Osteotomia sagital em Z para o tratamento de falha óssea no rádio de cães : estudo descritivo em cadáveres

Fraturas de rádio e ulna são comuns em cães e gatos e, em muitos casos, complicações advindas do trauma ou do tratamento podem resultar em falha óssea. Estudos buscam alternativas para o tratamento de fraturas com grandes perdas ósseas, não-uniões, másformações e correções angulares. O tratamento de defeitos ósseos críticos, ainda é um dos maiores desafios da ortopedia veterinária e humana. A proposta deste trabalho foi aplicar a técnica de osteotomia sagital em Z no tratamento de falha óssea no rádio distal de cães, visando reestabelecer o comprimento do osso sem utilização de enxerto ou biomateriais. Foram utilizados 10 membros torácicos de cadáveres caninos, submetidos a exame radiográfico prévio para avaliação e mensuração óssea. Após a realização da ostectomia, para simulação da falha óssea de 15% em relação ao comprimento do rádio, e da osteotomia sagital em Z para retomar o comprimento ósseo, o rádio foi estabilizado com uma placa bloqueada de 3,5mm e parafusos. Todos os membros foram radiografados no pós-cirúrgico imediato para avaliação da técnica. A osteotomia sagital em Z foi realizada e estabilizada sem complicações relevantes em todos os membros, retomando o comprimento ósseo. O estudo demonstrou ser possível a aplicação da técnica para o tratamento de defeito ósseo de 15% do comprimento no rádio distal de cães.Radius and ulna fractures are common in dogs and cats, and in many cases, complications of trauma or treatment may result in bone failure. Studies seek alternatives for the treatment of bone loss fractures, nonunions, malformations and angular corrections. The treatment of critical bone defects has been one of the greatest challenges of veterinary and human orthopedics. The purpose of this study was to apply the Z-sagittal osteotomy technique in the treatment of bone failure in the distal radius of dog, in order to restore bone length without using of bone grafts or biomaterials. For this, 10 canine cadaveric forelimbs were used, submitted to previous radiographic exams for bone evaluation and measurement. After the ostectomy, to simulate the 15% of bone failure and the Z-sagittal osteotomy to recapture bone length, the radius was stabilized with a 3.5mm locking compression plate and screws. Post-operative radiograph was performed on all forelimbs to evaluate the technique. Z-sagittal osteotomy was performed and stabilized without significant complications, recapturing bone length in all forelimbs. The study demonstrated that it is possible to apply the technique for the treatment of bone defect of 15% of the length in the distal radius of dogs

Anesthetic Management of an Orange-Spined-Hairy-Dwarf-Porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) Undergoing Myelography

 Background: The orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) is a mammal that belongs to the rodentia order. Accidents involving this porcupine and dogs have become usual in some cities of Brazil. Dog bites may eventually result in spinal injuries. When there is clinical evidence of spinal cord injury, a myelography under general anesthesia may be required to allow identification of the exact location of the injury. To the authors’ knowledge, there is only one case report about anesthesia in Sphiggurus villosus where dissociative anesthesia was employed. This paper describes one case report of inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane in a Sphiggurus villosus undergoing myelography.Case: A 1.6 kg orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine, with a history of dog bite was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the University. On clinical examination, the patient was in good physical condition, alert, with an approximately 1-cm injury near the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae. Nociception in pelvic limbs was present whereas proprioception was absent. Radiographic examinations were suggestive of vertebral dislocation and fracture between the 10th and 11th thoracic verte­brae. A myelography was then requested by the responsible veterinarian. The porcupine received intramuscular midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) in combination with meperidine (10 mg/kg) as premedication. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen via a face mask connected to a non-rebreathing circuit. Monitored variables at 5-min intervals included: pulse rate (PR) and systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) measured by a Doppler ultrasound with its probe positioned at the palmar metacarpal artery; pulse oximetry (SpO2) measured by a sensor positioned at the tarsus; rectal temperature; and respiratory rate (RR). During the myelography, the range of values for the above mentioned variables were: PR, 189-206 beats/min; SAP, 90-130 mmHg; SpO2, 94-96%; RR, 32-40 breaths/min; and rectal temperature decreased by 0.5oC. Anesthetic recovery was uneventful. Postoperative pain relief was achieved with intramuscular tramadol (5 mg/kg).Discussion: To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report of inhalation anesthesia in a Sphiggurus villosus speci­men. In a previous case report, other authors described anesthesia for myelography in a porcupine with IM tiletamine/ zolazepam (5 mg/kg). In the case reported here, dissociative anesthetics, such as tiletamine, were avoided because these agents may increase intracranial pressure, cerebral blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid pressure, which are undesirable in patients with spinal trauma. Although physiologic variables were considered to be stable during anesthesia with isoflurane in this report, these findings have to be interpreted carefully. First, normal range of values for physiologic variables has not been reported for porcupines. Second, accuracy of the measurement techniques used (e.g. noninvasive measurement of SAP) has not been validated. Under the conditions reported in this case report, premedication with meperidine and mid­azolam was effective to induce good muscle relaxation and allowed anesthetic induction with isoflurane via a face mask. This anesthetic protocol provided adequate conditions for performing the myelography in a porcupine and physiologic variables remained stable throughout the procedure.Keywords: rodents, anesthesia, spinal trauma

Autochthonous Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Urban Area of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Background: Leishmaniasis is a chronic infectious disease caused by intracellular protozoan Leishmania that affects canine and human. The visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by the Leishmania donovani complex, in which canines are the main reservoir for human VL. In Southern Brazil, case reports of this disease have increased, especially when canines are infected in endemic areas in the country. Canines usually present a systemic disease, characterized by cutaneous lesions, weight loss, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. This report aims to describe the clinicalpathological features of a case of autochthonous VL in a canine of an urban area of Porto Alegre.Case: A male, mixed breed, dog , 7 year-old, resident at the East Side of Porto Alegre, living together with two other canines, presented at clinical examination progressive weight loss, associated with hyporexia and hyperthermia, evolving to lateral recumbency, paralisys, and death. At necropsy, the dog was cachectic with diffusely pale mucosae. Gross findings included liver enlarged, with multifocal firm brownish areas, spleen enlarged, showing multifocal firm round dark-red areas, and kidneys diffusely pale with evidentiated tranversal striations on cortical zone. At microscopic examination, there was on the spleen diffuse inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages with large cytoplasm containing multiple amastigotes. The liver, exhibited atrophy of hepatocytes and moderate multifocal inflammatory infiltrate in sinusoids of macrophages containing multiple amastigotes. These features were also observed moderately on lymph nodes and lamina propria of large intestine. Immunohistochemistry examination showed marked positive staining for Leishmania spp. in amastigotes located whitin the cytoplasm of macrophages of spleen, liver, lymph nodes and large intestine.Discussion: Canine leishmaniasis is a disease that affects both internal organs and skin. However, the condition is called VL mostly because it is associated with the same species that cause the visceral form in humans. In this case the canine presented liver, spleen and lymph node lesions; however no skin lesion was observed during the clinical examination. A serological evaluation of canids in East Side of Porto Alegre performed in 2005 showed that 3.5% of these dogs were positive for Leishmania; yet neither of these animals presented clinical signs. This demonstrates that the agent was already present, however only 3-10% of the canines infected develop clinical disease. In non-endemic areas VL is related to the migration of canids from endemic areas, where VL is common. However the canine here described was born, raised, and was living in Porto Alegre. Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of VL and despite its wide distribution it was identified only in 2009 in Rio Grande do Sul State. Autochthonous cases of VL were reported in canines and humans in this state, confirming the hypothesis that the vector was widely distributed and it is now present in Porto Alegre, keeping the epidemiological cycle of that disease active. Canine VL occurs prior in humans, since canines are the main domestic reservoirs and are critical for the maintenance of this disease cycle. This is the first autochthonous VL in a canine of an urban area of Porto Alegre; therefore authorities should be alert, and new control measures must be taken to avoid the canine leishmaniasis outbreak due to its potential for zoonotic transmission.Keywords: leishmaniasis, canine, protozoan, immunohistochemistry

Bloqueio de plexo braquial em canino: relato de caso / Canine brachial plexus block: case report

Fraturas de origem traumática são comuns na medicina veterinária, onde o tratamento instituído para a redução da fratura normalmente são procedimentos cirúrgicos, e são classificadas dentro da anestesia como procedimentos de grau de dor severa a torturante. Para analgesia real se utilizam bloqueios regionais, um deles é o bloqueio do plexo braquial e? uma técnica que leva a dessensibilizac?a?o de membro torácico, por embebic?a?o de anestésico local perineural, possibilitando a realização de diversos procedimentos cirúrgicos distais a? articulação esca?pulo-umeral ou umerorradioulnar. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar o bloqueio do plexo braquial em um canino, através da técnica de bloqueio regional que leva a dessensibilização. Foi atendido um canino com fratura exposta no membro torácico esquerdo, região de rádio e ulna distal. O animal passou por um osteossíntese do rádio esquerdo e o bloqueio local com bupivacaína realizado com o auxílio do estimulador de membros periféricos com neurolocalizador. No decorrer do procedimento, o paciente manteve-se estável e o emprego de bloqueio de plexo braquial se mostrou uma alternativa efetiva para analgesia para procedimento realizado

Intracranial Transitional Meningioma in a Cat

Background: Meningioma is a tumor that is usually attached to the dura mater. It typically arises from the meningothelial cell of the arachnoid or pia mater. Considered an extra-axial tumor of the central nervous system which can occur on any region of the meninges. The biological behavior tends to be benign and usually is not infiltrative allowing surgical indication, conferring to the patient a better prognosis. Geriatric patients are the most affected and there is no breed predisposition. This paper describes the clinical signs, pathological findings, and immunohistochemical features of a case of transitional meningioma in a cat.Case: A 14-year-old, neutered male mongrel cat was referred to the Veterinary Clinic Hospital. The history was that the cat had anorexia and disorientation. On the day of admission, lethargy and blindness were observed. Full complete blood counts showed leukopenia and lymphopenia. The serum biochemistry tests were unspecific. Thoracic and skull radiographs and ultrasound examination revealed no abnormalities. The cat was hospitalized and the main treatment was based on antibiotics and corticosteroids. The cat tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Toxoplasma gondii serum antibodies were not detected using indirect fluorescent antibody test performed with a commercial kit. The clinical signs progressed to walking in circles, stumbling, wandering, anisocoria, and stupor. On the eleventh day the cat died during hospitalization. The cat was submitted for routine post-mortem examination revealing a rounded mass involving the right occipital cortex and the cerebellum, easily separable from the brain parenchyma. In the brainstem there were moderate diffuse congestion, perivascular edema, and moderate multifocal areas of necrosis, and hemorrhage. Histological examination revealed neoplastic cells sit in tight little whorled clusters, sometimes elongated with abundant collagen intermingled. Sections from the tumor underwent immunohistochemical evaluation for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100, cytokeratin, and vimentin. There was immunoexpression only of vimentin. The diagnosis of transitional meningioma was established from the pathologic features and confirmed by positive staining of vimentin antibody.Discussion: The animals affected by brain tumors present a series of poorly defined or mild neurological signs. Unfortunately, evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid is neither sensitive nor specific test for the diagnosis of meningiomas in dogs and cats. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are considered the main diagnostic tools available for ante-mortem investigation of several types of brain tumors, but they are also expensive and difficult to obtain in veterinary medicine. The neurosurgery related morbidity and mortality limits the biopsy and surgical treatment to veterinary centers with highly qualified and advanced anesthesia techniques and critical care. In Brazil, there is no report of transitional meningiomas in cats and there are a few controlled studies to better insight into the biological behavior of intracranial neoplasms, prognosis and therapeutic procedures in cats. The meningioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with clinical signs of intracranial diseases. However, as the difficulty of performing imaging tests specific prevents the antemortem diagnosis, definitive diagnosis is restricted, in most cases, to necropsy and histopathology.Keywords: brain tumor, feline, intracranial tumor

Arachnoid cyst in a dog : case report

O cisto aracnoide medular (CAM) é uma doença que pode ocorrer em humanos e animais, podendo causar sinais clínicos neurológicos. A origem dessa enfermidade ainda é desconhecida assim como sua patofisiologia. Acredita-se que pode ser congênita ou adquirida. Até o momento, não foi verificada predileção por raça, sexo ou idade. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de CAM lombar em um cão com 13 anos de idade, que causou paralisia dos membros pélvicos. Ao exame clínico, o paciente apresentava dor lombar na palpação epaxial, incontinência urinária e fecal, com paraplegia de membros pélvicos. A sintomatologia progrediu durante oito meses, com histórico de trauma. Na mielografia, foi identificado um CAM na região lombar (L1-L2) lateralizado para a esquerda. O tratamento instituído foi a laminectomia e a durectomia. A paciente apresentou melhora dos sinais clínicos após 11 dias da realização da cirurgia. O tratamento cirúrgico obteve bons resultados para essa enfermidade. O CAM pode ocorrer em cães geriátricos ou com paraplegia de membros, assim deve ser incluído na lista de diagnóstico diferencial das mielopatias lombares compressivas.Medullary arachnoid cyst (MAC) is a disease that occurs in humans and animals, and may cause neurological clinical signs. The origin of this disease, as well as its pathophysiology, are still unknown. It is believed that it can be congenital or acquired. No predilection for race, sex, or age has been verified. The aim of this paper is to report a lumbar MAC case in a dog at 13 years of age that caused paralysis of the pelvic limbs. At the clinical examination the patient had back pain on the lumbar region, urinary and fecal incontinence, and paraplegia on the pelvic members. The symptoms were progressing for eight months with history of trauma. In myelography a MAC in the lumbar region (L1- L2) lateralized to left was identified. For treatment laminectomy and durectomy were established. The patient showed improvement of clinical signs eleven days after surgery. The surgical treatment achieved good results for this type of disease. MAC can occur in geriatric or member paraplegia dogs, so it must be included in the differential diagnosis list of the lumbar compressive myelopathy

Modified segmental vertebral stabilization in the treatment of spinal cord trauma in a Paraguaian hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou spinosus) : case report

Uma fêmea, adulta, de ouriço-cacheiro (Coendou spinosus, F. Cuvier, 1823), foi atendida com histórico de trauma medular. No exame neurológico, foi constatada paraplegia com nocicepção preservada e sinais compatíveis com choque espinhal. Exame radiográfico e mielografia apontaram presença de fratura e luxação vertebral torácica entre T10-11. O paciente foi submetido à técnica de estabilização vertebral segmentar modificada, com pinos de Steinmann e fios de cerclagem. A técnica utilizada mostrou-se eficaz na estabilização da fratura/luxação vertebral e na recuperação dos sinais neurológicos. O paciente apresentou recuperação progressiva da deambulação. Para o conhecimento dos autores, este é o primeiro relato utilizando estabilização vertebral segmentar modificada para o tratamento de fratura/luxação vertebral torácica em Coendou spinosus.An female, adult Paraguayan hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou spinosus, F. Cuvier, 1823) was referred to the Veterinary Hospital with clinical history of spinal cord injury. In the neurological examination, paraplegia with preserved nociception compatible with signs of spinal shock were observed. Radiographic and myelographic examinations showed evidence of a vertebral dislocation and fracture between the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae. The patient underwent surgical stabilization of the lesion using the modified segmental vertebral stabilization technique with Steinmann pins and cerclage wires. Under the conditions reported in this case, the technique was effective in stabilizing vertebral fracture/dislocation and in recovering neurological functions. The patient presented progressive recovery from ambulation. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report that performed modified segment stabilization for thoracic vertebral fracture/luxation treatment in Coendou spinosus

Ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial em um gato infectado pelo vírus da leucemia felina

Neuroblastic tumors can originate from the central neuraxis, olfactory epithelium, adrenal medullary region or autonomous system. Ganglioneuroblastoma are a type of neuroblastic tumor, with very few case descriptions in animals. Diagnosis of facial nerve ganglioneuroblastoma was made in a feline leukemia virus-positive 11-month-old cat. The cat had hyporexia, left head tilt, depressed mental state, horizontal nystagmus, inability to retract the pinched left lip, anisocoria, ptosis, and absence of the menace reflex. Gross necropsy showed a mass at the left facial nerve root region. Histological examination of this mass showed neoplastic proliferation of neuroblasts arranged in a cohesive pattern and mature ganglion cells. Ganglion cells were positive for neurofilament, neuron-specific enolase, S100, and glial fibrillary acidic protein by immunohistochemistry, while neuroblasts were positive for vimentin, S100, neuron-specific enolase and feline leukemia virus.Tumores neuroblásticos podem se originar do neuraxis central, do epitélio olfativo, região medular da adrenal ou do sistema autônomo. O ganglioneuroblastoma é um tipo desses tumores, com raras descrições em animais. O diagnóstico de ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial foi feito em um gato de 11 meses de idade, sorologicamente positivo para o vírus da leucemia felina. O gato tinha hiporexia, inclinação de cabeça para o lado esquerdo, estado mental deprimido, nistagmo horizontal, incapacidade em retrair o lábio esquerdo quando pinçado, anisocoria, ptose e ausência do reflexo de ameaça. Na necropsia visualizou-se uma massa na região da raiz do nervo facial esquerdo. O exame histológico mostrou proliferação neoplásica de neuroblastos arranjados de maneira coesa, e células ganglionares maduras. As células ganglionares foram imunorreativas na imuno-histoquímica para neurofilamento, enolase neurônio específica, S-100 e proteína ácida glial fibrilar. Enquanto os neuroblastos foram positivos para vimentina, S-100, enolase neurônio específica e vírus da leucemia felina