foram analisadas pelo teste de Tukey enquanto as não normais foram analisadas pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis e teste de Friedman com pós-teste de Dunn. As análises foram efetuadas empregando-se o programa SAS e foram consideradas significativas quando P 0,05) entre os grupos PUI, PUS e PD com relação ao número de punções, duração dos bloqueios motor e sensitivo. As complicações foram significativamente menos frequentes no grupo PUI, diferindo dos grupos PUS e PD. O bloqueio peribulbar realizado pela PUI é melhor e mais seguro comparado a PUS e PD sendo o volume ideal de 0,3 mL/kg de ropivacaína a 0,75%The objective of this study was to compare the techniques of single and double puncture and to establish the dosage (mL/kg) of ropivacaine 0.75% for peribulbar blockade. Twenty two dogs with indication for extracapsular facectomy, of both genders and various breeds and ages were used. The dogs were allocated into three groups: inferior single puncture (PUI), superior single puncture (PUS) and double puncture (PD). In all groups up to three punctures were made at 20 minute intervals, being non centralization of the bulb the criteria for each next puncture. The volumes administered were 0.2 mL/kg (first puncture) and 0.1 mL/kg (second and third punctures). The duration of motor and sensitive (estesiometry) blockades was evaluated at 15 minutes intervals, as well as number of punctures and complications. Variables were submitted to ANOVA. Variables with normal distribution were analyzed using a Tukey’s test, and the ones that didn’t pass normality test were analyzed by using the Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests with post-test of Dunn. Such analyses were made by the SAS software (Statistical Analysis System Institut Inc.; Version 9.2, NC, USA) and were considered significant when P 0.05) between groups PUI, PUS and PD concerning number of punctures, duration of motor and sensitive blockades. Complications were significantly lower in the PUI group, differing from groups PUS and PD. Peribulbar blockade performed by PUI is better and safer when compared to PUS and PD, being the ideal volume for it 0.3 mL/kg of ropivacaine 0.75%Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Nalbufina e morfina intracameral em cães

Intracameral injection is used for treatment and anesthesia of the eye bulb and opioids are known to provide analgesia through this route. The aim of the study was to evaluate the viability and efficacy of intracameral nalbuphine and morphine in dogs. Seven beagle dogs were randomly included in the groups of intracameral nalbuphine (GNIC), intracameral morphine (GMIC), intravenous nalbuphine (GNIV) and intravenous morphine (GMIV) injection of either opioid. Variables were heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic arterial pressure, subjective pain scale, Schirmer's test, pupillary diameter, intraocular pressure, fluorescein test, corneal touch threshold, number and type of local or systemic complications and duration of effect on the cornea. Time point comprised baseline (T0) and measurements every 30 minutes after drugs administration up to 240 minutes. Parametric variables were analyzed through ANOVA for repeated measures and Dunnett's test. Ordinal data were compared through Friedman's test, followed by Dunn's test. Analyses were performed by SAS and were considered significant when P<0.05. Analgesia lasted significantly longer in GNIC, whereas GMIC, GNIV and GMIV did not differ between one another. There was a significant decrease in the IOP at T30 in all groups when compared to baseline measures. As for complications, no difference was found between groups. Therefore, both nalbuphine and morphine can be used for intracameral analgesia, and nalbuphine is the preferred option due to the prolonged analgesia.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Alteração do índice biespectral antes e após estimulação elétrica ou mecânica em cães anestesiados pelo isofluorano

One of the current methods to assess hypnosis and central depression during anesthesia is the bispectral index (BIS), which generates a number from 0 to 100. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in BIS during electrical or mechanical supra-maximal stimulation in order to investigate whether there is a relation between this index and motor response to nociception. Seven beagle dogs were included, two males and five females, which were anesthetized with isoflurane at 2.0, 1.8, 1.6, 1.4 and 1.2%. Different types of stimuli were employed at different procedures in the same animals with at least 15 days of interval. The BIS values were recorded during 60 seconds each time and mean values were obtained before (AE) and after (DE) the stimulus. Results were compared through paired t test or Wilcoxon's paired test (P<0.05). Significant differences were found between AE and DE values in almost every isoflurane concentration, as well as between the subtraction of these values, when compared between types of stimuli at 1.8 and 2.0%. In conclusion, the response to supra-maximal stimulation does change BIS values in dogs by decreasing the depth of anesthesia. The use of mechanical stimulation is suggested in order to avoid possible interferences of the electrical current and loss of data reliability.Uma das formas atuais para se avaliar o grau de hipnose e depressão do sistema nervoso central durante a anestesia é o índice biespectral (BIS), que fornece um valor de 0 a 100. Objetivou-se avaliar as alterações do BIS de cães durante a estimulação elétrica e mecânica supra-máxima e sob diferentes concentrações de isofluorano, a fim de verificar se existe uma relação entre este índice e a resposta motora frente à nocicepção. Utilizaram-se sete cães da raça Beagle, dois machos e cinco fêmeas, anestesiados com isofluorano nas concentrações de 2,0; 1,8; 1,6; 1,4 e 1,2%. Os diferentes tipos de estímulo foram utilizados em procedimentos anestésicos diferentes nos mesmos animais, com intervalo mínimo de 15 dias. Os valores de BIS foram anotados por 60 segundos em cada avaliação, derivando médias antes (AE) e depois (DE) de cada estímulo. Os resultados foram analisados por meio de teste t pareado ou Wilcoxon pareado (P<0,05). Houve diferença significativa entre os valores AE e DE em todas as concentrações de isofluorano, exceto 2,0% no estímulo mecânico. Também foi significativa entre a subtração desses valores, quando comparados entre estímulos, em 1,8 e 2,0%. Conclui-se que a resposta frente a estímulos supra-máximos modifica os valores de BIS em cães por meio da superficialização do plano anestésico. Sugere-se o emprego do modelo mecânico para evitar possíveis interferências de corrente elétrica e perda da confiabilidade dos dados.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Ropivacaína isolada ou associada à morfina, butorfanol ou tramadol pela via peridural em cadelas para realização de Ovariosalpingohisterectomia

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of ropivacaine combined or not with different opioids, for epidural anesthesia in bitches submitted to elective ovariosalpingohisterectomy (OSH). Thirty two mixed-breed female dogs, adults were used with medium weigh of 10.5kg. The animals were premedicated with acepromazine (0.05mg.kg-1, IM) and midazolam (0.2mg.kg-1, IM) and allocated in four experimental groups: group 1(n=8): ropivacaine: 0.3 mL.kg-1; group 2(n=8): ropivacaine + morphine (0.1 mg.kg-1); group 3(n=8): ropivacaine + butorphanol (0.1 mg.kg-1); and group 4(n=8): ropivacaine + tramadol (0.5 mg.kg-1) administered epidurally. Heart and respiratory rate; systolic arterial pressure; rectal temperature; arterial blood gas partial pressures; blood pH; sedation and muscular relaxation degree were evaluated at different experimental moments. The data were submitted to ANOVA and compared by Kruskal Wallis, Friedman, Dunn, Tukey and Chi-square test (p≤0.05). Minimum cardiorespiratory alterations were observed and the group of the ropivacaíne combined with the butorphanol (G3) presented a more cranial blockage, what allowed the accomplishment of OSH without induction in six animals (75%) whereas most of the others needed anesthetic rescue. The results allow us to conclude that the use of ropivacaine sole or combinated with morphine, butorphanol or tramadol, for epidural anesthesia, didn't promote significant cardiorrespiratory depression and the ropivacaine associated to the butorphanol allowed the accomplishment of OSH in bitches.El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo investigar la utilización de la ropivacaina aislada o asociada a diferentes opióides para la anestesia peridural en perras sometidas a ovariosalpingohisterectomía (OSH) electiva. Participaron del estudio doble ciego, 32 perras sanas, adultas, de diferentes razas, de entre seis y 15 kg que fueron premedicadas con acepromacina (0,05mg/kg, IM) asociada a midazolam (0,2mg/kg, IM). Los animales fueron distribuidos en cuatro grupos: Grupo 1: ropivacaina: 0,3 mL/kg; Grupo 2: ropivacaina + morfina (0,1 mg/kg); Grupo 3: ropivacaina + butorfanol (0,1 mg/kg); y Grupo 4: ropivacaina + tramadol (0,5 mg/kg) administrados por vía peridural. Fueron medidas: frecuencia cardiaca; frecuencia respiratoria; tensión arterial sistólica; temperatura rectal; tensión parcial de gases sanguíneos (arterial); pH sanguíneo; además de la evaluación no-paramétrica del grado de sedación, grado de sangrado y de relajamiento muscular siguiendo tablas de puntuaciones. Los datos fueron sometidos a ANOVA y comparados por medio de las pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, Dunn, Tukey y Chi-cuadrado (p≤0,05). Se concluyó que la utilización de la ropivacaina aislada o asociada a la morfina, al butorfanol o al tramadol por vía peridural no promovió depresión cardiorrespiratoria significativa y la ropivacaina asociada al butorfanol permitió la realización de OSH en perras.O presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a utilização da ropivacaína isolada ou em associação a diferentes opióides, na anestesia peridural de cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia (OSH) eletiva. Participaram do estudo, 32 cadelas sadias, adultas, de diferentes raças, com peso médio de 10,5kg, as quais foram pré-medicadas com acepromazina (0,05mg/kg, IM) associada ao midazolam (0,2mg/kg, IM), distribuídas em quatro grupos distintos: Grupo 1(n=8): ropivacaína: 0,3 mL/kg; Grupo 2(n=8): ropivacaína + morfina (0,1 mg/kg); Grupo 3(n=8): ropivacaína + butorfanol (0,1 mg/kg); e Grupo 4(n=8): ropivacaína + tramadol (0,5 mg/kg) administrados pela via peridural. Foram mensurados: freqüência cardíaca; freqüência respiratória; pressão arterial sistólica; temperatura retal; pressão parcial dos gases sangüíneos (arterial); pH sangüíneo; além da avaliação não-paramétrica do grau de sedação, grau de sangramento e de relaxamento muscular seguindo tabelas de escores. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA e comparados pelos testes de Kruskal Wallis, Friedman, Dunn, Tukey e Qui-quadrado (p≤0,05). Foram observadas alterações cardiorrespiratórias que não comprometeram os parâmetros fisiológicos dos animais, sendo que o grupo da ropivacaína associada ao butorfanol apresentou um bloqueio mais cranial, o que permitiu a realização de OSH sem necessidade de indução em 75% dos animais, sendo que 25% necessitaram de resgate anestésico. Concluiu-se que a utilização da ropivacaína isolada ou associada à morfina, ao butorfanol ou ao tramadol pela via peridural não ocasionou depressão cardiorrespiratória significante, sendo que a ropivacaína associada ao butorfanol permitiu a realização de OSH em cadelas

Follicular Histomorphometry and Evaluation of Ovarian Apoptosis in Queens of Different Age Groups

Background: In humans and bitchs the age is another factor that may affect the size of ovarian structures, verifying alterations in the quality of the pool and size of follicular structures, which can compromise the use of these structures for in vitro maturation. There are no reports correlating the morphometric characteristics of the follicles and ovarian apoptosis at different ages in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histomorphometric parameters of follicular growth and the relationship with the occurrence of apoptosis in ovarian tissue of young, adult and senile queens.Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen domestic queens, multiparous, of different breeds and age groups were used in this study and divided into three groups according to their ages: five months to one year - young; (7.8 ± 1.0 months); one to six years - adults (2.8 ± 0.5 years); and more than six years - senile (8.0 ± 0.9 years). Vaginal cytology was performed in order to characterize the estrous phase associated with plasma concentrations of progesterone. The morphology and percentage of the vaginal epithelium cells were evaluated and queens were classified into estrous and non-estrus and plasma concentrations of progesterone were determined. Ovarian samples were collected after ovariohysterectomy to routine histological processin and all follicles were counted and categorized into two groups, non-atresic and atresic. The mean follicular and oocyte diameters were calculated between the measurement of the largest diameter and perpendicular diameter. The relationship between follicle and oocyte were determined using the measurements of diameter, area and perimeter. The apoptotic cells were detected and cells were considered positive when TUNEL reaction was detected. The morphometric index of 1039 follicles were evaluated. Primordial follicles in young animals showed larger diameter, follicular area and perimeter than the structures of adult queens, as well as the unilaminar primary follicles of the same group were larger compared with senile animals (P 0.05). For the pre-ovulatory follicles there was no positive correlation between the oocyte growths regarding the follicles (P > 0.05). Only in senile animals positive markers for apoptosis were identified in nuclei of primordial follicles. No significant differences concerning the number of follicles and Tunel positive cells were observed between groups (P > 0.05).Discussion: Considering the importance of this study for greater knowledge in the basic aspects for reproductive biotechnologies, we verified that secondary follicles showed the largest diameters and younger animals the largest values for diameter, area and perimeter, suggesting that this age group could be ideal for the use and manipulation of oocytes. The process of follicular atresia is characterized by the occurrence of apoptosis, or programmed cell death when the organism begins to efficiently eliminate dysfunctional cells. The study of follicular apoptosis in small animals, especially in cats, is very important for the development of reproduction biotechnologies. Phenomenon of apoptosis showed no relationship with age in queens, occurring in a physiological, continuous and proportionate manner considering the number of nondominant follicles involved in each estrous cycle