Chemical Restraining and Electroejaculation Protocols for Semen Collection in White-Lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari)

Background: In order to reverse the White-lipped peccary decline, besides protecting its habitat and controlling hunting, it is necessary a captive breeding program. There are reports, however, on the low fertility of white-lipped peccary, making it difficult its reproduction in captivity, making artificial insemination one of the main tools to prevent the loss of genetic diversity of species kept in captivity. Information on safe methods of anesthesia and the collection of semen should be investigated. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of the anesthetic protocols acepromazine/ketamine and xylazine/ketamine, as well as electroejaculation protocols, for semen collection in white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari).Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve adult male white-lipped peccaries were submitted both to the xylazine/ketamine and acepromazine/ketamine anesthetic protocols. The anesthetic induction time and duration, the degree of muscle relaxation, the time for anesthetic recovery and the quality of the animals’ recovery were evaluated. Additionally, the quality of the sedation was evaluated based on the animal’s behavior. We also evaluated the effect of drugs on erectile functions as well as the efficiency of three electroejaculation protocols with increasing or fixed voltages (2 to 4 V; 5 to 12 V; 12 V). The acepromazine/ketamine combination promotes shorter induction time, duration and recovery from anesthesia than the xylazine/ketamine association. There were no differences, however, between the tested anesthetic protocols in relation to heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature. Ejaculate was obtained from only 2 animals when using the xylazine/ketamine protocol and adoption of stimuli between 5 and 12 V, with 10 stimuli at each voltage. In turn, ejaculate was obtained from four animals submitted to the acepromazine/ketamine protocol, three of them with the adoption of stimuli between 5 and 12 V and one with the adoption of fixed 12 V stimuli, with 45 stimuli at this single voltage.Discussion: The animals presented less deep anesthesia and, consequently, worse indicators of well-being during and after the collection procedures when submitted to the xylazine/ketamine protocol compared to the acepromazine/ketamine protocol. When submitted to the acepromazine/ketamine protocol, the animals allowed the observer to approach and handle them, facilitating handling and collection of semen, in addition to promoting better indicators of animal welfare. Also, with this aforementioned protocol, the animals showed better anesthetic return. For both anesthetic protocols, the protocol of increasing stimuli from 5 to 12 V, with 10 stimuli at each voltage, resulted in penile erection and in obtaining ejaculate in a greater number of animals in relation to the other electroejaculation protocols. In turn, the use of the growing protocol 2 V to 4 V did not even cause an erection in any of the 12 animals. From the ejaculates collected from the white-lipped peccary, volumes (0.2 to 1.0 mL) and average sperm concentration (379.1 x 106 sperm/mL) were comparatively higher than those from Pecari tajacu. The white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is considered an aggressive animal, and this characteristic can explain the relatively low success in obtaining ejaculates, as aggressiveness is directly related to stress, which is an antagonist of ejaculation. Thus, we proposed to test chemical restraint with the aid of a blowgun in future studies

Ultrasonographic Detection of Interstitial Nephritis in a Canine Fetus

Background: A detailed ultrasound examination of the fetal urinary tract as part of prenatal care is important to detect possible abnormalities. Early diagnosis can prevent more serious damage such as loss of kidney function. Interstitial nephritis can compromise renal functionality. Also, acute interstitial nephritis is a frequent cause of acute kidney injury and can become chronic if not treated. Besides, a renal biopsy can help in the diagnosis and at the staging of the disease. Therefore, this report aims to describe the ultrasonographic findings of the renal tissues in a canine fetus affected by interstitial nephritis.Case: Gestational ultrasound evaluations were performed in a female Pug, at the 25th, 45th, and 58th gestational days. Ultrasound examination was performed with a 9.0 MHz linear transducer and a high-resolution digital transducer with a frequency standardized at 17.0 MHz. During the first evaluation, embryonic vesicles were detected and were compatible with the gestational period. At 45 days of gestation, some abnormalities were observed in the kidneys of one of the fetuses, such as increased cortical echogenicity, cortical thickening, loss of corticomedullary ratio (1:1), renal pelvis and ureter dilatation by echogenic content. Biparietal and abdominal diameters were also lower than that from the other fetuses, which did not show abnormalities, being compatible with the estimated gestational age. However, the heart rate was similar among all fetuses. On the 58th day, we observed in the underdeveloped fetus that both kidneys still presented the abnormalities seen previously, in addition to the presence of a cystic structure in the right kidney, in the cranial topography of the cortex. The other fetuses kept showing normal ultrasonographic findings, normal heartbeat, all of these compatible with the ultrasound gestational age. The delivery occurred without complications and only the underdeveloped fetus stillborn. Then, it was submitted to a necropsy where chronic interstitial nephritis was found in the histopathological analysis.Discussion: Adequate prenatal care is important to detect abnormalities in fetuses, in which ultrasound examination allows to access fetal development. The gestation in the bitch seemed to be occurring without complications, but the B mode and High Definition ultrasound techniques were able to identify abnormal development of the fetus' kidneys. Both techniques showed to be secure to the fetuses and the mother, as they are non-invasive and free of radiation. These findings, different from those described as normal for a fetus, reinforce the warning signal for a possible establishment of anomalies consistent with nephropathy. Still, histopathology is important to exclude other diseases and help to define prognosis. Interstitial nephritis can significantly affect perinatal survey, considering that the fetus was stillborn, confirming that the description of such anomalies can help to prevent disease. Since nephritis can be associate with the use of some medicines, the orientation of the owner regarding drug use during bitch pregnancy is essential.  Therefore, this is the first report describing renal abnormalities in a canine fetus, which highlights the importance of ultrasound examination for disease identification in prenatal care. Lastly, high-resolution ultrasound (HD) could provide detailed information on abnormalities in the fetal kidney

Intraocular Lymphoma in Dogs - Findings of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound and ARFI Elastography

Background: Ocular lymphoma can affect the iris, conjunctiva, choroid, and retina and is mostly associated with multicentric disease. Elastography is an ultrasound technique that provides noninvasive, pain-free assessment of tissue stiffness. It has the ability to assess subtle changes throughout the organ as well as focal lesions. Microbubble contrast ultrasound enables the detection of incipient vascular flows, which are difficult to detect using traditional ultrasound methods. This study aimed to describe acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography and microbubble contrast ultrasound findings in the eyes of two dogs diagnosed with intraocular T-cell lymphoma. Cases: Case 1. Physical examination revealed an exophytic mass in the left eye. Schirmer test revealed a secretion of 22 mm/min. Negative threat reflex, glare, direct pupillary light reflex, and consensual response were also noted. Biomicroscopy revealed hyperplasia of the third eyelid, overlapping with the affected eye. When the membrane was removed, moderate conjunctival hyperemia, mucoid secretion, and buphthalmia were observed. In addition, significant corneal edema was present, making it impossible to visualize the anterior chamber and perform fundus examination. The intraocular pressure, as measured with a rebound tonometer, was 39 mmHg. B-mode ultrasonography identified amorphous, hyperechoic, and heterogeneous structures throughout the anterior chamber, iris, and ciliary body. The elastogram showed that the mass had greenish tones and intermediate stiffness, and the mean SWV of the ciliary body and iris was 2 m/s. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) revealed vascularization of the neoformation region, with wash-in, peak, and wash-out values of 9.89 s, 24.56 s, and 107.87 s, respectively. Case 2. On physical examination, a change in the shape of the right pupil was observed. Schirmer test revealed a secretion of 20 mm/min, with negative threat, glare, and pupillary reflexes to direct and consensual light. Biomicroscopy revealed neoformation from 7 am to 11 am in the sclera, retina, and choroid complex, concomitant with dyscoria and conjunctival hyperemia. The intraocular pressure, as measured by rebound tonometry, was 33 mmHg. Fundoscopy revealed a mass in the temporal region and focal retinal detachment. No changes were observed in the contralateral eye. B-mode ultrasound revealed an increase in volume in the temporal region of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid with diffuse heterogeneity and partial retinal detachment. Elastographic examination revealed shades of green and yellow compatible with increased tissue stiffness. On quantitative examination, the mean SWVs of the ciliary body and iris were 3.14 m/s. On CEUS, the neoformation region presented wash-in, peak, and wash-out values of 8.67 s, 22.33 s, and 80.20 s. Discussion: B-mode ultrasonography established the tumor extent and evaluated echogenicity, verifying the involved ocular structures. The examination played an important role in the diagnosis as well as clinical management. ARFI elastography can detect small tissue changes, helping to define nodules and masses more reliably, in addition to allowing the verification of tissue stiffness. In both dogs, it was possible to verify that the masses presented greater rigidity than the adjacent tissues both qualitatively and quantitatively. In previous studies, it was found that cutaneous and breast lymphomas in humans were more rigid than adjacent tissues on elastography. This increase in rigidity and heterogeneity observed on elastograms can be explained by the extramedullary interactions of the matrix in T-cell lymphomas. Tumor growth is dependent on the blood supply, which was evaluated using CEUS in these cases. Furthermore, the ciliary body contrast filling times were longer than those described in normal dogs. Keywords: eye, surgery, diagnostic imaging, pain, veterinary ophthalmology, neoplasia. Título: Linfoma intraocular em cães - achados da ultrassonografia contrastada e elastografia  ARFI Descritores: olho, cirurgia, diagnóstico por imagem, dor, oftlamologia veterinária, neoplasia

Contrast-enhanced Ocular Ultrasonography in Brachycephalic Dogs

Background: Contrast Enchantment Ultrasonography (CEUS) allows for detection of vascular flows that are difficult to detect with traditional methods. There were no reports found in the literature of the use of CEUS to evaluate the vascular pattern of the eye of brachycephalic dogs. The objective of this paper is to describe ultrasound findings observed in the eyes of healthy brachycephalic dogs subjected to CEUS.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty adult brachycephalic dogs were subjected to physical, laboratorial, and ophthalmic examination. The eye structures were evaluated using CEUS after intravenous administration of Sonovue®. Contrast enhancement was seen in 52 eyes with a homogeneous and centrifugal filling pattern. Structures adequately enhanced consisted of the optic nerve, the retina-choroid-sclera complex (RCSC), and the ciliary body. The optic nerve was hyperenhanced and the other structures were isoenhanced.  The wash-in time, peak enhancement time, and wash-out time were similar for both right and left eyes. Mean values and standard deviation were calculated for contrast wash-in time, peak enhancement time, and wash-out time in the optic nerve, RCSC, and ciliary body.Discussion: Ultrasound is an important diagnostic resource for veterinary ophthalmology and provides relevant information for the detection of pathological conditions of the eyes of animals. The contrast-enhanced ultrasound allows evaluation of tissues at the capillary level (macro and microcirculation), complementing the vascular ultrasound scan. This study brings original information on contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings for evaluation of eyes in dogs, creating novel diagnostic possibilities for the use of this imaging technique in veterinary ophthalmology. The vascular pattern identified in this study, with enhancement starting at the region of the optic nerve and retina, and then ciliary body (with the optic nerve as the most hyperenhanced structure) is consistent with the expected pattern for dogs without ophthalmic disorders. The posterior ciliary artery is primarily responsible for supplying the optic nerve, later irrigating the retina, lateral and medial segments of the ciliary body. Some works on the evaluation of orbital vascular pattern in humans report a significant variability on anatomical course of the ophthalmic artery and its branches. However, in our study, no significant variation was observed on vascular flow of dogs of different brachycephalic breeds. Retinal blood vessels consist of arteries and veins that emerge from the optic nerve region and from the choroid. Contrast enhancement at the region of the RCSC is justified by the presence of vessels from the choroid that are irrigated by posterior ciliary arteries and drained by vorticose veins, since this structure is responsible for the nutrition of the external portion of the retina. Wash-in, peak enhancement, and wash-out times were similar for right and left eyes owing to anatomical and physiological similarities in vascularization. The homogeneous contrast-filling pattern is of paramount importance, since it will allow differentiation of abnormalities in sick animals, such as partial or total loss of capillarization, which will cause heterogeneity or absence of capillary fill. It will also be important for early diagnosis and evaluation of vascular alterations, especially ischemic changes, especially glaucoma, intraocular neoplasm, progressive retina atrophy, and uveitis. CEUS gives relevant information about the vascular pattern of the eyes of brachycephalic dogs, and is a quick, non-invasive, and safe exam

High-definition ultrasonography in the evaluation of the reproductive tract of bitches during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle

The aim was to sonographically evaluate the reproductive tract of bitches during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle using High Density (HD) ultrasonic techniques. Females (n = 8) were evaluated at five different times throughout the follicular phase, as determined by vaginal cytology and blood progesterone concentrations. Ultrasonic exams were performed using the ACUSON S2000/SIEMENS device utilizing a multifrequency HD transducer (5.5–18 MHz). Videos of the ovaries were obtained and recordings were evaluated using a DICOM viewer software for counting and measuring the ovarian structures, which were assigned to groups based on diameter in mm: G1: ≤ 1; G2: from 1.01 to 3.5; G3 from 3.51 to 5.5; G4: from 5.51 to 10. There was a greater uterine thickness with the progression of the follicular phase (P < 0.05). Six distinct regions were identified in the uterine wall. The ovarian dimensions increased (P < 0.05) as stage of the follicular phase advanced. There was fluid detected around the ovaries after ovulation. There was a characteristic fat tissue hyperechogenicity around the ovaries at all timepoints. There was a difference in the number of ovarian structures of each dimension group at each time there were assessments (P < 0.05). There was a difference in diameter of the largest ovarian structure and in average value of wall thickness at all timepoints when there were evaluations (P < 0.05). The HD ultrasonography technique provides for excellent image resolution, allowing for a more precise characterization of the bitch's reproductive structures and changes occurring during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle

AVALIAÇÃO ULTRASSONOGRÁFICA DAS VIAS BILIARES EM CÃES E GATOS: COLETAS E ANÁLISES DE REGISTROS MÉDICOS VETERINÁRIOS

This study aimed to evaluate ultrasound findings of dogs and cats diagnosed with cholestasis, correlating concomitant alterations with species, sex, age, weight, clinical signs, and dilation of bile ducts. The biliary system of small animals is composed of the gallbladder and the biliary tree. Thus, the felines show more alterations in these structures due to their differentiated anatomy. The reduction of the bile flow, known as cholestasis, occurs as a result of numerous situations, with ultrasound being the main diagnostic exam applied in veterinary medicine. Bile ducts of 4 and 3mm diameter are considered normal for felines and canines, respectively. In this study, the biliary systems of 41 animals, including felines and canines, were evaluated using ultrasound at the Diagnostic Imaging Sector of the Veterinary Hospital from January 2019 to February 2020, demonstrating the presence of bladder stones in both populations, as well as changes in the cystic duct associated with pancreatitis in dogs.Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar achados ultrassonográficos de cães e gatos diagnosticados com colestase, correlacionando alterações concomitantes com espécies, sexo, idade, peso, sinais clínicos e dilatação das vias biliares. O sistema biliar de pequenos animais é composto pela vesícula biliar e a árvore biliar. Desta forma, os felinos apresentam mais alterações nestas estruturas devido à anatomia diferenciada. A redução do fluxo biliar, conhecida como colestase, ocorre por inúmeras situações, sendo o ultrassom o principal exame diagnóstico empregado na medicina veterinária. Ductos biliares de 4 e 3mm de diâmetro são considerados normais para felinos e caninos, respectivamente. Neste estudo, os sistemas biliares de 41 animais, incluindo felinos e caninos, foram avaliados por ultrassonografia no Setor de Diagnóstico por Imagem do Hospital Veterinário de janeiro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020, demonstrando a presença de cálculos vesicais em ambas as populações, assim como alterações em ducto cístico associados à pancreatite em cães

ULTRASSONOGRAFIA DOPPLER EM OBSTETRÍCIA DE PEQUENOS ANIMAIS: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Considerando os recentes avanços em diagnóstico por imagem para animais de companhia, a ultrassonografia Doppler está se destacando como uma importante e adequada ferramenta não invasiva para a avaliação do fluxo sanguíneo, utilizada para o estudo do ciclo estral em cadelas e gatas, assim como no diagnóstico e acompanhamento da gestação, no estudo da viabilidade fetal e na detecção da malignidade em tecidos mamários nestas espécies. Em machos, os estudos com a técnica Doppler em tecidos prostáticos e testiculares são recentes, com grandes perspectivas para sua aplicabilidade. Dessa forma, esta revisão tem como objetivo descrever o uso da técnica de ultrassonografia Doppler em reprodução e obstetrícia veterinária de pequenos animais, além de trazer um breve histórico a respeito dos diferentes modos de apresentação da tecnologia, que podem ser utilizadas em medicina veterinária de animais de companhia

Biometria testicular e hierarquia de dominância do queixada (Mammalia, Tayassuidae)

O objetivo neste estudo foi obter dados sobre a biometria testicular do queixada (Tayassu pecari) e verificar se há correlação entre os dados biométricos do indivíduo com seu posto de dominância. Os dados foram coletados de 16 queixadas adultos, com idades entre dois e sete anos, que compunham o mesmo grupo. Por meio de análises das interações agonísticas foram calculados os índices de linearidade (h') da hierarquia de dominância e determinado o rank dos indivíduos. Ao final das observações comportamentais, os machos foram capturados para coleta de dados biométricos do testículo. Os queixadas apresentaram testículos localizados em posição perineal, inclinados cranioventralmente com formato oval, achatados látero-lateralmente e com consistência tensoelástica (2,54±0,07). Houve variação nas médias (± desvio padrão) do comprimento testicular (5,88 ±1,05cm), largura (4,24±0,98cm), altura (4,44±0,86cm) e largura escrotal total (8,78±17,05). A hierarquia de dominância linear descreveu a estrutura social dos machos desse grupo (h'>0,9), com probabilidade de linearidade na hierarquia maior que o acaso (P = 0,02). Houve correlação entre a classificação de dominância com a massa corporal, comprimento e volume dos testículos. Como em geral as dimensões dos testículos estão diretamente correlacionadas com a produção de esperma e também de testosterona, essa característica favorece o desempenho reprodutivo de machos de queixadas brancos dominantes. Portanto, as características da biometria testicular de queixadas devem ser consideradas para a seleção de indivíduos com maior probabilidade de reprodução em cativeiro favorecendo a conservação desta espécie vulnerável. Palavras-chave: animais silvestres; espécie ameaçada; etologia aplicada; manejo de fauna silvestre; reprodução anima

DIAGNÓSTICO ULTRASSONOGRÁFICO DE CORPO ESTRANHO OCULAR EM CÃO

Trauma caused by porcupine thorns is common in dogs. However, these spines are not inert and can carry bacteria and other microorganisms. The advice given this situation is the removal of all material whenever possible. Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance have significant value in the diagnosis and localization of foreign bodies not visible on physical examination. The purpose of this case report is to describe the presence of a linear foreign body in the intraocular region of a three year old, male dog, of mixed breed. The animal was admitted to the clinical service of a Veterinary Hospital with apathy and a history of contact with a porcupine within thirty days. Eye discharge and eyes covered by the third eyelid were observed. On this occasion, hedgehog spines were removed in the oral cavity and the animal was released. However, the patient returned 40 days later with worsening of the ophthalmic condition. A transpalpebral ultrasound examination was performed, which detected a hyperechoic linear structure measuring approximately 1.47cm with evident acoustic leftovers and abnormal mixed echogenicity content in the vitreous chamber.&nbsp;The dog was referred for transpalpebral enucleation, which made it possible to confirm the diagnosis and identify the object. After surgical removal, the patient showed significant clinical improvement and was discharged within 14 days.Traumatismos causados com espinho de porco espinho são comuns em cães.&nbsp;Entretanto, estes espinhos não são inertes podendo carrear bactérias e outros micro-organismos. A indicação frente à essa situação é a remoção de todo o material sempre que possível. Ultrassonografia, tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética possuem valor significativo no diagnóstico e localização de corpos estranhos não visíveis no exame físico. O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever a presença de um corpo estranho linear na região intraocular de um cão macho, três anos de idade, sem raça definida. O animal deu entrada no serviço clínico de um Hospital Veterinário com apatia e histórico de contato com porco espinho há trinta dias. Observou-se secreção ocular e olhos recobertos pela terceira pálpebra. Nesta ocasião, foram retirados espinhos de ouriço na cavidade oral e o animal foi liberado. Entretanto, o paciente retornou 40 dias com piora do quadro oftalmológico. Foi realizado exame ultrassonográfico transpalpebral que detectou uma estrutura linear hiperecoica medindo aproximadamente 1,47cm com sobra acústica evidente e conteúdo anormal de ecogenicidade mista na câmara vítrea. Encaminhado para enucleação transpalpebral que possibilitou confirmar o diagnóstico e identificar o objeto. Após a remoção cirúrgica o paciente apresentou melhora clínica significativa e recebeu alta médica em 14 dias